.hack//Infection

.hack//Infection stood apart as one of the more unique JRPGs of the 6th generation. The idea was simple: Take the 'game within a game' format, apply to it the fashionable trend of MMORPGs, and inject it with doses of self-parody and meta horror. Its world building is enhanced by 'fake' players interacting in both worlds and an overwhelming sense of mystery. The looming threat of higher powers within the game paint a terrible, bleak existence that is both harrowing and fantastic. Outside 'The World' and into the 'desktop', the clever implementation of faux internet E-mail, webpages and forums with in-game mechanics (side quests, secrets, unlockables, etc.) greatly facilitate the sense of immersion in a manner similar to Front Mission 3's own network system.

Mechanically, the game manages to replicate the densely repetitive but oddly captivating and addictive combat of MMOs, further improved by its loot and trading system in a circular way. Rarely does one ever feel bored in combat, despite the uninteresting dungeon design and tedious mechanics like Data Drain.