.hack//Mutation's gameplay is a bit better than the first game. It takes place directly after the first game, with Kite, the main character, still trying to figure out the mysteries and secrets of The World. Many more questions are asked than answered, but the game moves much faster than the first. There are a lot less filler quests and you have a sense that you're actually doing something to find the answers you're looking for. The ending is very odd, does a very good job of setting up for the third episode. And while this game is shorter than the first, you'll want to find out what happens next.