Xenosaga’s “Game” Formula

by Heath Hindman

As you’ve probably seen, there have been a number of complaints about Xenosaga lacking in gameplay, due to excessive movie sequences. I have examined my personal pros and cons of this game style, and reached a conclusion about the game that is likely shared by some gamers, while rabidly disagreed with by others.

First, let’s break the game down for gamers who’ve been living under a rock or have just plain avoided Xenosaga news in general. If you’ve played Xenosaga, you can just skip this paragraph. Xenosaga is an RPG with some long, long CG movie sequences. Seriously, it’s not uncommon for players to sit through voice-acted video segments for 15-20 minutes at a time, or even longer. It’s almost as if Monolithsoft and Namco were inviting gamers to get pissed….

Also, I expected these long story sequences from the minute I heard of the game’s existence, simply based on my memory of Xenogears. That game also packed quite a story punch, with segments almost as long as those of Xenosaga, the difference being that the majority of them had to be moved along with button pressing. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty freaking lazy, so if I can have a game move itself while I still get to absorb the story experience, I am a happy camper. Would YOU rather have Xenosaga’s story moved along manually? I sure wouldn’t.

On a similar note, the biggest reason I buy and play RPGs is to be told an excellent story. While Xenosaga may not match Xenogears in that department, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. So why should I be mad that a game is simply trying to do what I want it to do?

Adding to my love of Xenosaga, I thought the gameplay that was present was very well done. The only beef I had (other than the beef in my dinner) with it was a slight lack of save points. The battle system, while far from perfect, was unique and interesting. Things may have been difficult at times, but that’s a nice change of pace from the relative ease of, say, the Final Fantasy series. And if one wants to do/obtain absolutely everything the game has to offer, I don’t see where complaints could come from, as the game has many things in store for players who seek the fullness of the adventure.

I, for one, feel that Xenosaga is fine just the way it is. I am looking forward to Episode II, and would hope it stays true to the story-overloading formula set forth by the previous two Xeno games we’ve been privileged to play. These lengthy movies are part of what sets this series apart from others, and I always smile upon variety. Long story segments are ok with me.