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| {{Infobox video game character | |||
| |name=Kite | |||
| |image=KiteHackimage.png | |||
| |caption=Kite as seen in the ''.hack'' games. | |||
| |firstgame=''.hack//Infection'' (2002) | |||
| |creator=], ] | |||
| |series=] | |||
| |designer=] | |||
| |voice= ] (Japanese), ] (English) | |||
| }} | |||
| {{R with history}} | |||
| {{nihongo|'''Kite'''|カイト|Kaito|lead=yes}}, also known as "'''Kite of the Azure Flame'''", is a fictional character from ]'s video game series '']''. Introduced in '']'' (2002), Kite is ] avatar in a fictional ] (MMORPG) known as the "The World". Kite's whose school-friend Yasuhiko, who uses the alias Orca, introduces Kite to The World. When Orca is killed in combat by an unknown enemy, Yashuhiko falls into a coma. Kite forms a team in The World to investigate Orca's case alongside those of other players to whom the same fate befalls after similar encounters. Kite also appears in finale of the series' ] sequel '']'' and in a ] adaptation of the games. Although the teenager behind Kite leaves The World in following games, his avatar was used to create characters who appear in sequels. | |||
| Kite was created by CyberConnect2 CEO ] and writer ], who aimed to create a character who is immersed in an MMORPG alongside the player. He was designed by artist ], who was inspired by the manga character ] from the manga '']'' by ]. Sadamoto aimed to make Kite look like a typical teenager with an interesting outfit. Kite was voiced by ] by in Japanese and ] in English; both actors took a liking to the character though Marshall lamented not playing the games. | |||
| Critical reception to Kite was positive. Critics enjoyed his role in the story and his heroic traits he displays when trying to save Orca, which players would be able to connect with him. Critics also praised the character's design and abilities. He has been popular within the franchise, ranking highly in a character popularity poll. | |||
| ==Creation and design== | |||
| {{multiple image | |||
| | footer = CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama created Kite while Yoshiyuki Sadamoto designed him. | |||
| | image1 = Hiroshi Matsuyama 20080704 Japan Expo 03.jpg | |||
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| | caption1 = | |||
| | width1 = 220 | |||
| | image2 = Yoshiyuki Sadamoto 1.png | |||
| | alt2 = | |||
| |align=left | |||
| | caption2 = | |||
| | width2 = 163 | |||
| }} | |||
| ] CEO ] considered Kite as a relatable character when making the game and wanted the next game to feature a different version of the lead character for '']''{{sp}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201710/04143310.html|title=『.hack』シリーズの歩みを松山洋氏＆内山大輔氏が振り返る！ “『.hack//FanBook』発売記念トークショー”リポート|website=Famitsu|accessdate=June 13, 2020}}</ref> CyberConnect2 said Kite had become a popular character following its release.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Hiroshi Matsuyama|user=PIROSHI_CC2|number=1174471972211703808|date=September 18, 2019 |title=カイトいっぱいいるなぁwよくまとめたなぁ。|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> In retrospect, Matsuyama found the original Kite had little personality and wanted to try out another character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/1086951.html|title=松山洋氏が熱く語る「.hack//Figuarts ハセヲ3rdフォーム BLACK/WHITE」|website=Game Watch|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> Matsuyama described Kite as an enthusiastic hero, saying the main reason he became one was the fate of his friend Yasuhiko. Writer ] stated the concept for ''.hack'' was mainly focused on the actions of Kite and Black Rose in The World. As a result, in later projects related with the series, the writers and devlopers shifted the focus onto their personal lives; the staff found the shift challenging because there were more areas to explore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201108/30048877.html|title=劇場版『ドットハック』のヒミツ 松山洋氏×伊藤和典氏インタビュー【完全版】|website=Famitsu|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> Itō said casting the player into the role of a subscriber to The World creates a unique story-telling situation that draws the player more deeply into the plot. Kite is a friendly character so Itō wanted to write a contrasting, antisocial character for the television series '']''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Hunatsu, Minoru | date=2002-01-24 | title=バンダイ、ネット世界を中心に展開する壮大なRPG「.hack 感染拡大 Vol.1」、アニメDVDを同梱 | publisher=Game Watch | url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20020124/hack.htm | language=Japanese | accessdate=2010-12-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009054305/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20020124/hack.htm | archive-date=October 9, 2012 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Matsuyama described a kind character with no individuality because the player was directly controlling him. As a result, the next character for ''.hack'' was ], whose antisocial personality was meant to reflect '']''.<ref name="remaster">{{cite web|title=Reminiscing On .hack//G.U. With CyberConnect2’s Hiroshi Matsuyama | |||
