Parasite Eve

[Arianna]

I just got up the curiosity to look this game (I know there are two, and a third coming). What are people's opinions on it?

I read a bit about the book it's based off of, and it does seem like a really cool story. Interesting concept: Mitochondria evolved to become a separate being from the human they are supposed to be a part of.

Anyone read the book? I know it's supposed to have been published in English. I am actually tempted to read it.

Second question: How much 'horror' is it? I read the game is a survivor-horror. I'm not one for horror, but the YouTube videos aren't too bad.

 

[looneymoon]

Anyone read the book? I know it's supposed to have been published in English. I am actually tempted to read it.

I have. I dunno if it was the translation, but I couldn't get into it. I remember there being a lot of technical terms that I didn't know which broke the flow of reading. Ofc, I didn't make it passed the first 30 pages so I don't think my opinion means too much.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

The book is the one thing I've never looked into but I got the movie.

It's got horror, bit it's a different kind of horror. I'd been contemplating replaying it again. I loved the story and the combat system. It's quite a spectacular game.


X

 

[Dee]

It's been aaaaaaaages since I played this series, but it was good when I did. It's always more fun when you play it in the dark alone or with a friend...in the dark, for the scare-factor. Then again, when you're a kid it always seems scarier than it really is (unless you're a bitch). In any case, it probably wouldn't scare me so much now seeing as how I'm desensitized, but it was good and I still think it is good. It helped to shape my taste in video games and I remember it quite vividly. I have not read the book, however, so I can't say anything about that. I would say check it out for yourself, at least. It deserves that much.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

So... I picked up and started a brand new game last night, so that I could get my girlfriend into it, and possibly find & play a copy of the second one after we beat it. (I kinda wanted to play my Ex Game on my third time through, but I figured it wouldn't be as great if her first play through was with pre-pimped out Guns & Armor).

It's very psychological and you have to understand a bit about science to make sense of the whole thing, but the fact that you're enjoying the story means that you would enjoy the game. It's not really a horror in the same way as things like Silent Hill / Resident Evil, but it's consistently creepy as all hell, and most of the things that you fight against are pretty disturbing. It earns its M Rating.

Also, I forgot how much I love the weapon/armor customization system. /ANGST at not having any super tools when I get a better piece of armor, and can't move all of my sweet customizations over. XD

Seriously. Play this game.


X

 

[Arianna]

Played this game through first time. EXCELLENT GAME!!!

I really liked it; though, the music was pretty creepy, though I know that's fitting and to enhance the effect. :duh:

It left off with a pretty cool cliff hanger, which I wonder if is done justice with it's sequels - though from what little I've seen of cutscenes and read of the games, the answer is 'no.'

Now off to play the EX game.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

Just FYI, the EX-Game has a different ending, if you manage to beat the Chrysler Building.


X

 

[Arianna]

Just FYI, the EX-Game has a different ending, if you manage to beat the Chrysler Building.


X

All together ending at the end of the game, or the final boss in the Chrysler Building? I know the ultimate and hidden boss of the EX game.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

All together ending at the end of the game, or the final boss in the Chrysler Building? I know the ultimate and hidden boss of the EX game.

After you beat that Ultimate & hidden boss, there's a completely different ending cutscene.


X

 

[Makoeyes987]

First game is a classic. Neat story, and very good graphics for its time. Good replay value too.

And the Chrysler Building is fucking wicked. That level is just....goddamn.

What I love about Parasite Eve is the character designs and the modern, real world setting. The RPG elements put into the real world scenario of New York with police gear and guns really makes the game a unique experience.

Oh, and Aya Brea being sex on legs doesn't hurt too.

 

[Super Mario]

I love how the first game ties to the novel. So godly <3. The second game was subpar, if it wasn't for the horror shift to make it look like Resident Evil, I would've loved it moar.


The 3rd Birthday however.... makes me wanna do this to SE for

Spoiler

screwing Aya up big time

:

All in all, it makes me wanna retry my hand at PE 1 and 2 to wash away my sorrows of 3rd Birthdays failure.

 

[Arianna]

After you beat that Ultimate & hidden boss, there's a completely different ending cutscene.


X

I looked it up on YouTube, so I know what you're talking about...

Though it makes me feel

Spoiler

cheated, seeing what happens

.

Spoiler

Yes, it's the ultimate ending to the problem at hand, but then I have questions. What happens to Melissa? What happens to the baby? What was the freakin' purpose of everything if that's how 'simple' (cause I have read it's not a simple fight at all) it is?!

Anyhow, agreed - excellent game and high replay value. I do hope to get the novel.

Lastly, I'm all for Aya x Wayne.

 

[Super Mario]

Novel's not as epic as the first game though, I've seen only a summary and I saw the movie. Movie varied greatly from the novel, but ended on a mellow note. The Novel's events are addressed in the first game by the japanese researcher and supposedly (correct me if I'm wrong)

Spoiler

Aya's mother is one of the main characters

in the novel.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

I looked it up on YouTube, so I know what you're talking about...

