In my belief one of the few aspects of this game that could have been enhanced are the graphics. Overall, the graphics were more than ample to narrate and interact with the storyline. The Anime cut-scenes were interesting as well but they seemed a little abrupt in their placement and their could have been a little better transitioning here. Being able to rotate environments in realtime 3-D was well done (and necessary to see behind obstructions) but there could have been a little tweaking on the details of the environments here and there. The sprite based "old school" character representations were okay, but tended to get somewhat pixilated at times (especially on close ups) and would probably have been better if they had more animations and detail. The spell effects were rather interesting, but most impressive were the gear fights. I really only got bored with the graphics when I was wandering through Krenlian's Lab, and saw corridor after corridor of the same old stuff. Great detail was paid in this game to maintaining the sense of location in the battle scenes and enviroments. I kind of liked the "getting sucked" into battle transitions that happened occasionally when fighting important battles. Although not as artistically intricate as Final Fantasy VII, Xenogears has a very attractive appearance.

: ) Truly thought-provoking! I've got to hand it to Squaresoft, they sure do know how to tell a good story and keep you interested throughout the game. Xenogears' plot development and background story is well thought out, rivaling the quality of most mainstream Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels and movies and the fact that the true depth spans the game from beginning to end is definitely an example of true masterwork in action. As you play through the game you will be noticing nuances and evironmental aspects that all relate to the introductory movie at the beginning of the game. There are just myriads of people to interact with, that in themselves have distinct personalities easily recognizable upon return visitation. The game focuses a great deal of attention on the main characters and their links to their prior incarnations. It also weaves the element of religion into the societies you encounter presenting some very compelling arguments regarding spirituality and the way it is perceived and used as a tool for power and social prowess. I really liked the way the parts of the ELDRIDGE scattered across the planet caused various social and environmental changes. (I mean even the map showed where the main section of the ship went down with Babel Tower in the center of a continent sized blast radius) The entire culture and technology was centered around this one catyclismic event in the past. You must really remain in tune with events that have transpired in the early part of the game to relate them to revelations further along in the story. This game is an epic of Final Fantasy-esque proportions. This game transcends the "kill the bad guy - save the world" theme of too many of today's inferior RPG's regurgitate. Being geared toward an older audience allows this game to go into territory that has seemed to elude gamers in the past. It really gave me a good feeling to see a game that challenged my intuitive psycological skills as well as my wit and playing ability. If one aspect alone makes you buy this game, this should be it.