Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Feb 15, 2005
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 93
  3. Negative: 11 out of 93
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  1. AndrewC.
    Feb 8, 2007
    5
    Ouch...this here sequel to one of my favorite RPG's ever is a steaming pile of feces. The gameplay is terrible, the voice acting practically ruined, the great soundtrack missing, the cutscenes uninspiring, and worst of all it just doesn't look good. Very, very disappointing.
  2. GregS
    Jan 2, 2010
    7
    What is consistent throughout the trilogy is the amazing story. It tells a narrative unparalleled in any other video game, and is just as strong in Episode II as in the other two. Unfortunately, the story is the only thing that kept me playing the game. The battle system, excluding the E.S. segments, is one of the worst I've ever seen, with an encounter with even the most minor of What is consistent throughout the trilogy is the amazing story. It tells a narrative unparalleled in any other video game, and is just as strong in Episode II as in the other two. Unfortunately, the story is the only thing that kept me playing the game. The battle system, excluding the E.S. segments, is one of the worst I've ever seen, with an encounter with even the most minor of enemies taking a ridiculous amount of time. However, the battle system is nothing compared to this game's worst travesty. There is a complete lack of any shops anywhere in the game. Running low on items and need to stock up on some before going somewhere? Well too bad. That being said, if you liked the first one, buy and play through this one, because you're going to want to play Episode III.… Expand
  3. f_type
    Aug 10, 2011
    7
    With the second installment, the Xenosaga series sees some changes... some good, some questionable. The good is that they toned down the overly "cute" anime look, upgraded the graphics, revamped the battle system, streamlined character leveling and most importantly, increased focus on characters and story. It's worth noting that the story is actually really interesting this time around andWith the second installment, the Xenosaga series sees some changes... some good, some questionable. The good is that they toned down the overly "cute" anime look, upgraded the graphics, revamped the battle system, streamlined character leveling and most importantly, increased focus on characters and story. It's worth noting that the story is actually really interesting this time around and you'll actually see the cast develop into captivating individuals. Other changes are simply odd... like the choice of new voice actors for a few of the returning characters who really aren't any better than previous ones and the removal of a money/equipment/bartering system. But some things remains the same- the game still feels slow and tedious, puzzles are simplistic yet laborious, the battle system still contains too many variables and the difficulty remains inconsistent. The improvements are welcome but the game still feels lackluster. It's a more enjoyable experience than the first game though, mainly thanks to the accelerated story and character development (but it is a bit short; the main quest only lasts about 20-25 hours long).… Expand
  4. IJL711
    Mar 16, 2015
    6
    While I did certainly enjoy this game, it was certainly a departure from what I appreciated about the first and third games. First of all, I missed the voice actors that portrayed each of the characters. That is a large part of my score for this game. However, the graphics were still great (for the time). The battle system was an interesting upgrade that I often appreciated, however itWhile I did certainly enjoy this game, it was certainly a departure from what I appreciated about the first and third games. First of all, I missed the voice actors that portrayed each of the characters. That is a large part of my score for this game. However, the graphics were still great (for the time). The battle system was an interesting upgrade that I often appreciated, however it was occasionally estoeric. The story is still a huge part of the game and that I believe was still done quite well.… Expand
  5. Sormon
    Jul 5, 2021
    6
    While Xenosaga Episode II is an improvement over the previous game it still a relativity underwhelming experience. On the positive side the battle system is now much more engaging with a break gauge that forces you to plan out your attacks which when done right allows for massive combos. The music is also a big improvement from Episode I with a much wider variety of themes (Kajiura work isWhile Xenosaga Episode II is an improvement over the previous game it still a relativity underwhelming experience. On the positive side the battle system is now much more engaging with a break gauge that forces you to plan out your attacks which when done right allows for massive combos. The music is also a big improvement from Episode I with a much wider variety of themes (Kajiura work is incredible). However, their are several backwards steps here, the realistic artstyle is awful and the new voice actors are nowhere near as good as the last games ones. Over all a better game than Episode 1 but not by much.… Expand
  6. DarkwingSchmuck
    Jul 28, 2023
    5
    After the mixed reception of Xenosaga Episode 1, Xenosaga Episode 2 turned out to be even more divisive. Xenosaga 2 doubles down on its predecessors worst elements, but now it had the misfortune of having a much worse battle system too.

    Sadly, Xenosaga 2 might be the worst game to ever bear the "Xeno" brand.

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best PS2 Game of 2005
53
#53 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 45
  3. Negative: 1 out of 45
  1. Siliconera
    86
    Xenosaga Episode 2 seems to top Episode 1 in almost all aspects of gameplay, graphics and sound...If you liked Episode 1, you'll like Episode 2. Speaking more generally, if you like RPGs you'll like Episode 2.
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  2. Weekly Famitsu
    83
    8 / 8 / 8 / 9 - 33 gold [Vol 811; 2 July 2004]
  3. My Gamer
    82
    While the game is still decent, it simply isn’t as great as the original installment. Though it still offers spectacular plot, it just isn’t as deep in its character customization as it once was.
    Read full review
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