I never got a chance to play xenogears, but since you say that gears is episode 5, then I guess I won't really have any trouble picking up saga's storyline.

I also heard that at the end of ep.1, there is no ending, it's kind of a "to be continued" sorta thing.

so I guess i'll get it after my next paycheck (it is 20 bucks after all, not like it's a big investment or anything)