Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy

Creators: Project .hack/Bee Train

Company: Bandai

DVD Info: 5 DVD’s, 28 episodes (note: 2 episodes will not air on Cartoon Network to prevent bootlegs)

Summary: In the year 2005, a computer virus known as “Pluto’s Kiss” completely wipes out and restricts the Internet. Two years later, a new online RPG (role-playing game) is created, called “The World”. The cartoon focuses mainly on Tsukasa, a boy who has become trapped in The World, being able to fully experience it with his senses, as if he was really in it. He also meets other players along the way, some that become allies and others that become enemies. There’s Mimiru, a cheerful female swordfighter; B.T., a cynical healer; Crim, a former member of the Crimson Knights (the World’s protectors); Sora, a “player killer”, Maha, a feline trickster; Bear, a wise and gentle swordsman; Subaru, the angelic monitor; The Silver Knight; and Morgana, an evil being whom we hear but never actually see. Together, they are searching for the Key of Twilight, a mystical item that supposedly has immense power. The Good: The animation is so well-done, it literally sucks you in. It’s beautiful to watch. The music for the show fits the environment amazingly well. (You can buy soundtracks for the show online.) There is very little violence and no profanity.

Offensive Material: Subaru’s relationship with Tsukasa may be misinterpreted as homosexual since her player is male, but this is actually common in RPG’s. (Besides, Tsukasa’s player is female. Just don’t tell your kids that. It’s supposed to be a secret.) There is some magic, but it’s more within the environment of the show than anything else.

The Bad: The only bad thing I can see about this show is that it’s somewhat difficult to follow unless you try to watch it whenever it’s on. I really object to the airtime Cartoon Network has chosen, they should air it earlier so more people can see it.

Overall: This show is deep and very entertaining. It sucks you right in with its breathtaking visuals. The story is intriguing. It’s a show everyone can watch without feeling insulted.

My Rating (out of 4): 4

Note: There is also a manga associated with the anime published by Tokyopop called .hack//legend of the twilight. Bandai has made four games for the Playstation 2 based on the anime: .hack//infection, .hack//mutation, .hack//outbreak, and .hack//quarantine. Decipher has made a card game based on the anime called .hack//enemy. The anime is made by Bee Train, which also made Noir and Madlax.