Xenogears on PSN: best thing since sliced bread?

[T.G. Oskar]

Topic.

Given the somewhat lacking offer in terms of RPGs on the Playstation Network (excluding Final Fantasy games, about half of the games on PSN that are RPGs are good, mostly games like Grandia and Wild Arms 1/2, YMMV on the latter ones), hearing that Xenogears will have a PSN release is quite surprising. One of the most impressive RPGs on the Playstation, somewhere along the lines of Suikoden II or Parasite Eve which are pretty much priceless classics (or at least holding a really high price on eBay), in fact. And it's gonna be released today, or at least a few hours after I write this.

So...in any case you don't have the original stored away (or you never opened the original case in fear it would lose its value); willing to get it or not? IMO, that's quite the catch you get there. Now, if they stopped being so lazy and added Suikoden II to the list, I'd definitely buy two or three MS Duos and waste about 60 bucks on both of them.

[Zargabaath]

It is better than sliced bread. Even with that, I probably won't get it as of now. I do have the disks and case though last time I played the game did freeze up a few times. I don't know if that was a bad disk or bad PS2; I treat my disks well. I faintly recall hearing about how the game can freeze up on the PS2 perhaps it is just with the coding of the game in general, don't know. During my next playthrough if the game freezes up too much for my liking then I'll purchase it off the PSN in hopes it does not have a similar problem; would check it out first.

I was wanting Suikoden II on the PSN as well. Finally bought the game this past December for $60, which I thought was very good considering the lofty $90+ price tag the game carries - used. Don't forget that Vagrant Story will probably be coming out on the American PSN as well.

[ZantetsukeN]

Does anyone know anything about an EU PSN release? This was one game I missed out on that I really want to play.

EU PSN really needs some RPGs. We've got FF VII, VIII, IX, Vagrant Story and Grandia (they are the only ones I can think of without going on the store), which I've got already.

Xenogears was always one of the top games on my 'Must Buy' list when I had a PS1, but could never find it. Hopefully, it does come to EU PSN.

[HUNK]

Hmm, I've got a psp. Should I concider getting this?

I've never played Xenogears but its a reoccuring title throughout my life...I hear it's good but what's it about?

Sorry to be off topic, I know I could wiki it or somthing but I figure a fan could better tell me what makes the game good.

[Zargabaath]

Without going into too much details because of spoiling the game is about Fei's journey that deals with a centuries-long war between two countries: Aveh & Kislev. Until recently Kislev was winning but a mysterious military organization called Gebler appeared helping Aveh not only recuperate its losses but tilt the struggle in Aveh's favor. During his journey he will also uncover the truth about the world, his past, and the past in general.




What makes the game good? For fans of the game the number one answer will be the story; as they & me will say that Xenogears has the best story in any RPG. The characters also get a lot of praise along with the story. The music is generally liked amongst the community; I too liked the music.

Gameplay is unique with the deathblows which are special moves that inflict more damage but that does get repetitive but depending on the person they may get over that or not. Attacks are separated into three categories: Weak (triangle), strong ( Square), & fierce ("X"). Each attack costs AP; weak costs 1 AP, strong costs 2 AP, & fierce costs 3 AP. Deathblows are certain command inputs that as stated, cause extra damage. The first Deathblow learned is: Triangle, "X". All Deathblows will end with "X", there is a Deathblow that is: "X", "X" but that requires 6 AP. It does take time to learn Deathblows by performing the correct command input for the Deathblow a certain amount of times; the percentage mastered can be viewed in the character profile. Mastery of a Deathblow - 100% - unlocks the attack.

Gear battles are better since the player has to worry about Fuel; gears being giant mechs. The Deathblows known also affect which super attacks the characters can use in a gear. What makes Gear battles better besides fuel is that there are a lot more customization available in regards to what type of equipment the player can use since there are more factors in gear battle.

Disk 2 is definitely a change of pace as there is a lot of cut-scenes with game-play dispersed sparingly till the end when the final dungeon is left but there a more side-quests available than in the Disk 1. Disk 2 is when the game answers most of the questions the player has in regards to the plot/characters. It is a misconception that Disk 2 is the way it is because the funds for Xenogears were taken away for Final Fantasy VIII, however, Tetsuya Takahashi has never said that was true. This rumor was started up by fans. Other fans have suggested,which is probably more true, that Takahashi intended disk 2 to be the way it was because of the amount of plot given.

Hopefully this has been helpful.

[Sean]

Huh, this is good news for any "old school" RPG fan, IMO.

If I had a playstation 3 I'd buy it. I haven't played Xenogears since I bought it back in 2001 or so, and my copy got scratched to shit because I was a dumb kid. It's since been resurfaced, but it may or may not be 100%

[Musashiden]

I saw this on PSN this morning, shat many bricks, and immediately bought it, whether or not I can afford it being an afterthought. My waining faith in Square Enix has been moderately restored.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go have a seizure.

[Rocky]

I've been on an FF13 kick once again so after I 1000/1000pt it, I'll most likely download it since I am terribly gay and have never played Xenogears.

[Unknown Entity]

I know this thread is almost a month old, but I was wondering if anyone knew if this title would be coming out on the EU Store?

Now, the Wiki says it was never released in PAL territories, but there's got to be hope for a PSN download, right? =(