Xenogears

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Xenogears
Developer(s)	Square Co., Ltd.
Publisher(s)	Square Co., Ltd., Square Electronic Arts
Designer(s)	Tetsuya Takahashi
Release date(s)	JPN February 11, 1998 US October 20, 1998
Genre(s)	Role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single player Limited two-player battle mode
Rating(s)	ESRB: T (Teen)
Platform(s)	PlayStation
Media	2 CD-ROMs

Xenogears (ゼノギアス, Zenogiasu^?) is a Japanese console role-playing game released on the Sony PlayStation. It was released by Squaresoft (now known as Square-Enix) in February 1998 in Japan and subsequently released in North America in October 1998. Xenogears never saw a PAL release. The game is both hailed and criticized for its heavy philosophical and religious allusions.

Contents 1 Gameplay 2 Plot 2.1 Overview 2.2 Backstory and expansion 2.3 Episode I 2.4 Episode II 2.5 Episode III 2.6 Episode IV 2.7 Episode V 3 Characters 4 Reception 5 Game notes 5.1 Psychological/Philosophical influences 5.2 Connections to Xenosaga 5.3 Development credits 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Gameplay

Xenogears' gameplay combines the traditional and innovative, utilizing two-dimensional sprite overlays on three-dimensional backgrounds, as well as two different battle systems, one which uses the actual characters in combo-based physical combat, while the latter takes place in turn-based 'Gear' battles.

Battling is a variant of the ATB2 active time battle system found in Chrono Trigger and various Final Fantasy games. Once a battle starts the screen quickly changes to a combat scenario. Characters fight with martial combat and ether attacks along with special Deathblow moves that are learned through combinations of strong, moderate, and weak hits. Attacks use Action points (AP) and cost, 3, 2, 1 points respectively. You begin with 3 AP per turn (which is not enough to execute a deathblow) and as you progress in level you will eventually have 6 AP per turn. When the story is progressed to a certain level an additional AP (7 AP per turn) will be acquired and you will also be able to learn Elemental Deathblows, which can be unlocked quicker at higher levels. AP may be saved and used as Attack Points for combo attacks. A total of 28 AP may be accumulated for combo attacks, powerful sequences using multiple Deathblows to inflict massive damage.

Characters can also use "magical" abilities that either aid the party or damage enemies. These abilities are limited by the number of ether points (EP) that are available. Unlike AP, EP do not replenish between attack rounds. For most characters, these abilities are called 'Ether,' although some characters' abilities have a different name, implying differences in their origins. For example, Fei's magic is called 'Chi,' and Citan's is 'Arcane'. Unlike the main characters of most RPGs whom specialize in either physical or magical strength exclusively, the main characters in Xenogears generally are competent in both areas, although few characters have more than one or two direct damage spells. While in Gears (mechanized fighting machines) 'Ether' abilities are amplified, though some change or become unavailable.

In addition to the small-scale, hand-to-hand combat, the characters sometimes fight from within their respective combat robots, called 'Gears'. These fighting machines are often similar in fighting style and some bear an aesthetic resemblance to the characters that pilot them. For these particular battles, the combination style is reduced to a selection of strong, medium, or weak attacks that build up the attack level of the Gear with each turn until it can unleash a special, more powerful attack. While in gears the limiting factor of AP is replaced with a fuel gauge, with each attack consuming an amount relative to its power. There are three levels of normal special gear attacks (respectively levels 1, 2, and 3) and one additional 'infinite' level of special gear attacks. These moves are acquired in correspondence to a characters learned deathblow skills. Infinite level differs from the other three levels in several ways. When it is reached the Gear will go into a special mode known as 'infinity mode'. Infinity mode lasts three turns, and while in this mode, fuel can be recharged in a larger amount or the Gear can use Infinity attacks. Infinity mode cannot be reached until elemental deathblows are learned (with the exception of Maria Balthazar, who has them automatically, and Chu-Chu, who cannot perform special gear attacks what-so-ever). To reach infinity mode a character has to stay at attack level 3 while performing any other action. With each turn, there is a chance that infinity mode will be reached (this ratio is displayed on screen along with the gears status). Infinity level uses special attacks that use very little fuel and are much more powerful. Gears can regain fuel by 'charging'. The amount of fuel gained differs depending on the engine you have equipped and what attack level the character is currently at. Most engines have a base charge level of 30 fuel. Attack levels add 10 fuel per level with infinite level multiplying the charge rate by ten (charge levels are not cumulative). When equipped with certain items the gain rate of fuel may be increased. The Gears can also activate 'Boosters', which enables them to act faster but consume more fuel. It also unlocks the 'Special Option' command, which include healing abilities and special attacks. When a gear has no Fuel left, it can no longer execute attacks, use special options, or use boosters. They can however charge (regain fuel) and use ether abilities. The main characters can purchase Gear fuel, parts and upgrades in shops or from certain individuals.

