Xenogears

Xenogears is a science fiction role-playing game released for the PlayStation in 1998. It was developed by Monolith Soft and published by Square.

The game plunges you into the story of Fei Fong Wong, a young man whose life in a peaceful village is shattered by war and mysterious events. You'll guide Fei and a diverse cast of characters through a complex narrative set in a world where giant humanoid robots, known as Gears, are central to conflict and society.

The core gameplay of Xenogears involves exploring environments, interacting with NPCs, and engaging in turn-based battles. On foot, combat is a familiar RPG system where you manage skills and items. When you pilot your Gear, battles take on a different form. You must manage your Gear's fuel and execute attack commands in sequence. Successfully landing a certain number of attacks in a row unlocks more powerful special moves, adding a strategic layer to mech combat.

The narrative of Xenogears is renowned for its depth, delving into themes of religion, philosophy, psychology, and the nature of humanity. The story is delivered through extensive dialogue, character interactions, and cinematic cutscenes that were groundbreaking for their time. Progression involves gaining experience, learning new abilities, and upgrading your characters and their Gears with better equipment and parts, allowing you to tackle increasingly challenging adversaries as you uncover the secrets of this intricate world.