Though it makes me feel

Spoiler

cheated, seeing what happens

.

Spoiler

Yes, it's the ultimate ending to the problem at hand, but then I have questions. What happens to Melissa? What happens to the baby? What was the freakin' purpose of everything if that's how 'simple' (cause I have read it's not a simple fight at all) it is?!

Spoiler

This video has the whole fight for clarification. (Ends at 8:45, and goes into dialogue)

Esentially what happens is that through the absolutely INSANE level of difficulty presented at the Chrysler building, Aya's cells evolve beyond the level of those that Maya posesses. When that happens, Eve attempts to transfer over into Aya, but between her and Maya, Aya's cells gain dominance over Eve, because she not only has superior Mitochondria, but a superior Nucleus as well.

Similiarly to how Eve had been controlling everything through the game through Melissa, Aya's cells take over, and because she also has superior Nucleal cells, they are able to take command of all of the mutant cells, thus putting things back into their Nucleus-dominant pre-evolved state, and contain the issue entirely.

Basically this is a fluke of evolution, and not a dependable strategy. In the main game, you're looking at what needed to be done to defeat Eve, and stop the events. In the EX-Game ending, it's what happens when Aya's cells advance to become superior to Maya's cells, and together, they take control from Eve and put everything back to normal.

(And the fight is ridiculously difficult, not to mention the other 77 floors of absolute hell just getting there).

X

 

[Arianna]

Novel's not as epic as the first game though, I've seen only a summary and I saw the movie. Movie varied greatly from the novel, but ended on a mellow note. The Novel's events are addressed in the first game by the japanese researcher and supposedly (correct me if I'm wrong)

Spoiler

Aya's mother is one of the main characters

in the novel.

Spoiler

The fact that there was a fatal accident is the same, yes. Also, the fact that some cells from the host of Eve (wife in the story, Aya in the game) were harvested is the same. There are some other similarities. The major difference it seems is - as Eve describes when on top of the hospital's roof after the spider creature battle - the chance that the sperm needed to make another Ultimate Being (a creature that could change its own genetic information at will) would pass on mitochondria from the father was destroyed by Dr. Kampf via his artificial sperm development. In the book, Eve was controlling everyone via their mitochondria; it seems, though not explained, this is the same in the game

Spoiler

Esentially what happens is that through the absolutely INSANE level of difficulty presented at the Chrysler building, Aya's cells evolve beyond the level of those that Maya posesses. When that happens, Eve attempts to transfer over into Aya, but between her and Maya, Aya's cells gain dominance over Eve, because she not only has superior Mitochondria, but a superior Nucleus as well.

Similiarly to how Eve had been controlling everything through the game through Melissa, Aya's cells take over, and because she also has superior Nucleal cells, they are able to take command of all of the mutant cells, thus putting things back into their Nucleus-dominant pre-evolved state, and contain the issue entirely.

Basically this is a fluke of evolution, and not a dependable strategy. In the main game, you're looking at what needed to be done to defeat Eve, and stop the events. In the EX-Game ending, it's what happens when Aya's cells advance to become superior to Maya's cells, and together, they take control from Eve and put everything back to normal.

(And the fight is ridiculously difficult, not to mention the other 77 floors of absolute hell just getting there).

I tried to go into the Chrysler Building on Day Two. Doing well - then I died via bats and a velociraptor. Floor two. Oh well. I don't think this is spoiler-ific, so... no spoiler for that.

Spoiler

Though, I always felt that in Aya's body, the evolution and advancement of the mitochondria also advanced the rest of her cell, and so her body. Her mitochondria remained symbiotic and helpful to the processes needed to maintain the different cells and so her whole body. In Maya, and so Melissa, the opposite happened. The mitochondria did not wish to be reliant on the cell any longer, and so revolted against them. Hence the mutated forms of animals, and Melissa. Though I honestly wonder if with animals and plants, it was a mix of the two - some revolted, some stayed symbiotic - making the animals live, but in their mutated state. I don't know, I think too hard on these things. ;P

I'll take a look at that link later; thank you for sharing!

 

[X-SOLDIER]

I tried to go into the Chrysler Building on Day Two. Doing well - then I died via bats and a velociraptor. Floor two. Oh well. I don't think this is spoiler-ific, so... no spoiler for that.

Oh yeah. It's BRUTAL.

Spoiler

Though, I always felt that in Aya's body, the evolution and advancement of the mitochondria also advanced the rest of her cell, and so her body. Her mitochondria remained symbiotic and helpful to the processes needed to maintain the different cells and so her whole body. In Maya, and so Melissa, the opposite happened. The mitochondria did not wish to be reliant on the cell any longer, and so revolted against them. Hence the mutated forms of animals, and Melissa. Though I honestly wonder if with animals and plants, it was a mix of the two - some revolted, some stayed symbiotic - making the animals live, but in their mutated state. I don't know, I think too hard on these things. ;P

I'll take a look at that link later; thank you for sharing!

Spoiler

You're mostly correct.

