“Xenogears” is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the Sony PlayStation. It was released in 1998 in Japan and 1999 in North America. The game was created by Tetsuya Takahashi and his team at Square’s Product Development Division 3, also known as the “Dream Team.”
Set in a fictional world where giant mechs known as “Gears” exist, “Xenogears” tells the story of Fei Fong Wong, a young martial artist who gets caught up in a global conflict involving ancient civilizations, religious ideologies, and the secrets of his own mysterious past.
Xenogears Facts
- “Xenogears” was originally intended to be a part of the “Final Fantasy” series, but due to its complex and mature themes, it was developed as a separate intellectual property.
- The game’s development team, known as the “Dream Team,” consisted of notable figures such as Tetsuya Takahashi (director and writer), Masato Kato (scenario writer), and Yasunori Mitsuda (composer).
- “Xenogears” explores philosophical and religious themes, drawing inspiration from various sources, including Gnosticism, Carl Jung’s theories, and religious symbolism.
- The game incorporates elements of mecha combat, platforming, puzzle-solving, and traditional turn-based RPG gameplay, offering a diverse and engaging experience.
- The battle system in “Xenogears” allows characters to combine attacks using “combo” moves, increasing their damage output and chaining together powerful moves.
- “Xenogears” features a rich and intricate story with multiple plot twists, spanning across several discs in the PlayStation version.
- The game tackles complex themes such as identity, destiny, human existence, and the nature of god, inviting players to contemplate philosophical and moral questions.
- “Xenogears” was critically acclaimed for its storytelling, character development, and deep exploration of its themes, but it also faced some criticism for its pacing and the inclusion of text-based sections to convey certain story segments.
- The English localization of “Xenogears” underwent significant changes compared to the original Japanese version, with some controversial alterations made to religious references and story elements.
- “Xenogears” features over 50 hours of gameplay, with additional optional content and side quests that provide further depth to the world and characters.
- Yasunori Mitsuda composed the game’s soundtrack, which is considered one of his most iconic works. The music features a blend of orchestral pieces and memorable melodies that enhance the emotional impact of the story.
- “Xenogears” was one of the first RPGs to explore themes of psychology and delve into the human psyche as a central element of its narrative.
- The game’s localization took significant effort due to its complex story and philosophical themes, requiring extensive translation and adaptation work.
- “Xenogears” is known for its large cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and backstories, contributing to the game’s rich narrative and world-building.
- Despite its critical acclaim and passionate fanbase, “Xenogears” did not receive a direct sequel. However, it influenced subsequent games in the “Xeno” series, such as “Xenosaga” and “Xenoblade Chronicles.”
Xenogears Quotes
- “Humans… If you really think there’s a God, then pray… Pray for strength to survive this nightmare.” – Fei Fong Wong
- “As long as the people aboard this planet live, it will not die. That is simply the will of the planet.” – Elly Van Houten
- “That’s the problem with you, Krelian. You fail to comprehend the joy of simply ‘being alive’.” – Ramsus
- “All that lives is destined to end. Thus, we must seize the present and live to the fullest… As long as we are alive, we can become anything!” – Citan Uzuki
- “We’re merely pawns. And so is this world. But… So what? I mean, what’s wrong with that?” – Billy Lee Black
- “As long as you don’t choose, everything remains possible.” – Sophia
- “Don’t blame yourself for what you cannot do. What you do not understand is that it’s not only one person’s power that can change the world.” – Bart Fatima
- “No matter how dark the night, morning always comes. And our journey begins anew.” – Emeralda Kasim
- “There is nothing beyond hope. As long as you hold hope in your heart, you can keep walking toward the dream that lies ahead.” – Rico Banderas
- “Wisdom is there for the taking. It’s all well and good to try and embrace it, but we can’t get too close. We must accept that it’s all right not to have all the answers.” – Miang Hawwa
- “People are just people. Our hearts are connected to the people we know and trust. That’s what enables us to endure and live on.” – Nisan Elder
- “What’s wrong with yearning for the impossible? Sometimes, even the impossible may be worth striving for.” – Hammer
- “The time has come for you to shape your stories, your memories, and embrace your own beliefs. In the end, the truth you believe in is the only truth that matters.” – Grahf
- “To defy destiny is to embrace that which defines us, to nurture it, and to live for it fully aware that it is a prison.” – Krelian
- “The weight of the world will crush you. The light of the soul will guide you.” – Deus
Xenogears Gameplay Tips
- Level Up Regularly: Engage in battles to earn experience points and level up your characters. Regularly leveling up will increase your stats, making battles and challenges easier to overcome.
