Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (Sony PlayStation 2, 2003)

Real mad at how bad FFX was when it arrived, I ended up going to look for something else. That's when I saw Xenosaga ep. 1. I tried it out and... I could not believe how absolutely amazing this title was, and still is. Over 7 hours of seamlessly-integrated FMV's take turns with the interactive events of this awesomely complex, uber-sophisticated storyline.

Set thousands of years into the future (following a modern-time movie intro), mankind has long since left the Earth and now travel the galaxy in spaceships both grand and sub-par. The technology is astounding and humanity lives side by side with advanced androids known as Realians, almost indistinct from humans in every aspect. Shion, the main protagonist, works for Vector Industries, a company responsible for the manufacture of new-age realians and other products. Having just completed her fully-functional model KOS-MOS, Shion is inquisitive as to why KOS-MOS's abilities far outweigh those of other Realians.
Unfortunately, the future holds more peril than is imaginable, as strange alien life-forms known only as the Gnosis repeatedly appear in space and on ships, posing as near-invincible threats to anyone or anything they encounter. It becomes apparent quite soon that KOS-MOS is the only being capable of destroying any Gnosis she meets, and somehow, through dangerous events that transpire along the way to safety, Shion and her newfound comrades understand that a strange and powerful artifact once possessed by Vector is in some way responsible for this danger.

As a loosely-based prequel to Xenogears, ep.1, along with the rest of the trilogy, have subtitles and traits based on the philosophies of Nietzche and his existentialist theories. Ep. 1 is the beginning of a futuristic storyline attempting to answer the eternal questions of who we are and why we're here - that said, ep.1 in particular has proven itself to be intellectually complex and controversial at the same time. The mix of tech-based terminology and philosophical musings are at times so fantastic and perplexing that the game actually offers a terminology manual for players to refer to throughout their playtime. This, of course, only seems to add to the excitement and need for involvement.

Not that ep.1 is in any way lacking in fun. Like with any other RPG, ep.1 features a level-up system, where strength and reward is gained through experience, the acquiring of special items, armors, and weapons, as well as several sub-menus for each character highlighting the gaining of custom abilities, moves, and defense systems. Several secret mini-bosses are hidden throughout the game, accessible only through the lead of certain party members. Of course, switching out between characters makes for a difference in interactivity with townspeople and enemies you encounter, adding to both variety and replay factor. "Summon creatures", that seem redundant in other games of the genre, are in ep.1 replaced with the appearance of AGWS units, gigantic mechanized machines which are both purchasable and useful in battle; they come with their own set of customizations and strengths. Split party quests also occur from time to time, which not only pose a great and fun challenge, but allow the player ample time to observe and level up all characters equally along the way.

Basically, ep.1 proved to me that my yen for RPG's was never getting stale; I simply needed something original and mentally challenging again, and I found it right here.

If you like role playing games with a lot of story you might like Xenosaga. There are many things to like about this game but do you like a game close to a movie experience? Xenosaga puts it's self into the genre of a sci-fi anime role playing game. The overall look of the game is similar to that of an anime. Graphically, the game is excellent the explosions, and animation on the special attacks that characters in the game perform. The controls and battle system, is similar to many typical role playing games. You earn experience and your characters get stronger in time with the exception that they can gain or trade spells, enhance the strength of their special attacks and or enhance thier stats. Equipping armor and weapons to each character is also an element not only to the characters but to an A.G.W.S. An A.G.W.S.(Anti-Gnosis Weapons System) is basically a mech: a giant armed robot. Typical of many games of this genre the combat is turn based. Xenosaga is eighty hours long and that will keep you occupied for awhile. I would advice the purchaser not to over level too much too early in the game. It would make you speed through the game. There are enough battles to keep all the characters leveled evenly as you go through the game. This brings me to the biggest an quite possible the best reason why I brought the game is the cinematics. There is a ton of cinematics in the game it breaks up the action all too often but it allows for character development and plot development. The voice acting is excellent as well with particular note to how well done they are performed on the character models themselves. You will be watching most of the game but it does not take away from the action too much. The story is very engrossing and you will be come attached to the characters when you start learning about their stories and how it has an overall affect on this futuristic plot. If you like role playing games with lots of story especially with movie like quality I would put this rating up to excellent. The soundtrack is orchestrated by the London Philharmonic orchestra. It really sets the mood for many of the settings taking place in the game. Remember this is the main reason why I would buy and put this game particularly for the story. I am not giving away any spoilers as far as the plot is concerned but this is a must for any fan of role playing games. Another thing to note this game has two sequels. So the story does not end with this game and there is alot more to come. I am happy with my purchase and I hope this review was helpful.

Not quite, I give my nod too Final Fantasy 10 but Xenosaga Ep. 1 is easily no. 2 on my list of greatest games of all time. If you are an RPG fan and have not played this game yet then stop reading this review and go play it now especially with Ep. 3 coming out soon. Xenosaga is a sci-fi RPG from it's opening moments which take place in the here and now too thousands of years into the future where you start playing you will be hooked. The graphics, sound, gameplay and story are all fantastic. Yes their are a ton of cut sceens and I know some people say you watch this game more than you play it but that is not true. The gameplay is awsome, it is turn based but you have a boost ability that you can use too steal turns from the enemy and every one in your party is so unique with attacks and special moves and abillities all their own, you can even stock attacks too unleash more powerful and more spectacular ones, unfortunatley the team behind xenosaga disregrded the old phrase if it's not broke then don't fix it for ep.2 as they broke it, I don't recommend playing the 2nd game and I only hope that they will go back too what made the first game so wonderful for ep. 3. Awsome Story, Awsome characters including Kos-Mos and a wicked cool villian named Albedo that could give any final fantasy characters a run for their money and hours of gameplay, Xenosaga Ep. 1 could posibly be the best game of all time, PLAY IT!

This is one of my all time favorite RPGs. The graphics are stunning, and the storyline and characters excellent. Game play is smooth and battle system excellent. The mini game in this installment is totally addictive...to the point that I re-purchased this title just to play it again. The only negatives I can say about this game is that random encounters get to be very annoying, because they are so close together. When you are trying to make headway through a dungeon and have to stop every 4-5 steps to do battle, well...it gets annoying. Also, the battle music gets just as annoying after getting about halfway through the game. Neither of these are annoying enough for me to give this game any less than a 5 rating. The side quests and secret items are fun to work for. The final battle can be a bit difficult if you do not have the main character's special weapon, but it is not unbeatable without it. I know you'll enjoy this one!

The games in the Xenosaga series are great RPGs, whether you are new to the genre or are an old school fanatic. The turn based battle system while being familiar enough, has elements of an action RPG and at times can be reminiscent of the button combos of a fighting game. It has the in depth story line that hardcore gamers have come to expect from an RPG but seems significantly faster paced than many other turn based games. The great thing about this game is that the controls and battle system are fairly easy to get accustomed to making it easier for newcomers to the genre to become more quickly immersed in the game. The Xenosaga series is destined to be, if not already considered a must play classic. Definitely worth checking out!