| |url=https://www.siliconera.com/reminiscing-hackg-u-cyberconnect2s-hiroshi-matsuyama/|work=Siliconera|accessdate=June 6, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| While making the ''.hack'' games, character designer ] used the manga character ] as a model for Kite. Shortly afterwards, CyberConnect2 started developing the '']'' games although Sadamoto was unaware of this. One of the most important areas of Kite's design is Kite's hat, which Sadamoto used to make him unique. He wanted the character to look realistic, a trait Sadamoto thought when seeing Naruto. Multiple revisions were done until the artist was satisfied with the character's appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberconnect2.jp/hack/event/gff2003/gff2003.html|title=Tell me Mr. Sadamoto!|publisher=CyberConnect2|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216092950/http://www.cyberconnect2.jp/hack/event/gff2003/gff2003.html|archivedate=December 16, 2008}}</ref> Sadamoto wanted Kite's design to suggest a high-school pupil was controlling the PC, so he revised the character's trousers. Matsuyama oversaw Kite's design.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/083/G008320/20111030004/|title=完全設定資料集「.hack//Archives_03」の発売記念トークイベント＆サイン会が開催。貞本義行氏にまつわる制作秘話が語られる|website=4Gamer|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Kite is voiced by ] in Japanese and ] in English. Aida enjoyed the character and thanked fans of the series for supporting her.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=CyberConnect2|user=sayaka_aida|number=240091500770369538|date=August 27, 2012 |title=こんな企画が！カイトとトライエッジに応援下さった皆さま、本人たちに代わりましてありがとうございます♥ QT @kite_hack:「.hack」10周年記念!「.hack」キャラクター人気投票結果発表!!オリジナル壁紙プレゼント中 http://bit.ly/PtVHJ2|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> When working on the first four games, Aida was intrigued by the appeal of the ''.hack'' games since her auditions for the part of Kite. She felt Kite was not the most popular character in the franchise, and that Haseo and Endrance are more appealing heroes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201709/23142483.html|title=ハセヲ役の櫻井孝宏さんとシリーズの歴史を振り返り！ “.hack//15th Anniversary 公開放送!!”リポート【TGS2017】|website=Famitsu|accessdate=June 27, 2020|language=Japanese}}</ref> Marshall enjoyed her character, stating she "had lots of levels to play" because Kite displays both a strong and weak personality depending on the situation. She was sad she could not play ''.hack'' because she had neither a console nor the time needed to play the games she worked on.<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018210047/http://www.animedream.com/specials/monamarshall/interview_monamarshall.shtml|url=http://www.animedream.com/specials/monamarshall/interview_monamarshall.shtml|title=Mona Marshall Interview|website=AnimeDream|accessdate=June 15, 2020|archivedate=October 18, 2006}}</ref> | |||
| ==Appearances== | |||
| ===In ''.hack''=== | |||
| Kite, a Twin Blade, is the main character of the ''.hack//'' series. In ''.hack//Infection'', Kite's friend Orca invites him to play ''The World'', in which they encounter a girl called Aura who is being chased by a humanoid monster. Aura tries to entrust Orca with an item called the Book of Twilight but the monster attacks him, crashing ''The World''{{'s}} servers. Kite's player discovers Orca's player Yasuhiko has fallen into a coma after the attack and resolves to discover the cause.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Infection |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2003-02-11 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Kite:''' The next day, I found out that Yasuhiko had been hospitalized.}}</ref> Soon after, ] places Yasuhiko into a coma and Kite receives the {{nihongo|Twilight Bracelet|黄昏の腕輪|Tasogare no Udewa}} from the A.I. Aura, allowing him to Data Drain, a hacking skill. Following Aura's leads, Kite defeats the various Phases and Cubia, the alternative side of the bracelet, destroying the bracelet. Aura gives Kite a new bracelet called the Dawn Bracelet. The Book of Twilight then activates, altering Kite's character data and giving him the Twilight Bracelet. He uses its Data Drain to correct the swordsman's code, allowing Balmung to kill it. This causes a viral infection that is spreading through the game.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Infection |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2003-02-11 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balmung:''' That skill... You are the same as the virus.}}</ref> | |||
