Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xenogears builds its gameplay around a seamless fusion of two distinct combat systems: on-foot skirmishes and giant mech (“Gear”) battles. On foot, your party members engage enemies using a robust combo-based fighting system. Each character has unique “Deathblows”—special attacks learned by chaining normal blows in specific patterns—which encourages experimentation and rewards mastery. Outside of battles, Xenogears laces exploration with light platforming: characters can jump to reach hidden ledges or secret treasures, adding a surprising layer of environmental puzzle-solving to a traditional JRPG format.

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Once you climb into a Gear, the rules shift. Gear battles run on a fuel gauge rather than traditional MP, forcing you to strike a balance between unleashing powerful attacks and conserving enough energy to defend or escape. Gears can’t gain experience, but they can be upgraded at workshops with enhanced parts and accessories—some even restore fuel mid-battle. This creates an intense sense of resource management and strategic planning as you decide when to strike hard and when to bide your time.

Outside combat, the world of Ignas is filled with branching paths, secret items, and NPC side-stories that flesh out both the grand war between Kislev and Aveh and the lives of its citizens. Random encounters can be toggled off once you reach a certain level, letting you focus on story dungeons or Gear missions without constant interruptions. A modest difficulty curve means new players will breeze through early chapters but must carefully optimize their party’s abilities—and Gear loadouts—for tougher bosses that demand precise timing and thorough preparation.

Graphics

For a game originally released on the Super Famicom, Xenogears’ visual presentation remains remarkably memorable. Character sprites are finely detailed, with expressive idle animations and fluid combat frames that bring the cast to life. Town and dungeon environments employ richly textured, pre-rendered backdrops that convey a grand sense of scale—whether you’re wandering the war-torn plains of Ignas or exploring the shadowy corridors of an ancient ruin.

Gears are where Xenogears truly shines. Each mech features a biomechanical design aesthetic, with sleek lines and menacing joints that shift dynamically in both on-foot cutscenes and during battles. Gear combat sequences occasionally use simple 3D models to rotate around the camera, adding depth and drama to each clash. Although these moments are modest by today’s standards, they were cutting-edge at the time and still stand out as a hallmark of the game’s ambition.

The game also peppers in fully animated FMV sequences during key story beats, giving major revelations an almost cinematic punch. Color palettes shift elegantly to reflect the tone—warm golds in Aveh’s deserts, steely grays in Kislev’s fortresses, haunting blues in Ethos facilities—immersing you in a world where every map and menu feels lovingly crafted. Even years later, Xenogears’ art direction continues to inspire nostalgia and admiration.

Story

At its core, Xenogears spins an epic yarn about war, identity, and the hidden forces that manipulate nations. The long-standing conflict between the Kislev Empire in the north and the Kingdom of Aveh in the south has become so entrenched that few remember its origins. This tension erupts anew when Ethos, a shadowy organization, reintroduces ancient Gear technology and partners with Gebler, a manipulative military faction. Against this backdrop, an impulsive villager named Fei Fong Wong accidentally pilots the prototype Gear “Weltall,” unleashing cataclysmic power that destroys his hometown and costs his best friend’s life.

From that moment on, Fei is hunted by multiple governments and sinister forces alike, driving him into an unforgettable quest for the truth behind his mysterious past. As new companions join—ranging from the enigmatic archaeologist Citan Uzuki to the fierce rebel Miang—Xenogears steadily peels back layer after layer of conspiracy. Themes of religion, psychology, and philosophy thread through every chapter, with characters wrestling over the nature of free will, the weight of destiny, and the scars of reincarnation.

The narrative pacing can slow during its midsection, as the script delves into heavy exposition and flashback sequences. However, this deep dive sets up one of the most emotionally resonant finales in JRPG history. Well-written dialogue and anime-style cutscenes punctuate key moments, ensuring that every twist lands with maximum impact. By the time you confront the true puppet masters of Ignas, the payoff feels not only justified but truly epic.

Overall Experience

Xenogears remains a landmark title that blends ambitious storytelling with inventive gameplay mechanics. Its dual-combat system keeps battles fresh, while the ability to upgrade Gears without traditional leveling adds a unique strategic layer. Exploration is rewarding, encouraging you to leap across platforms and unearth hidden treasures—an unexpected twist for a genre often limited to flat, tile-based movement.

While the graphics and presentation bear the signature of 1998’s hardware constraints, the game’s art direction, mech designs, and FMV cutscenes still resonate with power and style. A sweeping soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda punctuates every moment, lending the world an unforgettable atmosphere. Storytelling is bold and mature, tackling weighty themes seldom seen in video games of its era.

For fans of mecha anime, deep JRPGs, or narratives that challenge as much as they entertain, Xenogears offers an experience few other titles can match. Its slight pacing stumbles and dated visuals are more than offset by a compelling cast, revolutionary Gear combat, and a storyline that lingers long after the final credits roll. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or diving in for the first time, Xenogears remains a compelling journey well worth embarking upon.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10