Three years ago, gamers were introduced to Aya as she resigned from the New York Police Department and enlisted as a NMC (neo-mitochondrion creature) hunter for the shadowy government organization M.I.S.T., a secret agency of monster slayers somewhere between Ghostbusters and Men in Black. Wherever there was a neo-mitochondrion outbreak, Aya and her team were on the scene to put the boots to the mutants. From the outset, it's evident that SquareSoft revamped the entire game to give gamers a better looking, sounding, and (most importantly) playing experience. The game starts with Aya training in the agency's shooting gallery in Los Angeles. Just as she begins to get in a groove, she is asked to look into some strange happenings at the Akropolis Tower. When she arrives on the scene, an explosive, full-motion video flashes across the screen and showcases the death and carnage as Aya surveys the scene. Her entry into the Tower is where this RPG begins. SquareSoft has kept some of the excellent elements of the weapons systems from the first Parasite Eve title, but went for an entirely new battle system. Combat is delivered in real time and allows players to run, hide, and open fire. Aya can tap into her parasitic powers and can unleash elemental, magic-based attacks on the many foes she encounters. Ammunition is plentiful in the game and there are plenty of entertaining weapons to choose from. Auto targeting and involving puzzles are back, though the arrow-pointing interface for solving these puzzles is really hard to operate. The cinematic mix of story and action is very well done, and the numerous cutscenes do an excellent job of moving the pace along in a believable way. Even though the original Parasite Eve had its problems, SquareSoft has pieced together an excellent sequel that will satisfy fans of the first game and he |
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20 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 FINALLY a decent battle systemOct 05, 2000
By Brian Mckay
I loved the first game. Great premise and nifty graphics made for an enjoyable gameplay environment (remember the "Museum of Natural History" level? classic!) However, the one thing I couldn't stand was the battle system. "Shoot at monsters, run around trying to dodge them while your attack bar recharges, shoot again, etc." It was a bit frustrating and really slowed down the pace of the game.Well, gamers rejoice, because the new battle system is REAL TIME. you use the target button to cycle through the enemies, fire, run, and dodge in real time. The only time the game pauses is when you choose a parasite spell to cast or access an item in your inventory. The first level is too easy, but it gets progressively tougher as it goes along. The weapons and armor don't seem to have as many customizable attributes as in the first game, and the Liberate and Pre-raise spells are gone *sniff*. However, the new combat system and graphics are well worth the trade off. It is rather a Resident Evil clone in several ways, most notably character navigation and camera angles. I'll be the first to admit that the whole RE-static background style of gaming is getting stale. However, the puzzles are much more sensible and the levels more intriguing. Bottom line, This game is a keeper.
10 of 12 found the following review helpful:
 Involving and GrippingApr 04, 2001
By A. Griffiths
"Adrian"
I played this before Parasite Eve 1, and was a little lost as regards the background story, but its one of my favourite games. Firstly the story is absorbing and exciting (always important). I liked all the characters, especially Aya, and followed the plot with without getting lost nearly all the time! Secondly, the graphics are superb. Pre-rendered backgrounds ( yes, they are in the style of Resident Evil) look incredible, and the monsters are among the creepiest since Silent Hill. The characters all look and move realistically, even the pet dog Flint! Plus of course, the battle system, which in my opinion is outstanding. In this game, you face the enemy in real time, and you have to run around avoiding attacks, whilst trying to attack and heal yourself at the same time, or try and stay safe for the few vital seconds it takes to cast a powerful magic spell. In my opinion, this form of combat is far preferable to the static, turn-based encounters of traditional RPGs, and much more exciting. These battles are not random, in fact you can choose whether or not to fight on a lot of occasions with the use of a handy scanner that warns of enemy infestated areas. Of course, you can't avoid the bosses, and these battles are suitably long and tough. I still remember the huge fat thing with a flame thrower in its mouth... Still, you might not want to avoid battles, as more fighting means more experience, and more power, which you will definitely need as things get incredibly tough in the final stages, leading up to a prolonged and a spectaular showdown.... it's true I may be biased, being more of a survival horror fan than RPG player, but this game really works. It beats so many other games out there easily, and in my mind is more satisfying than the first game, which had some serious control issues-at least Aya can actually run in this game! I have no complaints whatsoever...Oh all right, just one - How about some dialogue! I would love to have heard Aya speak, but not once, even in cut scenes! No matter, definitely worth buying
11 of 14 found the following review helpful:
Are we playing a different game?Apr 11, 2001
I read all of the reviews for Parasite Eve II and found a huge conflict in opinion. My question is, are we playing a differnt game or something? Personally, I found PE II to be a great game. I do see one problem with the marketing of the game, which puts it into the RPG class when I think it is more like a Horror Survival game (Resident Evil series, Dino Crisis, etc.)so maybe that is where the conflict lies. Otherwise, I just don't see what all the fuss is about. PE II is an improvement over the orginal in that the controls are much easier and the real battle system is more engaging (literally) and and makes the game more interesting overall. There is the occasional problem with the camera angle getting in the way, but name one game of this type that doesn't have this issue. I also read a good number of complaints regarding the storyline of the game. Face it folks, few games even have a storyline, let alone one as extensive as the PE series. Yes, PE II's storyline is different from the original which is why it is a sequel...what did you expect the exact same storyline? The exact same characters...the exact same GAME? PE II stands alone, yet it is closely associated to the original at least as far as the basics go. The movie sequences are outstanding and the overall movement is more fluid as well. My advice for those having problems controlling the character movement...stop using the stick...go back to the directional pad, its much easier. Character movement is VERY similar to the Resident Evil games and after just a few minutes, you'll get the hang of it. For RPG fans, the character control is probably much easier than some of the other games your used to...half the buttons are not even used. As for the story line, Parasite Eve may have been more interesting and unique but Squaresoft did a good job of expanding on the basics and improving the game battle sequences and control issues that were glaringly evident in the original game. If you still aren't sure about buying this game now, I would advise that you rent it first. If you liked PE, chances are you'll like PE II. You're likely to appreciate it for its advancements (movie sequences, real time battle, easier control, etc.)and get sucked into this game as well.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
-thumbs up-Feb 22, 2007
By Sarah
I used to rent this game a lot when I was younger. I can't remember why I didn't just buy myself a copy, and I also can't remember why I stopped renting it. There was probably a part that I couldn't get past and I lost my patience with it or something. Either way, it was a fun game to play back in the day.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
spookyJul 03, 2001
By chris wood
First of all I'd like to start by saying I really enjoyed playing this game. You start the game as Aya a member of M.I.S.T on the trail of some of the most ugliest monsters,I myself have ever seen,in the hope of totaly wiping them of the face off the face of the earth. The graphices are brilliant alround,and weaponry is bought on the b.p system (bounty points). But what game could be complete with out a little magic thrown in. Aya brings with her the ability to use parasite eve magic, which in turn helps with killing the hords of monsters thoughout the game.I my opinion the game is a must have for any true playsation and/or survival horror fan. thumbs-up to SQUARESOFT
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