Xenogears is a 1998 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation video game console. It is the debut entry in the larger Xeno franchise. The gameplay of Xenogears revolves around navigating 3D environments both on-foot and using humanoid mecha dubbed "Gears". Combat is governed by a version of the turn-based "Active Time Battle" system. The story follows protagonist Fei Fong Wong and several others as they journey across the world to overthrow the all-powerful rule of Solaris and uncover mysteries concerning their world. The story incorporates Jungian psychology, Freudian thought, and religious symbolism.
North American box art
Typical battles use the Active Time Battle (ATB) system. Once a character's ATB gauge fills, the player can input a battle command for that character.
Yasunori Mitsuda composed and produced the game's original score.
A role-playing video game, a role-playing game (RPG) or computer role-playing game (CRPG), is a video game genre where the player controls the actions of a character immersed in some well-defined world, usually involving some form of character development by way of recording statistics. Many role-playing video games have origins in tabletop role-playing games and use much of the same terminology, settings, and game mechanics. Other major similarities with pen-and-paper games include developed story-telling and narrative elements, player character development, complexity, as well as replay value and immersion. The electronic medium removes the necessity for a gamemaster and increases combat resolution speed. RPGs have evolved from simple text-based console-window games into visually rich 3D experiences.
A party of characters approaching a monster in Legend of Grimrock (2012)
A party of adventurers in Tales of Trolls & Treasures (2002)
Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII is often seen as the "quintessential bishounen" in Japanese RPGs.
Bethesda Softworks' Fallout 3 booth at the Games Convention 2008