Kaffee
01-26-2005, 01:16 AM
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Namco Developer: Monolith Soft
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending Genre: RPG
by Jeremy Parish
01/25/2005
Although it doesn't yet have a definite release date (Namco says it will be out "late next month"), the English version of Xenosaga Episode II seems nearly ready to go. Subtitled "Jenseits von Gut und Böse" ("Beyond Good and Evil," though it shouldn't be mistaken for Ubisoft's adventure game of the same name), Episode II now features solid English-language voice acting, a polished script and, like the Japanese version of the game, appears to refine many of its predecessor's rough spots.
Most striking is the change in visual style -- gone are the doe-eyed china doll character models of Episode I, replaced with more mature-looking designs. Even younger characters like MOMO and Junior are taller, slimmer and less child-like. The world design also seems much more interesting this time around, with rainy cityscapes and creative architecture replacing the oppresively modular spaceship interiors of the original.
The visual overhaul is only one aspect of Monolith's larger commitment to making Episode II a faster-paced and more engrossing game than its predecessor. The developer's efforts are also evident in the refined cinema sequences; gone are the static, tedious conversations of Episode I, replaced with more exciting event-driven cutscenes. Even sequences which consist of nothing but two or three characters chatting feel more engrossing now thanks to less "dead air" time in the dialogue as well as improved camera work and smarter editing. Ultimately, these elements promise to make Xenosaga Episode II feel less like an anime in the Evangelion school and more like a Hollywood blockbuster.
Of course, the game is the thing, and all the gameplay changes familiar to importers of the Japanese version are being carried over intact for American audiences. There's more differentiation between on-foot and AGWS-based mecha battles, and the battle system feels both speedier and more strategic (though it's still a three-character turn-based affair). Combatants can move about the battlefield for improved positioning, and enemies feature different damage zones which define their strengths and weaknesses. Once you learn a foe's unique zone weaknesses, you can exploit those vulnerabilities to activate "juggle" attacks which send the target high into the air, allowing characters to deal double damage.
Juggling foes is where the game's refined Boost meter truly shines. The party shares a common Boost meter which when full allows inactive characters to take an immediate turn. This means you can knock an enemy into the air by exploiting its damage zones and allow your entire party to take turns dealing double-power attacks while it's suspended. You can also use the Boost meter to enable multi-character combination moves: certain combatants will be able to team up to execute unique abilities. For instance, chaos and KOS-MOS can unite for a strange waltzing attack in which their leisurely dance moves dish out substantial pain to the bad guys.
Xenosaga fans will be happy to learn that the English version leaves intact the bumper crop of secrets and extras contained in the import version. Meeting specific gameplay conditions (including having a completed Episode I save file on your PS2 memory card) will unlock a number of bonuses, including sexy swimwear costumes for every character. The U.S. release also includes a trio of super-powered bosses never seen in previous versions of the game. Like the Weapons added for the American edition of Final Fantasy VII, these ultimate enemies are a threat even for absolutely maxed-out parties and should give players something extra to work toward after finishing the main quest. Absolute mastery of the combat system is vital for success against these monsters; each one requires a different tactical approach and poses a unique threat. For instance, one can only be battled with AGWS systems while another uses specifically-targeted attacks that must be evaded with the Move command (he also likes to abuse his own Boost meter to get lots of free consecutive attacks).
Namco also left with us a copy of the limited-edition disc to be handed out with Episode II preorders. It clocks in at nearly five hours running time, so obviously we haven't watched it all, but from what we've seen it appears to encapsulate all the major moments of the first chapter of Xenosaga without the burden of gameplay. The disc is a standard DVD rather than a PS2-specific disc, meaning you can finally enjoy Xenosaga from the comfort of your Xbox. Frothing localization zealots will be pleased to note that the disc offers language tracks in both English and Japanese flavors with optional subtitles -- a very nice touch for a free bonus. Although Episode II seems likely to appeal primarily to fans of the original, newcomers can look forward to catching up on the intricacies of the history of Earth's cosmic future with this primer disc.
Though still a bit vague, Xenosaga's release date is drawing near, and the game seems to be shaping up nicely for its U.S. debut. While you're waiting, why not spend a little time boning up on your Nietzsche and Old Testament history to help prepare yourself for the game's inevitably dense and twisting plot? Meanwhile, we'll let you know when Namco pins down a hard date.
