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Reviews
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse (2004)
Another triumph from the Xenofolks
If you ask me, this game is a worthy successor to both Gears and the first Saga. While not the cinema-padded epic of the first (I believe the longest cutscene tops out at 30 minutes), it manages to give even more detail than the first, a welcome change. This go-round, we are presented with the omnipresent and sinister U-TIC Organization and its dark commanders, the Ormus. However, the central thrust of the story is on the relationship between Gaignun (Nigredo), Jr. (Rubedo), and Albedo. The story takes a considerably darker and more morose turn; while the first focused on the struggle against the Gnosis, the second is really more about the struggle with oneself. While presented as an aloof madman with a mad cackle and titanic will in Ep. I, Albedo becomes much more human. Indeed, the very reasons behind his insanity are made clearer, as is what the hell U-DO is exactly. Contrary to some early reviews (even one on a prominent gaming site), the game actually goes to great lengths to flesh out its storyline. The Miltian Conflict, the Zohar, U-DO, the Y-Data, and more are finally made more than vague details in a worried Billingslea grumble.
Maybe it's just that I don't mind being told a story. However, it bears mentioning that, while the original had more gameplay than some give it credit for, the second episode boasts even more. This is something of a dubious gift when fighting Margulis or the Patriarch, but it's welcome. The only really plodding times are at the very end, where the game indulges its FFX side and presents several bite-size cinematics in a row. The grand finale, over which the dirge-like "Sweet Song" plays, is another triumphant close. Between this and "Fatal Fight," it's just about enough to make me miss Mitsuda's score a lot less. Of course, I liked the music in the .hack series, so...
In essence, the game isn't perfect (the sometimes blocky hands detract from what is otherwise a graphically pleasing game), but it is very well done. It's not for everyone, and many will pan its tendency to tell you a story rather than be immersive 100% of the time. However, the epic scope and grand storytelling are more than enough to keep this gamer occupied. The melding of the personal and space-opera aspects create an, if not unique, certainly flashy piece of work that present a solid experience. Even if the religious and philosophical references aren't necessary, they at least seem to have some bearing on the actual storyline (the implication that the Zohar emulators, named for the Apostles and "Mary's Child," are the solution to the Gnosis (gnostic) and heretics is an undercurrent). All in all, it was immensely enjoyable.