Based on the first episode, I would say .hack//DUSK and .hack//SIGN mirror the Battle Athletes TV series and OAV respectively. The Battle Athletes OAV and .hack//SIGN are generally more serious, sometimes intense series, though with lighthearted parts and comedy here and there. Battle Athletes TV series and .hack//DUSK have a basic plotline that suggests seriousness, but most of the series probably isn't going to be very serious, more like comedy-focused in fact. Heck, both those even have superdeformed characters on a regular basis... Mmm, good comparison.
Anyway, that's basically what it will probably end up being. I'll watch it anyway, cause it is pretty funny, and funny is good.