[edit] Plot

[edit] Overview

Xenogears initially takes place on the continent of Ignas, where the nations of Aveh and Kislev have been waging war on each other for centuries. An organization known as the Ethos, which is a church-like organization dedicated to preserving the world's culture, has excavated giant fighting robots called Gears. Gears have had a major effect on the war and have almost entirely replaced the need for human infantry. Although Kislev was gaining the upper hand in the war, a mysterious army known as Gebler appeared and started providing assistance to Aveh. With Gebler's help, Aveh not only recovered their losses, but began making their way into Kislev's territory.

The game itself begins in the small town of Lahan, which is near the border of Aveh. We are introduced to Fei Fong Wong, an eighteen-year-old male who was mysteriously brought to Lahan by a "Masked Man" three years prior. Because of the events surrounding his arrival at the village, Fei has no clear memories before arriving in the village. Despite this, Fei has a pleasant life, and is awaiting the marriage of his two best friends, Alice and Timothy.

One night, while visiting the local doctor, Citan Uzuki in his home on top of a nearby mountain, Fei is shocked to find a group of Gears flying towards Lahan. By the time Fei makes it back, the entire town is burning as the Gears storm their way through the village. Fei finds an unmanned gear nearby, and, despite Citan's protests, gets aboard; Fei has some success fending off the attackers. However, when he sees his friend Timothy shot, a new personality awakens in Fei, causing the Gear to go berserk - the entire village is destroyed, killing many of the attackers, as well as Alice, in the process. A distraught Fei is forced to become a village outcast and decides to leave the ominous black gear behind. Upon entering the Black Moon Forest, Fei encounters a strange female soldier named Elly, whom he feels a strange connection towards. From this point onward, Fei and his allies will learn of the truth behind his planet, and a past involving extensive manipulation and a being known as "Deus".

[edit] Backstory and expansion

Much of Xenogears' plot and backstory is detailed in the Japanese-only book Perfect Works. This book, produced by the now defunct DigiCube, details the history of the Xenogears universe from the discovery of the Zohar to the start of the game. For the avid Xenogears fans, an important aspect of the book is the explanation of the six episodes that make up the Xenogears saga. According to the Perfect Works schematic, Xenogears is only the fifth episode in a series of six, with the first four providing the backstory for the events that took place in Xenogears.

[edit] Episode I

Mankind finds a mysterious relic in 2001. It is dated to be 15 billion years old. Some people believe that this relic is the source of all life. It is named the Zohar (Hebrew for glow).

In 2510 mankind discovers the universe of the Wave Existence using the Zohar. The era is renamed to Transcend Christ (TC). Also during this year the Space Emigration Project commenced.

After creating the Zohar Modifier, mankind uses their universal transport to leave Earth. The emigration fleet wanders the universe for 250 years before finding a new home at the M24 Sagittarius star cluster. This new planet is named 'Neo Jerusalem'. Earth is now inaccessible and is renamed 'Lost Jerusalem'.