- Master Combos: Experiment with different attack combinations to unleash powerful combo moves during battles. Combos deal more damage and can be crucial in defeating tough enemies.
- Equip Gears Strategically: Gears play a significant role in combat. Make sure to equip them with appropriate weapons, armor, and accessories to maximize their effectiveness. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each Gear when facing different enemies.
- Utilize Character Abilities: Each character in “Xenogears” possesses unique abilities and special moves. Pay attention to their strengths and use their skills strategically in battles to gain an advantage.
- Save Frequently: Save your progress regularly, especially before challenging battles or exploring dangerous areas. This way, you can reload your game if things don’t go as planned.
- Manage Your Resources: Keep an eye on your characters’ health points (HP) and fuel (for Gears) during battles. Use healing items and fuel-restoring items wisely to ensure your party remains in good condition throughout your journey.
- Experiment with Elements: “Xenogears” features an elemental system where certain enemies are weak or resistant to specific elements. Exploit enemy weaknesses by using the appropriate elemental attacks to deal more damage.
- Explore Thoroughly: Take the time to thoroughly explore each area you encounter. Search for hidden items, secret paths, and interact with NPCs to gather information, acquire useful items, and uncover additional side quests.
- Upgrade Gears: As you progress in the game, you’ll have opportunities to upgrade and enhance your Gears. Collect upgrade parts and visit shops or mechanics to improve your Gears’ capabilities, increasing their attack power, defense, and special abilities.
- Talk to NPCs: Engage in conversations with non-playable characters (NPCs) to gain insights, receive hints, and uncover side quests. NPCs often provide valuable information that can guide you in your main quest.
- Manage your Ether Points: Ether Points (EP) are essential for using powerful skills and special attacks. Use EP strategically, and consider replenishing EP using items or abilities during battles.
- Read the In-Game Database: “Xenogears” includes an in-game database that provides information on characters, locations, and key events. Consult the database to refresh your memory on story details or to find useful hints.
- Experiment with Equipment Combos: Mix and match equipment to create powerful combinations. Some items and accessories have synergistic effects when equipped together, enhancing your characters’ abilities or providing useful buffs.
- Pay Attention to the Story: “Xenogears” features a deep and intricate storyline. Pay close attention to dialogue, cutscenes, and events to fully immerse yourself in the narrative and grasp the nuances of the plot.
- Enjoy the Journey: “Xenogears” is a game with a rich story and complex themes. Take your time, enjoy the exploration, engage with the characters, and savor the experience of unraveling the game’s mysteries.
Xenogears Game Controls
Field Controls:
- D-Pad or Left Analog Stick: Move your character in different directions.
- Circle or X Button: Interact with objects, talk to NPCs, or confirm selections in menus.
- Triangle Button: Open the main menu to access various options, such as the item inventory, character status, and configuration settings.
- Square Button: Open the map to view your current location and navigate through areas you have visited.
- Start Button: Pause the game and access the pause menu.
Battle Controls:
- D-Pad or Left Analog Stick: Select actions, targets, or navigate menus during battles.
- Circle or X Button: Confirm selected actions or menu choices.
- Triangle Button: Cancel or go back in menus or actions.
- Square Button: Switch between character attack options (Attack, Combo, Deathblow) during battles.
- L1 and R1 Buttons: Cycle through characters’ battle menus or options.
- L2 and R2 Buttons: Scroll through different enemies when selecting targets.
Xenogears Walkthrough
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