CyberConnect2 reveals new Anime RPG that finally revives franchise after nearly a decade

When you’ve explored the ideas of VR, escapism, and the consequences of relying on technology, what comes after? After lying dormant since 2017’s .Hack//G.U. Last Recode, the dystopian action RPG series .Hack is finally back to answer that question.

Developer CyberConnect2 unveiled .Hack//Z.E.R.O, the latest in the .Hack series of RPG games, as its 30th anniversary project. IP owners Bandai Namco have given CyberConnect2, best known for anime games such as Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm and Dragon Ball Z Kakarot, full creative control of the game.

In a statement published on the official .hack//Z.E.R.O. website, the developers elaborate:

“The .hack series has always been developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment,” the statement begins.

“But for .hack//Z.E.R.O., Bandai Namco Entertainment has given CyberConnect2 permission to manage the entirety of the project from planning and development to release.”

.Hack is by nature a multimedia franchise, spanning anime series, comics, and games, but long-time RPG aficionados will recall the games as the most influential and memorable part of the franchise. 

This marks a return to form for CyberConnect2, and the reveal trailer below suggests we’re in for an anime-style adventure that will take us back to “The World,” an in-game virtual reality MMORPG where much of the .Hack franchise takes place.

Return to the world

Despite not including any gameplay footage, the trailer suggests that just like previous .Hack games, we may be tackling incidents that occur within the virtual reality space called The World.

While we see two characters who appear similar to familiar characters, including protagonist Kite and the mysterious artificial intelligence Aura, we have no confirmation as to their identities or whether we can expect other characters to make a return.

What we can expect is the series staple themes of escapism and the ethical responsibilities of using technology to play just as big a role here as they do in other .Hack titles, albeit in ways that reflect the modern world. and the ways we use technology today.

Given our world has become more technologically dependent than when the .Hack games first began releasing in 2002, exploring these themes and how to use technology responsibly seems more important than ever before.

We don’t yet have a release date or platforms for .hack//Z.E.R.O., but we can only hope this indicates a franchise revival.