With special permission to use the IP from rights holder Bandai Namco, CyberConnect2 is choosing to bring back The World, a fictional MMORPG that players engage with in .hack//Z.E.R.O. But while past titles from the franchise’s PS2 era focused more on events within the game, the reboot is setting its sights higher, incorporating the game’s real world into the mix. Expect to see more of the impact that The World has on its players, a facet of the experience that was previously relegated to lore drops.

With action and adventure woven into the franchise’s RPG trappings, .hack//Z.E.R.O focuses on bringing back the duality of its in-game universe while presenting a gameplay loop that’s sure to keep you as busy as the folks spending time in The World.

Developed by a team of franchise veterans and young blood alike, .hack//Z.E.R.O is sure to bring a blend of nostalgia and innovation to the table when it arrives. While a release date and platforms are currently unannounced, the trailer for the game, complete with a soundtrack from violinist Taro Hakase, is all kinds of awesome. Join us on the hype train and check out the first teaser below.