The concluding chapter of the Xenosaga science fiction role-playing game series begins one year after the events described in the previous episode. The main heroine Shion Uzuki is shocked by the discovery that implies a connection between Vector Corporation, the organization she is working for, and the Gnosis event, which set the whole story in motion. She leaves her post and tries to solve the mystery on her own. Meanwhile, the KOS-MOS project is halted, and a mysterious new android, T-elos, emerges to replace it. Shion and her friends are about to fight the ultimate battle that will determine the destiny of mankind.

The third episode retains the combat basics of the two previous games, resembling more the system of the first episode. Weapon and equipment management returns, and the complex break system from the second chapter has been simplified. Once again, there are two kinds of combat, in human form and piloting giant robots. The usage of ether attacks, boost gauge, and other typical Xenosaga gameplay elements are also present in this game. Robot combat is more prominently featured and is handled somewhat differently, the giant gears having a wider variety of attacks at their disposal. Both player-controlled and enemy parties have now a special bar that renders them immobile when filled. Exploiting this feature is yet another strategic addition to the combat.

There is an in-game database listing all events, people, items, monsters and locations. Next to the main storyline, there are 60 puzzle mini-games. The game includes an editor to create these custom puzzles and share them with friends.

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Alternate Titles

"Xenosaga Episode III: Zarathustra wa kaku Katariki" -- Japanese title (romanized)
"ゼノサーガエピソードIII: ツァラトゥストラはかく語りき" -- Japanese spelling

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Part of the Following Groups

Merchant	Title	Platform	Price
	Xenosaga Episode III	PlayStation 2	$21.30
	Xenosaga: Episode III - Also Sprach Zarathustra
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User Reviews

Impressive and satisfying end to the ambitious trilogy	YID YANG (162380)
A bittersweet ending to the trilogy	Jacob Gens (1107)

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The Press Says

Worth Playing	Sep 24, 2006	9.4 out of 10	94
Game Informer Magazine	Sep, 2006	8.5 out of 10	85
Play Magazine	2006	8.5 out of 10	85
JagoGame.com	Sep 27, 2006	8 out of 10	80
1UP	Aug 29, 2006	8 out of 10	80
IGN	Aug 30, 2006	8 out of 10	80
Games Radar	2006	7 out of 10	70
GameSpy	Aug 28, 2006		70
G4 TV: X-Play	Oct 10, 2006		60
Game Revolution	Sep 06, 2006	C+	58

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Trivia

"Also Sprach Zarathustra" is the title of one of the most famous works of German philosopher Friedrich Wilhem Nietzsche (Also sprach Zarathustra. Ein Buch für Alle und Keinen / Thus Spoke Zarathustra. A Book for Everyone and Nobody). Provocative and influential, the book is unique in the sense it is narrated around the teachings of the ancient Persian prophet Zarathustra.

The book (actually a collection of volumes) is better known for summarizing some of the more controversial aspects of Nietzsche's philosophy, including the concept of a dead god and the "Übermensch" which has been credited as a heavy influence of the Nazi regime.

"Also Sprach Zarathustra" is also the title of an heroic symphony composed by Richard Strauss (based on Nietzsche's work) and is better known for the inclusion of a few of its movements in Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey" (based on the novel of the same name by Arthur C. Clarke).

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This entry to the MobyGames database was contributed by YID YANG

(162380) on Jul 11, 2006.