In Aya, her cells maintain a Symbiotic Relationship between her Nucleus & Mitochondria, which is the key to why the EX-game ending works. Eve represents the core of the Mitochondria taking control over the Nucleus, and the emergence of a Parasitic Relationship, thus 'Parasite Eve' comes about. While Eve is still running about, she's mutating the Mitochondria of everything around her, and making it overtake the Nucleus for control. This is what gives her full control over the creatures, and their cells, and allows her to mutate them.

While Aya's Mutant Mitochondria are able to evolve and generate the same types of powers as the other mutants, her cellular symbiosis, and evolved Nucleus is able to keep Eve from wrestling control over Aya's Mitochondria, thus she doesn't go crazy, or burst into flames. Eve is still ignoring her, because at a cellular level, Maya's pure Mitochondria is still the most superior.

After the Chrysler Building's final battle, Maya's Mitochondria are no longer superior to Aya's, so Eve moves into Aya, and attempts to take control. Aya's cellular Symbiotic Relatioship, and Maya's will overcomes Eve. Once that happens, Eve is suppressed again, and put under the control of the Nucleus, and everything reverts back to normal, because Aya's cells are able to restore everything back to a natural state in the same way that Eve corrupted it.


I believe this is also why the Normal Ending has everyone's eyes turning clowing red. Maya is still alive, and after Melissa's defeat, Aya's Mitochondria isn't advanced enough to overcome the far superior Mitochondria alone, and Eve takes over.

X

 

[Arianna]

Oh yeah. It's BRUTAL.

I read one way to make it easier is

Spoiler

to not attack when Maya is on the playing field; even if her shadow is showing, do not attack Eve. This will keep her ability to heal from being used.

Spoiler

I believe this is also why the Normal Ending has everyone's eyes turning clowing red. Maya is still alive, and after Melissa's defeat, Aya's Mitochondria isn't advanced enough to overcome the far superior Mitochondria alone, and Eve takes over.

I figured that

Spoiler

when everyone's eyes start to glow red, they are in an emergent state. Which way it is going to go is dependent on ... ??? The human race (or so I'm guessing 'cause everyone's eyes light up) is emerging simultaneously from a genetic evolution - be it mitochondrial or otherwise. To me, seemed as if Aya was the determining factor, for whatever reason; if Aya's body could contain the threat and keep the symbiosis or if her body would succumb to the mitochondria's attacks.

I have a hard time taking it as a totally bad thing (

Spoiler

as no one was being lit on fire, or mutating into something grotesque

). Am I misunderstanding the ending sequence?

But,

Spoiler

wasn't Maya dead? Eve was using that body (Maya was brain dead) and holed herself up in the Chrysler Building for safe keeping, using Melissa as the body to interact with the city as well as Aya, and more importantly to give birth to the Ultimate Being

.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

I figured that

Spoiler

when everyone's eyes start to glow red, they are in an emergent state. Which way it is going to go is dependent on ... ??? The human race (or so I'm guessing 'cause everyone's eyes light up) is emerging simultaneously from a genetic evolution - be it mitochondrial or otherwise. To me, seemed as if Aya was the determining factor, for whatever reason; if Aya's body could contain the threat and keep the symbiosis or if her body would succumb to the mitochondria's attacks.

I have a hard time taking it as a totally bad thing (

Spoiler

as no one was being lit on fire, or mutating into something grotesque

). Am I misunderstanding the ending sequence?

But,

Spoiler

wasn't Maya dead? Eve was using that body (Maya was brain dead) and holed herself up in the Chrysler Building for safe keeping, using Melissa as the body to interact with the city as well as Aya, and more importantly to give birth to the Ultimate Being

.

Spoiler

Well, at that point, Melissa and the Ultimate Being are dead, but Eve (in Maya's body) and Aya are still alive. I had always assumed, after understanding the EX-game portion, that the same scenario from the game's opening was taking place, but in a much more advanced form.

The difference was, because the Mitochondria was now much more evolved, as compared to what it was at the time when Melissa started taking over, it could completely overtake people, like it did with the animals, rather than just kill them. Essentially the Cellular relationship that involved the Mitochondria overtaking the Nucleus reoccurs. This would still leave Eve in charge of everything, since she's still living in Maya's body, and basically make Aya her replacement for Melissa (and a new candidate for creating the Ultimate being0.

And,

Spoiler

Yes, but you'll see what I mean when you beat it / watch the video.

This reminds me that I have a partially completed game of P.E. still.


X

 

[Obsidian Fire]

8 hours in and I'm still on Day 2, but I finally have collected 300 junk. Definitely making several back up saves at this point so I never have to collect junk again. The customization of this game is awesome. Kudos to SE for basing the game on a non-stereotypical zombie story.

Btw, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do with 3,000 BP? I'm at LV 20 and haven't changed my stats at all.

 

[Obsidian Fire]

Finished normal mode! The ending does a very good job of not being a satisfying ending. Now on to Ex-mode.

Is it just me or is the AK-47 the cheapest weapon in normal mode?