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Xenosaga

Xenosaga

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From: Namco
Category: Video Games

List Price: $19.99
Buy Used: $4.70
You Save: $15.29 (76%)

Qty 1 In Stock


New (26) Used (25) Collectible (2) from $4.70

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 232 reviews
Sales Rank: 2645

Platform: Playstation2
Genre: Role Playing Games
ESRB: Teen
Media: Video Game
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: No
Age: 12 - 20 years
Operating System: Playstation 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6

MPN: 02136
Model: 722674021364
UPC: 722674021364
EAN: 0457049003774
ASIN: B00005BW7Q

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: no menu booklet no scratch

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

Accessories:

   PlayStation: The Official Magazine (1-year)
   Electronic Gaming Monthly
   Play
   Tips & Tricks Magazine

Similar Items:

   Xenosaga Episode II
   Xenosaga Episode III
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   Final Fantasy X
   Final Fantasy X-2

Editorial Reviews:

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!

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



Customer Reviews:   Read 227 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Kinda like a movie   October 11, 2008
Micah Spencer (California)
hmm.
this i a great game, But it takes patience getting into.
the cinematics in this game are a big part of what makes it so enjoyable.
I'd say, at times it's kinda like playing thorought a movie. the battle system in the game is quite good, and it's rather inovative as well.
Overall, the game was heavily story based and less game-play oriented.
there is hardly a wrong way to do anything in the game, it's very straightforward.

So, if you are looking for a really good story to play through, pick this game up, it's great. =]



4 out of 5 stars Alot going on   September 7, 2008
Greg Nicole Gibson (Edgeley, ND)
It's tough to keep in mind that this is the first part in a series. With that said, I think there might be too much going on. It can be difficult to keep up with the story line. In addition to that it can seem like it is dragging on. However, the game play is pretty cool, I do like how the battle system is set up. Over all I am pretty anxious to see this thing through to the end.


5 out of 5 stars Xenosaga I   July 5, 2008
Mark Anthony (CT)
A new series to me, plays well, lots of movie sequences, interesting story line so far.


5 out of 5 stars Great game   June 29, 2008
W. Pakula (louisiana,usa)
This is a great game and the service was very quick.The write up amazon provided is exactly what my brother told me about the game before I bought it.He has been playing this game since it came out. I am very happy with my purchase. Thanks again Amazon


5 out of 5 stars Tired of Final Fantasy? This is your game!   February 3, 2008
J. Cummings (San Antonio TX)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Having exhausted myself of Final Fantasy (from the PS1 all the way through the PSX) I decided to walk on the wild side and try this game.

Boy was I pleasently surprised!

If you happened to play Xenogears for the PS1, this game is loosely based on events that occured in that game.

One thing this game has going for it is a story. Many reviews peg the game time at 80 hours but don't worry: A great portion of this is made up of those cinematic events!

I've only completed the first 2 portions of the game but I am well impressed enough to provide ratings for this game:

Graphics: 9/10
The cinema events in this game will simply blow you away. Keep in mind if you've seen the XBox 360 or PS3, you can't compare the graphics of the 2 systems (duh!). But compare this game to other PS2 releases and I assure you the graphics hold up just fine to any other PS2 game, and in many cases far exceed them. In battles, the special effects are impressive, from Shion's Ray attack to KOS-MOS R-Blade. Tecmo defintely had a winner with the graphics from this game.

Sound: 9/10
The music often fits the mood of the situation perfectly. I was definitely on the edge of my seat in the level where you are trying to evade the Gnomis without getting touched! Now, my ONE gripe with this so far is the music doesn't change for bosses as it does with other RPG's. This is slightly annoying but a minor complaint.

Sound effects are right in place and very good.

Presentation: 9/10
So far, the game directs you well in where to go, but allows a lot of freedom on how to get there. There are several paths, for example, you can take on the ship level to get around.

Add in the email system, the ether system and the ability to extract skills from different items you can equip and you've got a very deep experience here.

Lasting Appeal/Overall: 9.5/10
If you are tired of ordinary RPG's and want something different, Xenosaga Episode 1 is definitely for you. It can be had for around 10-15 bucks in most used game stores and is well worth the investment. You'll definitely spend a lot of time exploring the game dynamics, which are very much in-depth both in battles and in strategy.

This game does have some language (hence the "T" for teen) so if you happen to have a kiddie (8-12 or so) I'd be careful about this one.

But if you've got a teenager (or you're a kid at heart) who loves RPG's and strategy, this is the game for you!