Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (2002)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 4 minutes read

Summary

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (2002)

Introduction

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht is a Japanese-style sci-fi role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Namco for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan in February 2002 and in North America and Europe in March 2003. The game is the first chapter in the Xenosaga trilogy, and it is set in the same universe as theXenogears game.

Story

The story of Xenosaga Episode I follows the journey of Shion Uzuki, a young woman who is searching for her lost brother. Along the way, she meets a group of other characters, including KOS-MOS, a powerful android; Ziggy, a mysterious old man; and Jin Uzuki, Shion’s brother. Together, they must fight against the Gnosis, a race of alien beings that are threatening to destroy the universe.

Gameplay

Xenosaga Episode I is a turn-based role-playing game. The player controls a party of up to three characters, and they can use a variety of attacks and spells to defeat their enemies. The game also features a unique “boost” system, which allows the player to spend AP (action points) to take extra turns or to power up their attacks.

Characters

  • Shion Uzuki: A young woman who is searching for her lost brother. She is a skilled fighter and a powerful Esper.
  • KOS-MOS: A powerful android who is tasked with protecting Shion. She is incredibly strong and durable, and she is also equipped with a variety of weapons and abilities.
  • Ziggy: A mysterious old man who knows a great deal about the Gnosis. He is a powerful fighter and a skilled strategist.
  • Jin Uzuki: Shion’s brother. He is a skilled fighter and a powerful Esper. He is also the leader of the Miltian Conflict Research Organization (M.C.R.O.).

Setting

Xenosaga Episode I is set in a distant future, where humanity has colonized the galaxy. The game takes place on a variety of planets, including Miltia, Second Miltia, and the Lost Jerusalem.

Themes

Xenosaga Episode I explores a number of themes, including the nature of good and evil, the power of love, and the importance of sacrifice. The game also features a strong environmental message, and it warns of the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

Reception

Xenosaga Episode I received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its story, characters, and gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too linear and repetitive.

Legacy

Xenosaga Episode I is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of its generation. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its engaging story, and its memorable characters. Xenosaga Episode I has also been influential on other JRPGs, including the Xenoblade Chronicles series.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Monolith Soft
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date:
    • Japan: February 28, 2002
    • North America: March 11, 2003
    • Europe: March 14, 2003
  • Platform: PlayStation 2
  • Genre: JRPG
  • ESRB Rating: T for Teen

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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