Still stuck between Grandia or Xenogears; which to get? (poll)

I know I've already asked around and gotten a couple of responses but I was hoping to try and get a more decisive answer

I'm mostly interested in gameplay and story

Grandia has tons of charm but the story telling gets more serious as the game progresses. The battle system is lightning fast and super fun. Some people find the voice acting annoying but I found it fits the characters very well. The game might get a little disorienting because of the camera and vast maps but otherwise it's perfectly normal. The music is fantastic and really well done too.

Xenogears is very heavy handed in terms of story telling. I went into the game expecting typical anime rubbish but I was pleasantly surprised. The story is one of the best in gaming I tell you. The game's combat system is relatively simple and not that hard to get used to. The mechs aka Gears in the game are simply superb and are one of the main highlights of the game. Disc 2 is clearly rushed (the funds were diverted to the making of Final Fantasy VIII) and the story telling becomes slide-show like but don't let that put you off. The game is still awesome.

Overall, both games deserve to be in anyone's collection. But for the time being, start with Xenogears. If you love good stories and mechas, then this the game for you.

Grandia has tons of charm but the story telling gets more serious as the game progresses. The battle system is lightning fast and super fun. Some people find the voice acting annoying but I found it fits the characters very well. The game might get a little disorienting because of the camera and vast maps but otherwise it's perfectly normal. The music is fantastic and really well done too.

Xenogears is very heavy handed in terms of story telling. I went into the game expecting typical anime rubbish but I was pleasantly surprised. The story is one of the best in gaming I tell you. The game's combat system is relatively simple and not that hard to get used to. The mechs aka Gears in the game are simply superb and are one of the main highlights of the game. Disc 2 is clearly rushed (the funds were diverted to the making of Final Fantasy VIII) and the story telling becomes slide-show like but don't let that put you off. The game is still awesome.

OVerall, both games deserve to be in anyone's collection. But for the time being, start with Xenogears. If you love good stories and mechas, then this the game for you.

fend_oblivion

Wow! That's some real expert advice, thanks! Just how bad was the second half of xenogears? Was the scenes to progress the story just shorter and limited in number compared to the first one or did the whole plot take a turn for the worst?

Wow! That's some real expert advice, thanks! Just how bad was the second half of xenogears? Was the scenes to progress the story just shorter and limited in number compared to the first one or did the whole plot take a turn for the worst?

Syanide312

Xenogears is my all time favourite rpg in terms of story. There are so many little avenues to explore. And when you think I have to do it this way, sometimes there's another way! Example: Near the start when the little kid is beating on you in the tournament...I won't give too much away. There are so many little tidbits. So many literary, religious, and psychological allusions. It's a thinking person's game for sure. It's just incredible how the story weaves together. Truly a masterpiece.

Edit: I do have to mention that I was 19 or so when I played it. Thus, nostalgia is driving my recommendation :)

So many literary, religious, and psychological allusions....I do have to mention that I was 19 or so when I played it. ydnarrewop

Well, thanks for all your inputs! I'm going to go ahead and go with Xenogears I think and buy Grandia later! Thanks for all the advice!

Well, thanks for all your inputs! I'm going to go ahead and go with Xenogears I think and buy Grandia later! Thanks for all the advice!

Syanide312

Grandia is light-hearted fun and adventure, however, if you're looking for a compelling story, it's Xenogears all the way.

XENOGEARS!:)