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Namco Developer: Monolith Soft
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending Genre: RPG
by Jeremy Parish
01/25/2005
Although it doesn't yet have a definite release date (Namco says it will be out "late next month"), the English version of Xenosaga Episode II seems nearly ready to go. Subtitled "Jenseits von Gut und Böse" ("Beyond Good and Evil," though it shouldn't be mistaken for Ubisoft's adventure game of the same name), Episode II now features solid English-language voice acting, a polished script and, like the Japanese version of the game, appears to refine many of its predecessor's rough spots.
Most striking is the change in visual style -- gone are the doe-eyed china doll character models of Episode I, replaced with more mature-looking designs. Even younger characters like MOMO and Junior are taller, slimmer and less child-like. The world design also seems much more interesting this time around, with rainy cityscapes and creative architecture replacing the oppresively modular spaceship interiors of the original.
The visual overhaul is only one aspect of Monolith's larger commitment to making Episode II a faster-paced and more engrossing game than its predecessor. The developer's efforts are also evident in the refined cinema sequences; gone are the static, tedious conversations of Episode I, replaced with more exciting event-driven cutscenes. Even sequences which consist of nothing but two or three characters chatting feel more engrossing now thanks to less "dead air" time in the dialogue as well as improved camera work and smarter editing. Ultimately, these elements promise to make Xenosaga Episode II feel less like an anime in the Evangelion school and more like a Hollywood blockbuster.
Of course, the game is the thing, and all the gameplay changes familiar to importers of the Japanese version are being carried over intact for American audiences. There's more differentiation between on-foot and AGWS-based mecha battles, and the battle system feels both speedier and more strategic (though it's still a three-character turn-based affair). Combatants can move about the battlefield for improved positioning, and enemies feature different damage zones which define their strengths and weaknesses. Once you learn a foe's unique zone weaknesses, you can exploit those vulnerabilities to activate "juggle" attacks which send the target high into the air, allowing characters to deal double damage.
Juggling foes is where the game's refined Boost meter truly shines. The party shares a common Boost meter which when full allows inactive characters to take an immediate turn. This means you can knock an enemy into the air by exploiting its damage zones and allow your entire party to take turns dealing double-power attacks while it's suspended. You can also use the Boost meter to enable multi-character combination moves: certain combatants will be able to team up to execute unique abilities. For instance, chaos and KOS-MOS can unite for a strange waltzing attack in which their leisurely dance moves dish out substantial pain to the bad guys.
Xenosaga fans will be happy to learn that the English version leaves intact the bumper crop of secrets and extras contained in the import version. Meeting specific gameplay conditions (including having a completed Episode I save file on your PS2 memory card) will unlock a number of bonuses, including sexy swimwear costumes for every character. The U.S. release also includes a trio of super-powered bosses never seen in previous versions of the game. Like the Weapons added for the American edition of Final Fantasy VII, these ultimate enemies are a threat even for absolutely maxed-out parties and should give players something extra to work toward after finishing the main quest. Absolute mastery of the combat system is vital for success against these monsters; each one requires a different tactical approach and poses a unique threat. For instance, one can only be battled with AGWS systems while another uses specifically-targeted attacks that must be evaded with the Move command (he also likes to abuse his own Boost meter to get lots of free consecutive attacks).
Namco also left with us a copy of the limited-edition disc to be handed out with Episode II preorders. It clocks in at nearly five hours running time, so obviously we haven't watched it all, but from what we've seen it appears to encapsulate all the major moments of the first chapter of Xenosaga without the burden of gameplay. The disc is a standard DVD rather than a PS2-specific disc, meaning you can finally enjoy Xenosaga from the comfort of your Xbox. Frothing localization zealots will be pleased to note that the disc offers language tracks in both English and Japanese flavors with optional subtitles -- a very nice touch for a free bonus. Although Episode II seems likely to appeal primarily to fans of the original, newcomers can look forward to catching up on the intricacies of the history of Earth's cosmic future with this primer disc.
Though still a bit vague, Xenosaga's release date is drawing near, and the game seems to be shaping up nicely for its U.S. debut. While you're waiting, why not spend a little time boning up on your Nietzsche and Old Testament history to help prepare yourself for the game's inevitably dense and twisting plot? Meanwhile, we'll let you know when Namco pins down a hard date.