Hey everyone! Are you a fan of retro JRPGs with a good dose of horror? In this video review, I’m diving deep into the world of Parasite Eve 1 & 2, sharing my first-play perspective on this classic series.
Parasite Eve 1: A Masterpiece of Retro Horror JRPG
Let me just say, the first game is a “masterpiece”! I absolutely loved the engaging gameplay, which totally reminded me of the early Resident Evil games with those fixed camera angles and strategic combat. Aya Brea is such a compelling character, and I couldn’t help but compare her professionalism to Jill Valentine. The combat mechanics are really unique too, especially that “green net” for battling enemies – it felt a bit like Vagrant Story, which is a huge plus in my book. The boss fights were mostly a blast, and the music? Amazing! Especially those opera sections, they gave me serious Code Veronica vibes. And the Christmas Eve horror setting? It just creates such a unique and immersive atmosphere. Overall, Parasite Eve 1 gets a perfect 10/10 from me. It’s exceptional gameplay, captivating story, and just the right length.
Parasite Eve 2: A Divergent, Action-Packed Sequel
Now, Parasite Eve 2 is a pretty big departure from the first game. While the original was all about horror and mystery in New York City, the sequel shifts to a faster-paced, action-oriented style, with Aya now hunting monsters in Los Angeles. I have to admit, those tank controls take some getting used to, and they could be a bit stressful during boss fights. The gameplay is still fun, with a good variety of weapons and items, but the story felt “weird and forgettable” to me, and definitely less deep than the original. Even with these changes, Parasite Eve 2 still gets a solid 7/10 from me. The gameplay is enjoyable, and the enemy designs are still creepy, but it does kind of feel like a “Resident Evil rip-off” at times. I’d definitely recommend playing the first game before jumping into the second, but honestly, it’s not totally essential to enjoy the sequel.
Final Verdict: A Great Series for JRPG and Horror Fans
So, to wrap it up, I think this series is really appealing overall. It has this cool detective-like atmosphere, and both games are just a really enjoyable experience. I’m actually pretty interested in checking out the third game in the series, Parasite Eve 3: The 3rd Birthday for PSP, sometime in the future.
If you’re curious about retro JRPGs that blend horror, detective elements, and engaging gameplay, Parasite Eve 1 & 2 are definitely worth checking out! Let me know what you think if you decide to play them!