The first Parasite Eve was clearly borrowing a page from Resident Evil. The mix of RPG and
action elements earned the game an Interactive Academy nomination in both categories, but the
results of the mix were not very compelling.
Parasite Eve II never rises to the level of Resident Evil, but the game packs some of the most
impressive visuals ever seen on the PlayStation. For this reason alone, Parasite Eve II is worth
buying.
When the camera moves while you move your character, you can't help but be shocked at the
technical prowess. The CG cinemas are outstanding as expected. Not since Granstream Saga
have we had such a sudsy shower scene with a heroine, unless you count Fear Effect's bath towel
scenes.
For the most part, controls are just like Resident Evil. Camera angles can sometimes disorient
you (sometimes you don't realize where the camera is until you accidentally step into the next
screen), but the problem doesn't affect the experience dramatically.
Thankfully, Parasite Eve II is shorter and easier than the original title. I am still angry about the
first game, whose final boss was so impossible to defeat that I was forced to buy a GameShark or
resign myself to the idea of never seeing how the game ends.
The sequel is more friendly, except for the fact that enemies can magically appear in regions
you've already cleared. The battles still favor an RPG style, with parasite energy spells acting as
magic spells. The enemy lock-on feature is helpful, but it removes the sense of desperation that
exists in Resident Evil's combat sections.
Overall, the compelling art direction and sense of exploration are the game's biggest draws. As
always, Square's CG cinemas are rendered with frightening quality. One wonders how the series
will translate to the PlayStation 2. I imagine we ain't seen nothin' yet.
Publisher: SquareSoft