Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra

Xenosaga: Episode III returned to the lengthy format of Episode I and even Xenogears, with moments - particularly in the final few chapters, that rival and sometimes surpass that degree of emotional power and horror. While the graphics and dungeon creativity are certainly beefed up, the other non-story related elements are lacking. Combat regressed to a simpler, traditional burst damage format with a heavier importance on elemental damage, while many other gameplay features are simple, minor adjustments that don't improve much overall. Not a step forward or back but a derivative turn. At least the mecha battles are (finally) interesting. The occasional embarrassing sci-fi action trope or tiresome JRPG villain hinders some of the experience, but the majestic story events and impactful character moments overcompensate in quality. Monolith Soft was at their best writing these remaining subplots, pacing and closing their trilogy gloriously.