what is your opinion Xenogears and its religious references?

-Yet another glaring issue is the use of religious phrases, icons, characters, and ideas. The phrase of "I am Alpha and Omega..." is not just symbolic of a very significant portion of the game, its also something to let the characters (and the players) know of what they are dealing with. Shashini, to give you a comparision other characters had their own phrases, icons, and events that are in a similar vein as the quoted text. Kefka Pallazo becomes a god himself in Final Fantasy VI, he uses the Light of Judgment/Divine Wave of Judgment to literally smite whole towns of disbelievers. He also is noted for the quotes referencing Hate numerous times, destruction numerous times and power-mad phrases like "You are merely insects to me". Back to the alpha-omega, Deus does indeed live up to the quote not just as an enemy but also as a plot device. Through his vessel Miang, he creates an entire race of people meant to develop, to grow through technology, and once things reach a suitable level, Deus will have the means to launch itself into space again. Deus would also absorb or destroy all life on the planet (hence "Omega"/end). -Continuing with the use of religious icons, names and situations, fiction does this, especially in the modern day. One interesting icon is the "Priest" class, reflected through the character Billy Lee Black. Billy reflects the RPG archtype of a priest which is a healer type character and incidently this archtype is seen in multiple games. Almost all of the time the priest has religious origins and abilities to it: Holy for example. In the case of Billy however, its not just the fact the character is a priest (of the Ethos), Billy is a gunslinging priest (which to a few arguments I've seen, supposedly the character is insulting to religion due to this). While I'm on the subject of job classes I might as well highlight another insult to religion and this comes up for many games not just Xenogears. Two of the characters, "Elly" and Emerelda are both capable of using "black" magic (but really the abilities are called "Ether": capable of generating attacks of fire, earth, wind/thunder and frost/water). Typically wizardry is frowned upon in fiction by some of religious affiliation, but it can vary from person to person. --Another use of religious icons is Cain and Abel which exist in a time shortly after the crash of Eldridge: the latter being a reincarnation or former life of the protagonist Fei Fong Wong, the former being a near immortal being and ruler of Solaris. Incidentally "Xenogears" the namesake of the game is actually a gear(giant mecha) earned by the main character, Fei. Xenogears has white painting and during its hypermode, the gear has a total ethereal wings coming from its back (its not just an angel, its a robotic angel - and therefore an "offence" -_-). There is also the use of the Seraph, which are also angelic looking, but really ethereal looking. These entities are in the service of Deus, and therefore constitutes a situation of "evil angels". Its interesting to note, that some religions have "evil" angels and entities in them, even though they are supposedly a part of the design of life and all of reality (the horsemen for example). The final form of Deus is Ouroboros, which looks like a serpent-like angel (this was pointed to as a possible insult to religion, but Ouroboros is a creature depicted as a tail eating snake, symbolizing cycle or infinity: again..."Alpha, Omega"). -- To all of this I say, so what? Things of religious nature, mythology, folklore are all used in fiction. There are also other references from real life used in Xenogears and other fictions. Everyone missed the talk of philosophy, psychology; despite some errors or disputes with ideas presented, was the use of said disciplines not respectful or insulting? I'll admit there maybe be people who would say yes, but from a more rational standpoint the answer is no. The same could be said for religion in this case and many others. Both sides of religion are presented with the opposing side shown in a light similar to that of the Dark Ages. Religious symbology used varies. Some figures and items were used as evil (evil church), others were used for good but are still disputed(priest class), and apart from this other symbology was pretty much neutral and only relevant to the story (Cain and Abel), reincarnation, man's conception of religion and imagery of religion. Aside from this there are non secular references found in game: science fiction concepts, There is even symbology most detractors didn't even address (very likely due to ignorance or not looking for it): one example, the populous of Solaris. True Solarians consist of blond hair, blue eyed individuals (a possible reference to Nazi Germany, especially when combined with Solaris' control and eugenics plan imposed on the world). -My opinion for the game should go without saying, but there are times it needs to be clarified. I thoroughly enjoyed Xenogears as an RPG, as an action game, as an adventure and as a story. Storywise, its a science fiction turned to fantasy, turned back to science fiction, turned to fiction/survival. Its that fluid. A majority of the characters evolve in interesting ways. There are also issues of psychology, philosophy, religion, faith, ethics, military/combat issues, even politics, all address in game. Ample symbology exists in game. Gameplay wise it was a different execution of the RPG format, which is typically welcome for me in most cases. You played as the characters in combat, but there were enemy gears and large enemies which required the use of Gears(giant mechas). The gameplay changes from person to Gear requiring the player to come up with different strategies. I was disappointed when the developers and idea transfered to Namco, thus cutting off the possibility for any sequels to Xenogears. Xenosaga does exist but it didn't strike me like Xenogears did. Overall, Xenogears is a classic game that's top tier with my gaming. I might fill a bit of the weekend playing some of my saves.

Wow! That was more than I bothered hoping for. bravo! I happen to agree with everything you have said. This is without a doubt my favorite game of all time (as a matter of fact the first one I ever played other than mario on NES) I have played it 11 times and I doubt I could recall that much detail. Don't take this to mean anyone that I feel this discussion resolved. I would love to hear more and would find it especially interesting to hear from the opposite end of the spectrum.

Thank you for that. My response isn't just there for beliefs and assessments, it should really show how much I like the game as a whole. There are times I defend gaming...hard. I see it as a hobby, a fiction, a source of entertainment, just selected as an alternative to say movies or television. And at least in gaming there is input from the player (in the case of RPGs a lot of reading and story too). In terms of arguing against the religious disapproval, I just wanted to point out some of what I've encountered in discussions and blogs and have ample chance to address my observations. I too would like to see opposing viewpoints on this matter, but with my submittal it'll be a challenge. Either way, I'd still like to see other viewpoints on this matter. Perhaps another discussion is in order, asking about the religious references and use in all of fiction. That may garner more response as its not as esoteric as Xenogears.