Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht - Reloaded

About

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht - Reloaded is a sci-fi RPG with turn-based combat and a dense narrative. Developed by Monolith Soft, it follows Shion and her crew as they navigate political intrigue, existential threats, and the fallout from a mysterious artifact called the Zohar Emulator. The story weaves together multiple perspectives, including a cyborg’s rescue mission and a researcher’s quest for redemption. Battles blend strategic character positioning with elemental weaknesses, while dialogue trees let you shape interactions with AI companions. The game leans heavily into philosophical themes and slow-burn character development. This PlayStation 2 re-release adds English voice acting, extra outfits, and extended cutscenes not in the original 2002 version. While its 85/100 Metacritic score reflects strong writing and ambition, the dated presentation and lengthy exposition might test modern patience. Fans of narrative-driven JRPGs with branching moral choices and mecha aesthetics often cite it as a sleeper classic. The Reloaded edition remains the most complete way to tackle its large, thought-provoking story.

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.