| Kite and BlackRose decide to cooperate to help the coma victims. After investigating a number of leads, they track down Skeith, the creature who put Orca into a coma. They defeat Skeith, but it transforms into a larger enemy called Cubia, from which they escape.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Mutation |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2003-05-07 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Helba:''' With the help of the bracelet, and his party succeeded in destroying Skeith.}}</ref> In ''.hack//Mutation'', Kite and BlackRose encounter system administrator Lios, who declares Kite's bracelet to be an illegal hack.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Mutation |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2003-05-07 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Lios:''' requires that you delete your character.}}</ref> Lios tries to delete Kite's character data but fails because it is being encrypted by the Book of Twilight. Another Cursed Wave monster called Magus attacks them. They defeat it and return to the Root Town, where they discover the computer virus has spread to ''The World''{{'s}} main servers and into the real world.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Outbreak |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2003-09-03 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Helba:''' and his party defeated Skeith, Innis, and Magus. Yet, in spite of their triumph, the situation only worsens.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Quarantine |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2004-01-14 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Helba:''' Casualties are no longer contained in the game and the damages extend to the real world.}}</ref> | |||
| In '']'', ''The World''{{'s}} server becomes increasingly unstable.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Quarantine |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2004-01-14 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Kite:''' Net Slum? / '''Helba:''' It's a mirror of Ω server... which is mine.}}</ref> Meanwhile, Cubia grows stronger and Kite's team barely fends off its latest attack. In contrast, they destroy Tarvos, the next Wave monster. Kite seeks the advice of Harald Hoerwick, the creator of the game who survives beyond death through his ] (AI) incarnations. Aura appears and hints that Cubia is the "shadow" of Kite's Twilight Bracelet.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Quarantine |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2004-01-14 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Aura:''' Cubia is the shadow. When there is light burning in the darkness, a shadow is born. When the bracelet appeared in this world, Cubia was born as well.}}</ref> In their final battle, Kite recalls Aura's hint and asks BlackRose to destroy the bracelet, causing Cubia to fade away. Without the bracelet, the final Wave member Corbenik ambushes the party in ] Root Town. With the aid of the spirits of the coma victims, Kite penetrates Corbenik's barrier. Aura sacrifices herself to end the battle, restoring the network to normal and reviving the coma victims.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//Quarantine |developer=CyberConnect2 |publisher=Bandai |date=2004-01-14 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balmung:''' She was born. Both her and Morganna... To be born, they may have had to die first.}}</ref> | |||
| ===Other appearances=== | |||
| ] | |||
| Although he is not the protagonist, Kite appears in the final ] of ]'s anime '']'', in which he returns to ''The World'' to reunite with his friends. An alternative ] Kite skin is used in the spinoff manga and anime '']'' by the protagonist, a young boy named Shugo. The manga ''.hack//4Koma'' features a series of '']s'' (extra features) in which Kite has a rivalry with Haseo regarding whom is the franchise's best protagonist.<ref>{{cite book|title=.hack//4 Koma|publisher=TokyoPop|year=2010|isbn=978-1-4278-1607-8|author=Koichi, Sumimaru}}</ref> | |||
