Xenogears is a role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the PlayStation in 1998. It is known for its intricate story, philosophical themes, and unique combat system.

What platforms was Xenogears released on?

Xenogears was originally released exclusively on the PlayStation (PS1).

Who developed Xenogears?

Xenogears was developed by Square, which is now known as Square Enix.

What year was Xenogears released?

Xenogears was released in 1998.

Is Xenogears a standalone game?

While Xenogears tells a complete story, it was originally conceived as part of a larger saga. There are no direct sequels to Xenogears, but elements and themes have been explored in later games by some of the original creators.

Xenogears

In short: Xenogears is an RPG game released in 1998 by Square, available on PS1. Our score: 9.5/10 (highly recommended).

An acclaimed RPG by Square.

{"title":"Xenogears","description":"In the year 971 of the Solaris calendar, on the planet of Ignas, a grand narrative unfolds, beginning with a disorienting amnesia and the fragmented memories of its protagonist, Fei Fong Wong. The world of Xenogears is a tapestry woven with threads of advanced technology, colossal mechs known as \"Gears,\" and a deeply intricate, philosophical lore that delves into the nature of existence, religion, and the human condition. The story kicks off with a traumatic event in the peaceful village of Lahan, forcing Fei to flee and embark on a journey that will uncover profound truths about his past, his destiny, and the true nature of the world he inhabits. This journey is not solitary; he is soon joined by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations, secrets, and crucial roles to play in the unfolding conflict against the ethereally powerful nation of Gebler and their formidable Gears.\n\nThe gameplay of Xenogears is a classic JRPG experience, blending turn-based combat with a deeply engaging story. Battles initially take place on foot, featuring a combo-based attack system where players can string together weak, strong, and special attacks to perform powerful techniques. As the story progresses, Fei and his allies gain access to their own Gears, and combat seamlessly transitions into exhilarating mech battles. These Gear battles introduce a fuel management system and allow for devastating special \"Deathblow\" attacks. Beyond c…

Game details

Developer: Square
Publisher: Square
Release year: 1998
Platforms: PS1
Category: RPG

Our review

Xenogears is an absolute masterpiece and a cornerstone of the JRPG genre. Developed by Square in 1998 for the PlayStation, it tells an incredibly ambitious and complex story that transcends typical video game narratives. The sheer depth of its philosophical, psychological, and religious themes is breathtaking, exploring concepts of identity, humanity, and the nature of existence with a sophistication rarely seen in any medium, let alone gaming. The narrative is vast, spanning millennia and numerous characters, intertwining personal struggles with grand geopolitical conflicts and existential crises. While the turn-based combat system is solid and enjoyable, featuring character-specific combos and powerful 'Gear' (mech) battles, it's undeniably the story that elevates Xenogears to legendary status. The graphics, while impressive for their time with a blend of 2D sprites and 3D environments, show their age, particularly in the overworld. However, the evocative art direction and character…

Pros

Masterful and complex storyline
Deep philosophical and psychological themes
Memorable characters and world-building
Exceptional soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda
Engaging Gear combat

Cons

Graphics show their age
Pacing issues in the second disc (heavy narration)
Some frustrating platforming sections
Learning curve for the complex story

FAQ

What is Xenogears?: Xenogears is a role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the PlayStation in 1998. It is known for its intricate story, philosophical themes, and unique combat system.
What platforms was Xenogears released on?: Xenogears was originally released exclusively on the PlayStation (PS1).
Who developed Xenogears?: Xenogears was developed by Square, which is now known as Square Enix.
What year was Xenogears released?: Xenogears was released in 1998.
Is Xenogears a standalone game?: While Xenogears tells a complete story, it was originally conceived as part of a larger saga. There are no direct sequels to Xenogears, but elements and themes have been explored in later games by some of the original creators.

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Last updated: 06/10/2026