My theory is that they still followed the storyplans that Takahashi layed out before they canned him, but because they had no idea what other ideas he was going to produce, they had to stick primarily to what they had on hand, and thin out the small plotline for the next 2 games. This is the only explanation I can think of for EPIII's pitiful running time.
If you didn't check my journal entry, I've been given impressions from a guy who knows a guy, stating that EPIII's total running time is 30 hours, and almost more than half of that time is due to ridiculously long dungeons (the final dungeon is reportedly 10 hours long. That's a 1/3 of the goddamn game) and battles. The story comes together nicely with the few cutscenes they show, but I'm sure it will confirm my earlier fears in that the story will run on fast-forward, avoiding any additional character development or small touches to hastily tie up all remaining loose ends.
I'm really hoping the information I was given proves inaccurate, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Just thinking about how this promising series quickly stumbled is too painful. :edgartpg:
I've been hearing quotes of 30-40 hours the main story from Namco US internal play testers and up to 60 hours of gameplay if you do all of the sidequests(there are a ton) and minigames. I really don't know how valid these claims are though.
B.K.
Jul 17, 2006 06:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cetra
I've been hearing quotes of 30-40 hours the main story from Namco US internal play testers and up to 60 hours of gameplay if you do all of the sidequests(there are a ton) and minigames. I really don't know how valid these claims are though.
My clear file was right at 32 hours. I didn't do any sidequests.
Sir VG
Jul 19, 2006 08:03 AM
Never trust any company's claims. What did they say for XSI? 80 hrs?
And some Japanese guy beat it in about 6. :tpg:
Kensaki
Jul 19, 2006 08:25 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir VG
Never trust any company's claims. What did they say for XSI? 80 hrs?
And some Japanese guy beat it in about 6. :tpg:
And completely rounding the game with all extras?
Inhert
Jul 19, 2006 03:27 PM
I don't think 6h is possible even if you skip all cutscene, there's problem a 0 missiong in there (like 60)
Firefly
Jul 19, 2006 11:42 PM
Interesting tidbit: the enemy soldiers with the trenchcoats and white/black color scheme are very reminiscent of Killzone's Helghast or Dead to Right's GACs (both of which were apparently inspired by Jin-Roh's 'Panzer Cops'). Pretty cool coincidence, that... and for bonus points, one particular category of these chaps weilds a weapon very similar in appearance to the SPAS-12 (reference).
GOD FINALLY, someone slapped some sence into Shion's endless crying rampage.
Jin +1 , Shion -20325393950
Vash
Jul 25, 2006 07:51 PM
Is anyone planning on ripping the in-game music? (Obviously not the cutscene music that was recently released)
soulsteelgray
Jul 25, 2006 08:28 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vash
Is anyone planning on ripping the in-game music? (Obviously not the cutscene music that was recently released)
Actually, the soundtrack that was just released is a combination of the cutscene and in-game tracks. For instance, the battle of your soul is one of the songs that play during a boss fight. So is testament.
B.K.
Jul 25, 2006 10:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsteelgray
Actually, the soundtrack that was just released is a combination of the cutscene and in-game tracks. For instance, the battle of your soul is one of the songs that play during a boss fight. So is testament.
It's not all of the soundtrack though. There are a lot of songs left out. That's why it's a Best Sound Tracks.
soulsteelgray
Jul 25, 2006 11:12 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by B.K.
It's not all of the soundtrack though. There are a lot of songs left out. That's why it's a Best Sound Tracks.
I know, but I'm just saying that there's still a handful of non-cutscene songs on the album.
B.K.
Jul 26, 2006 12:34 AM
Here's a RAR with 91 songs ripped from the game that aren't on the OST.
Also I've looked at some of the cutscenes from this game and it has a few surprises and confirmations.
Has spoilers from end of game ect:
Spoiler:
Was surprised they actually showed Jesus in a flash back, Kos-Mos being Mary Magdalena was almost confirmed before the game and spoiled in the first trailer when T-elos says "Maria no miko" which would translate to maiden Maria or priestess Maria.
I was surprised how like Ellyham van Hooten Nephiliem was. And yes when Juriev that seems to be possessed by Udo links with the Omega it looks just like Deus. I still hold my opinion that the three Xenosaga games are infact chapter two as told in perfect works. Also Kos-Mos rocks after fully awakening as Maria.
garthvadr3
Jul 26, 2006 09:24 AM
I am very interested to see how this series ends. I am wondering a few things though, I do not want to know any spoilers, for those who have finished it. Is it final? Does it actually seem like it ends? And finally, is there any linkage at all to Xenogears plot? I thought maybe there were a few things that were starting to make sense in reference to Xenogears in EpII especially as far as religeous references go, but nothing solid. Is all of the plot linking vague, or is there some solid references happening toward the end? Please don't include any spoiler info because I love to be surprized.
Kensaki
Jul 26, 2006 09:54 AM
I can't ansver that without spoiling it. I suggest you wait. And yes III is the final episode.
garthvadr3
Jul 26, 2006 10:48 AM
lol oh well, I was just looking for a yes or a no. Does it link in someway or does it not. Yes or no will do if thats possible. But if not I will wait :)
Oh and thanks for the rip by the way. I love the EP III ost far better than any of the other Saga OSTs. It
s nice to hear all the in game music. I just hope Namco releases a full OST.
Kensaki
Jul 26, 2006 11:07 AM
I'd say a loose connection is there.
B.K.
Jul 26, 2006 11:10 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kensaki
Spoiler:
I still hold my opinion that the three Xenosaga games are infact chapter two as told in perfect works.
