MrPopo wrote:Xenosaga 1 is action point based. It lets you do between two and three attacks per turn, with the third being some kind of special attack based upon your first two. Xenosaga 2 is similar, but removes the special attacks in favor of a break mechanic (use the right sequence of attacks on an enemy and they go into a super vulnerable state, and this is required for some bosses). I don't remember 3's combat system, to be honest. 1 & 2 also include the boost feature, where you can have your character cut in line once you fill up a gauge. This is frequently necessary to exploit the break system in 2.
Ep.III went back closer to I instead of the II's "Zone" Break - I HATE it totally -> Shion and MOMO are almost useless cuz their attacks are only one area only!!! And if the enemy was able to "boost" while you were attacking, thus breaking up the Zone attack sequence, you gotta start over again!!!
III have two types of damages, HP and "Break," and it is much easier than II in terms of understanding and performing, no more Zone attack! Some enemies required you to Break them - leaving them in an dizzy state so that you attack their HP. And you can accumulate your Boost level, either for an extra turn or a special move (much more useful than the Double attack in II -> cheap ripoff with no use compared to the Chrono series!
). And E.S. battles are much better in III, the A.G.W.S. in I never let you do the things in the promos (your AGWS is always efficient when carrying a pair of the same weapons, auto repair, and status prevention -> not the mix and match of guns and shields from some artworks, might as well go to Armored Core then).
To the OP: Xenosaga is easier to play, IMO, than Xenogears, but I do think you may want to finish Chrono Trigger first, you shouldn't be disappointed with the gameplay and storyline.
