Parasite Eve II

by Square Enix

Product Details

• ASIN: B00004W4QJ
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,351 in Video Games (See Bestsellers in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
Three years ago, gamers were introduced to Aya as she resigned from the New York Police Department and enlisted as a NMC (neo-mitochondrion creature) hunter for the shadowy government organization M.I.S.T., a secret agency of monster slayers somewhere between Ghostbusters and Men in Black. Wherever there was a neo-mitochondrion outbreak, Aya and her team were on the scene to put the boots to the mutants. From the outset, it's evident that SquareSoft revamped the entire game to give gamers a better looking, sounding, and (most importantly) playing experience.

The game starts with Aya training in the agency's shooting gallery in Los Angeles. Just as she begins to get in a groove, she is asked to look into some strange happenings at the Akropolis Tower. When she arrives on the scene, an explosive, full-motion video flashes across the screen and showcases the death and carnage as Aya surveys the scene. Her entry into the Tower is where this RPG begins.

SquareSoft has kept some of the excellent elements of the weapons systems from the first Parasite Eve title, but went for an entirely new battle system. Combat is delivered in real time and allows players to run, hide, and open fire. Aya can tap into her parasitic powers and can unleash elemental, magic-based attacks on the many foes she encounters. Ammunition is plentiful in the game and there are plenty of entertaining weapons to choose from. Auto targeting and involving puzzles are back, though the arrow-pointing interface for solving these puzzles is really hard to operate.

The cinematic mix of story and action is very well done, and the numerous cutscenes do an excellent job of moving the pace along in a believable way.

Even though the original Parasite Eve had its problems, SquareSoft has pieced together an excellent sequel that will satisfy fans of the first game and help create many new ones. --Todd Mowatt

Pros:

• New, real-time battle system is an improvement over first Parasite Eve
• Great weapons and plentiful ammunition
• Great mix of story and action

Cons:

• Clunky interface for solving puzzles

Product Description
Three years ago, gamers were introduced to Aya as she resigned from the New York Police Department and enlisted as a NMC (neo-mitochondrion creature) hunter for the shadowy government organization M.I.S.T., a secret agency of monster slayers somewhere between Ghostbusters and Men in Black. Wherever there was a neo-mitochondrion outbreak, Aya and her team were on the scene to put the boots to the mutants. From the outset, it's evident that SquareSoft revamped the entire game to give gamers a better looking, sounding, and (most importantly) playing experience.

The game starts with Aya training in the agency's shooting gallery in Los Angeles. Just as she begins to get in a groove, she is asked to look into some strange happenings at the Akropolis Tower. When she arrives on the scene, an explosive, full-motion video flashes across the screen and showcases the death and carnage as Aya surveys the scene. Her entry into the Tower is where this RPG begins.

SquareSoft has kept some of the excellent elements of the weapons systems from the first Parasite Eve title, but went for an entirely new battle system. Combat is delivered in real time and allows players to run, hide, and open fire. Aya can tap into her parasitic powers and can unleash elemental, magic-based attacks on the many foes she encounters. Ammunition is plentiful in the game and there are plenty of entertaining weapons to choose from. Auto targeting and involving puzzles are back, though the arrow-pointing interface for solving these puzzles is really hard to operate.

The cinematic mix of story and action is very well done, and the numerous cutscenes do an excellent job of moving the pace along in a believable way.

Even though the original Parasite Eve had its problems, SquareSoft has pieced together an excellent sequel that will satisfy fans of the first game and he

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY a decent battle system, October 4, 2000

By	Brian Mckay (Pacifica, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I loved the first game. Great premise and nifty graphics made for an enjoyable gameplay environment (remember the "Museum of Natural History" level? classic!) However, the one thing I couldn't stand was the battle system. "Shoot at monsters, run around trying to dodge them while your attack bar recharges, shoot again, etc." It was a bit frustrating and really slowed down the pace of the game.

Well, gamers rejoice, because the new battle system is REAL TIME. you use the target button to cycle through the enemies, fire, run, and dodge in real time. The only time the game pauses is when you choose a parasite spell to cast or access an item in your inventory. The first level is too easy, but it gets progressively tougher as it goes along. The weapons and armor don't seem to have as many customizable attributes as in the first game, and the Liberate and Pre-raise spells are gone *sniff*. However, the new combat system and graphics are well worth the trade off. It is rather a Resident Evil clone in several ways, most notably character navigation and camera angles. I'll be the first to admit that the whole RE-static background style of gaming is getting stale. However, the puzzles are much more sensible and the levels more intriguing. Bottom line, This game is a keeper.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Involving and Gripping, April 4, 2001

By	A. Griffiths "Adrian" (London) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I played this before Parasite Eve 1, and was a little lost as regards the background story, but its one of my favourite games. Firstly the story is absorbing and exciting (always important). I liked all the characters, especially Aya, and followed the plot with without getting lost nearly all the time! Secondly, the graphics are superb. Pre-rendered backgrounds ( yes, they are in the style of Resident Evil) look incredible, and the monsters are among the creepiest since Silent Hill. The characters all look and move realistically, even the pet dog Flint! Plus of course, the battle system, which in my opinion is outstanding. In this game, you face the enemy in real time, and you have to run around avoiding attacks, whilst trying to attack and heal yourself at the same time, or try and stay safe for the few vital seconds it takes to cast a powerful magic spell. In my opinion, this form of combat is far preferable to the static, turn-based encounters of traditional RPGs, and much more exciting. These battles are not random, in fact you can choose whether or not to fight on a lot of occasions with the use of a handy scanner that warns of enemy infestated areas. Of course, you can't avoid the bosses, and these battles are suitably long and tough. I still remember the huge fat thing with a flame thrower in its mouth... Still, you might not want to avoid battles, as more fighting means more experience, and more power, which you will definitely need as things get incredibly tough in the final stages, leading up to a prolonged and a spectaular showdown.... it's true I may be biased, being more of a survival horror fan than RPG player, but this game really works. It beats so many other games out there easily, and in my mind is more satisfying than the first game, which had some serious control issues-at least Aya can actually run in this game! I have no complaints whatsoever...Oh all right, just one - How about some dialogue! I would love to have heard Aya speak, but not once, even in cut scenes! No matter, definitely worth buying

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big Improvement, November 7, 2005

By	Hellion Foxx "Foxx" (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Now I'll be honest, I got the second game because I'd seen my relatives play the first game but hadn't experienced it myself yet. When I started playing this game I was impressed, being a total lover of Resident Evil - I thought it was great in comparison and it still had its own storyline.

The game stands solid, the graphics are amazing for the system and I actually wouldn't mind seeing Aya in a remake at one point in time. It does however lack in brain power, most of it is full out combat. Which is good to me but it may disappoint others. I was disappointed in the ending too and according to my reading I got the good ending. It left me in mystery and as of yet there has been no rumor of a third game.

When I played the first game, I got easily bored with it. It was just repetitive and dull but I'll admit I simply just gave up on it early into the game and let my relative take over so I could see the ending. So I think that likers of the first game will be disappointed. This game is a faster-paced and more lively action then the first but haters of the first, like myself, I think will love it.