Ep 1. Role Play

In .hack//SIGN season 1 episode 1 titled "Role Play," viewers are introduced to a massively multiplayer online role-playing game called "The World." The show takes place in a future where virtual reality gaming is a huge industry, and players can connect to The World via their own personal "PCs."

The episode follows a player named Tsukasa, who wakes up in the game world with no memory of who he is or how he got there. We can see that he is different from the other players – he wears a strange bracelet, and he seems to have some sort of ability to affect the game world around him.

Through Tsukasa's interactions with other players, we also get a sense of the social dynamics of The World. There are guilds, alliances, and personal grudges, all playing out in this virtual space. Tsukasa is not a popular player – in fact, many of the others see him as an outsider or even an enemy. He has a few allies, including a skilled player named Bear and a soft-spoken healer named Mimiru.

The episode leaves many questions unanswered – who is Tsukasa, and what is the true nature of his abilities? What caused him to lose his memories in the game world? Why are certain players so hostile towards him? These mysteries establish a sense of intrigue that will carry throughout the rest of the season.

One notable aspect of the show is its atmospheric soundtrack, which complements the dreamlike quality of the game world. The music is trippy and ethereal, lending an otherworldly feel to the already surreal setting.

Overall, "Role Play" is a strong start to .hack//SIGN – it establishes the game world and its rules, introduces key characters, and leaves viewers wanting more. It's clear from the opening episode that this will be a story about identity, power, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.