"Music is a mysterious thing. Sometimes it makes people remember things they do not expect. Many thoughts, feelings, memories... things almost forgotten... Regardless of whether the listener desires to remember or not."
One of the greatest games of all time. I've played through this game twice, and should give it another go soon. This game is worthy of multiple playthroughs to better appreciate the intricacies of its storytelling, symbolism, religious themes, and philosophical ideas.
I don't have the words to articulate everything about what makes this game special. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and one of the most ambitious games ever made. It makes the "are video games art" question utterly laughable. I wouldn't argue with someone if they claimed this to be the best story told in a video game. It's that special.
My first playthrough, much of the game's depth went over my head, but my second playthrough as an older teenager, made me appreciate this game so much more. Watching most of Resonant Arc's podcast on Xenogears (if you consider yourself a Xenogears fan, it is worth a listen), made me better understand and love this game even more. For reference, I've included a link to their playlist below - give them a listen, if you are interested:
Xenogears Story Analysis by Resonant Arc
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJCH8faf6GaxQ_7bA7cD0lROu3yMRmwh5
The only drawback that can be said, and it is true, is that the 2nd disc is rushed... the ambitious nature of the game led to development problems and much of the 2nd disc's storytelling consists of text on a static background of Fei or Elly. I hated this part as a kid... however, my 2nd playthrough led to a much different reaction - perhaps it was because I was expecting it, but I actually really enjoyed it when I was a bit older. Many of the game's payoffs are in this story heavy 2nd disc.
All in all, if you love JRPGs, giant mechs, incredible storytelling, superb music, a great abundance of religious and philosophical themes, etc. this is a game you absolutely NEED to play!
One of the greatest games of all time. I've played through this game twice, and should give it another go soon. This game is worthy of multiple playthroughs to better appreciate the intricacies of its storytelling, symbolism, religious themes, and philosophical ideas.
I don't have the words to articulate everything about what makes this game special. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and one of the most ambitious games ever made. It makes the "are video games art" question utterly laughable. I wouldn't argue with someone if they claimed this to be the best story told in a video game. It's that special.
My first playthrough, much of the game's depth went over my head, but my second playthrough as an older teenager, made me appreciate this game so much more. Watching most of Resonant Arc's podcast on Xenogears (if you consider yourself a Xenogears fan, it is worth a listen), made me better understand and love this game even more. For reference, I've included a link to their playlist below - give them a listen, if you are interested:
Xenogears Story Analysis by Resonant Arc
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJCH8faf6GaxQ_7bA7cD0lROu3yMRmwh5
The only drawback that can be said, and it is true, is that the 2nd disc is rushed... the ambitious nature of the game led to development problems and much of the 2nd disc's storytelling consists of text on a static background of Fei or Elly. I hated this part as a kid... however, my 2nd playthrough led to a much different reaction - perhaps it was because I was expecting it, but I actually really enjoyed it when I was a bit older. Many of the game's payoffs are in this story heavy 2nd disc.
All in all, if you love JRPGs, giant mechs, incredible storytelling, superb music, a great abundance of religious and philosophical themes, etc. this is a game you absolutely NEED to play!