| In ''.hack//G.U.'', the new protagonist Haseo receives a message from BlackRose, indicating she and Kite meet each other offline and that she has feelings for him. In this game, an alternative PC Kite was created under the name of Azure Kite, one of three AIs that Aura created to destroy the AIDAs.<ref>{{cite video game|title=.hack//G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption|publisher=Bandai|developer=CyberConnect2|year=2007|quote='''Yata:''' Yes, of course. They are Aura's knights. Are these the "pursuers" Ovan mentioned? Are they the guardians of the systems? '''' '''Haseo:''' Then that means they were after anomalies in the system of "The World." They were after AIDA, and Ovan.}}</ref> In '']'' an AI version of Kite tasks the player Tokio and use a tower of the ]s to save the Twilight Knights, a group of AI versions of characters based on characters in previous ''.hack'' games. Kite protects Tokio from Flügel's attack, resulting in Kite's PC being frozen after he asked Tokio to save them. The developers were inspired by Haseo's Xth form from ''.hack//G.U.'' to include a new design for the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/214/214096/index-2.html|title=トキオもカイトも司も――みんなXthフォームへ進化する！ 『.hack//Link』|website=Dengeki Online|accessdate=June 27, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| Kite also appears as a player character in the ] '']'', as well as in the crossovers '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/new-hackversus-videos-of-kite-and-black-rose/|website=Siliconera|accessdate=June 15, 2020|title=New .hack//Versus Videos Of Kite And Black Rose}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-56-playable-characters-in-project-x-zone-2-1743472346|website=Kotaku|accessdate=June 15, 2020|title=The 58 Playable Characters in Project X Zone 2}}</ref><ref name="project"/> He also appears as a bonus character in ''New World''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/new-world-launched-japan-hacks-kite-appears-bonus-character/|website=Siliconera|accessdate=June 15, 2020|title=New World Has Launched In Japan, .hack’s Kite Appears As A Bonus Character}}</ref> | |||
| ==Reception== | |||
| Critical reception to Kite has been positive; Meristation liked his premise in the ''.hack'' games following the dark date regarding his friend.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2004/02/18/reportajes/1077059400_036276.html|title=Project .hack|website=Meristation|accessdate=June 15, 2020|language=Spanish}}</ref> Siliconera praised the way the narrative makes the player connect with Kite, who becomes concerned with Orca's comatose state and both find a common goal of becoming stronger. This was noted to surpass expectations of the game and of ]s (MMO) games in general.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/hack-infection-continues-to-capture-the-feeling-of-mmos/|title=.hack//Infection Continues to Capture the Feeling of MMOs|website=Siliconera|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> '']'' found Kite's existence as an avatar that is picked by a player interesting and called Kite's concern for Orca/Yasuhiko well-written; the reviewer felt attached to Kite when playing the game.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nutt, Christian |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/hackinfection-part-1/497745p1.html |title=.hack//Infection Review |publisher=GameSpy |date=2003-02-21 |accessdate=2012-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021102939/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/hackinfection-part-1/497745p1.html |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> '']'' called it the game's "mind-bending premise" because Kite interacts interestigly with ''The World''.<ref name="OPM">{{cite news|author=Steinman, Gary |magazine=] |date=February 2003 |title=.hack Infection Review |page=100 |publisher=Ziff Davis |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3055022&p=2 |accessdate=2010-06-29 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040624194556/http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0%2C2053%2C1496923%2C00.asp |archivedate=June 24, 2004 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> According to ''RPGFan'', Kite's journey does not reach a major point in the first game, making the story lacking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/hack/Hack.html|title=.hack//Infection|website=RPGFan|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> RPGamer stated while Kite's true form is "average" by storytelling tropes, he changes when his friends fall into comas and form a team to find clues to recover them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.rpgamer.com/games/hack/hack/reviews/hackrdrev7.html|title=.hack//Infection - Review |website=RPGamer|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| Other comments focused on different aspects of Kite; '']'' praised Kite's design, saying it is the visual's strongest point when compared to the environment<ref name="IGNp2">{{cite web | author=Dunham, Jeremy | date=2003-05-05 | title=.hack//MUTATION (Part 2) Review | website=IGN | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/400/400688p1.html | accessdate=2010-06-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807071606/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/400/400688p1.html | archive-date=August 7, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> while ''GameSpy'' had mixed opinions about Kite recruiting allies including anti-heroic Balmung, who did not approve of Kite's actions in previous titles.