Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today its highly anticipated role-playing game, Xenosaga® EPISODE II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse, has shipped to North American retail outlets. Developed by Monolith Software Inc. in Japan, Xenosaga EPISODE II continues the celebrated story of Xenosaga® EPISODE I: Der Wille zur Macht, which sold more than a million units worldwide. Exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xenosaga EPISODE II is rated T for Teen and carries an MSRP at retail of $49.99.

“Xenosaga EPISODE II is certain to captivate franchise fans and newcomers alike,” said Yoshi Niki, Business Unit Director at Namco Hometek Inc. “The Xenosaga series truly embodies the role-playing genre, and we are proud to deliver gamers with a title that boasts both a sophisticated, compelling storyline and exceptional game play.”

Xenosaga EPISODE II brings players to a world thousands of years into the future, where war is rampant and humanity is battling for survival against a mysterious alien race known as the Gnosis. Incredible cinematics bring to life Xenosaga EPISODE II’s epic storyline, which begins on Second Miltia with an elite cast of new and returning characters reaching the planet to recover the key to the Y-data hidden inside MOMO. Players must uncover the secrets surrounding the Miltian Conflict and delve further into the many unresolved questions and mysteries posed in Xenosaga EPISODE I.

Xenosaga EPISODE II features a fully customizable character growth system, allowing players to utilize more than 100 different skills such as Last Revenge, Overload and Double Power to equip characters with extraordinary abilities and overcome the most difficult situations. The game’s enhanced battle system and refined boost system lets players execute devastating two-character “Double Attacks” including Archangel’s Requiem, Fiery Ritornelle and the Gravity Bomb. With expansive worlds, fascinating characters and an engaging story, Xenosaga EPISODE II takes players on a philosophical journey filled with mystery, intrigue and surprise.

2005 has only just began but already the fight to be crowd 2005 Rpg Game of the Year has begun with the release of Xenosaga II, one of the big contender for that title along side Final Fantasy XII and Kingdom Hearts II.

Yeah this is definitely good news. I know a lot of people including myself have been waiting for this game to be released.
The only real negative thing I've heard about it is that it's short.
And some people don't like the fact that the story focuses more on Junior and Albedo this time, but I don't see that as a problem. Both of them are interesting characters, and I've always wanted to learn more about them.

Hopefully it's better than the just-barely-above-average Episode 1!

Also, the post on the main site currently dates this news "January 14th." Might wanna change that. (I know I hate when I do stuff like that.)

I'll wait for this game. You know EB and Gamestop will always have it in stock, so I'll hold out till it's around $20-25 to pick mine up. I have enough RPGs on my plate right now.

Meh...I still haven't played much more than the beginning of part 1, so I'm not all that hyped for this. I suppose once I've played an beat my other games, I'll sit down and beat part 1, then go out and buy episode 2, which will probably be 20 bucks cheaper by then. =p

Been there.

Done that.

If you guys intend on buying a guide, get the limited edition one. Comes with a mini-soundtrack and a poster. Not to mention some kick arse cover art.

Click here.

I rejoiced when this came out, actualy woke up at 5:30 yesterday morning to get an hour of playtime in before school, now i have a nice 4 day weekend to play this games heart out!!

And i opted not to get the limited edition strategy guide, because i already imported the full OST back in July, been listening ot the music since then.

After i complete the game ill most likely write a nice full review about it.

when i heard episode II was comin out i jumped for joy but haven't beaten the first one yet when i beat the first one to the fullest i will buy and enjoy episode II and hopefully there will be an episode III you never know.