It is my firm belief that more people should play Xenogears...

[DocFrance]

... because it is quite possibly the best Square RPG ever, if not the best video game ever. And because not a whole lot of people have played it.

Please discuss.

[Del Murder]

It's good, but it really dropped the ball at the end with too much story and not enough playing. It's like they couldn't come up with any more levels so they just decided to rush it with people in a chair breezing over events. Still, one of the best stories for a game.

I also didn't like the fact that gears didn't gain levels. I liked fighting as the characters more and I feel there wasn't enough of that.

This is not Square's best RPG (FFVI) but people should still play it because it is good and I agree that not enough people have. Hell, I hadn't until about a year ago.

[Aphelion]

Xenogears is really good, I finished it two months ago and I must say that the storyline really rocks.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
The relationship between Id and Fei is very good, when I see Id I get scared...
END OF SPOILER CONTINUE READING
Xenogears deserves more than 2 CDs. Square, please make a remake to PS2.

[Flying Mullet]

Yes, three CD's would have been good, then the last part where Fei just sits in a chair could have been regular, interactive play.

[ZellMog]

I umm... Well it's not like I dislike Xenogears. In fact, I've given it somewhere around 5 chances. It's just that after approximately 2-4 hours of playing, I always get extremely bored and I stop. Rinse and repeat over the past several years (I bought it the same day I bought FFIX. Which I bought the week it came out.)

I think I'm currently underground. I just met whatshisface... Bart? :mog:

[DocFrance]

Keep going just a bit further and you'll fall in love with it.

[TheAbominatrix]

Xenogears is story-packed, and that can be a problem. I enjoyed it my first time around and was absolutely hooked, the second time playing was far more tedious. It's a good game, I liked pretty much everything about it, up to the second disc. That got pretty annoying.

[Zifnab]

It's got the deepest and most complex story in any RPG by far. As one who plays RPGs for story, that's why I love it. I've played through it twice, and learned new things each time.

It's good, but it really dropped the ball at the end with too much story and not enough playing. It's like they couldn't come up with any more levels so they just decided to rush it with people in a chair breezing over events.
The levels were there, Square just ran out of patience/money and rushed to finish it. A proper Disk 2 would be very nice to see.

[DocFrance]

Yeah, I did feel rather cheated by the second disc. It was a great game, nonetheless.

Also, it's one of those games that you sort of have to play twice to really get it - sort of like "Memento" or "The Usual Suspects." I never realized until I replayed the first ~30 minutes that Grahf was there at Lahan, or that the creepy kid that Fei sees laughing at him was Id.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

Rico Banderas. :aimsun:

[The Captain]

Xenogears is the only game that I actually keep files saved in specific places, so I can go back and play them again.

I agree that the second disc was rushed, but the first disc had more wonderful plot lines and twists than any other combination of games. It touched on so many different things: power of religion, of one's self, ability to create, destroy, creationism, corruption, friendship, love, hate.

The only downside in the actual game was the terrible voiceovers that you got, not during Anime or fight sequences, but at various times in the game, you'd hear sudden words, and it just sounded terribly garbled. I recall Bart says "Jerk" at some point, and if you've heard it, I think you'll agree.

Still, if you ever want an experience, not just a game, but an entire gaming experience, find a copy and play it with an open mind. You'll find yourself in strange new places.

Take care all.

[darkchrono]

hmmm, I for one actually really liked the way the second disc was put together.

It was a nice change of pace from the first cd in my opinion.

I am one also who would prefer to just go through the story than to fight monsters. And the second cd gave you an opportunity to really find out alot about the plot without having to worry about rather or not your characters were strong enough to defeat the next boss coming up.

Also, at the same time. Xenogears was an extremely long game. And think just how much longer it would have been if the second cd was put together in the same way the first was. It probably would have added about another 20-30 hours to the game.

It took me around 90 hours to beat the game anyway the first time I played it. And if the second cd wasn't the way it was it would have been even longer.

I'm sorry, but a 110-120 hour long video game is just too long no matter how good it might be. 90 hours is really to long in itself. And by the time the 90th hour came along I was really ready for it to end even though I thought it was a really great game.

So i am glad the second cd was made the way it was.

[Zifnab]

I'm sorry, but a 110-120 hour long video game is just too long no matter how good it might be. 90 hours is really to long in itself. And by the time the 90th hour came along I was really ready for it to end even though I thought it was a really great game.
I remember a thread at another forum where the majority of people would've liked it to have been a 300 hour game.

