Xenosaga

by Namco

Product Features

• The Federation seeks to expand humanity's reach in the universe, but the brutal race called the Gnosis stands in their way. This hostile life form must be dealt with -- by force if necessary
• Enter an epic storyline with captivating visuals and beautiful, interactive environments
• Breathtaking visuals will captivate players as the spell system and attacks practically jump off the screen
• Take a break from the action by playing 4 exciting mini-games
• In-game database helps players track their game information

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005BW7Q
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: February 25, 2003
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (241 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,210 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #21 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Action
  • #50 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > All Games
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com

The ambitiously named Xenosaga: Episode 1--Der Wille zer Macht is an epic-sized space opera that opens in the outer reaches of the galaxy. The story follows several space-dwelling citizens as they aim to unlock the secrets of the universe. The specifics of those secrets presumably will be revealed over subsequent editions of the Xenosaga series (after all, this is only Episode 1)--but a vital clue is held in the elusive Zohar, a mysterious artifact that is aggressively sought by evil aliens. Without spoiling the plot's surprising twists, let's just say the game's German subtitle "Der Wille zur Macht" (translated as "The Will to Power") is a less-than-subtle ode to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who is considered as one of the precursors of existentialism.

Like many conventional RPG titles, Xenosaga's gameplay balances between exploration and battle modes. The game designers have thankfully spared players from any ill-conceived random battle sequences. Instead, you can concentrate directly on your quest without the repetitious enemy battles.

The designers also did a good job balancing a traditional RPG structure with complex themes. However, the game seems to go out of its way to casually integrate controversial (and frankly creepy) religious imagery into the context of the game. Some may find the game offensive and disturbing; others will likely find it intellectually stimulating.

Namco promises about 80 hours of gaming--but a good portion of that is non-interactive full-motion video. While the stretched-out cutscenes do add considerable depth to the characters, they're often poorly paced and too long--one takes an alarming 30 minutes to unfold! The addition of more background music might have helped to pick up the pacing, since the obligatory soundtrack is strangely absent at some critical plot points.

With impressive animation and unexpected plot points, Xenosaga: Episode 1--Der Wille zer Macht is easily one of the more enjoyable RPG titles to hit the PS2. While this isn't for the happy-go-lucky gaming crowd (see Kingdom Hearts), adult-minded gamers will likely be consumed by the darkness and devious delights offered within this twisted title. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Complex characters and story themes
• No random battle sequences
• Impressive 3-D animation

Cons:

• Long, long, looooooooong cut scenes

Product Description

Xenosaga takes you into the far future of the human race -- a time when humanity is desperately fighting for hope! An exciting new challenge for even the most experienced gamer!

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shaking, and re-shaping the RPG world, January 23, 2003

By 

Spooger - See all my reviews

This review is from: Xenosaga (Video Game)

Xenosaga ( the spiritual prequel to Xenogears, which was released by Squaresoft on the PSX ) is an RPG of epic preportions. Like Xenogears before it, Xenosaga comes ready to provide its gaming audience with an incredible storyline, great character development, and stellar graphics. The game is said to be a 50 hour endeavor, and is certain to keep you interested as you trek through its huge tale ( complete with the longest cutscenes ever to grace a game - many exceeding 45 minutes in length ). This game is definately the second coming of the RPG; not since FFX has the gaming community seen a game with such high production values. The game also includes english voices ( which up to this point seem quite good ).

As for the controvery concerning this games content, I will be glad to clarify. One scene ( that takes place fairly late in the game ) that involves the games villian and a main character has been altered to remove a suggested sexual relationship. Regardless of this one alteration ( which is being handeled by the game makers themselves ) the game retains its surprisingly over-the-top violence, language, and controversial religious themes. How namco was able to convince the ESRB to give this game a Teen rating is beyond me.

Have a question? email me. [e-mail].

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Watch out Final Fantasy....., April 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Xenosaga (Video Game)

I'm an avid FF fan, and tend to be pretty biased when it comes to RPG's. Xenosaga is the first RPG that I have ever found to be MORE exciting and intensive than the FF games. I couldn't put it down. I loved the battle system, even though it was complex, I felt I had control of leveling up my characters the way I see fit. The story line is amazing, even the long cut scenes are worth the watch, and I'd even play the game again to watch a few of them. The voice acting is great too, I'm usually not a voice over fan, but I felt the voices fit the characters perfectly! I beat the game in 60 hours, I obtained most of the items, though a few area's were left unplundered. I think my only beef is that the bosses weren't excessivly difficult to beat, but then again, I spend a lot of time boosting levels, so that could contribute to the ease I had beating the game. At any rate, I highly recommend this game to any serious RPGer. Even if you're not a "sci-fi" fan (which I'm not either), you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next one!!!!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The saga has begun, March 29, 2003

By 

vampireegg (New York,NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Xenosaga (Video Game)

Xenosaga is one of those rare great games that come out once in a blue moon. If you can handle the slow pace, you'll discover one of the best RPGs ever created.

The graphics in Xenosaga are top-notch. They're fully 3D and incredibly smooth. You'll be seeing a lot of cutscenes throughout the game, so it's a good thing the graphics are so good. Along with the graphics, cutscenes will also come with voice acting for the characters. Each has their own distinct voice that fits the character well, and none of them sound as bad and emotionless as Yuna from FFX.

The game itself of course tells a story, or rather, the beginning to a bigger story. The storyline in incredibly deep and complex. All the characters, even the sub-characters, have actual personalities. All their thoughts and feelings and actually believable.

The gameplay itself is very interesting. As you walk along the fields, you can destroy objects to reveal new paths or weaken onscreen enemies. And because you can actually see the enemy on the field before you engage in battle, there's a lot of strategy to be used outside of battle as well. You can sneak pass enemies to avoid battles you don't wish to fight. There's a lot to the battle system too. Unlike most RPGs where you can just hold onto the attack button for every fight, Xenosaga's battles requires much more strategy and thinking. Characters get 4 AP to spend each turn, and you have to decide how to wisely use it. For example, you can use all 4 AP to perform two attacks one turn, or use 2 AP to attack once, have 6 AP to work with next turn. For attacks with guns and cannons, you'll also have to watch your ammo count so you don't run out of attacks. And then, there's the AGWS. You can jump into one of these giant mechs, and there's a whole new fighting style to work with.

The graphics, story, and gameplay should already be enough to draw you in. And to keep you playing, there's also four great minigames, including a TCG-type card game (think Magic or Yugioh) and a 3D fighting game where you control the AGWS. Some even have two-player modes.

Overall, this is one great game you should get your hands on. Don't give up from the slow start, and you'll find yourself playing one of the best RPGs ever created.