.hack//Infection FAQ/Walkthrough
By: Hawque
Initial Version: 1/23/03
Last Updated: 1/23/03 - Version 0.95
Table of Contents
1.0 - Introduction
2.0 - Revisions
3.0 - FAQ
3.1 - Gameplay questions
3.2 - Other game questions
3.3 - .hack//Liminality (OVA) questions
3.4 - Other .hack questions
3.5 - General questions
4.0 - Walkthrough
5.0 - Items
5.1 - Equipment
5.2 - Reg. Items
5.3 - Scrolls
5.4 - Books
5.5 - Treasure
6.0 - Skills
6.1 - Ability
6.2 - Element
6.3 - Healing
6.4 - Drop
6.5 - Converge
6.6 - Raise
6.7 - Tornado
6.8 - Weapon
7.0 - Credits
8.0 - Legal stuff
9.0 - Contact
__________________
|1.0 - Introduction|
Initially, I started a .hack FAQ to keep common questions off the boards, in an
effort to keep down stress on those who feel the need to answer questions, but
get annoyed by questions asked over and over again *cough*.
So, I wrote up an initial FAQ, that had to do with everything .hack. Through
several versions, I fixed it to where I thought CJayC might be willing to post
it. That didn't happen.
I figured, maybe it should have only big common questions for the non-game
part of .hack. Maybe that would help to get this up.
So, I reformatted, removed a lot of questions, and beheld my FAQ.
Which there wasn't a lot of left.
So I went back to the drawing board, and decided to convert it to a .hack
FAQ/Walkthrough. Just one problem: I didn't have the game yet, as it wasn't out
in the US. What to do, what to do.
Then I heard demos were to be given out to those that preordered. Which I had
done, but no demo. So I called, and went to pick it up. The demo covers a large
part of the beginning of the game, with nothing disabled in that part save for
saving. So I thought it could be a good idea to write part of this Walkthrough
based on the demo. This way, people who have trouble on the first day, before I
would have had time to get one up otherwise, would be able to find at least
some help, without creating questions to clog up the boards.
And so, I started playing the demo, with my sister's laptop next to me, typing
up a guide as I went, and fixing as I realized things were wrong. And so, the
first day of my playing this game was largely for this FAQ. Also to satisfy my
fanboy-ism until the game comes out.
I've still yet to beat it, and am not entirely sure on where to go next. Once I
figure this out, I will work on continuing the Walkthrough. But for those who
might like to have it with their demo copy, I submit this now.
_______________
|2.0 - Revisions|
Version 0.95 - All is new. Not enough for me to say 1.0 yet. Need more
Walkthrough information for such, methinks.
_________
|3.0 - FAQ|
3.1 - Gameplay Questions
3.101 - "What's the gameplay like?"
The gameplay is a sort of mix between Phantasy Star Online and Kingdom Hearts
with some Star Ocean 2 thrown in as well (or Secret of Mana if you really need
a rough old-school idea). The AI controls your other party members while you
control Kite. The game pauses when you bring up the menu, and you're presented
with the standard game menu, with options and whatnot.
It is indeed a Real-Time battle system, and not turn-based.
3.102 - "How long is the game?"
It depends not only on how fast you are, but also how into sidequests you are.
Some have reportedly beaten it in about 15 hours, I've heard others taking as
long as 30.
3.103 - "OMG, dude. Is this game online?"
-_- No, it is not online. The game is a simulation of an MMORPG. Meaning you
control the guy controlling Kite in The World. Your character is in an MMORPG,
but you are not. Sorta confusing at first, I guess. Seems that way, since so
many people don't get it anyway.
3.104 - "What's data draining?"
Data draining is an ability Kite obtains near the beginning of the game. When
you fight monsters down to a certain HP, you will see a "Protect Break". When
this happens, you can data drain the enemy. When you do so, it turns them into
a lesser monster, that's easy to kill, but gives minimal experience. Doing this
you can obtain rare items and virus cores. On the other hand, various negative
effects can also occurs, such as cutting your HP in half, or giving you a
System Error and Game Over.. It's risky.
3.105 - "Then what are virus cores?"
You use virus cores for Kite's special ability, Gate Hacking. You use them to
infect the code and allow you access to fields you are trying to access.
3.106 - "And fields are...?"
Fields are where the dungeons live. There is also a spring in which you can
throw items. Monsieur or Grandpa will pop up, and ask what you lost. You'll
then get an item back. Maybe better, maybe not.
3.107 - "How do I get to fields?"
In towns, there is something called a Chaos Gate. You go here to access fields.
You can either go to one you've heard about in BBS or email, go to other
server,
or create other dungeons using 3 keywords.
3.108 - "Do I need a Network Adapter for my PS2 to play?"
Well, you can get one for the game if you really want, but since the game's not
online, it's not really needed... at all... for anything. Really.
3.109 - "What's the character system like?"
There are some required characters, but about as many optional. You can get
them by going to their dungeons if you choose. Later, they might email you and
ask to go with them to certain other dungeons. Of course, it's optional, but
you can often get rare items there.
Sometimes, you will have to take certain characters to story dungeons. When
this happens, the others just happen to not be online. Convenient, huh? There
are also some solo dungeons that Kite has to go alone.
