Big step from Rebirth.
So this is the second in the series so I kind of knew what to expect,but there is a lot of new upgrades in this game apart from Rebirth.First the steam bike stuff,the 3rd form of Haseo,and numerous other stuff I'm to lazy to explain,but you get the idea.But the game itself is very fun and addictive,the avatar battles are very fun to!But there is numerous stuff to do in this game,so many conquests and missions to take on you will always be busy with something in any part of the game.I transferred from Rebirth so I got into the game right away,as I did with the original .hacks.I'm in the process of the game,but cant wait to finish it and move onto Redemption,and finish the series off.
Overall,this is definitely a game to pick up,but again I would suggest in order to understand the story,start at rebirth and work your way up.