Bandai today announced some new information regarding its .hack series of RPGs. Titled .hack//Fragment, the newest addition to the series telling the story of the online game known as The World will offer both online and offline modes. Those who want to join their fellow users in playing the game online will be glad to hear that there won't be any monthly usage charges. To play .hack//Fragment online, players only need a PlayStation 2 network adaptor. Online players then can explore The World in groups of three.

It was also revealed today that the game in fact is jointly developed by Fukuoka-based Cyber Connect 2 (the studio behind the first four parts) and Artdink, the makers of Lunatic Dawn and A Ressha de Ikou.

.hack//Fragment will be available in Japan sometime in 2005.

• Famitsu