3.2 - .hack Game Questions
3.201 - "When do the games come out?"
The first game, Infection, comes out in February 2003. The second is in May,
the third in August, and the fourth November. (3 months apart) Though, I
wouldn't put it past Bandai to make a special edition with all four, the OVA's,
and something special thrown in to suck away at our money some more.
3.402 - "Who's this Kite guy? I thought Tsukasa was the main
character?"
Tsukasa is not the main character. Nor is he a party member (unless for some
reason he is in vol. 4). Nor are Mimiru, Bear, Subaru, Sora, Ginkan, or Krim.
They are just not here for the games.
However, some of the characters do make cameos in vol. 3, and possibly 4 (it's
not out even in Japan yet, so I don't know for sure).
3.203 - "But... but why?"
Because they had their story already! >_< Stop wanting them in Infection. Just
watch .hack//SIGN if you want them, ok?
3.204 - "Is this game cel-shaded? That would ruin the game. I don't wanna
buy it if it's cel-shaded."
Shut up.
3.205 - "Should I get this game or ?"
That's your choice. If you let others dictate what kind of games you play, you
need to stop. Play games because you want to, not because others tell you to.
3.206 - "What is the plot?"
Basically, your friend Orca invites you to play The World with him. When you
get in and are playing, he gets data drained. You soon after obtain this
ability, but discover Orca has fallen into a coma in real life. You set out to
find out the answers, feeling they can be found in the game.
3.207 - "Are there plans for other .hack games than the 4 out
now/soon?"
... Apparently. According to Famitsu Weekly (translated by RPG Fan), "Bandai's
Shin Unozawa said his company has plans to develop a follow-up to its popular
Project .hack series of PlayStation 2 RPGs."
3.208 - "Why do Tsukasa, Mimiru, and Bear go by different names in the
games?"
Because those aren't them as the main characters in the games. They are Elk,
Black Rose, and Orca respectively. It's an MMORPG, people can look basically
the same. Besides, can't you tell the differences? They're not exactly minor,
really. Well, a lot aren't, anyway.
3.209 - "Is there voice acting in the game?"
Aye. You can select either English voices, or Japanese subtitled in English.
Or,
if you want, Japanese without subtitles. Though if you wanted that, you could
just import the JP game...
3.210 - "What's parody mode?"
Parody mode is unlocked after you beat the game. It allows you to play through
making the game more humorous, basically becoming satire. I'm sure it'll be
quite fun if it makes it stateside (there's a chance it was replaced with dual
language... or at least will be later on in the series... :-/)
3.3 - .hack//Liminality (OVA) Questions
3.301 - "So the games come with .hack//SIGN DVD's?"
No. The games come with OVA's, with the title of .hack//Liminality. They
feature the real-world happenings during the events of the games (OVA 1 during
vol. 1, OVA 2 during vol. 2, etc.)
3.4 - .hack Questions
3.401 - "When does .hack//SIGN air?"
.hack//SIGN is starting on Cartoon Network on February 1st at 3 PM Eastern and
Pacific. That's 2 PM Central and 1 PM Mountain. For people in Alaska or
Hawaii... figure that out yourself. I don't understand your time zones.
3.402 - "What about the DVD's?"
The DVD's are going to be coming out starting in March. There will be
special versions of each one, with something extra thrown in. However, only
15,000 each of the special versions will be released. (Note: Not extra on the
DVD, extra such as a soundtrack or a Puchiguso plushie. Or a lot of stuff.)
3.403 - "Is there nudity in the show?"
... No. So if you're looking for it, look elsewhere. If your parents want to
shield you, then the show's safe. This has been asked several times, so I
thought it should be here.
3.404 - "Is .hack//DUSK coming out here?"
This is changing now. According to the video on the demo disc for the game,
there *are* plans to bring at least the manga of .hack//DUSK over here. And it
mentioned the anime as well, so maybe that too.
3.5 - General Questions
3.501 - "Who is Balmung?"
Not sure why, but I've seen this quite often lately. Balmung is a legendary
warrior in The World, in addition to being the bishounen of the series. He will
offer to join you in vol. 3, Erosion Pollution/Outbreak.
3.502 - "Are there any tips you can give me?"
Yeah. When on the forum, don't listen to Crimson Phantom. He's most likely
wrong, and will soon be corrected, most commonly by either Rhyste or myself.
Or both.
3.503 - "Where I can find more information?"
... I see how it is. My FAQ wasn't good enough for ya, eh? Fine then. Be that
way.
Probably one of the best sources for information is:
http://dummies.net-slum.com/
Also, check on the boards. I don't mean post a message immediately. Search
around. If you're not a newbie, you should have that option on the board's
action bar. Use it. Love it. We'll love you if you don't post questions that
have been answered 1000 times already.
_________________
|4.0 - Walkthrough|
When you first start your game, you're greeted with a short movie consisting of
a reading of sorts of an epitaph.
After this, you hear Kite talking for a minute "IRL" (In Real Life... aka, not
game-Kite), and you get to choose a Username and Character Name for The World.
For purposes of this guide, if you rename Kite, remember the name Kite. 'Cause
I'll call him that.
Now, you get to see Altimit OS for the first time. You can change the look if
you want by going into <<