Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose

If it weren't for the long cinematic sequences, Namco may just have a gold medallist on their hands.

Fans of the sci-fi epic Xenosaga series (Xenogears included) will think that Episode II is one of the best console-based RPGs of its kind since Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Cross. Though Xenosaga titles are well known for their unique combo-based fighting system, Xenosaga II takes the series one step further with sharper graphics and an expansive, open-ended character development system.

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For series fans, the good news is that KOS-MOS, MOMO, and the rest of the gang return in a storyline that picks up where XenoSaga left off. Once in battle, you'll readily put combos and boost features to use with the familiar, yet newbie-friendly, combat interface. You'll also find that the game is still as non-linear as ever; the game provides ample mini quests on the side, all conveniently organized in a handy quest tracker. There's even a simple way for you to "virtually" revisit old areas without losing sight of their current objective.

Judging by the enhanced character designs and remarkable cinemas, developer Monolith has obviously kicked the visual bar up several notches. One of the more visible improvements is the increased focus on facial features, as XenoSaga II blends stylized anime with a realistic flair; character faces now have lifelike touches, like bags under their eyes. The environments are varied, including candy-colored Macross-style cities adorned with shimmering holograms, desolate cityscapes reminiscent of Blade Runner, and sunny countrysides. Xenosaga II's tunes range from futuristic lounge music to orchestral Japanese Synth-Pop, but there's still no in-game voice-acting.

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Xenosaga II is a beautiful composition, but restless gamers will have a hard time sitting through the constant cinemas. If it weren't for the extended cinematic sequences, Namco may just have a gold medallist on their hands. Perhaps next time, the developers will seriously consider integrating the story through an increased amount of real-time gameplay.

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