Xenosaga Ep I has finished but the 'end' is still to come
I'm going to be lazy and cram everything in one entry instead of trying to figure out all the dates. This is a SUPER long entry. Read only if you are interested which I doubt anyone would be. ^ ^
--- [1 of 5]
Sat.Feb.06.06 - at around 01:00am = "mission accomplished"
I finished the game, Xenosaga EPISODE I: Der Wille zur Macht (German for 'The Will to Power' in case people didn't know yet). ;_; Luckily there is an episode II, since the story is not over yet. XD
It wasn't my *intention* to beat the game. I was just getting impatient and just trying my luck. That just tells you sometimes, you have to do it your own way. Walkthroughs aren't always right. XDDDD Turns out I didn't need Cataclysm after all. Hope I can beat it again when I had enough fun leveling. =P
--- [2 of 5]
Here's where the ramblings begin. =P
Now to look into when to *get* Episode II. I wish it became a 'greatest hits' so I don't have to regret not buying it like I did for Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. I totally don't regret for FFX-2 though. XD
Now let's see...
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose
(German for 'Beyond Good and Evil')
+ EB says $19.99, so does Best Buy Canada, but it's nowehere to be found in the Future Shop database =S. So what do you think? Would the stores be selling it for at least $29.99? >_< The last time I checked it was still 49.99 or even 59.99... I hope I am not seeing things.
Here's a nice point to shine light on for the Xenosaga EP 2 Release Date:
US: February 15, 2005
Japan: June 24, 2004
Almost one full year. XD Funny how the dates work out. I should do this for all my games so I can get them for cheaper.
--- [3 of 5]
Now while I'm at it... let's see what other games I should get:
(ordered from -_- to ^o^)
1) Musashi: Samurai Legend
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA // $19.99
=> hehe... I don't think so...
2) Shining Force Neo
Publisher: SEGA OF AMERICA INC. // $49.99
=> not even sure if I want this... XP
3) Suikoden V
Publisher: KONAMI // $49.99
Ships on 3/28/2006
=> whaaaa? I haven't even touched Suikoden 3 yet. XD
4) Radiata Stories
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA // $29.99
=> I am getting this FOR SURE! ^o^
There was a "Magna Carta: Tears of Blood" game when I browsed... I doubt that's the original... but I am referencing it here as a reminder to myself.
--- [4 of 5]
You KNOW 2006 is going to be an awesome year since... these games are coming...
a) Kingdom Hearts II
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA
(Ships on Mar 30, 2006)
=> The money I am saving is going towards this. XD
b) Atelier Iris 2
Publisher: ATLUS SOFTWARE
(Ships on Apr 25, 2006)
=> ^ ^ I can't wait for this. I'm hoping it's not another one of those sequel disappointments.
c) Final Fantasy XII
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA
(Ships on Aug 1, 2006)
=> We all know we are going to get it. =P
--- [5 of 5]
Now, this is the highlight of my post. XD I was reading a reference guide for Xenosaga's vocabulary and I came across something very interesting. It concerns Gaignun, Jr, and Albedo and some quotes I found memorable that refer to other literature like the Bible and Shakespeare. It is very spoilerish. However, if you do not intend to play the Xenosaga game it should still be interesting enough to read. (I hope ^ ^)
NIGREDO
=======
Another name for U.R.T.V. unit #669, Gaignun Kukai. Nigredo, Latin for "blackening", is the first step in the alchemical process that is often also used as a symbol for psychological individuation. The phase of nigredo can be one of deep depression, as we are forced to look at the aspects of ourselves that we don't like, and that we keep hidden in the shadows. This humbling of the ego is necessary for the reshaping that will follow.
ALBEDO PIASORA
===============
The gleefully psychotic U.R.T.V. villain, who is the only one in the cast that responds properly to everything Jr. says (with constant laughter). Albedo, Latin for "whitening", is the second phase of alchemical psychology, following nigredo. In albedo, greater perspective and insight into the workings of our mind is gained, as we become able to see our emotions from a vantage point outside of subjective immersion. Albedo is a phase of tranquility and purification, bringing light to the shadows of nigredo.
