Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: CyberConnect2
- Publishers: Bandai
.Hack//Outbreak (2002) Review
.Hack//Outbreak is a third-person action role-playing game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai for the PlayStation 2. It is the third game in the .hack series, following .hack//Infection and .hack//Mutation. The game was released in Japan on March 28, 2002, and in North America and Europe in September 2002.
.Hack//Outbreak is set in The World, a fictional massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). The player takes control of Kite, a player who is investigating the mysterious disappearance of several other players. As Kite investigates, he discovers that The World is not what it seems, and that there is a dark secret lurking beneath its surface.
.Hack//Outbreak features a unique blend of action and role-playing gameplay. Players explore The World in real-time, battling enemies and completing quests. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and fluid, and players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat their foes.
In addition to its action gameplay, .Hack//Outbreak also features a deep and engaging story. The game’s narrative explores themes such as identity, friendship, and the nature of reality. The story is told through a combination of in-game cutscenes and animated sequences.
.Hack//Outbreak was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful visuals. .Hack//Outbreak was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
.Hack//Outbreak is a third-person action role-playing game. The player takes control of Kite, a player in the fictional MMORPG The World. Kite can explore The World in real-time, battling enemies and completing quests.
The game’s combat system is fast-paced and fluid. Kite can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat his foes. Kite can also use special attacks called “Overdrives” to deal massive damage to enemies.
In addition to its action gameplay, .Hack//Outbreak also features a deep and engaging story. The game’s narrative explores themes such as identity, friendship, and the nature of reality. The story is told through a combination of in-game cutscenes and animated sequences.
Story
.Hack//Outbreak is set in The World, a fictional massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). The player takes control of Kite, a player who is investigating the mysterious disappearance of several other players.
As Kite investigates, he discovers that The World is not what it seems, and that there is a dark secret lurking beneath its surface. Kite must uncover the truth about The World and save the missing players before it’s too late.
Characters
- Kite: The protagonist of the game. Kite is a player in The World who is investigating the mysterious disappearance of several other players.
- BlackRose: A mysterious player who helps Kite on his quest.
- Mia: A player who is friends with Kite.
- Balmung: A powerful player who is the leader of the Twilight Brigade.
Setting
.Hack//Outbreak is set in The World, a fictional massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). The World is a vast and immersive virtual world where players can interact with each other and explore a variety of different environments.
The World is not without its dangers, however. There are monsters that roam the land, and there are also players who use their power to grief others. Kite must be careful as he investigates The World, and he must be prepared to face whatever dangers come his way.
Themes
.Hack//Outbreak explores a variety of themes, including identity, friendship, and the nature of reality.
The game’s story raises questions about what it means to be real. Is The World a real place, or is it just a simulation? Are the characters in the game real people, or are they just data?
The game also explores the theme of friendship. Kite and his friends must learn to trust each other and work together if they want to save The World.
Reception
.Hack//Outbreak was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful visuals. .Hack//Outbreak was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
.Hack//Outbreak is a classic JRPG that is still enjoyed by many fans today. The game’s unique blend of action and role-playing gameplay, its engaging story, and its beautiful visuals make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10