Parasite Eve: Horror RPG Evolution

Dive into the chilling realm of survival horror and turn-based RPG fusion with SquareSoft’s iconic Parasite Eve series. From the gripping narrative of the original Parasite Eve to the evolution seen in Parasite Eve 2 and the surprising shift in The 3rd Birthday, this exploration will take you on a journey through the captivating world of Eve, mitochondria, and intense battles.

SquareSoft’s Parasite Eve, a gaming sequel to the popular Japanese novel, intertwines survival horror with turn-based RPG elements, providing a unique and intelligent gaming experience. The game introduces us to Aya Brea, a tough New York cop, who finds herself caught in a nightmarish scenario on Christmas Eve at the opera. The crowd spontaneously combusts, yet Aya remains unaffected, setting the stage for a riveting battle against the mysterious entity known as “Eve.”

Rooted in the Japanese novel Parasite Eve, the game explores the concept of Mitochondria, offering a compelling central idea that propels the narrative forward. Despite occasional technobabble, the story manages to balance horror and sci-fi elements, creating a grotesque yet charming atmosphere.

Aya Brea emerges as a standout protagonist, defying gaming norms of her time. She is not only smartly dressed but also a formidable character, providing a refreshing contrast to the prevalent trends in the late ’90s. The supporting cast, including cop partner Daniel and scientist Maeda, adds humor but falls short in depth compared to Aya’s character.

Parasite Eve, reminiscent of Final Fantasy VIII, captivates players with its graphical prowess. Pre-rendered backgrounds showcase the dark grit of NYPD stations, the wintry chill of Central Park, and the eerie desolation of a museum overrun by dinosaurs. The horror theme is amplified, creating a visually stunning experience.

CG cutscenes, though showing some age, remain visually striking. Moments like Eve setting the opera ablaze are etched into gaming history. The attention to detail, such as Aya’s reflection in a mirror or water rippling in the park, showcases the developers’ skill. Despite its dated aspects, playing Parasite Eve on Vita retains its technical marvel, offering a visual treat that stands the test of time.

The absence of voice acting is compensated by an operatic soundtrack that enhances the gaming experience. The urgency in beats during police car scenes, reminiscent of ’80s anime, adds to the immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack, comparable to a full JRPG, lingers long after the credits roll, contributing to the overall success of Parasite Eve.

Parasite Eve introduces a unique blend of action RPG and survival horror mechanics, crafting a game that remains distinctive even today. Aya’s movements with tank controls and object interactions create an initial impression of pure survival horror. However, the standout feature is the battle system, a seamless fusion of survival horror tropes and JRPG tendencies.

Randomly spawned enemies engage in real-time battles within confined spaces, blending survival horror dynamics with the waiting-for-turn aspect of JRPGs. Boss encounters, such as battling Eve aboard a horse-drawn carriage or confronting grotesque spiders on hospital rooftops, provide epic proportions and visual spectacle reminiscent of SquareSoft’s signature style.

Aya’s gun-wielding gameplay, coupled with Parasite Energy for spells, adds nuance to the design. The gun customization system, allowing players to upgrade weapons by sacrificing older ones, aligns with the theme of being a New York cop. The helicopter-view world map of New York City, despite its blocky appearance, adds a strategic layer to the game.

While the main story offers around 9 hours of gameplay, unlocking the true ending requires a new game plus playthrough and a challenging bonus dungeon. This gated content, although requiring some grinding, enhances the game’s longevity. Parasite Eve emerges as a triumph for SquareSoft, showcasing creativity in narrative, presentation, and gameplay mechanics.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, Parasite Eve 2 refines the horror RPG formula, delivering an experience that elevates the series. The game retains the essence of survival horror while introducing new elements that deepen the connection between gameplay and narrative.

The sequel continues Aya’s journey, now an FBI agent, as she confronts new biological threats. The game shifts to a more traditional survival horror approach, abandoning the turn-based RPG elements of the original. This evolution in gameplay mechanics enhances the tension and horror, creating a more immersive experience.

The graphics, while still utilizing pre-rendered backgrounds, showcase improvements in detail and atmosphere. The transition from tank controls to more responsive character movements enhances the overall gameplay experience. Parasite Eve 2 introduces a day-night cycle, affecting enemy behavior and adding a layer of strategic planning.

The narrative in Parasite Eve 2 delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding mitochondria and biological experiments. While the supporting cast remains somewhat two-dimensional, Aya’s character development continues to shine. The sequel successfully balances horror, action, and narrative, solidifying the Parasite Eve series as a masterful blend of genres.

The 3rd Birthday takes a bold leap away from its predecessors, introducing a third-person shooter perspective and altering the gameplay dynamics drastically. Aya Brea’s journey continues in a post-apocalyptic setting, battling mysterious creatures known as the Twisted.

The shift to a more action-oriented gameplay style deviates from the series’ roots but brings a fresh perspective to the narrative. The game introduces a unique Overdive system, allowing Aya to possess other characters and manipulate time. While divisive among fans, this departure from the traditional formula demonstrates SquareSoft’s willingness to experiment.

Visually, The 3rd Birthday showcases the capabilities of the PSP, delivering impressive graphics and cinematic cutscenes. The story takes unexpected turns, revealing intricate connections to the previous games in the series. The game, despite its departure from the survival horror and turn-based RPG elements, manages to captivate players with its engaging narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics.

The Parasite Eve series, spanning from the original Parasite Eve to its sequels, Parasite Eve 2 and The 3rd Birthday, remains a testament to SquareSoft’s mastery in blending horror and RPG elements. Aya Brea’s evolution as a character, coupled with the series’ innovative gameplay mechanics, solidifies its place in gaming history.

Parasite Eve, with its unique narrative rooted in Japanese novel influences, laid the foundation for a series that evolved with each installment. Parasite Eve 2 refined the horror RPG formula, emphasizing survival horror while maintaining narrative depth. The 3rd Birthday, despite its departure from established norms, showcased SquareSoft’s adaptability and commitment to pushing boundaries.

As we revisit the world of mitochondria, Eve, and New York City in the Parasite Eve series, we witness not only the evolution of gaming mechanics but also the enduring legacy of a franchise that dared to redefine the horror RPG genre. With its rich narrative, stellar presentation, and innovative gameplay, the Parasite Eve series remains a timeless classic worth experiencing for both nostalgic fans and new gamers eager to explore the roots of survival horror.