First part of the original .hack tetralogy simulating a fictional MMORPG. The concept originality and link with the .hack//Sign anime are fascinating. Repetitive gameplay and the need to buy all four volumes for the complete story temper the experience.
Your verdict
Category
RPG1 player12+
Description
The first chapter of CyberConnect2's original .hack tetralogy, released in 2003 in the West. The player guides Kite, a young avatar in the fake MMO "The World," facing a seemingly innocent bug that puts his cousin into a coma. A semi-real-time RPG blending procedural dungeons with the eerie atmosphere of an online alt-history.
Dot Hack Part 1 - Infection review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"Mild"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾2,1 GB📅11/02/2003
Published by Bandai
Dot Hack Part 1 - Infection (PS2) price, value & rarity
Is Dot Hack Part 1 - Infection still worth playing in 2026?
The first entry in CyberConnect2's .hack tetralogy, Infection lays the foundations of a singular saga where you play a member of a fictional MMO, The World, confronted with players left comatose by an unexplained phenomenon. The blend of action RPG, a fake virtual desktop with emails and forums, and meta investigation creates an original, immersive experience for its time. The slow pace and the repetitive dungeon weigh. A starting point to recommend for fans of serialised stories and fictional online worlds.
