Two hundred years in the future, Shion Uzuki is a scientist working on KOS-MOS, a cyborg designed to combat the threat of the Gnosis, an alien race that is unaffected by conventional weapons. When a mysterious golden monolith nicknamed "Zohar" is brought aboard, KOS-MOS might have to be brought out before it's fully tested.

Thus begins "Xenosaga," the long- awaited sequel to the 1998 Squaresoft sleeper hit, "Xenogears." Five years later, the prequel was created by Namco with plans for five more games in the series, including an eventual remake of "Xenogears" itself.

While most role playing games take the route of player exploration, "Xenosaga" is a quirky mix of linear dungeons and long, we're talking 30 minutes and more, cut scenes. The game is roughly 40 hours long, and half of that time is going to be spent watching the screen, controller at your feet, next to your dropped jaw.

Why? Well, "Xenosaga" is a beautiful game. Everything, not just the cut scenes, is gloriously animated, the battle animations are awe-inspiring (if a bit on the long side) and "Xenosaga's" maps are wholly interactive, with plenty to do. Dialogue is almost all done through voice acting, and characters are fluid in their movements.

Story wise, "Xenosaga" manages to create a deeply involving plot, in a world far removed from our own. My only complaint is that it's a bit too far from our own. Unless you're following the dialogue closely, you'll get lost with all the strange terms and acronyms that get thrown around. Luckily, Namco included an in-game dictionary, but it still gets confusing.

Musically, the game falls flat. Many of the game's locations are completely devoid of music, though the little that does play is good. Namco's choice of ambient sounds, like the hum of a spaceship or the quiet footsteps of Shion, fall far short of the rousing music "Xenosaga" should have had.

"Xenosaga's" biggest downfall is that the game can't be played in short stretches. If you want to play, you've got to sit down and spend hours watching cut scenes, some so long they have save points halfway through. The game's hold between being a movie and a video game is loose at best, and I found myself wishing that Namco had just picked one style and went with it. It's a solid game, but not without a host of problems. If you're looking for a good sci-fi book, or a simplistic RPG, "Xenosaga" might just be your perfect game.courtsey photo

Xenosaga finds itself caught between game and movie.

Edwin McCain is one of those artists who gets progressively better the more he releases.

With the release of his latest album, "The Austin Sessions," he makes it clear why he will be around the music scene for a long time to come.

McCain's sixth release is a perfect mix of new and old songs and even a few songs with a bit of a rootsy-like twist. The album is a mix of acoustic guitar and McCain's strong voice.

After hearing records like this, it becomes clear why some singers make it in the business today, while most don't. In McCain's case, it's a combination of a deep, pulsing voice that can send shivers down your spine and his amazing guitar playing. He ties together a unique modern-rock flair that separates him from the pack of most folk rock artists. Besides having incredible talent, McCain tells us stories while he sings, opening up his world to anyone willing to listen.

"We've had people asking for this record for a long time," McCain said on his Web site (www.edwin.com). "The core group of people that like what I do have always said they want an all-acoustic album, so here we go. It's real loose and it's not overproduced. I didn't redo the vocals, they just are what they are."

"The Austin Sessions" not only has a few new songs, but it also has covers of songs that he plays during his concerts. He chose the songs to use with the help of fans.

The best track on the album is the song "I Want it All," a sweet song about unconditional love. McCain's lyrics are extremely touching and emotional, making this an incredible track.

"Let it Slide" displays McCain's southern roots with a country sound. The song has a sound reminiscent of something you would hear on a Dixie Chicks album. He also covers the Buddy Mondlock song "No Choice." The song will make you feel like you should be sitting around a campfire singing along.

Another key song on the album is "Go Be Young." It previously was featured on McCain's 1999 release "Messenger." It is a riveting ballad about a woman getting older and regretfully drowning her sorrows with alcohol.

Track after track, "The Austin Sessions" is an amazing album. Edwin McCain is sure to be around for a while if he keeps releasing albums like this.