Welcome to the bizarre world of *Parasite Eve*, where spontaneous combustion and RPG mechanics collide with the grace of a ballet dancer attempting the cha-cha on roller skates. As a loose adaptation of a Japanese horror novel, this game delivers not just action but a plot thicker than a New York bagel.
You play as Aya Brea, a rookie NYPD officer who is destined to save humanity from a woman named Eve, who's basically a walking homage to spontaneous human combustion. Gameplay blends real-time and turn-based mechanics into a delicious soufflé of strategy and panic. Players traverse through the artistic playground of Manhattan, where you might encounter everything from bursty monsters to curious puddles of orange goo. Combat is like a heartfelt dance: pause, shoot, move, avoid disaster, and repeat. You have access to an arsenal of weapons and an assortment of egg-fried Parasite Energy options, which sound like a trendy meal but act more like your life jacket when everything goes boiling hot. Upgrade your weapons and dodge attacks like a seasoned pro while saving the city, or at least trying not to combust yourself during all the chaos.
For a game back in 1998, *Parasite Eve* flaunts graphics sharper than your uncle's Thanksgiving turkey carving knife. The environments are impressive, fleshing out the wonderfully eerie aesthetic of New York City, complete with a sprinkle of horror. The cutscenes feel cinematic and engaging, which is odd, considering that the protagonists could have used a good therapist to unpack their mitochondrial baggage. Visual storytelling is significant here, evoking emotions you might expect in a Shakespearean play or your last family gathering.
*Parasite Eve* is like that weird cousin you didn't know you had; it's oddly charming yet a bit awkward. It mashes together horror themes, RPG mechanics, and a narrative that will make you question your life choices while also keeping you glued to your screen. If you're in the market for a classic that combines sci-fi, horror, and a touch of action RPG, look no further. Just prepare yourself for some intense action, a little existential dread, and a game that might make you rethink your love for opera. It's a unique slice of gaming history that's well worth a visit, but don't expect to come back with all your brain cells intact.