.hack//Roots, Vol. 4 Reviews

The Twilight Brigade has dissolved and, Shino has become a 'Lost One' as the result of being eliminated by Tri-Edge. Even so, Tabby has settled on lingering around in "The World" after she comes to the aid of two novices trying to learn the ropes of this online game. Distressed by Shino's disappearance, Haseo becomes more determined to track down the lethal and insurmountable Tri-Edge, despite Phyllo's warning. Sequentially, he enters the event referred to as the "Forest of Pain" after hearing of the reward that awaits the survivor of this gargantuan challenge. Meanwhile, an ex-secret service member that was sent by Yata and Pi, monitors Haseo throughout this perilous competition. Genre: Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi.

As the cyber-fantasy .hack//Roots continues, the tone darkens and sinister new characters come to the fore. Yata and his assistant Ender/Pi, who have entrapped Ovan, are trying to follow the activities of the deadly Tri-Edge and Haseo, his sworn enemy. Haseo knows that the player who was Shino fell into a coma when Tri-Edge destroyed her character. Real-world doctors don't understand her illness and don't know how to cure it. With an intensity that borders on monomania, Haseo throws himself into battles, determined to grow strong enough to challenge Tri-Edge. At the center of the specially constructed maze The Forest of Pain, Haseo and Viking-like Taihaku find powerful swords. A mysterious character who floats in an alternate space questions them both: Taihaku responds correctly and is allowed to keep his blade; Haseo fails and forfeits his. Once again, Yoshimi Umino's imaginative art direction and Akira Horikoshi's complex score bolster Koichi Mashimo's skillful direction to create a satisfying and intriguing adventure. (Rated 13 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon MPN: BAND22243D - UPC: 669198222436