RUBEDO
======
If not Jr.'s real name, then at least a little more real than Gaignun Kukai, Jr. The final phase of the alchemical/psychological process, rubedo (Latin for "reddening") follows the albedo phase. Rubedo takes the lessons learned from nigredo and albedo and puts them into action. The albedo-purified unconscious mind is beautiful but abstract; rubedo fills the whiteness with blood and life, and brings the now-complete process into the realm of the conscious mind.
~~ now I know where the "red will become white" might've came from.
"FRAILTY, THY NAME IS WOMAN"
============================
Albedo makes this remark as MOMO looks on in horror at the dead Kirschwassers. He is quoting William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". Hamlet speaks this line in disgust, referring to how quickly his mother found comfort in his uncle's bed after the death of his father.
exact words:
*Albedo lets go of the corpse's arm and it made a cracking noise, scaring MOMO.*
Albedo: Frailty, thy name is woman… No, that's not right. You little Realians weren't even born from a woman's womb.
~~ This was *the* line that attracted me the most in this game. XD Interesting how Albedo refers to it.
"EXCEPT A CORN OF WHEAT..."
===========================
Albedo tells MOMO that this is something Jr. once said. He's quoting the Bible, and the full passage is: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24)
exact words:
*Albedo laughs maniacally and smashed his own head by stepping on it with blood splattering on the ground. Then, Albedo's head reappeared on his body.*
Albedo: Do you know what he said while he coughed up his lifeblood? "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone." Wheat, eh? There's enough of it, we can afford to waste as much as we want. Like my head, you see?
~~ this is way beyond me. >_< I still don't get it.
"MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL..."
================================
Part of young Albedo's seemingly insane ramblings in a flashback. He is quoting Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", in which the vain and wicked queen demands daily of her magic mirror, "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest one of all?" The original Snow White tale was penned by the Brothers Grimm, but this famous quote is from the Disney adaptation.
exact words:
Albedo: (laughing maniacally) The Song…the song is... I... Mirror, mirror, on the wall…show me…define me! I am the infinite telomerase! I am not an anti-existence! I am the perfect chain!!!
"IT WAS VERY DARK, AND THE WIND..."
===================================
Jr. makes this comment to himself as he's out in space in his AGWS, searching for traces of the planet Ariadne. He's quoting the narration from L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", as a tornado is whisking the heroine Dorothy's house away to the land of Oz. The full quote is "It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her, but Dorothy found she was riding quite easily. After the first few whirls around, and one other time when the house tipped badly, she felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle."
exact words:
Jr.: It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her… She felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle…huh. All's quiet after the storm. There's no trace of anything. Over.
~~ Ohhh... now I know what he was talking about.
NERO
====
As Jr. gazes at space, he wonders if it resembles "the lake of darkness where Nero does his fishing". Nero was the fifth emperor of Rome, and Jr. is paraphrasing William Shakespeare's "King Lear." The line to which he alludes is spoken by Edgar: "Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware of the foul fiend." (Unrelated, but the popular story that Nero fiddled while Rome burned has no basis in historical fact.)
exact words:
Jr.: I wonder…does that lake of darkness where Nero does his fishing look something like this?
*In the Durandal…*
Mary: You're quite the poet today, Little Master. Where do you come up with this stuff?
Jr.: Read some books, Mary. It's good for you!
Mary: Books are made from paper, Little Master. And they're such a pain to carry around.
Jr.: Paper and stone tablets last longer than optical data, you know. Besides, reading a book helps me get to sleep. How's the sensor readout? Anything showing up?
