Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xenosaga: Episode I – Der Wille zur Macht delivers a robust turn-based system that elevates traditional JRPG conventions. Unlike classic random encounters, foes appear on-screen, allowing you to strategize whether to engage or evade. Visible enemies reduce frustration, and the dynamic encounter system keeps exploration fluid.

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The core combat revolves around a clear turn order display and a rolling slot mechanic. You can see the next few turns of both allies and enemies, letting you plan combos, heals, or defensive plays. The rolling slot adds a layer of risk and reward—landing a favorable icon boosts damage, experience points, or other perks, making each decision weighty.

Boost mechanics introduce an extra strategic dimension. If an enemy is about to act and gain the upper hand, you can spend boost points to interrupt and take a turn immediately. Conversely, enemies can boost too, and their boosts always override yours. This tug-of-war keeps battles tense and prevents button-mashing.

Each character’s progression is driven by unique Ether spell trees, unlocked through earned Ether Points. Spells require prerequisites, so you must plan a character’s build carefully. Moreover, once learned, many spells can be taught to other party members for double the cost—encouraging experimentation without breaking balance.

Giant mech battles via Anti-Gnosis Weapon Systems (AGWS) supplement on-foot combat. Equipping different weapons and accessories alters your tactical options, while AP requirements to enter or exit mechs add resource management choices. The AGWS sequences feel distinct and offer a satisfying power fantasy for fans of mechanized warfare.

Balancing exploration, story events, and combat can sometimes feel uneven, with pacing dips around lengthy dialogue scenes. However, cutscenes are skippable, and the ability to evade weaker foes helps maintain momentum. Side quests and optional bosses provide additional challenges for completionists.

Graphics

For its PlayStation 2 debut, Xenosaga boasts striking pre-rendered backgrounds with high-resolution textures and intricate details. Space stations, alien worlds, and futuristic corridors feel alive, thanks to meticulous environmental design. Lighting effects on the Zohar emulators and AGWS mechs stand out, casting dynamic shadows and glowing accents.

Character models blend anime-inspired proportions with realistic textures. Facial animations during cutscenes are generally fluid, although a handful of dialogue sequences can appear stiff by modern standards. Costume designs—from Shion’s lab uniform to KOS-MOS’s armored form—remain iconic, reflecting each character’s personality and role.

Cinematic cutscenes elevate key story beats, featuring sweeping camera angles and dramatic zooms. These sequences occasionally switch to handheld camera perspectives, enhancing immersion during high-stakes confrontations. While the engine occasionally stutters when rendering multiple effects, overall performance remains stable.

Battle animations are polished and impactful. Melee combos unleash flashy particle effects, and AGWS weapons discharge bursts of energy that fill the screen. The rolling slot icon transitions and boost activations are visually clear, ensuring you never lose track of battlefield status during the heat of combat.

The UI design favors legibility over flashiness. Fonts are crisp, menus are logically organized, and color-coding helps differentiate item categories, abilities, and status effects. While some may find the interface dense at first, it becomes intuitive once you spend an hour navigating shops, status screens, and skill trees.

Although a remastered version would benefit from higher-resolution textures and more fluid animations, the original presentation holds a nostalgic charm. For an early-2000s JRPG, Xenosaga strikes a fine balance between artistic ambition and technical feasibility on the PS2 hardware.

Story

Set in the late 4800s T.C., Xenosaga weaves a multi-layered narrative around the mysterious Zohar monolith discovered near Lake Turkana. This relic catalyzed humanity’s expansion into space, ultimately birthing the Galaxy Federation and leading to complex political machinations. The lore’s depth rivals that of classic sci-fi novels.

The protagonist, Shion Uzuki, spearheads the development of the android weapon KOS-MOS to combat the otherworldly Gnosis threat. As the Gnosis attack the Vector Corporation, Shion’s life collides with dangerous conspiracies spun by the U-TIC organization, who seek the path to the sealed planet Old Miltia. Alliances shift, and motives blur as secret agendas unfurl.

Dialogue is dense and philosophical, touching on themes of faith, lost origins, and the nature of consciousness. While some players may find the exposition-heavy scenes daunting, those who appreciate narrative complexity will be rewarded with emotional payoffs and deeper world-building. The interplay between characters—ranging from the brash brawler Ziggy to the shy M.O.M.O.—adds human warmth to cosmic stakes.

Voice acting in both Japanese and English is earnest, capturing subtle nuances in character relationships. Intimate moments—such as Shion’s doubt or the childlike curiosity of MOMO—resonate strongly. Large-scale threats and the existential dread of an android questioning her identity are portrayed with conviction.

Plot twists abound: the origins of the True Zohar, the fate of Lost Jerusalem, and the nature of the Gnosis themselves. Though some narrative threads remain unresolved in this first installment, the conclusion ties major arcs together while setting up intriguing mysteries for subsequent episodes.

If you crave a JRPG with a sprawling, layered storyline that rivals cinematic franchises, Xenosaga’s narrative scope will enthrall you. However, newcomers to the genre should be prepared for lengthy cutscenes and complex lore.

Overall Experience

Xenosaga: Episode I – Der Wille zur Macht stands as a landmark JRPG that marries deep systems with an ambitious sci-fi epic. Its blend of visible encounters, strategic turn-based combat, and mech sequences offers varied gameplay that remains engaging from beginning to end. The rolling slot and boost mechanics keep battles unpredictable and ensure sustained tactical depth.

While the graphics reflect its PS2 origins, the game’s artistic vision and cinematic direction hold up admirably. Pre-rendered backgrounds, expressive character models, and bold cutscenes combine to create a compelling visual narrative. The UI, though dense, supports intricate customization and combat planning without feeling overly cumbersome.

The story is the crown jewel—rich, philosophical, and populated by memorable characters. Its exploration of themes like lost origins, the ethics of artificial life, and humanity’s quest for power transcends typical JRPG fare. Although exposition-heavy moments may test patience, the narrative’s grand scope and emotional stakes justify the time investment.

Minor pacing lulls and occasional localization quirks do little to diminish the overall impact. Optional side quests, arena battles, and hidden AGWS upgrades provide hours of additional content for completionists. For gamers seeking a mature, thought-provoking RPG that balances tactical combat with storytelling ambition, Xenosaga represents a must-play title.

Ultimately, Xenosaga: Episode I is not just a game but an introduction to a trilogy that challenges and rewards players willing to delve into its mysteries. With its unique mechanics, striking visuals, and profound narrative, it remains a standout experience for fans of Japanese role-playing adventures.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10