Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose Info

Jalbrean · 05-22-2003, 07:47 PM

Well just a little information, and I know i'm the only one around here that cares. I'm still posting it though. ;p

From IGN.com

May 21, 2003 - Monolith Software (not to be confused with Monolith Software -- it's a long story) has revealed first details on the successor to Xenosaga: Episode 1, a title that's being referred to as, appropriately enough, Xenosaga: Episode II.
Mostly, the company has revealed details on what fans can expect from the game's story. The main character is Shion with most of the cast from part one making a return. The story will now take center on the mysteries behind Jr. and Albedo, and Gaignun Kukai will also play a big role with the story. Also expected is the underlying subplot between Jr. and Momo. Of course, there will also be new mysteries surrounding the Zohars (big surprise there!).

Specific details on gameplay haven't been provided, but the various game systems that compose the game have apparently been greatly improved. The game will once again feature multiple main characters.

Changes are also coming to the production staff. While Tetsuya Takahashi will once again take charge of the game, direction and scenario writing will be handled by a younger crew.

Additionally, some good news for fans of the series, current plans call for Episodes 3 and 4 to also make their way to the small screen at some point in the future.

In other Xenosaga news, publisher Namco has announced plans to release the American version of the game to the Japanese market in October under the name Xenosaga Episode 1: Reloaded (yeah, we think it's cute too). This version will feature changes that were made to the US version. It's unknown at this time if it will include the US voice dub for the game, although this tends to be the case with re-releases from that other RPG maker, Square Enix.

Episode 2 is expected to be shown in greater detail at a Namco and Monolith sponsored Fan Event for the series being held in Tokyo on July 21. Expect lots more on this sequel not next month but the month after.

Jalbrean · 05-30-2003, 07:49 PM

In the recent issue of Weekly Famitsu, new details regarding Monolith's newest PlayStation 2 title, Xenosaga Episode II have surfaced. The development team promises to address various complaints regarding Episode I's short play time, long load times and exaggerated use of movie sequences in the sequel. As far as gameplay mechanics are concerned, the usage of AGWS will now offer some challenges and a new theme will be "the conflict of buttons". As previously reported, the story of the Xenosaga series' second coming will center around the mysteries of Jr.
Xenosaga Episode II has yet to receive a release date, but Monolith will reveal more details regarding the highly-anticipated sequel on a special fan event in Tokyo on July 21st 2003.

RPGfan.com

Jalbrean · 05-31-2003, 08:40 PM

News by: Fennec Fox
30-MAY-03

Although Namco and Monolith Soft have finally admitted up to Xenosaga Episode II existing, they still aren't being fully upfront about what's no with the game. In an effort to shed light on these matters, the editors of Famitsu sat down with director Tetsuya Takahashi and producer Hirohide Sugiura to talk about the series and where it could be headed in the future. Could an anime be that far in the future? Episode I has enough cutscenes to make an entire anime season, after all...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: In Xenosaga Episode I, Sugiura served as producer while Takahashi handled direction and writing duties. I’d like to ask you about the direction the Xenosaga series will take in the future.

Hirohide Sugiura: Well, first off, our roles will be very different from before. To be more exact, I’ll be stepping down from the producer role, Takahashi will drop the heavy-sounding job of executive vice president [of Monolith Soft], and another person will handle the direction this time.

Q: So both of you are leaving the front lines of development?

HS: This transition has everything to do with both Monolith’s structure and where we want to take the Xenosaga series in the future. I’ve begun to feel recently that game creators are getting older and there aren’t many younger ones coming out. You see developers in their mid-thirties to early forties in magazines all the time, even in the case of brand-new products. If this keeps up, we’ll never see a shift to a new generation, which I don’t think is very healthy from an industry standpoint. So I decided that I should change this structure starting with Monolith Soft, my own company. I wanted to free Takahashi of his old position and let him work more freely as a creator, so he’ll be acting as the supervisor and provider of the original story.

Q: So Mr. Takahashi will still play a central role in the series.

