Now to the movie itself, this was really good! Haseo was a pretty interesting character. Wasn’t the stereotypical nice guy who takes every situation with optimism. Guy really went down pretty deep into the darkness. After losing someone he cared about couldn’t help but push himself to do anything in order to get the power for revenge. Obviously that kind of thinking can put someone’s personality into a pretty ugly place. Interactions with Atoli would reflect that kind of emotional state. The similarity in appearance to Shino had to make things complicated. Probably felt it would be better if he just pushed her away. Since just being around someone like himself can’t be good and considering what had already happened. But overall was a good guy who just went through difficult times.

Atoli herself is a character who had dealt with some painful circumstances. Life being so painful in the real world and just hoping to make a real connection with someone in ‘The World’. The memories she had were pretty sad to listen to. Can only imagine what she had to endure. For whatever reason was drawn to Haseo and kept reaching out. Ovan could tell the feelings that were in Haseo and wanted to use her in order to make Haseo strong enough to beat him.

Have to say that the moment where Atoli was infected by AIDA and he had to go inside her mind so to speak was pretty emotional stuff. The pain she was in making her lash out and do some major damage to Haseo along the way. But the guy continued walking forward in spite of it all and managed to save her. Not just her physical state, but on the emotional level as well. As corny as that sounds :). Though wish I knew what they were saying during that musical portion. Plus the moment later when Atoli appeared and helped Haseo to fight for the right reasons and not just for vengeance. Certainly can’t ask someone to let go of their burdens, but just to do what is right.

Battles really were incredible to see though. The Gate of Babylon move was really impressive even if it got stopped by Ovan. Fighting in the epitaph forms was just huge as well. Visually this was just an incredible movie. Have seen enough game to movie attempts to say this is one of the best out there.

Ovan’s motives was something I couldn’t have predicted. To think that it was all about trying to save his sister. Wouldn’t say I’m jumping for joy that he caused suffering for quite a few people for that mission, but can understand his reasons. Like people from the previous .hack adventure was just trying to save someone he cared about. Luckily Haseo was able to pull it off. Honestly thought from trailers he was talking to Aura. Surprise to me when it was his sister who had been the first victim.

Overall this was just an amazing thing. Liked the ending in how they didn’t just accept Ovan’s sacrifice. Remember from the first games how sacrifice was important. Kite gave up his bracelet to stop Cubia and Aura sacrificed herself to end things. Of course her sacrifice just lead to her becoming complete and not eternal oblivion that most would experience. Also nice to deal with Shino at the end. Their bond really wasn’t the romantic kind, but still something important. Shino was always looking to Ovan, though wouldn’t say there wasn’t something felt for Haseo. But just nice to show that Atoli and Haseo together at the end of it all. Don’t leave it vague or uncertain.

The end was pretty good as well. Really leaving open that things could continue in the future. Managed to save Ovan and his sister, but still things that can happen. It is ‘The World’ after all.

And depends on what you mean by parody mode…

It looks really good but I don’t like .hack!