Squaresoft's latest masterpiece, Parasite Eve, attempts to define a brand new gaming genre which they call the "cinematic RPG." I have been waiting for this game ever since I was lucky enough to experience Square's awesome Opera theater at E3 which showcased the game's groundbreaking cinemas. The completed game is just what I hoped for and more. The brilliant movie CG scenes blend in with the game perfectly, successfully enhancing and moving the plot.

The game's premise is that all mitochondria can be traced back to a single African human female called Mitochondria Eve. This consciousness has been evolving for millions of years and on Christmas Eve, 1997, awakens to destroy humanity and take over the world. Eve has the power to awaken the mitochondria inside all life causing spontaneous combustion in some and creating mutant monsters in others. The character the player controls, NYPD officer Aya Brea, is mysteriously immune to Eve's power and is the only person who can stop this dastardly plot.

The game opens with an opera scene where Eve sets the audience on fire and begins the cycle of destruction which will span six days of mayhem. Each day usually involves one dungeon that Aya navigate. As the game progresses, it becomes more open with multiple dungeons per day. All locations are based on real-life New York landmarks.

What really gives the game its unique style is the fighting system. Aya has complete freedom of movement during enemy encounters which are handled in RPG style random battles. Attacks are carried out either through long-range or short-range weapons. Additionally, as Aya gains experience, she develops magic called Parasite Energy. The magic adds healing power and various offensive and defensive spells. The magic meter recharges during movement in battle so healing is not a big problem. All weapons are upgradable using the Tool item, which is scattered throughout the game. With this item, the player can combine features from many weapons and armors to create their own custom equipment. The freedom of movement during battles allows Aya to dodge enemy attacks and to vary amount of damage depending on where she stands in relation to the enemy. If attacks are successfully dodged, then Aya gets bonus points which can be applied toward upgrading weapons, the action recharge meter, or increasing the number of items she can hold. All of these features combine to create an innovative and engaging battle system which makes the game more action then RPG.

While the graphics system during both cinemas and gameplay are excellent, the soundtrack could have been better. The game tries to create a dark and gory atmosphere, similar to Resident Evil. Unfortunately, the generally upbeat soundtrack undermines this attempt. The other problem is that there are too many moments of silence broken only by the clicking of Aya's shoes as she runs. Speaking of movement, my other complaint would be that she runs too slowly even when she gets out of her evening dress and high heel shoes. Luckily, the analog control helps with movement considerably and I would recommend its use at all times.

Overall, the game does grow on you. The story is always interesting with plenty of plot twists and the gameplay is well balanced and entertaining. Because of its shortness, the game does not qualify as a real hard-core RPG, but it doesn't have to be. The game is based on a novel and it follows that novel to the letter. Therefore, the shortness is not a weakness, in my opinion, but a necessity of the story. The story just happens to take about 10 hours. Besides, the special EX mode after the end of the game adds replay value. The second time around, a 77-story Chrysler building dungeon opens up which has an all new boss and a new ending.

Parasite Eve should be viewed as a wonderful game that truly is the cinematic RPG that Square intended.