[quote name='jshendel']Correct. Xenosaga is not overrated. I never said/implied that. Nor have I said that Shadow Hearts is the greatest game on earth.
I was disappointed in the way Namco affected what is arguably one of the best RPG's (Xenogears) Many gameplay elements were lost in the transition.
I enjoy Shadow Hearts primarily because of the many references to the first of the series, Koudelka. The game is flawed, yes, but also innovative. The judgement ring keeps you on your toes, instead of blindingly pressing X in battles, like so many RPG's.
In closing, I rarely bash games. I take them at what they're worth, and enjoy it. My argument was not about overrating, but mediocrity.[/QUOTE]
I would argue that innovation is not enough for an RPG game to be praised as a classic - it must also completely suceed in enough categories that it draws you into the character's interesting world (be it fantastic, futuristic, or apocolyptic)
That is why I believe Shadow Hearts is overrated - it's nice that they tried something new but most people will agree that in the end analysis their concept didn't completely succeed (ineffective cut scenes, two-dimensional cliched characters, the same "poor forgotten boy saves world" plot we've seen a million times since LOTR, etc).
I believe you are impling that Xenosaga is a mediocre run-of-the-mill game - however this is a game that doesn't assume that the viewer has the attention span of a meth-addled ferrit on terrets, and it doesn't shy away from making analogies to cutting-edge metaphysical philosophies. I would agree that it doesn't take as many risks as Shadow Hearts, however it's a more enjoyable ride and that's primarily what I judge games on.
Reading this post reminded me to pick up Xenosaga II, so I'll share more of my opinions on the series after I've cracked that sucker open.