~~ You knew I added that part in just for the heck of it. XD
(Certain sections above are taken from:
References Guide, v1.0 - Written By Vaeran
Game Script - Written by OKong
... courtesy of GameFAQs)
--- [1 of 5]
Sat.Feb.06.06 - at around 01:00am = "mission accomplished"
I finished the game, Xenosaga EPISODE I: Der Wille zur Macht (German for 'The Will to Power' in case people didn't know yet). ;_; Luckily there is an episode II, since the story is not over yet. XD
It wasn't my *intention* to beat the game. I was just getting impatient and just trying my luck. That just tells you sometimes, you have to do it your own way. Walkthroughs aren't always right. XDDDD Turns out I didn't need Cataclysm after all. Hope I can beat it again when I had enough fun leveling. =P
--- [2 of 5]
Here's where the ramblings begin. =P
Now to look into when to *get* Episode II. I wish it became a 'greatest hits' so I don't have to regret not buying it like I did for Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. I totally don't regret for FFX-2 though. XD
Now let's see...
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose
(German for 'Beyond Good and Evil')
+ EB says $19.99, so does Best Buy Canada, but it's nowehere to be found in the Future Shop database =S. So what do you think? Would the stores be selling it for at least $29.99? >_< The last time I checked it was still 49.99 or even 59.99... I hope I am not seeing things.
Here's a nice point to shine light on for the Xenosaga EP 2 Release Date:
US: February 15, 2005
Japan: June 24, 2004
Almost one full year. XD Funny how the dates work out. I should do this for all my games so I can get them for cheaper.
--- [3 of 5]
Now while I'm at it... let's see what other games I should get:
(ordered from -_- to ^o^)
1) Musashi: Samurai Legend
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA // $19.99
=> hehe... I don't think so...
2) Shining Force Neo
Publisher: SEGA OF AMERICA INC. // $49.99
=> not even sure if I want this... XP
3) Suikoden V
Publisher: KONAMI // $49.99
Ships on 3/28/2006
=> whaaaa? I haven't even touched Suikoden 3 yet. XD
4) Radiata Stories
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA // $29.99
=> I am getting this FOR SURE! ^o^
There was a "Magna Carta: Tears of Blood" game when I browsed... I doubt that's the original... but I am referencing it here as a reminder to myself.
--- [4 of 5]
You KNOW 2006 is going to be an awesome year since... these games are coming...
a) Kingdom Hearts II
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA
(Ships on Mar 30, 2006)
=> The money I am saving is going towards this. XD
b) Atelier Iris 2
Publisher: ATLUS SOFTWARE
(Ships on Apr 25, 2006)
=> ^ ^ I can't wait for this. I'm hoping it's not another one of those sequel disappointments.
c) Final Fantasy XII
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX USA
(Ships on Aug 1, 2006)
=> We all know we are going to get it. =P
--- [5 of 5]
Now, this is the highlight of my post. XD I was reading a reference guide for Xenosaga's vocabulary and I came across something very interesting. It concerns Gaignun, Jr, and Albedo and some quotes I found memorable that refer to other literature like the Bible and Shakespeare. It is very spoilerish. However, if you do not intend to play the Xenosaga game it should still be interesting enough to read. (I hope ^ ^)
NIGREDO
=======
Another name for U.R.T.V. unit #669, Gaignun Kukai. Nigredo, Latin for "blackening", is the first step in the alchemical process that is often also used as a symbol for psychological individuation. The phase of nigredo can be one of deep depression, as we are forced to look at the aspects of ourselves that we don't like, and that we keep hidden in the shadows. This humbling of the ego is necessary for the reshaping that will follow.
ALBEDO PIASORA
===============
The gleefully psychotic U.R.T.V. villain, who is the only one in the cast that responds properly to everything Jr. says (with constant laughter). Albedo, Latin for "whitening", is the second phase of alchemical psychology, following nigredo. In albedo, greater perspective and insight into the workings of our mind is gained, as we become able to see our emotions from a vantage point outside of subjective immersion. Albedo is a phase of tranquility and purification, bringing light to the shadows of nigredo.
