Xenosaga
by Namco

List Price: $19.99
Category: Video Games
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Product Summary

• The Federation seeks to expand humanity's reach in the universe, but the brutal race called the Gnosis stands in their way. This hostile life form must be dealt with -- by force if necessary
• Enter an epic storyline with captivating visuals and beautiful, interactive environments
• Breathtaking visuals will captivate players as the spell system and attacks practically jump off the screen
• Take a break from the action by playing 4 exciting mini-games
• In-game database helps players track their game information

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Video Game Reviews of Xenosaga

Customer Review: A Good Start
Summary: 4 Stars

Description of Xenosaga

Like many conventional RPG titles, Xenosaga's gameplay balances between exploration and battle modes. The game designers have thankfully spared players from any ill-conceived random battle sequences. Instead, you can concentrate directly on your quest without the repetitious enemy battles.

The designers also did a good job balancing a traditional RPG structure with complex themes. However, the game seems to go out of its way to casually integrate controversial (and frankly creepy) religious imagery into the context of the game. Some may find the game offensive and disturbing; others will likely find it intellectually stimulating.

Namco promises about 80 hours of gaming--but a good portion of that is non-interactive full-motion video. While the stretched-out cutscenes do add considerable depth to the characters, they're often poorly paced and too long--one takes an alarming 30 minutes to unfold! The addition of more background music might have helped to pick up the pacing, since the obligatory soundtrack is strangely absent at some critical plot points.

With impressive animation and unexpected plot points, Xenosaga: Episode 1--Der Wille zer Macht is easily one of the more enjoyable RPG titles to hit the PS2. While this isn't for the happy-go-lucky gaming crowd (see Kingdom Hearts), adult-minded gamers will likely be consumed by the darkness and devious delights offered within this twisted title. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Complex characters and story themes
• No random battle sequences
• Impressive 3-D animation

• Long, long, looooooooong cut scenes

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