Retro PS1 Gaming - Parasite Eve 2 (Parasite Eve 2 (PS))

Member Name: monkeywarrior

Product:	Parasite Eve 2 (PS)
Date:	04/10/04 (219 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great storyline, Alternative to Resident Evil series, Good graphics for PS1

Disadvantages: Dated now of course...

As some of you may know, I'm a big fan of these kinda survival horror adventurey games. So, along with many other brit gamers, I was very disappointed to discover that Square's offering, Parasite Eve, was not to be released in the UK. Scandalous!

But, funnily enough, they saw fit to release its sequel, the imaginatively named Parasite Eve II here instead. So I can't really fill you in on the previous storyline but as far as I can gather your main character, the sassy (if a little uninspiring) Aya Brea, has previously encountered ANMCs or Artificial Neo Mitochondrian Creatures and they are once again causing trouble. What a surprise....

The plot is, to say the least, very complicated.... and sometimes gets too complicated for its own good. It gets very difficult to follow and I guarantee there are some bits you won't understand. Nevertheless, the story goes a little like this. You begin the adventure in cool tower block called Akropolis Plaza (after a short training session in the cop station) in which most aspects of the game are introduced to you and the games stunning graphics are used to full effect - one of the most memorable scenes in the game is where you approach the tower block, in full control, with streaming FMV in the background. A remarkable - and very pretty effect.

After cleaning out the tower block of the ANMCs and being introduced to some of the main characters, its time to move into a spooky desert town - first part in the day, second in the night, finished off by a huuuuuuuge boss character. Then we move to a mine, and then into your typical researchy base lab thing. The best area however is the fantastic Neo Ark, an artificial laboratory divided into themed zones - jungle, island, desert, underwater etc - this is an absolutely brilliant section which really brings the best out of the game. Then, should you get through that alive, you will eventually fight a surprising tough end boss - which may come as a bit of a shock to the system.

Weaponry is plentiful and spectacular, but as well as your bog standard guns and stuff, Aya has the ability to utilise her parasite energy to perform a number of fascinating and visually incredible spells. This is one of the best elements and sets it apart from Resi and the like by giving it a slightly more RPG like feel without making everything too complicated.

The well balanced gameplay of cool battle sequences and tricky puzzling is interspersed by some beautiful FMVs (typical of square) and your usual keyframe cutscenes. This brings one gripe I have about the game with it. There are no voiceovers, and while many will find this pleasing it feels wierd and I know which I would prefer. The music however is appropriate and sound effects spot on.

To sum it all up, I really like this game. It has absolutely gorgeous graphics (and some of the best special effects I've seen on PSX) and can be very playable. It is without doubt very classily exectuted (as would be expected from square) but I don't think I would recommend it if you are just starting out in this kind of game as it can get very tricky.
But if youre prepared to persevere with it, this game will last you forever - there are so many secret weapons and modes to unlock - I've had it for ages and I'm still working on it, on and off. Overall, an excellent game.

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