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PARASITE EVE (PS)
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Publisher: Square Electronic Arts.
Developer: Squaresoft. Released: September 1998 (US). Genre: Survival Horror; RPG. Posted 27th October 2023. By Shane Battams © 2023 |
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Squaresoft may have been enjoying massive success with Final Fantasy VII, but the Japanese giants weren’t resting on their laurels. The developers would oversee a staggering number of releases throughout the rest of the PlayStation’s lifetime. Along with the return of properties Front Mission and Mana, a great number of experimental titles would also grace the system. Some didn’t quite pan out, such as the ambitious yet flawed SaGa Frontier with its Free Scenario system. However, one title that attempted to meld two disparate genres, JRPG and horror, would endure as a cult gem, even if critical consensus at the time was a bit divisive. That game was Parasite Eve.
Serving as a continuation of the 1995 novel of the same name, Parasite Eve concerns NYPD cop Aya Brea. An innocuous blind date at the opera turns into a horror show. The audience begins spontaneously combusting, with only Aya and the lead actress seemingly immune. After the singer mutates into some kind of monster, revealing herself to be Eve, Aya must utilise her newfound immunity to chase down the monstrosity before more damage can be wrought, with help from grizzled police partner Daniel and meek scientist Maeda. Squaresoft’s penchant for strong storytelling was in full force here, buoyed by incredible FMVs such as the shocking opera house combustion that opens the game. Aya proves a tough and complex heroine who’s easy to root for and her companions prove just as likeable. The blend of real-world New York and body horror remains immensely compelling, with the world and characters forming an astounding overall experience.
Parasite Aya? Eve leads the central protagonist a merry dance, in a compelling battle of wills
Like many Squaresoft games of the time, the visuals prove a tour de force. Pre-rendered backgrounds ooze detail and depth, with the off-kilter mix of the recognisable (New York) settings and the uncanny horror standing out. Exploring an ordinary sewer while orange-tinted ooze covers reservoirs highlights this perfectly. 3D models proves a step up from the then-impressive FFVII, with characters exhibiting limbs more recognisably human and impressive animations that conveyed emotion where a lack of facial animations cannot. The aforementioned FMVs prove a highlight, with the horrifying transformation of a rat into a mitochondria monster lingering long after completion. Speaking of which, the array of monsters you encounter throughout Parasite Eve is disturbing yet visually impressive. The audio proves compelling too, even if there is no voice acting. Yoko Shimomura’s iconic soundtrack sees a range of standouts, from the piano-fuelled “Primal Eyes” to the ominous boss theme. The effects also deserve a mention, with unsettling monster sounds and hard-hitting gunfire both hitting the mark.
While praise is indeed warranted for Parasite Eve’s presentation, its gameplay also proves a standout. Mixing Japanese role-playing with elements of survival horror, the combo makes for a distinctive whole. In essence, players navigate Aya around several locations with a static camera, until she engages in combat with mutated monsters. Tank controls are absent here, which fits considering combat requires snappier movement to avoid damage. Ammo conservation is not a factor, with plentiful pick-ups and even replenishing ammo and health items at the police station hub more likely seeing you struggle to fit items in your inventory, even with Aya’s storage expanding with level-ups. While some survival horror buffs may turn their noses up at the RPG elements, some quieter moments involving exploration and puzzle-solving do stand out, including an uneasy trek through a hospital basement as you try to restore power. There are also plenty of hidden paths to find with special gear and items for those with a keen eye.
While praise is indeed warranted for Parasite Eve’s presentation, its gameplay also proves a standout. Mixing Japanese role-playing with elements of survival horror, the combo makes for a distinctive whole. In essence, players navigate Aya around several locations with a static camera, until she engages in combat with mutated monsters. Tank controls are absent here, which fits considering combat requires snappier movement to avoid damage. Ammo conservation is not a factor, with plentiful pick-ups and even replenishing ammo and health items at the police station hub more likely seeing you struggle to fit items in your inventory, even with Aya’s storage expanding with level-ups. While some survival horror buffs may turn their noses up at the RPG elements, some quieter moments involving exploration and puzzle-solving do stand out, including an uneasy trek through a hospital basement as you try to restore power. There are also plenty of hidden paths to find with special gear and items for those with a keen eye.
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Combat utilises an Active Time Bar, allowing Aya to move freely while charging and dodging attacks. Once charged, the game pauses before you make your move, be it shooting, using Aya’s powers, or swapping equipment. While battles are random, foes integrate into the current screen you’re on rather than moving to a different battlefield, which proves rather immersive. As Aya levels up, she learns abilities that allow her to heal and use special attacks. Weapons prove the most interesting part of the experience, as guns boast a ton of customisation. Each gun comes with attack, range and bullet stats which can be increased either by using points earned from levelling or using tools to move stats across. You can also move properties across, such as special bullet types and buffs. However, the catch is, unless you find a super tool, the weapon is dismantled upon moving across elements. It proves a game of risk, as different gun types prove more useful than others and while they may deal more damage, limitations in other areas can see you struggling. It proves a gratifying system.
Parasite Eve proves a taut experience, with an initial run likely taking around 15 hours for most players. The pace relents, with one breathless chapter leading to another. The good news is EX Game offers great incentives for seconds. You can carry over one gun and armour by renaming them in the prior playthrough, and tougher enemies start appearing sooner. But the real incentive is access to the Chrysler Building, a 77-floor bonus dungeon which rewards unique gear, tougher monsters to fight and a hidden ending for those who defeat the final boss on top. It’s a lengthy endeavour and can easily see you playing on for another 15 hours. While perhaps still short compared to some JRPGs, it never drags or leaves players bored.
Parasite Eve proves a taut experience, with an initial run likely taking around 15 hours for most players. The pace relents, with one breathless chapter leading to another. The good news is EX Game offers great incentives for seconds. You can carry over one gun and armour by renaming them in the prior playthrough, and tougher enemies start appearing sooner. But the real incentive is access to the Chrysler Building, a 77-floor bonus dungeon which rewards unique gear, tougher monsters to fight and a hidden ending for those who defeat the final boss on top. It’s a lengthy endeavour and can easily see you playing on for another 15 hours. While perhaps still short compared to some JRPGs, it never drags or leaves players bored.
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Parasite Eve blends survival horror and RPG elements with an immersive seamlessness
Parasite Eve stands out amongst Squaresoft’s vast library, a stunning mix of horror and role-playing that still feels remarkably fresh over two decades later. The story proves engrossing with a strong cast of characters, combat feels tactile and immersive and the presentation is incredible. Whether it’s exploring the deserted streets of Soho to scavenge for ammo, dealing with nasties while navigating Central Park, or the disturbing opening in the opera house, it all stays with you, long after completion. Anyone with an affinity for the PlayStation’s vast library should seek this out as soon as possible. It’s a must-play in every sense.
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VERDICT
"A stunning mix of horror and role-playing, Parasite Eve boasts an engrossing story, tactile combat and incredible presentation. A must-play in every sense." OVERALL: 10/10 |
OTHER CLASSIC NINETIES SQUARESOFT GAMES REVIEWED
Chrono Trigger (1995, Super Nintendo)
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Final Fantasy VII (1997, PlayStation)
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