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Secret of Evermore vs Xenogears

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Secret of Evermore
Secret of EvermoreEmbark on a timeless 1995 RPG adventure across elemental worlds.
Xenogears
XenogearsEpic JRPG blending fantasy, sci‑fi, and giant mecha battles.
Overview
Description

Secret of Evermore is a classic action‑RPG from SquareSoft USA that blends fantasy, science‑fiction, and historical settings into a single quest. Players control a young boy and his dog, traveling through four distinct realms each governed by a different element. The game features turn‑based combat, a party system, and a deep magic system, all presented in charming pixel‑art graphics. Its storybook narrative and exploration‑focused design have made it a beloved title for retro gamers.

Xenogears is a classic role‑playing game that weaves a complex, philosophical story across multiple continents and dimensions. Players control Fei Fong Wong, exploring deep themes while engaging in turn‑based combat and massive Gear battles. The game features richly animated cutscenes, a layered skill system, and multiple endings that reward thorough exploration. Its blend of fantasy, science‑fiction, and philosophical narrative has made it a cult favorite since its 1998 release.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Action RPG
CRPG
Best for
Retro RPG enthusiasts
JRPG enthusiasts
Specifications
Spec source
AI-estimated
AI-estimated
General
msrp
$49.99
$49.99
release date
1995-10-17
1998-02-11
Specifications
developer
SquareSoft USA
Square Product Development Division 3
publisher
Square
Square Electronic Arts, Square, Square Enix, Sony Computer Entertainment
age rating
ESRB E
ESRB T
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
80/100
90/100+13%
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Deep elemental magic system with many spell combinations.
  • Rich, story‑driven world with diverse settings.
  • Strategic turn‑based combat encourages thoughtful play.
  • Charming pixel‑art visuals and memorable soundtrack.
  • Deep, philosophical storyline
  • Innovative blend of turn‑based and mecha combat
  • Extensive content and replay value
  • Memorable animated cutscenes
Cons
  • Outdated user interface can feel clunky by modern standards.
  • Limited save slots restrict experimentation.
  • Occasional difficulty spikes in later dungeons.
  • Outdated graphics by modern standards
  • Occasional pacing issues in early chapters
  • Limited localization quality in some regions
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Xenogears
Xenogears

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Golden Sun

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Einhänder
Einhänder

High‑octane sci‑fi shooter that puts you in the cockpit of a futuristic fighter

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Secret of Evermore
Secret of Evermore

Embark on a timeless 1995 RPG adventure across elemental worlds.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Xenogears is the higher-rated, longer epic for dedicated JRPG fans, while Secret of Evermore offers a retro elemental adventure with action elements. The main trade-off is critic acclaim and length versus an action-oriented retro setting.

Key differences

  • Xenogears features giant mecha (Gear) battles and character martial arts, while Secret of Evermore features a companion dog and a four-element magic system.
  • Xenogears delivers 100+ hours of gameplay with multiple endings, whereas Secret of Evermore focuses on four elemental worlds with an expansive overworld map.
  • Xenogears achieves a 90/100 critic score compared to Secret of Evermore's 80/100.
  • Xenogears is rated ESRB T and released in 1998, while Secret of Evermore is rated ESRB E and released in 1995.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Xenogears combines character abilities with timed button presses and separate mecha combat modes, earning a 90/100 critic score.

Xenogears

Platform availability

Not specified for both games.

Tie

Price & value

Both games share the same one-time paid pricing model with an MSRP of $49.99.

Tie

Multiplayer / co-op

Both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer options specified.

Tie

Content & replayability

Xenogears offers 100+ hours of gameplay with multiple endings based on choices and hidden quests.

Xenogears

Difficulty & accessibility

Xenogears carries an ESRB T rating and features pacing issues early on, while Secret of Evermore has an ESRB E rating but suffers from limited save slots and difficulty spikes.

Xenogears

Graphics & performance

Xenogears features high-quality animated cutscenes by an anime studio, whereas Secret of Evermore uses pixel-art graphics with a clunky outdated UI.

Xenogears

Choose Secret of Evermore if…

Retro RPG enthusiasts looking for an adventure across four elemental worlds with a companion dog.

Choose Xenogears if…

Players wanting a massive, highly-rated 100+ hour story with mecha battles.

Common questions

How much do these games cost?

Both Xenogears and Secret of Evermore are paid one-time purchases with an MSRP of $49.99.

Which game offers more gameplay hours?

Xenogears features 100+ hours of gameplay, while the exact hour count for Secret of Evermore is not specified.

Do either of these games support multiplayer?

No, both Xenogears and Secret of Evermore are single player only.