In the year 4766 TA, the Deus System, a powerful weapon, is created to stop an interstellar war. The Zohar was installed as its main engine. The combination of the Deus system and Zohar resulted in the decent of the higher level being known as the Wave Existence. The system went haywire and caused extreme damage to the planet it was based on, Miktam 04 Beta. After this it was determined that the Deus system must be dismantled and sealed. The military dismantles the Deus system and commandeers the transport ship Eldridge, using it to transport Deus and safeguard 120 million workers, survivors, and colonists.

Midway through the voyage, Deus unexpectedly awakes. It uses the Zohar to hack into the Eldridge's main computer, the Artificial Electronic Brain Raziel. Deus takes control of the ship's weapons and changes the Ship's course to Neo Jerusalem. The Captain of the Eldridge orders the evacuation of the ship, but Deus destroys the evacuation shuttles with the ship's weapons. The captain activates the self-destruct system, causing the ship to crash into the nearby planet. Deus and the Zohar both crash into the ocean. The recovery console of the Deus system, Kadamony, lands on the coastline of a nearby continent.

[edit] Episode II

The Kadamony central system, Persona, uses Program Elehaym and starts System Hawwa. This results in the creation of Cain and the 12 Gazels. Kadamony also creates Elehaym and Miang to be supervisors. The 4 year old boy Abel was discovered to have survived the crash, having contacted the Wave Existence and been granted great power. Cain uses the Kadamony to mass produce humans. The New Era (NE) begins. The new humans begin to worship Cain as a god, but Abel opposes this. Elehaym sides with Abel, and both are killed by Cain. Miang becomes the sole supervisor.

[edit] Episode III

In the 6 millennia since the start of the New Era, mankind has developed a highly technical civilization. This time period is called the Zeboim Era. In 6053 twin Miang were born. In 6055 Kim, the new incarnation of Abel, and Elehaym are born. Twenty-two years later, Kim develops a theory on a way to create artificial life through nano-machines. This is considered heresy and Kim is banished from the Department of Science of the College Federation. At the same time, Miang has determined that the current generation of humans is not fit to be part of Deus, and begins laying the foundation for a nuclear war.

Miang and the anti-government organization Ravine convince Kim to create Emeralda, a living nano-machine colony. One year after the creation of Emeralda, in the year 6083, Miang causes a global nuclear war, resulting in the death of 90% of humanity.

[edit] Episode IV

In the year 9226, Cain determines that humans have reached their final stage. He forms Solaris, with the intention of ruling all humans. The floating city of Shevat is created at the top of Babel Tower at the same time. Lacan, a reincarnation of Abel, and Elehaym are reborn. They meet when Elehaym joins the Ashera Monastery, part of the Nisan Religion. Elehaym changes her name to Sophia.

In 9490 the Nisan church collapses. It is revitalized 5 years later when Sophia becomes the Great Mother. Krelian is sent from the Nimrod kingdom to assasinate Sophia, but ends up becoming a friend of Lacan and her. With Sophia leading the Nisan church, the new Nisan Cathedral is built, and Nisan's military is formed, with Krelian in command.

A year later a group of anti-Solaris countries join with Shevat and declare war on Solaris. In 9499 Nisan forms an anti-Solaris alliance with Shevat and its allies. Solaris is raised to the sky and the soylent system is started. Lacan starts to search for Anima Relics, the organic components of the Kadamony control system. In his search he learns of the Zohar.

The Shevat council holds a meeting with the Gazel Ministry. Queen Zephyr of Shevat agrees to give up Sophia in exchange for being given Miang, who started the war. Sophia learns of this, and sacrifices her life to attempt to destroy the great Solaris mothership, Merkava, which was built to house the Deus system.

In 9501 Roni Fatima discovers four warships from the Eldridge and repairs them, renaming them the Yggdrasil I-IV. In the same year, Lacan releases Miang from Shevat, and finds the Zohar, but his Contact is incomplete, resulting in the creation of the being Grahf. Grahf uses the Deus Prototype Maneuverable Terminal Weapons(Diablos) to destroy 96% of humanity, as well as the Gazel Ministry. Led by Roni Fatima, the remaining people band together to fight Grahf. They succeed, but Roni's brother is killed in the battle. Lacan/Grahf's whereabouts become unknown.

