Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
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About Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Monolith Soft wrapped up their large sci-fi saga with Xenosaga Episode III in July 2006. This PlayStation 2 title serves as the definitive conclusion to the trilogy that began years prior. The story picks up exactly one year after the second game, following Shion who has quit Vector Industries to join a rebel group called Scientia. She aims to expose corporate corruption linked to alien entities known as Gnosis while trying to save humanity from extinction. Players tackle this narrative-heavy adventure through a mix of turn-based combat and exploration. The release included over three hours of cutscenes and added an updated battle system designed to reward careful party management. It remains the final word on this specific chapter of Monolith Soft's universe before they moved on to other projects.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time moving Shion and her squad through sci-fi corridors and alien worlds while triggering scripted events. Combat switches between standard turn-based battles and a new command system that lets you issue orders directly to party members. This shift makes each fight feel more tactical than previous entries in the series. You manage character stats and equipment in a detailed menu interface that rewards deep customization. The game also features a mini-game with over fifty levels that offers a break from the main plot. Between battles, you can access the Xeno Bible database to read lore or check on side content. Sessions often involve long stretches of dialogue followed by strategic encounters where positioning and timing matter more than raw numbers.
What Players Think
Critics and players agree this is the strongest entry in the trilogy despite its age. Metacritic holds an 81 out of 100 score while IGDB rates it 86.1 based on twenty-six reviews. The community moods reflect closure mixed with relief that the story finally concludes. Average playtime hovers around fifty hours for a standard run, though completionists spend significantly longer exploring every corner of the map. Users frequently praise the battle overhaul as a major improvement over earlier titles. Review snippets often mention the emotional weight of the finale and the satisfaction of resolving long-standing plot threads. Some players note that the game demands patience due to its heavy narrative focus, but those who stick with it find the payoff substantial.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth your time if you need a proper ending to the Xenosaga story or enjoy dense sci-fi role-playing games on PS2. The price is reasonable for a used copy, and the achievement list offers plenty of reasons to keep playing after the credits roll. Do not expect a fast-paced action game since this title relies heavily on text and strategic planning. The battle system improvements make the grind feel less tedious than in the first two episodes. If you can handle long dialogue sequences and complex character builds, this finale delivers a solid conclusion to a massive saga. Skip it only if you dislike turn-based combat or want something shorter.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
86.1
RAWG Rating
4.0
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