Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht

About

Xenosaga Episode I is a sci-fi RPG with turn-based combat and deep customization. Players manage a crew of humans and androids navigating a large space opera. Battles emphasize timing and resource management, with visible enemies and a turn-order display that lets you plan ahead. A slot system adds luck-based modifiers each turn, while "boost" mechanics let you interrupt enemy actions. Characters learn Ether spells through branching trees, and equipment for mechs called AGWS adapts to playstyles. The game leans into philosophical themes and slow-burn storytelling, balancing action with introspective character arcs. Multiple protagonists chase intersecting goals, from recovering a mysterious artifact to untangling personal traumas. Combat rewards careful planning over brute force, with layers of tactical depth in spell sharing and mech customization. Released in 2002, it built a cult following for its ambition and complexity, though its 50+ hour runtime and dense narrative may not suit all. Fans of methodical strategy and narrative depth often cite it as a hidden gem.

Storyline

Shion is running final tests on KOS-MOS aboard the Woglinde when the crew retrieve a Zohar Emulator, one of thirteen replicas of the Zohar. Cherenkov monitors Shion's progress, but is also a U-TIC spy furthering their goal of finding the original Zohar. Following the Zohar Emulator's retrieval, the Woglinde is attacked by Gnosis. KOS-MOS self-activates and protects Shion's team, in the process killing Virgil with friendly fire to save Shion and Allen. KOS-MOS brings them and Cherenkov on board the Elsa, which is heading to their destination of Second Miltia. When a Gnosis attacks, chaos' ability to dispel them saves Cherenkov's life. The attack begins mutating Cherenkov, tormenting him with visions of his past as a soldier who failed to adjust to civilian life and killed many people including his wife. During these periods, Shion becomes concerned about KOS-MOS's behavior, and Allen worries about Shion's emotional state. Alongside these events, the cyborg Ziggy is dispatched to rescue the Realian MOMO from U-TIC, as data stored inside her could open the way to the original planet Miltia, lost in a disaster for which her creator Joachim Mizrahi is blamed. Ziggy rescues MOMO and narrowly escapes, fending off attacks by Margulis. Albedo, who is working with U-TIC for his own goals, sets out in pursuit of MOMO.