In the next 130 years the countries of the world rebuilt. Shevat is revived by Zephyr and the 3 Wisemen, Roni Fatima founds Aveh, and Kislev is founded. Also during this time period Krelian revives the Gazel Ministry by implanting them into the SOL-9000 computer system. Also during this time Lacan's body dies, but his spirit lived on in the form of Grahf. In 9511 Krelian visits Shevat and gives a long-life treatment to several people, including queen Zephyr.

In 9698 Solaris begins its first unsuccessful invasion of Shevat, and Krelian starts to implant all ground dwellers with Nano machines called limiters. These limiters prevented the 'lambs' from having rebellious thoughts about Solaris. 3 Years later Solaris again attempts to invade Shevat.

[edit] Episode V

In 9715 the Kingdom of Aveh declares war on Kislev, starting the Ignas War.

In 9975 Krelian creates a copy of Emperor Cain, called 080819 Ramses. Fei, another reincarnation of Abel, and Elehaym (Elly) are born in 9981.

In 9985 Fei's mother, Karen, becomes Miang and realizes that Fei is a Contact, someone touched by the Wave Existence. Karen forces Fei to undergo extensive testing. Fei's power kills Karen, and Miang is forced to go to a new body. Due to these events and the traumatic tests, 'Id' is born in Fei. Krelian gives up on Ramsus and disposes of him. Ramsus kills a Solaris citizen, steals his identity, and joins the Solaris elite military school, Jugend. Hyuga Ricdeau (Citan) and Sigurd Fatima also join Jugend.

The Solaris elite force Elements is formed in 9986, led by Ramsus. It is made up of Citan, Sigurd, and Jessie. In 9987 there is a coup d'état in Aveh, led by Shakhan. Bart and Margie Fatima are able to escape.

In 9996 Khan and Grahf fight over Fei. The injured Fei is brought to Lahan. Cain sends Hyuga to the surface under the name Citan Uzuki

The game starts in 9999.^[1]

[edit] Characters

Main articles: Main characters of Xenogears and Supporting characters of Xenogears

The following are the list of playable characters from Xenogears. The three main antagonists — Krelian, Kahran Ramsus, and Miang — have separate articles.

[edit] Reception

Xenogears maintains a 90% ratio on Game Rankings, and within the top 15 best reviewed games on the Playstation. However, it remains a critically divisive title with some, even years after its initial release. Many praise the game's storyline, with its discussions of philosophy, psychology, and religion.^{[citation needed]} Also popular is the multitude of references to religious terms and well known science fiction films such Star Wars and Soylent Green, as well as praise for its innovative combat system. Some of the noted flaws from critics include the overabundance of cutscenes, an excessively high frequency of random battles, and linear gameplay. A notable criticism is the style of the second disc, where the use of the world map is restricted and the amount of cut scenes increases.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Game notes

Graphically, Xenogears combines 2D sprite characters with 3D environments. The environments and Gears are principally all created within the 3D engine, but the characters are created using low resolution 2D sprites. In addition to these things, Xenogears also utilizes both traditional Japanese cel-animated scenes and pre-rendered CGI movie clips during emotive or important plot points by Production I.G. — a trait that was common in Squaresoft RPGs during this era. Another commonly-lauded aspect of Xenogears is the dramatic and powerful soundtrack^{[citation needed]} that was arranged and composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and featured Joanne Hogg on vocals for two songs with lyrics by event planner Masato Kato for the ending theme and Tetsuya Takahashi for the epilogue. Aside from the official soundtrack, there is also Creid, an arrange album produced by Mitsuda and Millenial Fair.

