he name of the game is Xenosaga II, and it is a story about turmoil. Turmoil on Second Miltia—a world not unlike our own—at least, not unlike what our own might be thousands of years in the future. Turmoil between factions jousting for control of the Zohar—a powerfully mysterious artifact that was lost on Old Miltia (kind of like the original Miltia) many, many years ago, and turmoil that surrounds numerous figures, many of which are playable within the game.
These characters include Jin Uzuki, who is an phenomenal swordsman in need of an everyday gig, the android MOMO, the uppity Canaan, and many others. These folks and many others will wind their way through this story-intensive role-playing game, fighting hundreds of turn-based battles along the way.
Published by Namco, Xenosaga II is set in the same far future as the original game (Xenosaga). The game is character-driven, and you'll spend plenty of the 30-some-odd-hour-long saga exploring the characters' past and their relationship to each other. But make no mistake: There are also plenty of battles to fight and lots of leveling up to do. The battles are semi-standard turn-based fare. The members of the party don't move per se, waiting their turn and then attacking with a variety of powers, both physical and magical. Some battles are fought using Mech-like machines, called E.S. robots, which are piloted by pairs of the adventuring party. There is no multiplayer.
Good, albeit slowly paced, game
Xenosaga II is a good, if not great, game in the same vein as the original Xenosaga. There is a charming cast of characters, and the story does an amazingly adroit job of bringing them to life. Whether through their conversations with each other, the full-motion animation that is liberally sprinkled throughout the game, or their actions within battle, you really get the feeling that you know these folks. It's great stuff and a refreshing change in an industry where story is often regulated to whoever on the development team has the time to put it together.
Conversely, the game's story and character development are also its downfall. Again, they are good, but they slow the action ... at times they slow it unbearably. That, however, appears to be no mistake. Namco has made a thoughtful, intriguing game that attracts the same crowd that might appreciate a character-driven book or movie. Unfortunately, this will leave those who enjoy faster-paced fare on the sidelines.
But those on the sidelines might be the poorer for it. The combat system is interesting. The party attacks enemies according to their zone ... hitting the bad guy, gal or thing in its weak zone pays big dividends, and party members can "stock" attacks, allowing them to execute powerful double attacks. Good fun. Bottom line, Xenosaga II is a solid, well-written role-playing game. Its slow pacing may turn off some role-players, but those who stick with it will be well rewarded.
Good game, but not something that keeps me up late at night.
—Mark
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