Right before achieving true greatness.
.hack//IMOQ was unique and very interesting
//G.U. improved on what was already there, but left behind the Lain-inspired aesthetics and mystery for a shounen action oriented game which wasn't bad but different.

Then Bandai Namco took it out back and put 13 rounds in its head and worshipped Sword Art Online for a decade, while at least allowing //G.U. to get a really good remaster, but left //IMOQ to rot.