Square Enix’s Parasite Eve series, despite its innovative blend of RPG combat and survival horror, has not inspired many games in the past two decades. The series garnered a devoted cult following due to its unique gameplay, yet it has remained relatively niche. However, this may change with two promising indie games that draw significant inspiration from Parasite Eve’s distinctive mechanics.
Parasite Eve initially appeared to follow in the footsteps of late ’90s horror games with fixed camera angles, similar to Resident Evil. However, it quickly distinguished itself through a genre-blending approach that was especially notable during Square Soft’s experimental phase.
The game benefited from the talents of Hironobu Sakaguchi, known for Final Fantasy, and Yoko Shimomura, who composed for Kingdom Hearts, adding to its appeal and innovation.
Recently, a new Parasite Eve spiritual successor was announced by the creators of the indie game VA-11 Hall-A. This game drew attention with its impressive trailer, marking it as a rare find in the genre. Adding to the excitement, a second game inspired by Parasite Eve has also emerged, showcasing its potential to revive interest in the series’ unique approach.
Aether Singularity is one of these new games, featuring PSX-era visuals reminiscent of Resident Evil and an unconventional battle system inspired by Parasite Eve 2. The game also cites Dino Crisis as an influence, highlighting its connection to classic horror and survival elements. The teaser trailer for Aether Singularity emphasizes these elements, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the genre.
The game’s combat system is particularly intriguing, allowing players to evade and shoot enemies from fixed angles while managing resources carefully. Aether Singularity also incorporates RPG elements by enabling players to pause time and use magical abilities.
Set in 1969, it follows an FBI offshoot tackling demons from a rift called the Aethernet, presenting an undercover mystery with multiple routes and endings, echoing the narrative complexity of Parasite Eve.