I agree that story instead of monsters is nice, but I find the dungeons can build up situations nicely, leading towards the story and rewarding you for beating them as such.

It would've been nice if they had included more of the stuff that was in Perfect Works. I mean, Ezekiel being called 'Fishbowl Thing' is pretty bad no matter how you look at it.

[The Captain]

90 hours?! 110 hours?! My goodness, how did you get that much time? I beat the game in only 60 hours, and I leveled up until everyone was at 82 or higher.

To each their own, but wow, that shocked me.

Take care all.

[darkchrono]

yeah, I just didn't want to rush through all the dialougue though. I liked to take my time reading the conversations so I could be sure to understand all the plot.

I am just guessing but I would assume that the majority of people who finished rather quickly kind of rushed through alot of the dialougue in the game.

[bEoWuLfX]

Beat the game for the 5th time 4 months ago(completed all the side quests including getting all the things at the battle arena). This is one of the first RPG's I got and I'm proud to say it. I liked everything about the game except for learning deathblows and the sprites. Xenogears doesn't have sprites those are pixelated freaks that nearly killed my vision.

I agree with those who say that disc 2 sucked. After Disc one, I was like yay on to the next disc and I thought I would get maybe another 40 hrs of play, but I beat the rest of the game within 8hrs. What happened in Disc 2? I didn't even get to use my ydrasgle(sp) until at the very end I would rather have had the oppurtunity to explore the world instead being thrown into dungeon after dungeon.

Gears were cool, but c'mon to get to atk lvl infinity you'd have to build up forever. Also I didn't like the world map music, but that's okay.

If you play games for their story and can adjust you're vision to those pixel people then you would definetly like this game.

[DocFrance]

ydrasgle(sp)
I'd like to point out that this is the best mis-spelling of 'Yggdrasil' I've ever seen. Congratulations, have a cookie.

[bEoWuLfX]

Thanks for the cookie... and so this doesn't seem like spam the ydrasgle is a reference to the tree of life in Norse mythology. ;)

[DocFrance]

Yeah, Yggdrasil was something like the tree of life for the Norse...

[CloudDragon]

Xenogears definitely tops the list of my favorite RPGs of all time. With the deep storyline, innovative battle system, and for being a pretty much all around challenging game, Xenogears contains the great qualities that I like in an RPG. I didn't have much of a problem with the 2nd disc because it gave the game a bit more unique feel. I agree it would have been better if it was more complete, but it wasn't possible at the time for the developers to do so with their budget and time. The game barely made it over to North America because of its strong religious themes, and various other elements.

[The Captain]

Hopefully, though it keeps being denied, Xenosaga WILL tell the full Xeno story, including what Xenogears couldn't completely finish or fit in.

Take care all.

[DocFrance]

Xenogears is really Xenosaga Episode V, correct?

I haven't played XS I yet...

[The Captain]

Supposedly, but the creators of Xenosaga still seem to be denying it. I don't buy that though. Episode V should be what Xenogears was, more or less.

Take care all.

[DocFrance]

They're probably denying because Square still holds the copyrights to Xenogears, and Monolith wants to avoid any legal issues. It really is a pity that Square screwed them (and by proxy, us) out of a proper prequel.

[Doomgaze]

Xenogears is really Xenosaga Episode V, correct?

I haven't played XS I yet...

For the last time, NO.

(XG spoilers throughout)


Xenosaga was inspired by, and bears quite a few similarities to, Xenogears Episode I. However, Xenosaga makes no mention of Deus, and he was the ENTIRE point of XG Episode I.

Xenogears Episodes:
I: Construction of Deus, Crash of the Eldridge.
This is the only Episode to take place off of Xenogears' world. There is exactly ONE human survivor of this crash - Abel.

II: Cain, Abel, and the Gazel Ministry
Episode II is about Abel's life on the new world, and the new humans created by the Mother. It's fairly uneventful. It most certainly does NOT involve Shion and the characters of Xenosaga.

III: The Zeboim Era - Kim
IV: The Solaris Land War - Lacan
V: Xenogears - Fei
VI: Bart/Sigurd Yaoi Fest


EDIT: It's possible, though, that the entirety of Xenosaga will correspond to XG Episode I.

[DocFrance]

Why couldn't Episode IV be the crash of the Eldridge? I thought that the 10,000 years leading up to Xenogears had already been pretty much spoken for.