Xenosaga is
Spoiler:
a very warped version of Xenogears Episode I. Xenosaga's story is similar to Xenogears Episode I, but there are still a lot of differences. For example:
Spoiler:
the Zohar Emulators are gone. The Original is the only one left. The Anima are gone. Abel never made contact with the Zohar. There is no Deus or Kadomony. That means there can't be a Miang, Emperor Cain, or Gazel Ministry.
Kensaki
Jul 26, 2006 11:18 AM
Spoiler:
Actually it's episode two. One is the establishment of the government and happen several hundred years before Xenosaga. But I see your point. But whatever they can't touch Xenogears or perfect works cause SE had to turn into such bitches and deny continuing the series thus the creation of monolith and their affiliation with Namco.
B.K.
Jul 26, 2006 11:27 AM
No, it's
Spoiler:
Episode I. Xenogears Episode I covered everything from the discovery of the Zohar on Earth in 2001, the creation of Deus in T.C. 4767 to end the Interstellar War, and the Eldridge crash. Xenogears Episode II was about Abel after the Eldridge crash.
Kensaki
Jul 26, 2006 02:16 PM
Spoiler:
Actually Abel after Eldridge is chapter 3. But this is irrelevant since Xenosaga isn't Xenogears nor Perfect Works.
B.K.
Jul 26, 2006 02:59 PM
No it isn't.
Spoiler:
Xenogears Episode III is the Zeboim Civilization. Here's the episode list straight from Perfect Works:
============
EPISODE I
============
PERIOD OF THE INTERSTELLAR WAR
15,000 Years ago
Episode I is set against the Earth of 15,000 years ago and it is at this time that mankind has begun its search for a new home. Eventually, man finds a habitable home amidst the M24 Star Cluster of Sagittarius and from thereafter, this planet comes to be known as "Neo Jerusalem." However, even after colonizing this planet, mankind continued to aim for the heart of the universe and after 5,000 years (10,000 years ago), humanity had conquered most of the Milky Way. Eventually, The Interstellar War breaks out and afterward gradually intensifies; Episode I focuses on both the outbreak and intensification of this war. However, while this is going on, other events take place, such as the development of the Deus System.
============
EPISODE II
============
THE ORIGINS OF A NEW ERA
10,000 Years ago
Intellectual life forms have begun to increase on the planet where Fei shall live. Also, Emperor Cain becomes the founder of a new generation of mankind and is venerated as a god. Abel, the sole survivor of the Eldridge crash, is repulsed by this belief and seeks a new way of life. At this point in time, the story progresses to Episode II, with Cain continuing to abide by his mission-the revivification of Deus; Cain never intended to "liberate humanity" as seen in Episode V.
=============
EPISODE III
=============
THE ZEBOIM CIVILIZATION
4,000 Years ago
Episode III takes place at an age where a scientific civilization achieves a level of technological advancement similar to our own. A majority of these people are rendered unable to bear children thanks to a genetic deficiency that began to manifest itself as they achieved the technological zenith. Kim (Abel's first transmigration) attempted to overcome this obstacle with nanotechnology, but fails thanks to Miang's Plans. Emeralda is also born durin this era and nanotechnology is later revived by Taura, one of the Three Sages of Shevat.
============
EPISODE IV
============
THE SOLARIS CAMPAIGN
500 Years ago
The Ignas continent of about 500 years thence is the backdrop of Episode IV. Emperor Cain decides that human evolution has reached its final stage and thus founds Solaris. Emperor Cain makes an attempt at immediate ground-rule, but is met with conflict as the artificial humans of this era have harnessed the use of Ether. This conflict, or war, breaks out between the "Land Dwellers" and the "Solarians," and is generally known as the "great war of 500 years ago." But the war was ended prematurely by "The Day of Collapse."
===========
EPISODE V
===========
XENOGEARS
Present
Fei takes on the role of protagonist in this episode, set in the year 9999, Fei leads his early life in the peaceful village of Lahan. The Deus Restoration Program is also nearing completion at present time. Fei was not born in Lahan Village, however. He was, in fact, carried to Chief Lee's house in Lahan Village, three years ago by a Masked Man. At the time, Fei was so injured, both mentally and physically, that he lost all memory of his life prior to that point. After the attack on Lahan Village, though, he is "reawakened" and once again embarks on the road of fate.
============
EPISODE VI
============
FUTURE
Although not much is known about this episode, it appears as though it is set shortly after Episode V. Information about Episode VI will remain undisclosed until future notice as it is the last point on the Xenogears timeline.
Kensaki
Jul 26, 2006 04:49 PM
Spoiler:
I stand corrected but Xenosaga is not in that timeline at all so your point is really void which I have trying to tell you in what 3 posts now?
Xenosaga is an alternate story line set in the same universe as Xenogears. It has less to do with Xenogears than Smallville has with the original superman series. uses some of the same characters and one of the enemy crafts has an uncanny resemblence too Deus.
B.K.
Jul 26, 2006 11:18 PM
It's not void. I was tying to say that Xenosaga is a retelling of Xenogears Episode I and you didn't even know what happened in Xenogears Episode I. I was just trying to get everything straight.
Cobalt Katze
Jul 27, 2006 12:33 AM
Actually, according to the Perfect Works storyline, Xenosaga would be Episode II. Episode I is the prologue, where they discover Zohar on Earth etc.
(I didn't click on the spoiler tags and I don't intend to, just commenting on the last post here.)
