I've heard Xenosaga described as an interactive movie and I'd agree with that description. Yes, the cut scenes are longer than your average cut scenes, but they all have a point, and are very well done. The voice acting for the most part is top notch and the storyline is very entertaining, though some parts were hard to follow at first.

My only qualms were twofold. Firstly, not enough music. As the back cover says, the music is played by the London Symphony and I was very, very pleased with all that I heard. However, there are long stretches in the game with no music and it sort of killed the mood a bit for me. I really hope they add more music to Episode II.

My second problem is that some of the levels are SO vast that I got completely and utterly lost or had no idea how to navigate. When the game first started, I spent hours learning where all the doors led to. However, as you explore more and more, the locations become easier to follow and eventually, I admired the sheer ambition of the locations as much as I have for any game to date.

I'd recommend this game to anyone with a passion for a good story, for a good sci-fi adventure, or just a good gaming experience. It does take a little while to understand the whole battle system, with tech points, ether points, and skill points, but you soon get the hang of it and, at least for me anyway, become more and more addicted to the game.

Really, the choice is yours. I'd recommend maybe renting the game first and if you enjoy it, then pick up a copy.

Take care all.