[Doomgaze]

Because Episode IV WAS the Solaris Land War, Perfect Works has a timeline on this, describing each Episode.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Just beat the game today, probably one of the best storylines I have EVEr seen, though the second CD bothered me more than a little. I'd like to see it turned into a full-length anime series, THAT would be cool.

[Laguna]

Pity it never got a UK release.

[The Captain]

Try Ebay perhaps.

Take care all.

[Laguna]

still, you'd need an NTSC ps one as well. This looks more pricey by the minute.....hence the lack of players.

[-N-]

Xenogears does have one of the most intricate storylines ever, but the second disk is ridiculously crappy. Video games are an entirely different medium of storytelling, an interactive one, and that is not what the second disk of Xenogears is.

So let me recap: Second disk of Xenogears sucks balls. Which brings down the game overall. Which doesn't make it one of the best games ever. But still one of the better storylines I've seen.

I personally don't give a damn about the Xenosaga storyline from what I've played and seen so far. The Xenogears line is far more interesting. However, I don't think it is necessary to create prequels or sequels in the form of a video game to Xenogears, because I believe the game does well to speak of past events on its own. Although it could do a lot better, that is for sure.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

The Xenosaga storyline interests me, but I want gears. Badly. A.G.W.S. just don't cut it for me. Anyways, Xenogears is a great game, but I think there should have been more on-foot fighting in it. The focus on gear use got kinda annoying when you didn't have enough money for full upgrades.

[System Id]

I completely agree (as my screenname might suggest I would); every RPG fan should give Xenogears a try. It has the most complex and amazing story I have ever seen in a video game, even though the second disc felt rushed. Playing it was like reading a really good - and interactive - book that you just can't put down.

To people who have not bought it: BUY IT NOW.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

And the puzzle that can't be solved by any normal human being, as evidenced by that accursed water level puzzle in the last Anima Relic dungeon.

[CloudDragon]

Xenogears does have one of the most intricate storylines ever, but the second disk is ridiculously crappy. Video games are an entirely different medium of storytelling, an interactive one, and that is not what the second disk of Xenogears is.

So let me recap: Second disk of Xenogears sucks balls. Which brings down the game overall. Which doesn't make it one of the best games ever. But still one of the better storylines I've seen.

I personally don't give a damn about the Xenosaga storyline from what I've played and seen so far. The Xenogears line is far more interesting. However, I don't think it is necessary to create prequels or sequels in the form of a video game to Xenogears, because I believe the game does well to speak of past events on its own. Although it could do a lot better, that is for sure.

You have to take into consideration that the second disk was the way it was because of budget cuts and what I mentioned in my first post. I would say that even though a lot of things seemed unclear and difficult to understand the first play through of the second disk, as you play it a third and fourth time, things start to become more clear and you'll start appreciating the second disk for all that it could be.

[The Captain]

I really hope that if Xenosaga does indeed attempt to flesh out the entire story, that they'll be able to completely tell what Xenogears started and then some.

Take care all.

[aeris2001x2]

this just isnt fair. i hear such good things about xenogears, chrono trigger, chronocross, terraenigma, final fantasy tactics etc and does any of this get a uk release??? and yet i suffer crap like the bouncer, vagrant story and kingdom hearts.

meh ignore me, i,m delirious from uni work.(dont forget to shout, "dont worry, we will")

[Doomgaze]

Actually, Terranigma saw Japanese and PAL releases, but didn't make it to the US.

[-N-]

You have to take into consideration that the second disk was the way it was because of budget cuts and what I mentioned in my first post. I would say that even though a lot of things seemed unclear and difficult to understand the first play through of the second disk, as you play it a third and fourth time, things start to become more clear and you'll start appreciating the second disk for all that it could be.

Hey, I'm not gonna blame the production staff for the subparness of the second disk - I'm all too aware they were undermined by the FFVIII project, which was supposed to be more of a moneymaker (And... it was. :() . However, the second disk is what it is, regardless of whether there were budget cuts or not. It's pretty clear what is going on in the second disk (either that, or I've played it too many times) - the only real problem is the lack of user interaction. Which is what video games are all about. So I repeat, the second disk is what it is, regardless of the reasons that made it so. I mean, the average end user isn't going to care why s/he is pressing X for 30 minutes reading through text. S/he could simply read Xenogears: The Book. (That might be interesting...)


this just isnt fair. i hear such good things about xenogears, chrono trigger, chronocross, terraenigma, final fantasy tactics etc and does any of this get a uk release??? and yet i suffer crap like the bouncer, vagrant story and kingdom hearts.

