Based on a popular science-fiction novel published 18 months ago in
Japan, Parasite Eve is an exploration-based RPG from Square for the PSX.
Assuming it follows the plot of the novel, the game will be set in
Manhattan and concern a woman with intelligent mitochondria. (Mitochondria
are often called the "powerhouses" of the cell, as they provide the cell's
energy.) This woman's mitochondria become self-aware and decide that all
non-mitochondrial forms of life must perish. These sub-cellular demons can
mind-control their original hosts, form sentient beings based entirely on
mitochondrial DNA, and even form a "slime" that infests other life forms.
Plant and animal alike have their DNA altered and mutated: thus the
game's endless supply of monsters.
The player controls a female NYPD rookie who must solve and stop the
mitochondrial menace. The gameplay has been described as a hybrid of
Resident Evil and Final Fantasy VII. As in Resident Evil, exploration
features heavily; you talk with people and collect clues and items. Battles
with enemies, however, use a menu- and turn- based system similar to Final
Fantasy VII, yet more-action oriented, as in Secret of Mana.
Most exciting, however, is that the game is currently being developed in
both Japanese and English, making a stateside release not only inevitable,
but perhaps simultaneous! This would be a welcome change from the normal
six- to nine-month wait accompanying most Japanese titles.
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