Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2003
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 118 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: Thousands of years into the future, man exists only in deep space. Brutally opposed by a merciless alien race, humanity faces an uncertain destiny as it unlocks the secrets of the Universe in search of the ultimate truth. Features four exhilarating mini-games, innovative battle and controlThousands of years into the future, man exists only in deep space. Brutally opposed by a merciless alien race, humanity faces an uncertain destiny as it unlocks the secrets of the Universe in search of the ultimate truth. Features four exhilarating mini-games, innovative battle and control systems, and over 80 hours of gameplay. [Namco]… Expand
Buy On

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Gaming Age
    100
    Xenosaga has that extra special something that has been missing from RPGs for the last couple of years, an enthralling, profound story that leaves you truly wanting more.
  2. Game Over Online
    92
    But simply put, the cinemas are so full of incredible edge-of-your-seat excitement and intrigue that it feels like watching a top-quality anime production. And lets be straight here, who doesn’t like cinemas?
  3. GamePro
    90
    A masterpiece of cinematic, anime-inspired, science-fiction storytelling, but only if you have the patience (and time) to endure cinemas that can last upwards of 45 minutes.
  4. TotalGames.net
    83
    The critics will be keen to slam these scenes as a crucial flaw but while we’d agree that they are possibly the most annoying factor, they do an excellent job of pushing the story forward and after the first few hours, the balance becomes much more acceptable.
  5. Yahoo!
    80
    If you are the kind of gamer who generally wants to button through game cinematics anyway because you think they're a pain in the ass, you should avoid Xenosaga like it was a proctologist with a history of methamphetamine psychosis.
  6. Inside Gamer Online
    80
    If you can get over the cutesy, anime driven art style of the game you're going to find a very rewarding RPG that will be fun for a long time.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    50
    You might enjoy watching the lengthy cutscenes and getting involved in the pondering of philosophical issues, but I've already been there and now I just want to play before I die.
    All this publication's reviews

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 41
  3. Negative: 3 out of 41
  1. RecoveryRx
    Jan 20, 2012
    10
    One of the most mature storylines every crafted for a video game - wonderful gaming experience. I will say that some battles can last a bitOne of the most mature storylines every crafted for a video game - wonderful gaming experience. I will say that some battles can last a bit longer than enjoyable necessary, but still, small distraction from a great game. Just don't play if you hate cut scenes.… Expand
  2. KHYong
    Aug 14, 2003
    10
    This has to be the best PS2 RPG game that I've ever played! Period. (I have played FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10, Xenogears, Chrono Cross and many This has to be the best PS2 RPG game that I've ever played! Period. (I have played FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10, Xenogears, Chrono Cross and many many excellent titles, Xenosaga is still my best) It has deep story and beautiful cutscenes, the cutscenes are rendered so beautifully that I keep watching them over and over again. Some of the battles are difficult but are not impossible, good sense of tactic and attack are crucial to win every battle with minimum lost of HP. The voice over for all characters are excellent too, together with nicely drawn characters, I really thought that I live together with them. So, rush down your door and get this title if you are RPG die-harders. A must for those who like SquareSoft series. Have fun.… Expand
  4. EricF.
    Feb 23, 2003
    10
    Better than xenogears, somehow.
  5. yukiyoung
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    Xenosaga is personally my favorite game series, it has a lot of things going for it including some of the best music I have ever heard from inXenosaga is personally my favorite game series, it has a lot of things going for it including some of the best music I have ever heard from in a game and also one of the most enjoyable battle styles.… Expand
  6. Web.Master
    Jun 12, 2003
    9
    As everyone who played this game would agree on, the game has too many cutscenes. It is the closest thing however to come close to Final As everyone who played this game would agree on, the game has too many cutscenes. It is the closest thing however to come close to Final Fantasy X greatness. Future Xenosaga gamers, good luck on the cathedral ship chapter of the game.… Expand
  7. mcikes
    Jul 25, 2012
    8
    Some of the cutscenes can be long, but its not like other games dont have long cutscenes as well. This is a great game to start what is aSome of the cutscenes can be long, but its not like other games dont have long cutscenes as well. This is a great game to start what is a fantastic trilogy of games. The story is good, battle system unique, just a solid game from top to bottom. In my opinion nothing like Xenogears if any of you think this is a sequel, I hated Xenogears but loved this game and the 2 that followed.… Expand
  8. J.M.
    Apr 6, 2003
    0
    I paid good money to not play a game? Stupid idea.

See all 41 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PS2 Game of 2003
35
#35 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
14
#14 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003