Parasite Eve is a survival horror role-playing video game developed and published by SquareSoft (now Square Enix) for the Sony PlayStation console. The game follows the story of Aya Brea, a rookie NYPD officer who becomes embroiled in a series of bizarre and deadly events related to a genetic mutation known as mitochondria. The game combines elements of horror, science fiction, and RPG gameplay, featuring real-time battles, exploration, puzzle-solving, and character development. The game's plot is inspired by the novel of the same name by Hideaki Sena, and its gameplay mechanics were influenced by the Final Fantasy series. Parasite Eve was critically acclaimed upon its release in 1998, and is widely regarded as a classic of the survival horror genre.
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I know absolutely nothing about this game, I'm playing it completely blind and so far I'm having a great time with it.
I'm approaching it with a fun and silly attitude and playing at a pretty casual pace. I'm not looking anything up, and I feel like the difficulty is easy enough that pretty much anyone can come into this with no knowledge or strategy and have a good time.
The combat system is a bit janky, but it's entertaining enough, and so far none of the fights have really felt punishing or super difficult. I'm looking forward to playing through the rest of it. ( I think I'm currently on 'Day 3' in game. )
I'm approaching it with a fun and silly attitude and playing at a pretty casual pace. I'm not looking anything up, and I feel like the difficulty is easy enough that pretty much anyone can come into this with no knowledge or strategy and have a good time.
The combat system is a bit janky, but it's entertaining enough, and so far none of the fights have really felt punishing or super difficult. I'm looking forward to playing through the rest of it. ( I think I'm currently on 'Day 3' in game. )
One of the most unique games I've ever played. Come for the incredible soundtrack and atmosphere, stay for the interesting usage of RPG mechanics and a combat system that splits the difference between turn-based tactics and real-time action. The weapon upgrade system is a bit clunky, so have GameFAQs at the ready.
not a great game, necessarily, but an interesting one. really isn't operating on the level of certain better-remembered PS1 horror titles, but it has a lot going for it aesthetically, and the mechanical framework it lays out is engaging even if it kind of fucks up its exploration thereof.
Christmas tradition. Where's our remake?
No one in the game could hit me, it wasn't fun.
A direct sequel to Hideaki Sena's Sci-Fi horror novel of the same title is an intriguing concept for a video game adaptation, with inherit complications, particularly for an RPG. Fortunately for Squaresoft, they were in a streak of excellence that has gone unmatched to this day. What the flourishing studio was able to achieve was a truly unique, genre bending experience.
The dark, brooding atmosphere amidst a real world setting is a breath of fresh air for the modern RPG landscape that isnt nearly explored enough, even to this day. Game director, Takashi Tokita, described Parasite Eve as a "cinematic RPG". This rings true in many facets. From its precise use of fixed cameras, to the plethora of FMVs; Takashi Tokiha's penchant for theater, (the game even begins in a theater), is espoused upon in its production. Accompanied with a subtle, almost sterile score by Yoko Shimomura; PE's vibe is a wholly distinct feel; warranting a playthrough on it's own accord.
While the majority of PE's components stray from the genre norms, nothing differentiates it from it's counterparts quite like the combat system. A hybrid between third person shooter and the ATB,(Active Time Battle), system Square has cultivated prior; Parasite Eve gracefully threads the needle needed to have frantic reaction based gameplay, while simultaneously requiring methodical and strategic decisions from the player. Sadly, the equipment you gain and subsequently uprade isn't up to snuff. Simply focusing all upgrades to one particular weapon type is optimal due to P.E. gauge speed, de-emphasizing weapon experimentation.
The source material in which this game draws it's inspiration from is rife with brilliant concepts. These ideas are boiled down to their most basic elements, and serve as the backbone to a hyper focus and streamlined experience. While this approach lends itself to excellent pacing from a narrative and gameplay perspective, it also never allows the story to branch away from its primary plot. This leaves several secondary characters severely underdeveloped, but seeing how short the game is, its a relatively small problem.
In an industry chalked full of shoddy games deriving from other mediums, its refreshing to see one made with such craft, care, and most importantly...creative risk.
The dark, brooding atmosphere amidst a real world setting is a breath of fresh air for the modern RPG landscape that isnt nearly explored enough, even to this day. Game director, Takashi Tokita, described Parasite Eve as a "cinematic RPG". This rings true in many facets. From its precise use of fixed cameras, to the plethora of FMVs; Takashi Tokiha's penchant for theater, (the game even begins in a theater), is espoused upon in its production. Accompanied with a subtle, almost sterile score by Yoko Shimomura; PE's vibe is a wholly distinct feel; warranting a playthrough on it's own accord.
While the majority of PE's components stray from the genre norms, nothing differentiates it from it's counterparts quite like the combat system. A hybrid between third person shooter and the ATB,(Active Time Battle), system Square has cultivated prior; Parasite Eve gracefully threads the needle needed to have frantic reaction based gameplay, while simultaneously requiring methodical and strategic decisions from the player. Sadly, the equipment you gain and subsequently uprade isn't up to snuff. Simply focusing all upgrades to one particular weapon type is optimal due to P.E. gauge speed, de-emphasizing weapon experimentation.
The source material in which this game draws it's inspiration from is rife with brilliant concepts. These ideas are boiled down to their most basic elements, and serve as the backbone to a hyper focus and streamlined experience. While this approach lends itself to excellent pacing from a narrative and gameplay perspective, it also never allows the story to branch away from its primary plot. This leaves several secondary characters severely underdeveloped, but seeing how short the game is, its a relatively small problem.
In an industry chalked full of shoddy games deriving from other mediums, its refreshing to see one made with such craft, care, and most importantly...creative risk.