In a press release by Square announcing the release of Xenogears in Japan, it was stated that the game's treatment of religion in general and Christianity in particular might prevent it from being released outside of Japan.^{[citation needed]} However, Xenogears was released quietly into the United States, amidst minimal controversy, with certain names changed to help quell the game's Naysayers.^{[citation needed]}

"Project Noah is - apparently - what Squaresoft had intended to call Xenogears when they first started production of the game and released information to the press. Later, the name was changed to 'Xenogears'."^[2]

[edit] Psychological/Philosophical influences

Xenogears' characters were designed to allude to many psychological concepts, notably Freudian and Jungian psychology. The most obvious allusion involves the nature of the game's protagonist, Fei Fong Wong, whose Freudian ego, superego, and id are discussed at length throughout the course of the game. Fei had subconsciously repressed his memories because of his unpleasant childhood. However, his desire to remember elements of his past eventually leads to his discovering the truth about who he is and what his relationship with the character known as 'Id' is. This repression also relates to the Jungian concept of the shadow. Distinctly Adlerian in nature, however, are the actions of certain characters, such as Ramsus, whose actions are driven by an inferiority complex that stems from unconscious 'nodes' that often permeate exterior behaviors of an individual.

Although not distinctly psychological, allusions to the theories of the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, are found in game. For example, there is the concept of the eternal return, which, in Xenogears, correlates to the recurrences of the Contact and the Antitype.

[edit] Connections to Xenosaga

While Xenogears has never had an official sequel or prequel, some mistake a game developed by Monolith Soft and released by Namco called Xenosaga on the PlayStation 2, to be a prequel. Tetsuya Takahashi was the director and writer for both Xenogears and Xenosaga, and notes that Xenosaga is not a prequel to Xenogears because Square Enix owns the rights to Xenogears.^{[citation needed]}

There is considerable debate within the Xenogears fanbase about how accurately the Xenogears time line in Perfect Works is followed by Xenosaga, which contains similar elements, such as the Zohar, as well as several allusions of characters and terms present in Xenogears.

Official interviews are somewhat vague on the matter, though Tetsuya Takahashi has stated that "It's probably more suitable to say that it follows the direction and style of Xenogears.", as well as "Now that we are under a different company, we figured we should start everything from scratch all over again. Though there are familiar faces that serve as important characters in Xenosaga, others are more like self-parodies, so we don't really want Xenogears fans to overreact. Like movies, sometimes you have the director of the movie or friend of the leading actor appearing as cameos, so it's similar to that."^[3] By the closing of Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra, the allusions to Xenogears and a possible connection become even more noticeable. However, there are many differing aspects of the Xenosaga series, and with Episode III marking a premature ending to the original forecast of six episodes, the connection between the two series remains unknown.

[edit] Development credits

• Game producer: Hiromichi Tanaka
• Executive producers: Tetsuo Mizuno, Tomoyuki Takechi, Hironobu Sakaguchi
• Game director: Tetsuya Takahashi
• Scenario writers: Tetsuya Takahashi, Soraya Saga
• Original character designer: Soraya Saga
• Character designers: Soraya Saga, Kunihiko Tanaka
• Gear designer: Junya Ishigaki
• Mecha designer: Yoshinori Ogura
• Art director, Map texture designer: Yasuyuki Honne
• Art designer: Takashi Arai
• Map designers: Takashi Arai, Ryosuke Aiba
• Battle planner: Hiromichi Tanaka
• Event planners: Masato Kato, Takashi Tanegashima
• Main programmer: Kiyoshi Yoshii
• Battle programmer: Katsuhisa Higuchi
• Music composer: Yasunori Mitsuda

[edit] See also

• Carl Jung
• Friedrich Nietzsche
• Sigmund Freud
• Console role-playing game
• Perfect Works
• Science fiction
• Square Co., Ltd.
• Xenosaga

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Xenogears Official Website on Square Enix
• Yasunori Mitsuda's Homepage
• Xenogears at MobyGames

Xenogears Wikia

• Xenogears Database — detailed plot, location, and character database originally on Wikipedia

v • d • e Xenogears

Characters Main Characters | Supporting Characters Kahran Ramsus | Krelian | Miang Other Gears and Vehicles | Perfect Works  | CREID | Xenogears Light