.hack//SIGN Info

In the year 2005, a computer virus known as “Pluto Kiss” infects the world wide web. The result is nothing short of a total implosion of the Internet. But by 2007, much of the network is repaired and updated. It is in this year that an online role-playing game titled “The World” is released worldwide. Players connect to The World via their computer and they utilize a variety of virtual reality technology to create an online persona and play as that character. Within a short period of time, The World ends up selling over 20 million units worldwide. It ultimately becomes the single most successful game released in history.
.hack//SIGN focuses on the experiences of Tsukasa, a player within The World. Tsukasa awakens in The World and discovers that he has the ability to harm other players in real life (players whom he hurts end up with anything from a minor headache to a long-term coma). Tsukasa also discovers that he is able to touch, smell, taste and hear everything within The World. In addition, Tsukasa remembers nothing from before he awoke within The World. And throughout the series, Tsukasa finds himself on a quest to discover the truth behind his imprisonment in the game.