RUBEDO
======
If not Jr.'s real name, then at least a little more real than Gaignun Kukai, Jr. The final phase of the alchemical/psychological process, rubedo (Latin for "reddening") follows the albedo phase. Rubedo takes the lessons learned from nigredo and albedo and puts them into action. The albedo-purified unconscious mind is beautiful but abstract; rubedo fills the whiteness with blood and life, and brings the now-complete process into the realm of the conscious mind.
~~ now I know where the "red will become white" might've came from.
"FRAILTY, THY NAME IS WOMAN"
============================
Albedo makes this remark as MOMO looks on in horror at the dead Kirschwassers. He is quoting William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". Hamlet speaks this line in disgust, referring to how quickly his mother found comfort in his uncle's bed after the death of his father.
exact words:
*Albedo lets go of the corpse's arm and it made a cracking noise, scaring MOMO.*
Albedo: Frailty, thy name is woman… No, that's not right. You little Realians weren't even born from a woman's womb.
~~ This was *the* line that attracted me the most in this game. XD Interesting how Albedo refers to it.
"EXCEPT A CORN OF WHEAT..."
===========================
Albedo tells MOMO that this is something Jr. once said. He's quoting the Bible, and the full passage is: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24)
exact words:
*Albedo laughs maniacally and smashed his own head by stepping on it with blood splattering on the ground. Then, Albedo's head reappeared on his body.*
Albedo: Do you know what he said while he coughed up his lifeblood? "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone." Wheat, eh? There's enough of it, we can afford to waste as much as we want. Like my head, you see?
~~ this is way beyond me. >_< I still don't get it.
"MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL..."
================================
Part of young Albedo's seemingly insane ramblings in a flashback. He is quoting Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", in which the vain and wicked queen demands daily of her magic mirror, "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest one of all?" The original Snow White tale was penned by the Brothers Grimm, but this famous quote is from the Disney adaptation.
exact words:
Albedo: (laughing maniacally) The Song…the song is... I... Mirror, mirror, on the wall…show me…define me! I am the infinite telomerase! I am not an anti-existence! I am the perfect chain!!!
"IT WAS VERY DARK, AND THE WIND..."
===================================
Jr. makes this comment to himself as he's out in space in his AGWS, searching for traces of the planet Ariadne. He's quoting the narration from L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", as a tornado is whisking the heroine Dorothy's house away to the land of Oz. The full quote is "It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her, but Dorothy found she was riding quite easily. After the first few whirls around, and one other time when the house tipped badly, she felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle."
exact words:
Jr.: It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her… She felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle…huh. All's quiet after the storm. There's no trace of anything. Over.
~~ Ohhh... now I know what he was talking about.
NERO
====
As Jr. gazes at space, he wonders if it resembles "the lake of darkness where Nero does his fishing". Nero was the fifth emperor of Rome, and Jr. is paraphrasing William Shakespeare's "King Lear." The line to which he alludes is spoken by Edgar: "Frateretto calls me, and tells me Nero is an angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware of the foul fiend." (Unrelated, but the popular story that Nero fiddled while Rome burned has no basis in historical fact.)
exact words:
Jr.: I wonder…does that lake of darkness where Nero does his fishing look something like this?
*In the Durandal…*
Mary: You're quite the poet today, Little Master. Where do you come up with this stuff?
Jr.: Read some books, Mary. It's good for you!
Mary: Books are made from paper, Little Master. And they're such a pain to carry around.
Jr.: Paper and stone tablets last longer than optical data, you know. Besides, reading a book helps me get to sleep. How's the sensor readout? Anything showing up?
~~ You knew I added that part in just for the heck of it. XD
(Certain sections above are taken from:
References Guide, v1.0 - Written By Vaeran
Game Script - Written by OKong
... courtesy of GameFAQs)