Story.hack//DUSK is the last in the series of .hack anime, and just like LIMINALITY and SIGN, it has a completely different feel than any of its predecessors. While SIGN was mostly conversation and discussion of what was going on in the world, and LIMINALITY was a somber look at the outside world, DUSK is more along the lines of the recent Ragnarok series -- a fun, playful look at the inside of the game and the things that go on inside it. Personally, I liked this mood and feel much more than the alternatives, but others prefer the quiet, slower feel of SIGN. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't go into watching this thinking that it'll be like the previous series. However, you should already have knowledge of the previous series and what the World is. Please click the anirec link above and then the yellow question mark to read more about how these series are related, and the suggested order of viewing. In general, a great deal of .hack//DUSK is centered around normal game type situations such as quests, special events, and even taking care if a grunty! You'll find yourself nodding and smiling when extremely typical MMORPG type events happen, if you play those kind of games. However, there also is a (somewhat thin, in my opinion) plot which is partially new, and partially spans back through the previous series. Although it is decent and has a good ending, I don't think it should be the focal point of the series. Watch it for the game-like elements and funny humor, not for the super rich plot (since it's not, and is a bit confusing anyways). AnimationYou'll immediately recognize the character designs from the .hack games, but with a more comical, almost chibi-like feel. (Don't worry, they aren't actual chibis). Colors used were extremely rich and vibrant, for everything from the characters, to the monsters, to the background. Bits of CGI were thrown in for things like the gates, just like in SIGN. The best part of the animation and design was definitely the monsters for me. So wacky and cute, and straight out of the games as well. Everything had a very flowing feel to it. SoundI felt the music was a very good indication of the tone of the series (comical and fun, in a game type world). It always fit in every situation and never seemed awkward. Nothing unforgettable, but definitely a nice touch to the series. Voice actors were just fine for all parties involved. Characters.hack//DUSK does rely on you knowing a lot about the history of the multiple series in order to also know who a lot of the characters are. For veterans of the series, you will recognize old friends and familiar faces (especially from the games). For those new to the .hack world, this might be confusing and frustrating. However, the characters themselves are fleshed out well, especially the twins, Shuugo and Rena. Granted, there is also some fairly creepy incestual tones going on, but it tends to stay in the background and you forget it easily. Otherwise, the characters all had their purposes and it shows. OverallA very fun, comical series. The quality of this series proves that something with the Bee Train name behind it actually CAN be good! *shock*. For fans of MMORPGS, or the .hack universe, you probably will enjoy this. For those who are new to the .hack universe, I do suggest checking out the helpful info link I gave above to see if you really want to jump into this series as #1. But all in all, a great watch. I really enjoyed this show, especially the content and the tone, so I would probably watch it again. Granted, you'd know the big secret the 2nd time around, but it still would be enjoyable to watch again with friends.