HS: You could compare this to producing an anime show for TV. Even if a series goes on for 26 episodes, it’s not like the same person directs every episode. There’s a general director, and then a different director builds the story in each episode.

Tetsuya Takahashi: When you deal too long with a single project, I feel like it becomes harder to chase after new possibilities. I don’t want to limit the Xenosaga series to its current state; instead I’d like to explore other genres and other possibilities.

Q: How long do you think Xenosaga is as a series?

TT: If you want to make a single game, that basically means you need to spend two or three years of your life completing it. However, with the world we’re trying to display here, that’s really nowhere near enough time. With Episode I, we’ve only managed to show about 20 percent of the complete scene.... and, of course, I always come up with new things I want to present in the middle of development, so it’d probably take me decades to finish everything if it keeps going like this.
That’s why I’m in the position I am now—I can work on presenting the world of Xenosaga in all sorts of different ways, unfettered by company management or anything else that doesn’t have to do with creation.

Q: Is it possible we could see a non-RPG Xenosaga game, then?

HS: It’s a very distinct possibility. At one point we had a product document for a simulation RPG, although it never became a reality.

TT: We are thinking about developing the series in all sorts of completely different genres, not necessarily involving games. For example, I’d love to try creating a novel or anime series. In my mind, there are still lots of Xenosaga characters that nobody else in the company knows about. There really isn’t enough time in the world to present all of them.

Q: Now I’d like to turn the topic over to your newest work, Xenosaga Episode II, the game your fans are probably looking forward to the most.

HS: I guess the first thing Takahashi and I should do is thank them all for waiting so long. (laughs) I know a lot of them were worried sick that it wasn’t going to come out at all, but don’t worry—we are making the game.

Q: Is the story related to Episode I?

TT: You could call it a basic continuation; it starts right where Episode I ends. As a result, most of the cast is borrowed from the first game. Jin, Shion’s brother and the guy that appeared in Episode I’s ending, will also make an appearance.
In Episode II I’d like to reveal some of the interpersonal relationships in the story, especially those involving Jr.—how he’s connected to Gainan, what is between him and Albedo, and so forth. We’ll be painting out his past and show why he feels so much attachment to Momo.

Q: Will some of the riddles left unanswered in Episode I be answered here?

TT: I think they will gradually be made clear. However, Xenosaga is still packed with riddles: the Zohars, the struggles surrounding them, how they’re connected to KOS-MOS, the true form of chaos [the Xenosaga character], and so on. Episode II will feature some new riddles of its own, too, but as far as the RPG Xenosaga goes, the story is mainly about KOS-MOS and the Zohars. However, we likely won’t be dealing with the exact same KOS-MOS for the whole story... We’ll also probably explore the inner emotions of Shion as well.

Q: Is there anything new with the game system?

TT: Wow, you’re fast. (laughs) We haven’t even shown the game yet and you’re already asking about that. I can’t really go into any specifics right now, but it’s a marked improvement, right down to the little details. We’ve used our experience and regrets from the last game to improve the gameplay.

Q: Were there a lot of regrets or things you couldn’t do with the first episode?

TT: There were a lot, but I think most of them stemmed from the fact that we didn’t have a real grasp of the capacity we had. Monolith Soft had just been founded at the time, and we hadn’t established a firm knowledge of how to make a game on the PlayStation 2 hardware. The whole project, including the business end, was a feeling-out process, so we did have to cut out some things in the end. This time, though, we’re starting production with a firm grasp of all these issues, so I imagine that this will be an even better polished game than the previous one. Our programming and visual skills have improved, too.

Q: Finally, do you have any message for Xenosaga fans?

HS: We couldn’t have begun work on a Xenosaga sequel without the fervent support our fans have given us. Our plan is to continue with Episode III and IV later on, so please visit us during our public gathering in July.

TT: The future is always filled with uncertainties, but I’d love to present Xenosaga in other forms besides Episode II. I think we’ll be able to show a different type of Xenosaga around next year. I hope you’re all looking forward to Episode II, too!

