The game starts with Aya training in the agency's shooting gallery in Los Angeles. Just as she begins to get in a groove, she is asked to look into some strange happenings at the Akropolis Tower. When she arrives on the scene, an explosive, full-motion video flashes across the screen and showcases the death and carnage as Aya surveys the scene. Her entry into the Tower is where this RPG begins.

SquareSoft has kept some of the excellent elements of the weapons systems from the first Parasite Eve title, but went for an entirely new battle system. Combat is delivered in real time and allows players to run, hide, and open fire. Aya can tap into her parasitic powers and can unleash elemental, magic-based attacks on the many foes she encounters. Ammunition is plentiful in the game and there are plenty of entertaining weapons to choose from. Auto targeting and involving puzzles are back, though the arrow-pointing interface for solving these puzzles is really hard to operate.

The cinematic mix of story and action is very well done, and the numerous cutscenes do an excellent job of moving the pace along in a believable way.

Even though the original Parasite Eve had its problems, SquareSoft has pieced together an excellent sequel that will satisfy fans of the first game and help create many new ones. --Todd Mowatt

Pros:
New, real-time battle system is an improvement over first Parasite Eve
Great weapons and plentiful ammunition
Great mix of story and action

Cons:
Clunky interface for solving puzzles