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The .hack franchise has always been a series we've wanted to like: CyberConnect 2's transmedia story combines an edgy, inspired style with a unique premise filled with intrigue. However, the original PS2 games -- spanning the .hack// tetralogy and the .hack//GU trilogy -- skimped on gameplay, failing to actualize its overly-ambitious vision.

Perhaps the only thing more surprising than the fact that the franchise's finale will appear exclusively on PSP is that .hack//Link has the potential to be the best game ever created in the long-running RPG series. Although not formerly announced for a US release, we find little reason for Namco Bandai Games America to skimp on a localized version: The demo at Tokyo Game Show had a fresh, "fun" attitude that's evident in both the game's new art style and its combat system.

We didn't have a chance to see much of the game's story in our demo. However, Link takes a page from the other compilation games so popular in Japan right now (Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Tales of VS), by populating the game with many faces from the various .hack games, manga and anime series. Playable partners in the TGS demo included Haseo (from .hack//GU) and Tsukasa (from .hack//SIGN).

The debut trailer for the PSP-exclusive finale of .hack doesn't show us much. Too bad, because we're loving the new, colorful approach to the series. Fans will recognize a lot of familiar faces in this RPG, and like most of them, we're curious to find out more info. Hopefully it won't be long until we find out more.

[Via PSPHyper]

The upcoming PSP-exclusive .hack game brings together fan-favorite characters from the entire series run. Haseo (from .hack//GU) looks uncomfortably happy. In fact, this entire game has a vibrant, fresh style -- a huge change from the somber, emo tone the franchise is known for. We're really enjoying Link's refreshing take on the series, although we're still saddened to think this will be the end of the franchise.

Something tells us that this newly revealed title, .hack//Link, has something to do with that countdown website we mentioned on Monday. CyberConnect2's website still has two days to go before the big reveal, but this early leak of Famitsu pretty much spells everything out -- unless CyberConnect2 has something else up their sleeves.

.hack//Link is the first .hack title to leave the PS2. From the looks of it, there appears to be a new protagonist, though images from the Famitsu scan suggest that hero Haseo from the G.U. series will be in the game in some form as well. The game will apparently take place in "The World R:X" and will follow closely to the manga of the same name. We'll probably know more details about the title in the next upcoming days once CC2's timer runs out.