Set after the events of .hack//SIGN, but before the events of .hack//Roots, is another third anime instalment of the franchise. It’s .hack//DUSK (also known as .hack//Legend Of The Twilight), and it continues the story of people mysteriously falling into a coma while playing the most popular online game ever – “The World”.
It all begins when Shugo and Rena, a brother and sister, 14 years old, enter a contest held by CC Corp – the makers of the game. They win the contest by pure chance, and as a reward they earn the avatars of THE most skilled hackers to ever have entered “The World”, Kite and Rose. The person who were using those characters back then became known as the “dot-hackers” and were banished from the game after the incidents of .hack//SIGN.
When Shugo logs in for the first time, he is almost killed in a monster attack. However his untimely death is prevented when he is transported into a somewhat weird, unknown area of the game. In there he meets a glowing, mysterious girl, which tells Shugo that he would be the only one who could save “The World”. She then gives Shugo a strange golden bracelet – and tells him how to use it. But only to be used in dire situations. Shugo is puzzled at first, but soon learns the true ultimate, devastating power of the item that was given to him.
News spread fast and sooner than later, strange things start to happen in the game – things that are seemingly targeted at Rena and Shugo. Most likely because they now have the appearance of two former super-hackers and have some of their abilities. This is strange to both of them, but the friends they make are determined to get to the bottom of whatever is causing the flaws in the game.
Things take yet another critical turn when Rena, like Tsukasa, is suddenly unable to log out from the game. She falls into a coma in the real world, but stays logged in and keeps playing. How is this possible? And why her? Not Shugo who has the Bracelet? Well that’s up to you to find out. Let’s just say that it puts another twist on the already established story and makes you think yet again.
All in all, while short in length, it is a pretty decent story and fits in well to the .hack-story. The show however has a slightly milder pace than .hack//SIGN, which means it is targeted at a younger audience – but also enjoyable for adults. The score is fantastic and so is the voice acting. The only downside I really have to complain about is its length of only 12 episodes, which is why I watched it on a weekend. Nevertheless – if you like .hack//, then this is definitely for you and one show not to miss!
.hack//Legend Of The Twilight
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Directed by: Koichi Mashimo, Koji Sawai
Studio: Bee Train
Opening track: “New World” by Round Table
Ending track: “Green Emerald” by See-Saw
Original Run: January 8, 2003 – March 26, 2003
Episodes: 12
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