You know how you can talk to people in the States and Japan through the Internet? You can buy from them too. ;) Usually cheaper, may I add, because they'll be selling their copies used and stuff. Or in Chrono Trigger's case, you can get a ROM and a corresponding emu from the internet.

[Trumpet Thief]

Xenogears was definently one of the best Video Games I had ever played, and is only behind Super Mario RPG.

The characters, like Fei were very detailed, and had different backrounds, that made you interested.

The game was so action packed and suspensful, it wasn't even funny. (i.e. The ending of disc one)

Graphic wise I say it's an okay game, but graphics aren't always everything.

A LOT more peopleshould play it. Play it even more than they play Final Fantasy. This is probably the best damn RPG ever!

[SomethingBig]

I... I can't believe I'm the only one that thought that Xenogears was only decent... I started playing and thought, "Wow, this is an amazing game. It's greatness rivals the greatness of FFVII." After a while, I got kinda bored of it, but I kept my hopes up and kept thinking that a climax would pop out of nowhere. Hours later, I realized that I was deceived, took the disc out of the PS2, popped it back into the case, then left it on the counter to collect dust.

Sorry, guys, but it was too repetitive. I couldn't hold on any longer and the music certainly didn't help. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that game was a waste of $15.99.

[kikimm]

it does look like a very good game, `cause i'm definitley a person who goes for the STORY in rpgs, and lengthy cutscenes wouldn't bother me one bit. i think that's cool. the only reason i haven't bouht it yet is because i haven't seen it anywhere, and my experiences with ordering things online haven't been good, so i don't want to do that. i might have to though, if things don't look up soon. I've heard so many good things aboutt he game, i don't want to miss out. and i want to play xenosaga. ;)


:D

[UltimateSpamGrover]

Lufia was, is, and always will be better than Xenogears

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Lufia was, is, and always will be better than Xenogears

Because killing the Sinistrals over and over and over and over again isn't tedious.

As far as Xenogears being only decent, I can't see what you didn't like about it. The story was excellent, the gameplay was really good, and who doesn't love large fighting robots? The depth of the game was amazing, I like how Fei is A Freudian complex and how intricately woven the plot is overall.

[UltimateSpamGrover]

I never said I didnt like Xenogears, I said Lufia was far better than it

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

I know. I've played Lufia, I honestly don't think it compares, not to say that it isn't a good game, of course, just not better than Xenogears in my opinion.

[SomethingBig]

Yeah, the Lufias almost literally pale in comparison to Xenogears.

[CloudDragon]

Yeah, the Lufias almost literally pale in comparison to Xenogears.

Just wondering, where in the game did you get to when you put it down to "collect dust" in its case?

[DMKA]

I'm REALLY wondering that as well because damn, Xenogears kicked ass. It was the first RPG after FFVII that made me say "uhhh...do I have a new favorite RPG? No, of course not! Or maybe I do! Yeah I do! NO! YES! NO! ARRRRG!!!!".

Although I still hold FFVII above it, I think its right behind...its just an amazing game. The only mecha-related game/anime I actually like, and damn, I love it. I paid $45 for it when it was new and I don't feel like I paid enough for it honestly. Its just a damn good game that provides you with many hours of play, very emotional moments, superb plot twist, things you'd least expect, and unlike alot of games, its philisophical and religous references really make you think...if you're a half way mature person anyway. It was the first videogame that actually made me think about things in such a sense. And thats just awesome...I can honestly say it almost changed my life at certain parts in the story.

Anyway, yeah, theres a greatest hits version availible now, so its not extremely rare anymore (like it used to be prior), and its super cheap, so I say go to your nearest place that sells games and grab it.

[GhandiOwnsYou]

I gotta slide in to say to the one guy, who put it down? I completely understand. There was a point, where i believe i was very ready to kill the makers of the game. the twenty lovely hours of stupid random crap in the desert? that deserves some kind of nuclear explosion. but play through it. for god sakes...please play through it. on the other side is more the a silver lining. it's like a platinum lining filled with jewels and diamonds and chocolate. really, play it. this is that game i keep forgetting I played and then going "HOLY CRAP THAT WAS MAGNIFICENT!!!!" and i think i am one of the few who enjoyed the second disk. I loved teh game to PIECES but it was getting long and tedious, and losing effect. You can only steamroll the audience for so long before those fantastic twists and explosions go routine, and i think the second disk wrapped up nicely. Even then it seemed a bit long. I mean, the best things in life get nasty if they are too lengthy....like this post..so yeah.