Xeno Saga Episode II (PS2)

The game starts by showing what happened in the second Militia conflict 14 years ago, and then continues with the original cast. MOMO, Ziggy, Rubedo and the others are all back, mainly to return Kos-Mos, and to get the Y-Data inside MOMO analysed (see what i mean about needing to see the other disc!) However, you'll soon end up in all sorts of twists and turns, mainly because of U-TIC and Albedo. Basically, a classic story for an RPG.

The graphics are excellent. The characters are all unique and interesting, and locations are detailed and always different. Some ranging from a sea-side, to outer-space, to futuristic cities. Cut-scenes are excellent, especially the samurai fight at the start of the game.

The gameplay is interesting. Its a turn based combat game which is unique to anything i've ever played before. You can combat on land or in a xenogear-a huge metal robot. However, you don't get a choice. There are a range of special moves to be unlocked, and these can be fully customized, teaching any moves to any characters through the use of SP that you unlock as you progress. Of course, through battles you also grow stronger by gaining EXP. In battles you are able to boost, to help characters at any time, plus their are additional bonus's such as improved critical, or extra boost, which can be obtained. There is ether (magic) which can be used, and add to this the "stock" option where you can save and then use two moves at once later in the game.

There are numerous locations to go to, including the sub-conscious of MOMO, to second Miltia (past and present) and of course, outer space. All of these are huge. Add to this a range of side quests such as the joining the SAMARITANS where you can unlock items by helping people, and being able to revisit old locations and you've got a very meaty game spread over 2 discs which is well worth buying.

Problem-this is a HARD game to get into, it will take hours just to get used to all the different options, its got a hard difficulty level, PLUS you'll need to watch the bonus disc first. Hence the four star rating, but if your looking for a challange and a story. GET THIS GAME!

I cant see why this game has recieved critism for being too hard as far as the battle system is concerned.

In my opinion the battles are a challenge yes, but at the same time much better than any FF game, because you need to use tactics to win over the enemy.
I can tell you now, the guy that slaughtered this game above me is overexaggerating to the biggest extreme.

I spend roughly 5 minutes at most on random battles, and find the healing spells to be very helpful. The key is just to store up attack power with all characters and unleash it all at once, that way in turn with mutliple boosting you will get roughly 20+ attacks in and do well over 10k damage to your enemies.
If the timing is right and you use the correct characters you can kill any boss in this game with one collection of attacks.

As far as the DVD ia concerned, It's very good, the only DVD (thats not 12 hrs), that is about 5 hrs 15mins that i can watch all the way through.

Although i would recommend importing the game if you can, because dispite Episode 2 being brilliant, the 1st is ever better.

This game gets 5 stars easy, i wont spoil any of the plot, as it will ruin your experience, but take it from me, this game will leave you despirate for the 3rd and final installment.

Overall the game is crafted very beautifully, some really good cut scenes, and FMV sequences (bit long though).

Would def recommend it to my friends, but only the most harderned gamer even at that they will still find it a strain on the brain (as first timers will find it boring and frustrating).