Games Acquired 2017

[Sarge]

I thought XCX fell too much into the MMO wheelhouse, even more than the first game. I thought the first one was an 8.5 experience, and had some really, really high points. XCX is more consistent, but doesn't hit the highs of Xenoblade (or the lows). It also took probably 20 hours to really feel like I was making progress in the combat system. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it a lot, I'd probably give it an 8/10 (with 5/10 being average), but I don't think it's amazing.

[Exhuminator]

Sarge did you like XCX better than XC?

[Sarge]

Not really. There were a lot less annoying little things that bugged me from Xenoblade, but something with XCX never resonated with me quite like that game, either. On paper, it's actually a more solidly-designed game overall, but it's also a lot more free-form as well in a lot of ways. I still put a ton of time into it, and once it's rolling, it's a lot of fun, but I still think Xenoblade is better overall. And neither of them are as good as The Last Story.

[Segata]

XCX is less story focused and more exploration focused and the skells really open the game up. It's massive world and lots to find and do. XCX is just so damn fun to explore as it's very imaginative in the setting. Elma is the real MC and a good one at that. I won't deny that I hope when they re-release on Switch that they fill in the story more. One thing I really miss in XC2 from X is the sprint and huge jump, XC2 jumping is bad. Loving the game but the jumping sucks balls and you will need it a lot.

[ElkinFencer10]

Sarge did you like XCX better than XC?

I, personally, would rank them:

XCX > XC2 > XC

I'ave not played Xenogears or any of the three Xenosaga games.

[Sarge]

I have played all but the new one. If I had to break down the series, it'd be...

XC = XS > XG = XCX > XS3 >>>>>>>> XS2

I have no idea how well the first Xenosaga has aged at this point, honestly; I played through it back when it released. I thought it was freaking amazing at the time. Xenosaga 2 was a massive disappointment, and Xenosaga 3 was a return to form. All these are tightly grouped, too, with the exception of XS2. I'd say they're all 8.0-8.5 experiences. I do hate the pretentiousness of the XS games, though, what with their weird appropriation of Abrahamic religious aspects.

(I didn't find it offensive, mind; I don't expect folks outside of those faiths to really understand some of the core tenets, and I certainly don't expect theological accuracy in a very, very anime video game series.)

[isiolia]

(I didn't find it offensive, mind; I don't expect folks outside of those faiths to really understand some of the core tenets, and I certainly don't expect theological accuracy in a very, very anime video game series.)

Blame Evangelion.

One of the sites linked regarding the rumored Dark Souls HD remaster/Switch release also rumored a Xenosaga HD collection as well. So, could end up being something to revisit.

[Sarge]

I would probably sign up for that if there were some mechanical changes with XS2, or if they managed to expand a few areas a bit. While Xenosaga 3 did a pretty good job of closing out the series, it's pretty apparent they had to cram a lot in that was originally planned for six games.

What I really wish they'd do is revisit Xenogears, and expand that second disc to what it should have been. Now that would be amazing. Xenogears' first disc is one of the best RPGs on the PSX, the second... not so much.

(Yes, I know it won't happen. Let me have my little dream.)

[Segata]

Played and finished Gears. It's honestly not that great. The music is fantastic, I mean truly something special. Characters are great. Art is great. Gameplay not so great. Story, it's rubbish. That second disc sucks. I have never played the XS games but I have heard of the extemely long cut scenes. There is a rumor that began before Kos Mos was announced for XC2 that Xenosaga HD collection is coming exclusively to Switch.

[PartridgeSenpai]

I REALLY wanted to like Xenosaga when I played it a year or so ago, but I just couldn't. That game has a very nice presentation, good (better than FFX) voice acting, charming characters, a world I wanted to know more about. The things it also had were a VERY confusing battle system, an equally intimidating and confusing level up and spell-sharing system, and to top it all off a VERY grindy level curve. I've really wanted to pick up the 1&2 version they did for Japanese DS sometime though. I have no idea what it's like mechanically, but I think it'd be non-grindy enough for me to enjoy the story