Synopsis
A boy sacrifices himself before what seems to be an unbeatable monster, many levels ahead of his own. All becomes dim and gray. A sudden fear comes over him as he realizes he can no longer move his body. He cries for help. A mysterious girl in white raiment says these words: ‘You must not die.’ She revives him and bestows a powerful bracelet on his wrist. ‘If you use Data Drain you can defeat him. The only one who can save The World is you - the one to continue the legend of the dot hackers.’
Review
Hack//Dusk or officially titled Hack//Legend of Twilight’s Bracelet is a 12-episode sequel to the Dot Hack video games and the first anime series Hack//Sign. The anime is about a junior high school student, Shugo, and his younger twin sister Rena who have both won a Limited Character Campaign to play as the legendary heroes Kite and Black Rose respectively. Because their parents are divorced, they use this opportunity to spend time with each other, even if it is in a fake virtual environment.
The Breakdown
Few sequels have ever surpassed their originals. However, Hack//Legend of Twilight’s Bracelet does just that.
» The Pros
Hack//Dusk makes up for the weaker points of Hack//Sign, notably Legend of Twilight's Bracelet has both more action and more comedy. Every episode contained at least one fight scene. The funniest episode had to be 4 with the Tanabata event, a battle royal contest for the grand prize of any one wish and a kiss from Rena. Mileyu and Ouka, even though they are females, compete and it gets fierce lol. The final winner turns out to be... well let's say it's between Shugo and Barmonk.
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» The Cons
After episode 5, Rena's role as one of the main characters in the series is essentially over. Maybe that was her role in the first place to play the tragic heroine. Since episode 1 and all the way to episode 12 she is in need of rescuing.
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» Animation
10. |
Incredibly vibrant. Character designs are taken right from the game. Kite and Black Rose, reminiscent of Mimiru from Sign, are chibified versions of the main characters from the 4-part PS2 game. Mileyu your typical attack mage I mean the rare hunter of love of courage *ahem* is also chibified. In Sign, Barmonk only was a brief cameo. On the other hand, in Dusk he is a system administrator and, combined with Sanjuurou, they assist and fight alongside Shugo. One more character worth mentioning is the sexiest wolf girl in all anime - Ouka of Shinken! |
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» Sound
8.0 |
The only category that falls short of its predecessor. The background music plays along with the cute atmosphere. In the middle of each episode, the portion reserved for a commercial, the clip returns to a ba-ba, oo-la-la-la. Track 9 of the OST Song of Insertion Dawn sung by Takahashi Mai is a personal favorite. The opening theme, by Round Table featuring Nino, is happier than Sign's Obsession and comes off fresh with Hello Hello It's a New World. The ending Emerald Green is soft. |
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» Story
9.0 |
There is a crowd on the internet that deny that Hack//Dusk is a true sequel to Hack//Sign. The first bit of evidence is in episode 3 when probably the same girl from Hack//Sign asks Hotaru to raise her sickly Puchiguso. The second is Ginkan, an ex member of the Crimson Knights and right hand aid to Subaru, who criticizes Kamui's actions, leader of the Knights of War. The main villains of the series are a group of four youngsters with nothing better to do with their free time than mess with the inhabitants of The World. The archenemy of the series is Wandering AI who massacres everyone. The ending is satisfactory and The World goes back to the way it was, a place where people can always meet. |
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» Recommend
9.0 |
For people who ever wished that they could live inside their favorite video game. For anime lovers who saw Hack//Sign and experienced the Playstation games. Finally, for those of you out there, and you know who you are, who made the decision that it is better to forgo grades and homework to play an ever so addicting online MMRPG. |
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» Other Information
Language: Japanese with english subtitles
Extras: The first volume of the Japanese DVD comes with all of the above goodies
Package: Rena sliding happily, Shugo falling clumsily, and Mileyu behind |
Friday, August 14, 2026
