Yay, Another News Update!!!
NEWS UPDATE # 2
chaos: Well, we don't want this thread to die, plus, Xenosaga II is leaking out more information, so, let's get started!
About the Review
Recently, Zenosaga.com had written a review for Xenosaga Episode II. Is it that we were perhaps expecting too much? A statement by them will probably keep us dissapointed, saying "If you are expecting the mysteries of Episode I to be resolved, don’t keep your hopes up too high." Looks like we will probably stay confused until the newer Episodes come out. Also mentioned by them was that Xenosaga Episode II will create more mysteries of it's own. Well, our brains are going to ache now, that's for sure.
You think that's dissapointing. The final review score was a six. Surely it could've gained better. Here are more detailed scores for the game, according to Zenosaga.com
Story 4.5/10
Characters 6/10
Presentation 5/10
Gameplay 5.5/10
Cinematics 8/10
Graphics 8/10
Sound 4/10
I bet I know what you are thinking... How could've it possibly scored so low on the storyline factor. From what I've heard so far, Zenosaga.com could quite possibly be giving the opposite of what Xenosaga II actually is. The score might go up as more people experience playing the game.
Next thing that comes to mind in the review in the graphics, which have already been explained as "beautiful" and the character designs were great too. Shion's tranformation probably stunned me the most. And I'm truly happy she changed. Same with Rubedo and MOMO, now looking more older, and not like mere children. chaos still looks pretty much the same, but still really cool. Ziggy seems exactly the same to me. And KOSMOS changed drastically too. Now a more slender look, without the helmet. I'd say it looks good
Although, the development was a different story in Zenosaga's eyes. Apparently, Xenosaga "lacks any essential character development. If you were to compare the character development of Episode II to another game, then it would be comparable to the “Beach flashback” scene found in SquareEnix’s Final Fantasy VIII for the original PlayStation. With the exception to Rubedo, Nigredo, and Albedo, the characters of Episode II are very formulaic and static." Well then, at least we won't be dissapointed in the villan, Albedo. They had also complimented the side story of the three URTV's, saying that it was probably the greatest part of the game. Well, from what I've seen it probably is.
Gameplay was recieved quite a lot of criticism. It was said that it was even worse than Episode I's. And the battle system was "almost" as bad as the first ones. Xenosaga II apparently doesn't have too much freedom, and is more of a "go here, done, go there, done" type of game. No sidequests and stuff. Well, maybe there are. We'll have to figure that out for ourselves when we get the game though...
Sadly, when it comes to music, we cannot say too many good things. There are ups and downs to this. Although, I will put in my personal opinion for this one. Yuki is a great composer, although, Yasunori was the one suited for Xenosaga. I can never forget that evil tune for Albedo composed by him. Frightening music in the background, while an opera starts. Right when Albedo was about to torment MOMO. Getting rid of Yasunori was a big mistake.
"The music of Episode II can be summarized as a medley of upbeat, rock, techno and pop. You either absolutely love the individual scores, or you hated it. Unlike Episode I where Mitsuda composed the entire score by himself through many sleepless nights, Episode II’s score was compiled by two composers: Yuki Kajiura and Shinji Hosoe. Fans of Episode I complained about the lack of background music in the gameplay. Episode II delivers background music which was composed by Shinji Hosoe. The background music sounds like early 90’s techno music and is quite dull, repetitive and generic for the most part. There is nothing spectacular about the background music to comment on." According to this paragraph, Zenosaga agrees about the mistake of getting rid of Yasunori. Although music does play everywhere, the theme gets quite repetitive. Also, the upbeat style should have more of a mixture, with sadder and eviler tunes, etc. Although, in my opinion, the vocal scores have been quite impressive.
Well, that's the summary of the great review written by Zenosaga. Kudos to them!
Xenosaga II facts
Well, some of these might be dissapointing, but I have to state them otherwise.
First of all, Xenosaga Episode II will NOT have any final boss music, yet it will have an average battle theme, and a boss theme, according to TTT. Sad isn't it? I would've rather liked XSI's style, rather than this. Final boss music is important...
Next thing, which is a bit more cheery is that there will be more than 100 skills with whihc you can customize your characters, plus the battle system is said to be enhanced, meaning that you can pull off double attacks.
Also, Xenosaga II will have two discs, the first one being quite short, and the second one at a good length.
The next fact is a huge spoiler about who the final boss is, and some of the ending. If you really want to know, read the spoiler... (SPOILER)Technically, there are two final bosses, but the "final" one, shouldn't really count. I will explain why later. The Pope Ormus will be the second final boss, but, should be considered the final boss, as it is the actually true hard fight. Once he is defeated, Rubedo will come face to face with none other than Albedo. Some ending spoilers are ahead, so you should be warned. Rubedo will confront Albedo in a final fight. Most of the fight, Albedo will just be taunting Rubedo. Plus, his weakness is related to Rubedo's attacks. A very easy fight. Once you defeat him, he will cast eternal link on you, and your HP will be down to 1. At least he went out with a bang. Do not think this is the end of Albedo, cause that would be just horrible. Like Kevin and Virgil and Hunter, Albedo will become a testament. A white one to be exact. Now we're clear on who the real enemy is... Wilheim!
Screenshots
Yaep, you guessed it! Even more screenshots! Yay!
Double Team!
She looks... kinda creepy...
Speaking of me not loving MOMO...
Wow, a looking mech....
Wow, some more cool looking mechs...
Oh, my mistake, they are called AGWS...
We know you did it... don't try to lie...
Nope, I still don't love you MOMO...
Rubedo: That's all for now folks!
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