.hack//Mutation Part 2

After I finished Infection, I spent another two hours or so polishing my characters up, finding secret areas and items I read about on FAQ’s, and then just sort of let it rest.

With its compelling storyline, interesting approach to the online MMORPG community, and two more games to follow in August and November respectfully, it's hard not to latch onto this one and ride it out 'til the end.

The way the game's presentation is executed is so well done that players will be immersed in no time - which more than makes up for some of Mutations shortcomings in the repetitive dungeon design and difficulty balance department. [June 2003, p.30]

The Dot-hack universe's mysterious unfolding plot really leaves one with a desire to explore, to learn the increasingly strange (and perhaps sinister) truth behind the game's thick stew of metaphysics and technical mumbo-jumbo.

More of the same but without the heart.

Sadly, the game still doesn't quite live up to its high-concept premise. Battles often degenerate to button-mashing, the difficulty is still wildly inconsistent, and the dungeons are woefully unimaginative. [June 2003, p.127]

This game will probably appeal to people who bought the first, if only to continue the story.