Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra (2006)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra is a fitting end to the trilogy, offering a rich narrative and engaging gameplay, though not without its difficulties.

Introduction

Xenosaga Episode III concludes the epic sci-fi RPG trilogy with a complex narrative and deep gameplay mechanics.

Synopsis

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra is the third and final installment of the Xenosaga series, a sci-fi role-playing game for the PlayStation 2. The game was developed by Monolith Soft and published by Bandai Namco in 2006. The title is derived from a philosophical novel by Friedrich Nietzsche, which explores the concept of the Übermensch and the death of God.

The game continues the story of Xenosaga Episode I and Episode II, which follow the adventures of Shion Uzuki, a former scientist of Vector Industries, and KOS-MOS, a powerful battle android. The game takes place in the year 4768 T.C., a year after the appearance of Abel’s Ark, a mysterious structure that swallowed the Zohar, the source of a cosmic energy called the U-DO. The Zohar is sought by various factions, including the Galaxy Federation, the U-TIC Organization, the Immigrant Fleet, and Ormus, a religious cult that worships the Zohar as a divine artifact.

Shion, who has resigned from Vector, joins forces with her brother Jin Uzuki and his allies, who are investigating Ormus and its connection to the Miltian Conflict, a war that occurred 14 years ago and resulted in the disappearance of the planet Miltia. Shion also wants to uncover the truth behind the origin of the Gnosis, hostile alien beings that can turn humans into salt, and the Testaments, four mysterious individuals who seem to manipulate the events of the galaxy.

Meanwhile, KOS-MOS, who is still under Vector’s control, is pursued by T-elos, a newer and more advanced android model, and Kevin Winnicot, Shion’s former lover and KOS-MOS’s creator, who is revealed to be one of the Testaments. KOS-MOS also has a mysterious connection to Mary Magdalene, a woman who lived in ancient times and was involved in the creation of the Zohar.

The game features a turn-based battle system that allows the player to control up to three characters in a party, each with their own skills and abilities. The player can also use E.S., giant mecha that can be customized and piloted by the characters, in some battles. The game also includes a Database that provides information on the game’s lore, characters, and events, as well as a mini-game called HaKox, a hacking simulator that allows the player to access hidden areas and items.

Characters

Main characters include Shion Uzuki, KOS-MOS, and Jr., each with their own motivations and roles in the unfolding plot.

Gameplay

The game features a turn-based battle system with improvements from previous entries, including new customization options and strategic elements.

Conclusion

As the finale of the Xenosaga series, Episode III delivers a satisfying conclusion to the saga, despite its challenging aspects.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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