Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra

"The final chapter of an impressive trilogy"

When I heard this game came out I had high expectations. Being the final chapter of the trilogy I expected it to have a good ending, since Xenosaga revolves strongly around the story and character development. Everything is finally put into place and many of the questions are finally answered. Finally completing the game, I found it to be downright addicting, even more than the first and second of the series. I virtually avoided all human contact from start to finish. Not to mention that thu\is game is longer than Xenosaga 1-2 combined. Much better use of a cd.

Story 10/10
The absolute best story in any game I have played, along with Xenogears. The story continues as Shion a year later after defeating the patriarch, and uncovering the mystery group Ormus continues searching for answers on her past and the events that surrounded the Miltian conflict, and once and for all put an end to the conflict and restore peace. If you like a story with twists like a pretzel, then this game/series is for you. Not only does it keep you guessing who is behind the whole confrontation, but keeps your interest pointed to their motivations for starting the conflict in the first place. The usual cast re-appears in this game, and has an even deeper amount of development, each with very good sense of emotion, without any dryness. Very impressive overall. And there are even more massive amounts of Xenogears references for fans of that title. There are so many references to that game including names, locations, and so much more, that you will almost feel like your reliving that title. If you like a story driven game, then I doubt you will find anything much better than this title. The only small and minor problem I had though was that the story scenes could take quite awhile to get through, some scenes lasting for an hour or so. There is the usual scene skip for all those that want to move on with the game a little faster.

Graphics 9.5/10
Very impressive graphics and CGs are present in this game, In fact there are over 5 hours of just CGs, never-mind all the characters cut-scenes. Very detailed and adds huge bonus to the story. Absolute eye candy, and best of all there are many improvements over the previous two, such as more detailed characters, towns, and even a bigger and more diverse set of world maps. It definite feels like I am watching a movie at times through the game. For all you graphics and CG lovers, you can't go wrong with the graphics this title present. They did however change the conversations to a picture of the characters instead at times, but overall is for the better. Better graphics and CGs= more wasted disc space, but somehow they managed to fit so much onto two discs. And for all the KOS-MOS lovers, you will definitely be in for a huge surprise.

Sound 9/10
Overall this aspect of the game was quite solid, however there were some flaws that were quite noticeable, such as a lack of combat music. There were good sound effects for weapons and spells though . Most of the scores presented were awesome, and added so much depth to the atmosphere of the story and really sparked my interest. Not too shabby, and does have a lot of effect on the overall game. Voice acting was a very solid aspect that I would have to say was easily the best voice acting I have seen in quite awhile. Not one character was bland and boring, and had the personality befitting of their role. Even KOS-MOS fit her role perfectly.

Gameplay/Extras 9/10
If you like a variety in combat systems. The first system involves the usual characters battles, which is turn based and you select a character, select a command and that characters performs it. There are some new added bonuses though. Among those is the new skill system. You learn skills in two ways. The first way is by levelling your characters, by gaining experience, and the second way is by using SP (Skill points), and learning skills though a skill grid. Not only that but you can find new moves throughout the game as well. The second combat system are fought in giant mechs called E.S. This system is also turn based, but is a little more restricted to the equipment you have set up, and you don't get stronger by levelling. Experience awarded goes towards characters instead. However if you like doing insane amounts of damage in s short period of time, then you will appreciate that game definitely delivers. Th best part for overall gameplay is the length of the game. It was about the length of the first and second Xenosaga games combined.

There are a few extras you will enjoy, such as a new puzzle game, which you try and get a set amount of characters to the goal line while avoiding obstacles. This game is extremely frustrating, at some of the harder levels, but is quite rewarding. There are a few characters through the game that you can help with some various tasks, that provides some rewards as well. Overall quite a few extras, but not as many as I originally expected.

Pros
+ Over 8 Hours of CGs
+ Excellent combat system
+ Improved graphics
+ Excellent story, and superb character development
+ A new puzzle game, providing great rewards as well as challenge
+ Many new skills to learn

Cons
- Takes a couple of hours for the gameplay to pickup.

To buy or rent
A definite buy. Not only is this one of the best in the series, but is a lot longer, and answers all the storyline questions from the previous Xenosaga games. You will now be able to play through all three games, and not have to worry about wondering what's next. Like many trilogies I would never recommend not getting one, and missing part of the story. It's highly worth the money, and will keep you interested for years to come.

Overall 9/10
Another Xenosaga game, another great title. I am proud to have been able to play such a balance game, including a memorable cast of characters, great gameplay and some of the best CGs and graphics in the entire gaming industry. Get it, love it, and feel proud having it a part of your gaming collection.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/09/06