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Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 13 May 08
User Rating
9 (6 votes) -
Overview
Often described as a 'cinematic RPG', Parasite Eve blends the traditional RPG elements with beautifully rendered environment. The story takes place in modern-day New York, with an opera singer makes a 'flaming' debut. You take control of the main protagonist, a women cop named Aya Brea trying to arrest the offender (in this case Eve, the earlier opera singer), while finding out about her hidden and mysterious past.
The plot is certainly original for an RPG, with the concept of cells as the unseen enemy of mankind. Certainly would have made a good movie by Hollywood standards.
Gameplay
Parasite Eve uses a new battle system that harbours between the common turn-based combat with real-time action. You can attack when your gauge reaches maximum and only within the range of your weapon (signified with a target dome). During the time between attacks, you can move around freely, dodging enemy attacks and generally positioning yourself for your next attack.Aided with the analog controls, character movement is smooth and sufficient for quick and strategic attacks.
Enemy encounters are carried out by the use of 'trigger points', instead of the more commonly-used random battles. The beauty is that encounters don't happen too often, and you can anticipate the next battles by 'steps' or 'corners' in the environment. However, there's a downside to this too - you don't get to level up often, which is essential to beat the end level bosses.
A plus point for this game is the ability to modify your weapons and body armor attributes. You can assign additional features such as 'Double Shot' or 'Splittered Damage' to add more firepower to your shotguns. Various items are littered throughout the game, but you're restricted to only about a dozen items. Although this makes the game more realistic, it makes you wish for more classic approach to item handling like in other RPGs.
Graphics
Graphically, this game shines. The opening and underlying FMVs are clearly a sight to behold. But such was to be expected from Squaresoft, the makers of the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy series. The in-game graphics doesn't disappoint either. The characters are well-build and proportioned polygonal models, with the surrounding environment rendered with impressive details.
Fun Factor
The fun factor in Parasite Eve lies in the 'Ex-Game Mode', which enables you to play the game again using your last saved settings and attributes (meaning weapons and armors), and get the 'true ending'. The mode also opens up the 'Chrystler Building', which translates to more badass enemies and bosses.
The sound in Parasite Eve is excellent, especially the theme song. But, most of the time, you don't hear anything at all. Just silence and the sound of footsteps (yours). This might not be important, but I feel that the absence of a background music makes the game a little dull.
Overall
In conclusion, Parasite Eve is definately an above-average and short RPG (only took me 8 hours to complete). You can just rent it for a night and finish it before day-break. Let's hope Square patches up the weaknesses of this game and come up with a better sequel.
- Gameplay
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Fun Factor
7.0 - Overall
9.0