Jalbrean · 06-17-2003, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Xenosaga Episode II Subtitle Unveiled

Sticking to famous German phrases, MonolithSoft apparently picked another term coined by philospher Friedrich Nietzsche as subtitle for its second Xenosaga title. According to Quiter, the game's official title will be Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese (Zenaku no Higan in Japanese or Beyond Good and Evil in English).
Namco subsidary Monolith Soft plans to reveal more details on Xenosaga Episode II and another big title (most likely Baten Kaitos for GameCube) at a July 21st fan event in Tokyo.

I'm glad they're sticking with the Nietzsche theme. If they decide to use ideas from Beyond Good and Evil they'll have plenty to work with since he explains most of his ideas in it. (The theories of Master and Slave moralities, the Ubermensch *free spirit*, Christian nihilism, the Will to Power *survival instinct*, and Perspectivism *Relativism*.)

Jalbrean · 07-16-2003, 11:00 PM

Jalbrean · 07-18-2003, 07:15 AM

Namco has opened it's Xenosaga Episode II website. You can see much better quality pics now.

http://www.namco.co.jp/cs/ps2/xenosaga2

And whose looking at this page? I couldn't possibly have viewed my own page 84 times. ;p

Jalbrean · 07-21-2003, 11:17 PM

Xenosaga Episode II Details

Apart from Baten Kaitos, Monolith Soft's fan event Episode 2003 in Tokyo was obviously focused on Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese (Beyond Good and Evil) for PlayStation 2. Monolith president Hirohide Sugiura promised that all the questions raised in Episode I will be answered in the new game - good news for fans hoping for some resolutions. As already seen in various screenshots released over the past seven days, he mentioned the aim of the different character design was to make characters look more realistic. He also promised that problems like the game system and balance of Episode I will be addressed in Episode II.

Furthermore, much like Episode I received, it was confirmed that a limited edition premium box of the game will be available. Apparently Monolith is trying to finish the development of Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese in Japan by at the end of this year, instead of next year as originally speculated.

For clips of the trailer at the fan event you can go here:

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/...030721/ep2.htm

Jalbrean · 01-25-2004, 06:04 AM

New info

Quote:

Monolith Software has announced fresh details regarding one of the most anticipated RPGs of the year, Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese (Beyond Good and Evil). The game's beginning will show the Shion, KOS-MOS and the rest of Episode I's party arriving on Second Miltia onboard the Elsa following the events of Episode I.

There Shion, Allen and KOS-MOS will part with Jr. and head for the local Vector Industries' facility. There, KOS-MOS is supposed to be equipped with new weaponry and in the process, transferred to Vector's second R&D division, a step that is rejected by Shion. Her weapon of choice - the MWS - has been modified and boasts a lighter weight and optimized features. KOS-MOS will also feature updated weaponry in battle. One new feature of the battle system will be combination attacks, performed by two characters.

Among the locations the player will get to visit on Second Miltia are Vector facilities hosting the conglomerate's first three R&D divisions, the Moby Dick Cafe - which was frequented by Shion during her high school years - a gigantic spaceport and various town areas. As previously reported, Shion will also be re-united with her brother Jin.

MonolithSoft also revealed the reason the protagonist no longer wears glasses: During the Elsa's descent to Second Miltia, a little struggle between Jr. and Allen sends the latter crashing into Shion. To add insult to injury, he happens to step on her glasses, which had fallen to the floor as a result of their collision.

Furthermore, new information regarding Episode II's new mechs, the so-called E.S. series models, has surfaced. These new mechs differ greatly from A.G.W.S., which were introduced in Episode I, as they are smaller, high-powered human-interface weapons. Their special capabilities however, are a well-kept secret. In order to fight the Gnosis more effectively A.G.W.S. have been replaced with A.M.W.S., a lighter and enhanced version of their cousins from Episode I. The newest E.S. model is E.S. Dina, a two-seat model like the previously revealed E.S. Asher. It has been configured to cooperate with KOS-MOS and is hence capable of unleashing the powerful Hilbert Effect.

