Xenogears stands as one of the most ambitious and beloved JRPGs of all time. Released in 1998 by Squaresoft (now Square Enix), the game captivated fans with its complex storytelling, innovative combat, and themes that dared to explore psychology, philosophy, and the nature of existence. With its richly layered plot and memorable characters, Xenogears is not only a standout in the RPG genre but also a landmark of storytelling in gaming. Yet despite its cult following, Xenogears has never received a remaster or even a sequel, leaving fans hoping for a revival of this unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into what makes Xenogears a masterpiece and why it deserves to be remastered for modern audiences.
A Story That’s More Than Just a Game
At its core, Xenogears is a story about humanity, identity, and the quest for truth. Players take on the role of Fei Fong Wong, a young man with a mysterious past who becomes entangled in a conflict between two warring nations, Aveh and Kislev. But what starts as a political struggle quickly evolves into a deeply philosophical tale exploring themes like free will, memory, and the role of religion in society. As Fei and his friends travel across the world and dive into their own personal traumas, they encounter questions about the meaning of life, the existence of God, and the power structures that define civilization.
Fei himself is a complex protagonist whose journey is fraught with psychological challenges. Throughout the story, he wrestles with his own fragmented memories and grapples with dark forces within himself. As the mysteries around him unravel, players discover the haunting secrets of his past and the ancient forces that shape the game’s world. The narrative doesn’t shy away from mature and thought-provoking topics, which were rare in games of the time, and even today, Xenogears remains one of the few RPGs to delve so deeply into existential questions.
Xenogears doesn’t just focus on Fei; each character has a well-crafted backstory, personal motivations, and complex relationships with others. Characters like Elly, Citan, and Bart have distinct personalities and arcs that intertwine with the main storyline in meaningful ways. Elly, for example, plays a vital role not just as Fei’s love interest but as a character who challenges his beliefs and helps him confront his inner demons. The relationships feel real and impactful, adding emotional weight to the game’s narrative twists and making each development feel earned.
One of the game’s most defining aspects is its second disc, which deviates from traditional gameplay and instead tells the story through a series of narrations, cutscenes, and battles. While some fans were disappointed by the shift in format, others appreciated the dense storytelling and philosophical introspection it provided. The second disc has become a symbol of Xenogears’ ambition, as it delves deeper into the characters’ psyches, answering questions and exploring themes that are rare to find in video games.
An Innovative Combat System
Xenogears didn’t just push boundaries with its story – it also introduced a unique combat system that kept players engaged throughout their journey. The game uses a turn-based battle system with two primary combat modes: character-based battles and Gear-based battles.
- Character-Based Battles: When fighting on foot, characters use a blend of martial arts and combo-based mechanics, which was revolutionary for turn-based combat at the time. Instead of simply selecting “Attack” or “Magic,” players have access to different levels of attacks (weak, medium, and strong) that they can string together to form combos. These combos culminate in “Deathblows,” powerful finishing moves that vary based on the combination of inputs used. The system rewards players who experiment with different moves and take the time to learn each character’s unique abilities, giving battles a sense of progression and excitement.
- Gear-Based Battles: One of Xenogears’ standout features is its introduction of Gears – giant mechs that characters can pilot in battle. Gear battles operate on a slightly different system, as characters must manage Fuel in addition to their regular attacks. Each Gear move consumes Fuel, and if a Gear runs out, it becomes much weaker in combat. This adds a strategic layer, forcing players to balance powerful moves with resource management. Upgrading and customizing Gears becomes an essential part of gameplay, and each character’s Gear has its own strengths and weaknesses that can be adjusted to fit various strategies.
These two combat styles bring a unique flavor to the game, allowing players to switch between personal combat and large-scale Gear battles seamlessly. Both systems are distinct yet connected, mirroring the dual nature of the game’s story, which oscillates between intimate personal conflicts and grand, world-shaping battles. For players who enjoy RPGs with depth and variety in their mechanics, Xenogears’ combat is a satisfying blend of strategy, action, and progression.
Complex Themes and Depth That Resonate Today
Even now, Xenogears stands out for its willingness to tackle complex themes like trauma, repression, and the search for meaning. Its story borrows from religious and psychological concepts, drawing on Jungian psychology, Gnosticism, and existential philosophy to craft a narrative that goes beyond typical fantasy tropes. The game’s main antagonist isn’t just an evil figure bent on destruction; he’s a complex character driven by an age-old desire to transcend human limitations. Xenogears encourages players to question not just the world of the game, but their own views on morality, identity, and purpose.
The game’s use of symbolism is unparalleled, and many of its themes are still highly relevant. In an era where modern RPGs often explore more mature themes, Xenogears feels like it was ahead of its time, exploring ideas that few other games were bold enough to tackle.
Why Xenogears Deserves a Remaster
More than two decades after its release, Xenogears remains an unforgettable experience, yet it’s also one that could benefit immensely from a remaster. Here’s why Xenogears deserves a modern revival:
- Enhanced Visuals for a Stunning World: Xenogears was beautiful for its time, but the game’s graphics would benefit immensely from a visual overhaul. The 3D models and 2D backgrounds could be reimagined with current technology, allowing fans and newcomers alike to experience the world of Xenogears with the rich detail and depth it deserves. A remaster could also help improve Gear battle animations and bring out the beauty in the game’s diverse environments, from futuristic cities to lush forests.
- Polished Combat Mechanics: The combat system, while innovative, could be refined and expanded in a remaster. Improving the Gear mechanics, refining the combo system, and perhaps adding additional moves or features could make the battles even more engaging. Polished, modernized mechanics could introduce Xenogears to a new generation of gamers while retaining the essence of the original experience.
- Completing the Story of Disc 2: The second disc of Xenogears is infamous for its narration-heavy storytelling, as budget constraints forced the developers to rush through key plot points. A remaster could flesh out Disc 2 with fully playable segments, additional cutscenes, and expanded character arcs, giving the game the completeness it originally aimed for. With modern technology, developers could turn Disc 2 into a full-fledged experience, allowing players to explore those final revelations firsthand.
- Revitalizing an Underrated Classic: Xenogears has a devoted fanbase, but many RPG enthusiasts have yet to experience it due to its dated graphics and limited availability. A remaster could bring Xenogears back into the spotlight, introducing new players to its compelling story and setting it alongside other great RPGs of its time like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger. For longtime fans, a remaster would be the ultimate way to revisit and re-experience the game’s powerful narrative and memorable characters.
- A Timeless Story for Modern Audiences: Xenogears is a story that resonates across generations. Its themes of identity, purpose, and the struggle for self-understanding are timeless and could connect with new audiences just as they did in 1998. In an era where complex narratives are increasingly celebrated, Xenogears’ philosophical and psychological depth feels more relevant than ever. A remaster would not only preserve this iconic story but also enhance it for a new generation of players.
Xenogears remains a gem in the world of JRPGs, with a story and combat system that set it apart from other games. For those who have experienced its wonders, it’s a game that lingers in memory, and for those who haven’t, it’s a journey worth taking. A remaster of Xenogears could introduce one of gaming’s most profound experiences to a wider audience, allowing a new generation to explore its rich world, deep combat, and timeless story. With modern graphics, enhanced gameplay, and a complete retelling of its story, Xenogears could finally receive the recognition it deserves.
