Now, don't get too excited, while the premise features players being stuck in a video game, this is not like Sword Art Online or other average VRMMORPG anime, so don't be fooled by the setting. If you're seeking fast-paced action and epic battles, you've come to the wrong place.
Some may find .hack//SIGN slow and boring, but that's merely a testament to its dedication to story progression and character development through dialogue, emotions, and background information. Instead of mindless battles and defeating antagonists, .hack//SIGN sets its sights on solving mysteries and delving into the psyche of its characters. It's a role-playing game where growth occurs both inside and outside the virtual world. Who needs action and excitement when you can have long, yet meaningful, philosophical conversations and emotional introspection?
'Don't take it too seriously; it's just a game'.
.hack//SIGN is generally gloomy, but not completely devoid of lighthearted moments. We have Mimiru, the young and slightly childish character who provides some much-needed balance to the show's serious and depressing atmosphere. And then there's Tsukasa, the cynical loner with trust issues. Together, they embark on a journey of character development and slowly but surely, Tsukasa learns to trust and open up. It's heartwarming, really.
'Do you know the story of the Little Mermaid? The princess who reveived beautiful legs...but lost her voice so she could see the prince. But the prince married someone else...and the mermaid disappeared in bubbles of light.. She shouldn't have wished to leave the sea. Don't you think so?' — A short tale from the anime that perfectly captures the essence of the protagonist's inner struggles. It's deep. It's meaningful. It's... well, you get the idea.
The animation, despite its age, holds up fairly well. The character design and use of colour are commendable. Sure, there are some moments when the animation feels a bit fast and funny due to a lack of in-between frames, but hey, the occasional shortcomings in animation are compensated by the beautiful background art. I suppose that's a fair trade-off.
Combined with the intricate background art, the lovely background music deserves a moment of appreciation for the work of the great composer Yuki Kajiura. The beautiful and fitting music adds depth and atmosphere to the series and is one of the highlights that truly elevates .hack//SIGN above the generic MMORPG anime crowd. This comes as no surprise, given Bee Train's exceptional sound directing.
In the end, .hack//SIGN is not a successful anime for the masses. It's an anime that appeals to a niche audience or gets mistaken for another run-of-the-mill isekai anime. It challenges conventions and delivers a unique experience that may not be everyone's cup of tea. So, if you're looking for a typical MMORPG anime, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're open to something different, something that dives deep into character psychology and offers a thought-provoking narrative, then .hack//SIGN might just be worth a try.
