KaitiesMommy's Full Review: Parasite Eve for PlayStation 1
Square Soft has done it again. They have managed to produce another great game. However this game is different from their usual role playing games. This game is a combo of action and role-playing. The game I am talking about is Parasite Eve.
Story: Mitochondria – This is a micro-organism that lives within human cells, and had existed symbiotically with the nucleus for hundreds of millions of years. Critical for producing energy within living things, mitochondria have its own genetic code, and the ability to evolve and multiply. After DNA research, it appears that all mitochondria can be traced to a single source: a female human in ancient Africa named Mitochondria Eve. It is Christmas Eve in New York; “She” awakens on this day. Now the battle begins.
Graphics: The graphics are smooth and flawless. The backgrounds are good but not great. It changes often during the game. One time you are in the sewer, the next, an office building. The game does a really good job on changing up the backgrounds and moving seamlessly from background to background. I was impressed. The world map leaves something to be desired. The characters and weapons have great detail. The monsters are thought through and well designed. There is also some full motion videos all through the game. These are very good, but short.
Sound: The music is kind of distracting. Quite irritating as well. I have heard much better. However, the sound of the guns, monsters and other actions are crisp and clear. Like the shotgun and handgun firing and hitting an enemy. All of the sounds are good except the music.
Controls: The controls are simple. Each button is designed to do one thing. Which is good. You even use the buttons at the top of the controller. The controls are smooth and quick. You have to be fast in order to evade the monster attacks. When I played it I had no problem avoiding attacks. You can easily slow down the pace by accessing the battle menu. This will give you a breather.
Fun: This game has it all. The contents of a great RPG and an action game combined. The battle system is very good. You can run around as you attack. You are not stuck in one place to be hit whenever. You can dodge attacks, and switch weapons at will. There are also many menus that you can access items. The battles are not different each time you play. Although some are tough and trickier than others. There are also abnormal statuses that come into play. Like poison and stiffness.
There is the ability to save and load your games from the telephones that are placed throughout the game. There is a menu window that displays your status, items, parasite energy, weapons, armor, system, sort, tune-up, and bonus points.
One of the great aspects of this game is the ability to upgrade your weapons with the right materials you find in the field. The bonus points are also a great feature. You gather these points by defeating monsters. You can use these points to increase your abilities. You can also use a power called parasite energy. Parasite energy is a special skill that can be used by releasing the mitochondria within you. After a battle you can gain some useful items, from weapons, armor to medical items. There are also many hidden items and secrets. Like the trading cards. Check them out.
I would recommend this game with the highest regards. Its fusion of a regular RPG and an action game make it a unique game like no other out there.
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