That's not to say that Redemption is a horrible title, but everything about it screams average. You take on the role of Haseo, from the previous two titles, as you wrap up your battle with AIDA, the virus that has overtaken the virtual game The World, and caused numerous people harm both in the game and the outside world.

Outside of the introduction of new areas previously inaccessible, a few new party members, and new job skill, there isn't much changed here from the previous two titles. It should go without saying that if you're new to the series, this should not be your jumping in point.

The game still presents some very nice visuals, in particular the well-detailed cut scenes. Also the music holds up just as well here as it did in the previous titles, which is probably my favorite attribute of the series.

You can also import your saved data from the previous two titles over to this one, which will give you a pretty good boost when you begin, but once again, this is something that has been present in every single .hack title that has been released.

So why pay $40 bucks for a pretty sub-standard expansion pack to an offline console title? I can't really come up with anything. Seriously, I'm not sure if the guys and gals at CyberConnect2 have every paid attention to what comes standard in most expansion packs (and lets face it, that is EXACTLY what these are), but they really need to take a close look at what it means to give consumers something that's worth the price point.

If you want something positive, I will say this. Wait a little while, and hope that the price drops on all three, then pick them up together. Because that's how these games should have been released in the first place. G.U. is enjoyable as a whole, and I find it far better than the first .hack series. The battles are more fun, the character designs are better, the music is much improved, and if I didn't have to plop down $40 for every release there's a good chance I would enjoy it more. So, if you have the patience to do that, I think it's the best way to go. Or convince Bandai to release these games in an affordable package set. Either way works for me.

So, in closing, if you've already played, and enjoyed the .hack series, particularly G.U. (which is the better and more polished of the two), than you'll most likely enjoy this. Everything from a plot standpoint is wrapped up nicely, there's no real loose thread to mention, and you shouldn't be disappointed. Otherwise, I have no clue why you would even try to play this.