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nutt, Christian |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/hackoutbreak-part-3/497670p1.html |title=.hack//Outbreak Review |publisher=GameSpy |date=2003-09-09 |accessdate=2012-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626065748/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/hackoutbreak-part-3/497670p1.html |archive-date=June 26, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> According to '']'', despite the series lacking innovation, Kite's weakened Data-Drain move would appeal to returning players.<ref name="GSp4">{{cite web | author=Kasavin, Greg | date=2004-01-12 | title=.hack//Quarantine Part 4 Review | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | url=http://www.gamespot.com/-hack-quarantine-part-4/reviews/hack-part-4-quarantine-review-6086366/ | accessdate=2012-08-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021105621/http://www.gamespot.com/-hack-quarantine-part-4/reviews/hack-part-4-quarantine-review-6086366/ | archive-date=October 21, 2012 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''IGN'', commented on Kite's Data-Drain and the way the narrative progresses in the game.<ref name="IGNp4">{{cite web | author=Dunham, Jeremy | date=2004-01-13 | title=.hack//QUARANTINE (Part 4) Review | website=IGN | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/462/462425p1.html | accessdate=2010-06-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217061828/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/462/462425p1.html | archive-date=February 17, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''RPGFan'' said while at first Kite's Data Drain looks appealing but it loses its aesthetics once done through in-game graphics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/hack/infection-2.html|title=.hack//Infection|website=RPGFan|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> RPGamer called the Data Drain the most interesting move in the game for the concept behind it and the result, which the player might enjoy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/hack/hack/reviews/hackstrev4.html|title=.hack//Infection - Staff Review |website=RPGamer|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| Upon their addition to the crossover game '']'', '']'' found Kite and BlackRose fitting for the game because rather than being character archetypes, the characters are written as realistic teenagers who are skilled at gaming.<ref name="project">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/project-x-zone-roster/2/|title=Project X Zone roster: Meet all 60 playable characters|website=GamesRadar|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> Reviewing early trailers for ''.hack//G.U.'', RPGFan believed Kite would return as a non-playable character based on footage shown, although the character shown is Azure-Kite, who shares similarities with Kite's design.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2005/1506.html|title=E3: Bandai Reveals .hack//G.U.|website=RPGFan|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> In the first series' popularity poll, Kite took first place with 2,458 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cc2.co.jp/hack_VS/vote/|title=Vote|website=CyberConnect2|language=Japanese|accessdate=June 15, 2020}}</ref> In another poll to commemoration of the ''.hack'' franchise's 10th anniversary, Kite was voted its second-most-popular character behind Haseo.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:キャラクター人気投票結果発表!!|url=http://www.cc2.co.jp/hack_link/vote/ranking.html|work=CyberConnect2|accessdate=October 1, 2012|language=Japanese|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130218173513/http://www.cc2.co.jp/hack_link/vote/ranking.html|archivedate=February 18, 2013}}</ref> In 2017, he was third, behind Endrance and Haseo.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Hiroshi Matsuyama|user=PIROSHI_CC2|number=909559402499252224|date=September 17, 2017 |title=エンデュランス2位！！しかし2位から4位は僅差。まだ、わからんなぁ。『.hack』シリーズ15周年記念！ キャラクター人気投票開催！ |accessdate=June 30, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| {{.hack}} | |||
| ] | |||
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