The sugar-free .hack
Despite numerous opuses released on PS2, as well as a fighting game on PS3 (.hack Versus), CyberConnect2 had not offered anything related to the license since the remastered trilogy .hack//GU Last Recodewhich still included an unpublished volume. .hack//ZERO therefore marks a major event for the studio and for fans of the franchise. This also represents a major challenge for developers, since it involves renewing codes of a series which now has almost 30 years of existence.
For the occasion, a teaser was released. While it doesn’t reveal any gameplay footage, it does provide insight into the art direction and new characters. We can notably see the hero using the Twilight Bracelet, the same as that of Kite, protagonist of the first trilogy.
Usually published by Bandai Namco, this new production has benefited from the publisher’s authorization to be entirely self-published by CyberConnect2which means that the studio has, among other things, complete freedom in terms of creation and distribution. It is also stated that world-renowned violinist Taro Hakase composed the music for the game.
If you’re not familiar with the .hack universe, it can be considered a precursor to Sword Art Online. The series proposes to evolve in a fictional MMORPG called “The World”, in which different incidents occur, sometimes having dramatic consequences in real life. However, .hack//ZERO should offer “a new RPG experience combining the series’ emblematic duality between fantasy (the game world) and reality (the real world), adapted to modern expectations, all 100% imbued with the pure CyberConnect2 spirit. The game will appeal to both long-time fans and new players. »
The story, set approximately ten years in the future, will once again focus on the fictional MMORPG “The World”, while placing more emphasis on real-world drama. This was a difficult aspect to explore in previous episodes due to budgetary and editorial constraints. In an interview with Famitsu, CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama explained that .hack//ZERO reflects the idea of “ restart .hack from scratch » and has no connection with the .hack//ZERO light novel series written by Yokote Michiko. The development team also brings together both series veterans and young talents..
We should know more in a few days thanks to the next issue of the Japanese magazine Famitsu which will offer a special 30-page report dedicated to the 30th anniversary of CyberConnect2, including a presentation of CECILE, the second title in the studio’s “Trilogy of Vengeance”.