Finally, courtesy of Japanese site GameWatch, we have 36 new screen shots, as well as 4 new pieces of artwork, showing off much of these things, such as the E.S. Dina and Shion's new MWS. Worthy of mention is the handful of screens showing Shion and KOS-MOS in their Episode I attire, leading one to believe we will get to see why some of the characters look so different this time around. That should ease the panic of those wondering why the cast suddenly looks different. To access all of the new media, just check out the links below.

Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese will be available in Japan sometime this year.

New screenshots

SpaceMonkeyPunk · 01-25-2004, 11:32 PM

Well jeez, who knew one person could support a thread by themselves for so long

.
Anyways, I beat Ep. 1 earlier today and now starts the waiting game. I wonder what it meant by "problems like the game system and balance". For me the balance was fine until the uber easy last boss, but whatever, if it turns out better then great.

It'll take me awhile to get used to the new character models, but I have a feeling the more time I'll spend with them I'll like em more + more.

Anyways, now I gotta get FFX-2 next, and then who knows.

Jalbrean · 01-25-2004, 11:49 PM

Well now finally someone with some sense. You're my new favorite person here at the forums! Heh. I'm pretty much used to the new character designs now, and i've got to be honest I like them a tad more then Episode 1's character designs.

I still don't have a good idea what overall changes they're making to the system. The A.M.W.S will be playing a larger role in the game, and the battle system will be given a little more variety with character combos and such. The cutscenes will be shortened somewhat. It's hard to say at the moment how much. (I hope not too much.)

If everything goes as they say it will be a good improvement over Episode I, and while I agree there weren't any 'major problems of game system or balance' any time a game improves upon it's predecessor. It's a good thing. (Did...I just sound like Martha Stewart? o.O)

SpaceMonkeyPunk · 01-27-2004, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jalbrean

Well now finally someone with some sense. You're my new favorite person here at the forums! Heh. I'm pretty much used to the new character designs now, and i've got to be honest I like them a tad more then Episode 1's character designs.

I still don't have a good idea what overall changes they're making to the system. The A.M.W.S will be playing a larger role in the game, and the battle system will be given a little more variety with character combos and such. The cutscenes will be shortened somewhat. It's hard to say at the moment how much. (I hope not too much.)

If everything goes as they say it will be a good improvement over Episode I, and while I agree there weren't any 'major problems of game system or balance' any time a game improves upon it's predecessor. It's a good thing. (Did...I just sound like Martha Stewart? o.O)

, yes, I have this adorable lil pic with Martha & pie reading "pie. It's a good thing".
Anyways, yeah any improvements are better than no improvements I say. But another thing, I didn't really think the cutscenes were that bad; I kinda liked em. Hope the combos turn out better than the ones on Chrono Cross.
The rumored release date for this is August? Something tells me this would be the Japenese release date though, which means even more waiting for a game I'm anticipating

..

Jalbrean · 01-27-2004, 11:56 PM

Yeah it's a rumored Japanese release date. Nothing official has been announced, so everyone is waiting. I hope we get it before the end of 2004, because i'm ready to see how they're gonna start tying all these plotlines together. The Japanese at least get the Xeno Freaks dvd that comes with a playable demo of Episode II, while the rest of us get no cool perks.

I'm with ya on the cutscenes. I'd much rather watch a nice cutscene then have to just mash a button going through tons of dialogue.

**Wout** · 01-28-2004, 05:41 PM

Part 1 has STILL not been released here in europe...
Very screwed up

Jalbrean · 01-28-2004, 08:06 PM

Yeah...I don't think Europe is gonna get the Xenosaga series. There isn't even an official European release date for Episode I. =\

SpaceMonkeyPunk · 02-08-2004, 02:13 PM

Yup, for now looks like PAL people are screwed on this, probably just one of many too.

Anyways, I downloaded a bunch of trailers for Episode II and they are freaking amazing. Freakin amazin. After seeing those I don't think I've ever seen so excited about a video game. If this takes a whole nother year to be released here I think I'll just well