Additional details on Xenosaga Episode II

According to Impress Gamewatch, Monolith Soft has revealed a number of details on Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose. Episode II's storyline will be a continuation of Xenosaga I. The story will be centered on Zohar and the people surrounding it, and a number of the mysteries remaining from Episode I will be answered. In addition, Jr. will be the center of the storyline. Interestingly, Shion's brother, Jin Uzuki, will now be one of the characters playable from the beginning of the game.

Xenosaga Episode II will adopt the basic game mechanics from Episode I, with some changes to improve general gameplay. The speed of the battle sequences will be faster, and the transition time from the adventure screen to the battle screen will be vastly improved. The greatest change from Episode I to Episode II is the graphics--the character models are much more realistic than before. Kos-Mos will no longer have her helmet, since its functions are now available inside of her. The reason Shion is no longer wearing glasses will be revealed in the game.

Like Episode I, Xenosaga Episode II will be released in a normal and limited box edition. While its official release schedule is undecided, the game is scheduled to complete its development by winter.

Xenosaga Episode I has also been announced for a reprint as Xenosaga Episode I Reloaded in Japan. The reprint will be a localization of the English version, with a scene-viewer option and extra costumes for Momo and Kos-Mos. There are also differences between the event scenes in the English version and those in the original Japanese release of the game. Xenosaga Episode I Reloaded is scheduled for release on November 6.

Monolith soft also revealed that there are plans for the Xenosaga series to be novelized and also released as an anime. More details on the two projects will be announced in the near future.