Square Enix

Game Description: Aya Brea is back to defend the world from the mitochondrial menace in Parasite Eve II. This story takes place three years after the New York incident of the first game, when the horrible mutations are supposedly a thing of the past. Now working for the FBI in Los Angeles, Aya is called on to join the Mitochondrian Investigation and Suppression Team (MIST) to hunt down dangerous monsters and keep the disease from spreading. To do that, she must unravel the conspiracy that seeks the destruction of all mankind. Parasite Eve II features an enhanced, real-time battle system that will allow players to use a large array of modern weaponry. These guns, built into the game with realistic fire rates, can even be upgraded with parts that you buy or find. Also on your side is Aya's Parasite Energy, which enables her to harness elemental power, such as a searing column of fire, to fight the monsters.

I was a little surprised to see the turn Parasite Eve II takes in regard to the original, which was more of a traditional role-playing game. This sequel is just what Brad says it is—a Resident Evil clone that tries to keep its feet in both genres.

When looking at RPGs lately, it seems to be getting harder and harder to tell them apart. You know how it goes—a young hero from a quiet town is thrown into circumstances beyond his control. He sets out to right a wrong and gathers together a band of friends to help him on his quest. After facing insumountable odds and legions of evil dragons/sorcerers/corrupt rulers, etc., our courageous hero emerges victorious to right all wrongs done to innocent townsfolk everywhere. Justice prevails, you win.

According to ESRB this game contains: Teen (13+), mild animated violence, mild language, suggestive themes

Game Description: In an interesting mix of side-scrolling action and role-playing games, Valkyrie Profile will have you scouring the ranks of the dead in search of suitable warriors for Odin, the Norse god of gods. But before these dearly departed can be entered into Odin's einherjar, or heavenly army, you've got to train them in the right battle skills.

Unlike so many of the role-playing games that are out now, here is one that is wonderfully fresh and endlessly interesting (in other words, the complete opposite of The Legend Of Dragoon). I love how the game creatively wraps itself in Norse mythology, and how it infuses the battles with such action and excitement. It has truly been a while since Ive played such an imaginative and energetic piece of work. However, I just cant justify giving Valkyrie Profile a higher score because the game goes a little overboard in the scope of both its gameplay and its epic story.

Playing Chrono Cross can be a bewildering experience, and that's not a slight at the game's graphics, music, gameplay or even its story.

Game Description: While it's officially a sequel to the immensely popular Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross is completely its own role-playing game with over 40 characters, a branching story line, and multiple endings. Like its predecessor, the game is about crossing through time and setting things right. This story focuses on Serge's quest for the Frozen Flame, which will give the beholder the power to bend space and time. Serge wants the power to save himself from dying in a parallel universe but, as you can guess, nefarious forces are also vying for the Frozen Flame to suit their own purposes. Chrono Cross features the stylish character designs and wondrous cut scenes that gamers have come to expect from SquareSoft, but the game also has a number of gameplay innovations. Though the battle engine is essentially turn-based, characters don't have to wait their turn to cast a spell or make an attack; battles are moderated by stamina. Also, the repetitive battles with lesser monsters that make so many RPGs sag can be easily avoided because all monsters can be seen on the screen.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Violence, Mild Language

As many people know, Chrono Cross is the long awaited sequel to Chrono Trigger, a game released roughly five years ago for the Super NES that involved some memorable and original gameplay based around time travel. Chrono Trigger was famous for allowing the player a remarkable amount of variation in how he/she chose to play the game.