Every once in a while, there is a game that comes along that is just a plain out masterpiece. In terms of RPG's, just leave it for Square to pull out another trick out of their hat-case in point, Xenogears. Deciding to stray away from the FF type of RPG, Square brings a game that combines probably the best story and character development with a little bit of the anime mecha genre thrown in to make their best RPG in my opinion.
Gameplay- This is not really an issue in RPG games, since most involve simple button presses in battle, field maps, etc. However, Xenogears allows you to interact somewhat with your backgrounds and some platforming elements present themselves by making the player jump or flip switches to progress in dungeons or to solve puzzles. Granted, its a bit shallow, but that's not what an RPG is about is it? Menus are pretty much the same as any other FF game, but the addition of Gears makes equipment and items much more complicated. Not only do you have to buy equipment for all of your characters, but for your gears as well, making money management essential, because enemies in the game never give a ton of gold after battles. Gear maintenance is necessary, as top of the line parts are required for maximum performance in battle- if you have sorry parts, you will get your ass kicked in the gear battles. The thing I liked the most was the battle system. You battle as either your characters, or if the monster/boss is huge, you will battle in your gears. The engine is still turn-based, but command input is different. You have a max of 7 AP to use per attack turn. Weak attack uses 1, medium 2, and fierce 3. Mixing the buttons in different combinations allow you to use special moves or have a higher hit rate. The system is somewhat like Legend of Legaia in terms of command input. You also have the added option of saving your AP and building up a reserve to use a combo, a string of random deathblows you select to your liking to inflict massive damage. Gear battles are similar, except gears have fuel instead of AP, and consumption is much higher. Gears also have their own specials, some use button input, some are like "magic" and use a fixed fuel amount. Managing fuel is crucial, your engine determines attack and fuel capacity, and if you run out, you are basically screwed. Other than that, its basic Final Fantasy mechanics.
GFX and Sound- Granted they are not on a FF scale, but they shine on their own different style. The game uses a 3-D view complete with a rotating camera, and the general look is somewhat of a mix between some polygons and anime. Some of the character movements are not too smooth, like jumping and they become pixelated when the camera zooms in close. However, the gear designs are spectacular. The animations are just smooth and watching a gear fight is a sight to behold. The model design is polygons, but the color and layering techniques make it a little less obvious. Backgrounds and colors are suited to their respective enviroments, and that's a plus. The music on this game is one of the best video game soundtracks to hear, just play and see for yourself. Somehow, the programmers managed to insert the right music at the right time and this adds even more to this great game.
Funfactor-The storyline and character development on this game is second to none, and its long and deep, not too long to get you disintrested but long enough to satsify your RPG appetite for a time. The story line is DEEP and there's no way I can explain it here without a FAQ. The first disc is a bit slow for the first half, but after that, it picks up and gets you hooked to the point where you don't want to drop the controller even for food, and that is always a plus in my book. For those of you who have watched Evangelion, this story and game are right up your alley. For those who like your RPG with a darker mood with more philosophy, symbolism, imagery, and character conflict than you can shake a stick at, BUY this game. Hell, even if you play RPG's, you had better play this.
Replay Value-Here is a game that will tax your mind to think about everything that happened in the story and piece it together. The first time through, you will not understand every little thing, and that's okay. Just put it down for a while and when you are in the RPG mood, play it through again. You will learn more stuff than last time. Overall, it is moderately low due to the longevity and the colossal storyline.
Overall-This may be my longest review next to Symphony of the Night. In a nutshell, this RPG offers it all to newbies and vets alike: story, characters, graphics, tons of customization, etc. I can also recommend this to mecha heads as well though they may not be able to appreciate it fully. In my opinon, I dare to say (though this may be blasmephy to almost all RPGer's out there) that this is the BEST RPG I have played to date. Yes, it is even better than any FF game out there, at least in my book. Some agree, while some may think I am insane, but everyone has their own opinion right? ^_~ Anyways, this is a masterpiece that must not be overlooked regardless of your taste in an RPG. Stand tall and shake the heavens, but watch out or you might get hooked.-Joel-
Score:10!!! This is my first ten ever, and it may be the only one. Rest assured that if you EVER see this score again, that any game with this rating is certified by me and is truly worth the money to seek out. You will not be dissappointed.
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