XENOSAGA: EPISODE I (Japanese Version) - FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I didn't quite know what to expect from this game, besides what I've read from the previews I didn't know much about the it. I stayed away from any storyline details as much as possible, and now I can finally play it.

Once you pop the disc into the PS2, simple Namco and Monolith logos come up.

The game itself starts off with a very well done CG movie showing some excavation sites from Kenya (year 20xx). The voice acting during the intro is English as most of you would know by now. Voice acting itself is very decent during the English scenes, while Japanese voices sound just fine to me, but in in no way in position to comment on whether it's any good from Japanese peoples' point of view since the only word I can say in Japanese is hello, and a couple of swear words, plus something I just say but don't know what it means. So as you can see my knowledge of Japanese isn't that good ...

As for the graphics, Episode I lived up to my expectations. You'll find a lot of little jagged edges which some of you hate so much, but besides that the graphics are amazing. CG movies aren't the best you will ever see (no FFX) but they're very good compared to some games and definitely nothing you should complain about. Cut-scenes can sometimes look so, so ... while other times they will look simply amazing (specially in dark environments!). The in game graphics can also vary but overall, they are very nice. The backgrounds are pre-rendered meaning you cannot rotate the camera like in Xenogears, which I find to be a GOOD thing, since I don't really like all the rotating cameras and changing camera angles (cough*getaway*cough*kingdom hearts*cough). Anyway back to the point. Graphically Episode I is in no way a disappointment ... just don't expect Metal Gear Solid 2 graphics and you won't be disappointed.

Having heard the entire Xenosaga soundtrack many times over could always say that it's amazing and very professional. Now seeing it in game, setting the mood and atmosphere shows what a genius Mitsuda is. Having composed the soundtrack this quality, and fitting it into the game so well, requires skill, and he sure has it. The music ranges from fast and happy; to slow, religious and emotional ones. It really helps set the atmosphere to the game and the story itself.

As for the gameplay, Xenosaga (so far) hasn't given me any hard time, neither did it make me turn the console of from boredom. Its rather fun to play. NO RANDOM BATTLES means that you can freely explore the environments (where no monsters or where you defeated them already) without running into countless monsters coming out of nowhere. I always hated random battles, so if you actually like them then chances are you will disagree with me. But back to the topic ... the actual battles are quite enjoyable, not being able to work out 100% how to do everything with the battles (since I don't know Japanese) I still find myself running into monsters just to level up, which I only did in Grandia 2 ... shows it can't be a bad battle system. I don't really want to comment too much on battles since I've been using the basic commands, and I'm sure there is more depth to the whole thing and leveling up, gaining experience etc, which I have no idea about at this time. All I can tell you is you have Long and Short range attacks, as well as Ether (same as magic). There is also few other commands which I don't know how to use yet. You can also save up points each round by not attacking or attacking once only, to execute better and more powerful moves (deathblows) in the upcoming turns. That's enough about the gameplay and battle system ...

Now for the important part ... story! Story is what I believe the main and the only part of the game that has to be more then decent to make a good RPG. My copy of Xenosaga is obviously Japanese, therefore I can understand a thing they say, but thanks to gamefaqs.com and whoever was bothered to re-write the entire script, translated into English; I was able to get the whole 200+ pages printed out and read the English script as I play the game (thanks to the PAUSE feature which lets you pause the game anytime ... CG, cut-scenes, or in game). Finally you no longer have to worry that when you pass your favorite RPG after long hours of play and finally beating the boss, someone might call you or rush into your room, and make you miss the entire ending ... thanks to the PAUSE!!!!!! But anyway ... you probably don't care about the PAUSE so I'll get back to the storyline. I still can understand EVERYTHING but the main cut-scenes are translated so I get a good idea of what's going on. From what I've understood so far, I can easily say that Xenosaga is a great story, with depth, and not just another save the world theme. The characters can sometime do some hilarious things too lighten up the storyline but in no way is it overdone. Story so far seems to be very emotional, and touching or meaningful if that's even a right word to describe it. Not very predictable. Xenosaga will surprise you, shock you, and make you sad. Characters have so much depth in them, you feel like you know them. You get to like them, and care for them. KOS-MOS, Shion, and Chaos are truly well developed characters. So far the story has been very enjoyable, and makes me want to play the game more and more, which is what I'm going to do right after I finish writing this impression!

Almost forgot. I've played about 4-5 hours of Xenosaga so far, and large part of it have been cut-scenes and from what I know it's not about to change. Xenosaga could easily be an interactive movie ... long one, that's for sure. Easily half of the first 5 hours has been watching cut-scenes, some being up to around an hour long. And I'm in no way saying that it's a bad thing. I actually seem to be the only one who enjoyed the second disc of Xenogears just as much as the first one so the long cut-scenes in no where bother me, but it may just be me. They are very nice and enjoyable either way.

One last thing I will say is that there is lots of blood, which so far has been said to be staying there for the US release. Anyway ... that's it from me for now. I may be writing a complete (proper) review once I finish the game (if I can manage with Japanese in my way).

KEEP IN MIND I RATE EVERYTHING VERY HARSH SO SOMETHING LIKE 6-8 WOULD BE  A GOOD SCORE COMING FROM ME ...

PRESENTATION - 6.9

I never really understood presentation too well ... I don't know why I'm including it, but from what I understand, Xenosaga isn't bad, but it's not mind-blowing either ...

GRAPHICS - 7.9

Having its lows and highs at times, Xenosaga could easily compete against likes of FFX. And none of that flickering during the cut-scenes either. Very well done on what I believe is Monolith's first shot at PS2's emotion engine!

SOUND - 7.5

I haven't really noticed anything unusual about the sound in the game. Nothing bad, but nothing good either, but if anything is more good then bad. Voiceovers I can't really judge.

MUSIC - 9.0

Much more professional then XG, wide variety, and awesome soundtrack, but nothing is perfect.

STORY - 8.7

From what I've played and understood so far, Episode I is up there with its own Episode 5 (Xenogears) and Final Fantasy VII. Don't worry, doesn't look like the Xeno fans are getting any of that FF9-easy money rubbish ... that's a good thing by the way.

OVERALL - 8.3

RPGs are all about story if you ask me, and Xenosaga has a great one (even though I can't understand it too well). Nice music to create the atmosphere and amazing characters to support it and you get nothing short of awesome. While I believe Xeno may not appeal to many people (don't ask why ... it's just a feeling) ... if what you care about is story then the game should be good enough for you to get. Keep up the good work Monolith Soft!

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ITS ONLY MY FIRST IMPRESSION, SO ITS BASED ON A SHORT TIME OF GAMEPLAY. A FINAL REVIEW COULD POSSIBLY BE VERY DIFFERENT.

Jacob Chruscinski