'Cinematic RPG' Parasite Eve series turns 17 years old

Square-Enix' Playstation classic celebrates another year.

Square released the 'cinematic RPG' Parasite Eve in Japan on March 29th, 1998. A survival horror game for the PlayStation, it was basically Square's take on the Resident Evil franchise. In essence that meant RPGify everything. The one-camera views and prerendered backgrounds remained, but added to the 'slowly shoot monsters' formula were customizable firearms, magic spells and effects, and more CG cut scenes than Square could likely afford. 

Unlike the constant fantasy settings of most RPGs, Parasite Eve took place in then modern day New York, and instead of a mysterious swordsman or young night, the game starred rookie NYPD officer Aya Brea. Of course realism goes out the window on Brea's first night on the job as the wildlife of New York begin to mutate into hideous creatures. This also marks another RPG in which you fight a dinosaur.

You fight a T-Rex, you shoot it with an AK-47 that shoots magic bullets.

In honor of such a momentous moment in gaming, take a moment to listen to the eclectic and amazing Parasite Eve soundtrack composed by Yoko Shimomura.

Did you ever play Parasite Eve, if so, what did you think of it? Let us know about your own thoughts on the Parasite Eve series and soundtrack in the comments below.