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In the epic prequel to .hack, Albireo, an avatar and solo adventurer, navigates The World, a groundbreaking online fantasy game. During one of his quests, he encounters Lycoris, a peculiar young girl in a dungeon. Initially, Albireo suspects she might just be a glitch in the system. However, as they venture deeper into The World, Lycoris begins to defy all its established rules. Gradually, Albireo starts to suspect that she harbors a dangerous secret—one that could destabilize everything within cyberspace and beyond!
(Source: Amazon)
.hack//AI Buster was published in English by TokyoPop from August 9, 2005, to February 7, 2006.
I purchased both volumes of .hack//AI Buster at AX2012, expecting it to be closely related to the original anime. Little did I know, it was connected to the original video game instead. Nevertheless, I found it incredibly captivating! It was especially intriguing because a few new characters were introduced. However, I wish there had been more volumes to enjoy.
To kick things off, I'm reluctant to assign a score here since I'm not particularly versed in Light Novels. Therefore, this review gives an 8/10 rating, aligning with the average on MAL.
Anyhow, .hack//AI Buster marks my first real dive into the ".hack//" series. It's been quite some time since I last explored anything from this franchise - roughly since 2002 when this was released. However, I'm glad it was recommended to me because this is a FANTASTIC novel. Note that I'm primarily referring to Volume 1 as it's the superior part; Volume 2 is decent but perhaps not the best ever. The reason for this distinction is that the first part presents one continuous story, whereas the second volume comprises a collection of shorter tales. Some might appreciate this format, but for me, it slowed down the pacing. Moving on...
Story - 9/10
The storyline is excellent, centering around Albireo, a lone wolf MMO enthusiast; Hokuto, a novice MMO player; and Lycoris, a mysterious player event character. From the outset, the narrative demonstrates considerable depth and care. For a Light Novel, there are numerous intricate details. Take, for instance, its attention to world-building. Right from the beginning, the writing vividly describes "The World" as a richly detailed, fantastical place. Even MMO-specific elements like "World Events" and "Player Events" are explained clearly and comprehensibly, which was great even for someone unfamiliar with MMOs. The pacing is also commendable – I sped through the first volume effortlessly. As for the second volume, it's adequate. Honestly, the first volume overall feels somewhat ordinary and more like an afterthought.
Art - 7/10
There isn't much to say about the artwork aside from noting the presence of occasional illustrations. If you appreciate the cover, you'll likely enjoy the art inside.
Character - 9/10
The character development is spot-on. Each character felt authentic within the established world, each possessing unique traits.
Albireo - A lone wolf, calm and collected, a seasoned player.
Hokuto - A younger player, new to MMOs.
These characters are easy to relate to and root for because they mirror real-life experiences. How many of us have formed connections or bonds with people we've met online? This dynamic is central to how the characters function here, built around strangers playing an MMO together.
Overall - 8/10
In conclusion, if you're a fan of the .hack// series, reading at least Volume 1 is a must. If not, do some research to learn more about this light novel. It's a very good read and deserves all the praise it receives.