Cheatcc.com have previewed the upcoming PSP RPG/Action/Survival-Horror Parasite Eve: The 3rd Birthday. They detailed some new plot and gameplay info, and also assured people who were put-off by the PEII's more action-oriented approach that they will not be disappointed with The 3rd Birthday.

Go to the source for the full preview.

[Discuss in the 3rd Birthday forum]

Parasite Eve: The 3rd Birthday will take place several years after the events of Parasite Eve 2, and it will find Aya Brea once again in a precarious position. The instances of Neo-Mitochondrial Creatures (NMCs) have been on the decline in recent years, which leaves Aya with some time to herself. However, just as Aya is getting ready to solidify her life as a normal girl and get married, a new foe presents itself and throws her life back into familiar chaos.

This new enemy, known only as The Twisted, is mysterious in origin and seems to have relatively loose ties to the mitochondrial-controlled monsters that have been the focus of previous Parasite Eve games. Instead of taking over the bodies of hapless onlookers, The Twisted appear out of a swirling vortex in the sky. In order to combat these monsters, Aya will have to look within herself to harness a new psychic-type power. This power presents itself as a gift known as Overdrive that only Aya can use to distort time. As her power develops, Aya will be able to look into the origins of The Twisted and discover how to overcome their slowly increasing numbers. However, an early trailer gives the impression that as this power develops; Aya becomes susceptible to wild hallucinations which blur the lines between the world of The Twisted and reality.

The gameplay in the Parasite Eve series has always walked the fine line between survival horror and RPG. This iteration, however, seems to be leaning towards the former, with a third-person shooter approach to the combat. Aya will likely have a large selection of weapons at her disposal, and, in most levels, The Overdrive system looks to be an integral factor in the gameplay. Its time-altering properties will likely add a unique element to the shooting-focused gameplay. However, instead of slowing down enemies or giving the main character added speed, the overdrive system looks like it will open up new dimensions where Aya can view different events from the past to help her with the current battle. This new mechanic seems to be a little bit of a departure in the gameplay, and it is unclear whether this ability will trigger a cutscene animation or a new playable stage area.

In addition to a single-player campaign, project director Hajime Tabata has said that a new wireless play component is being considered as well.

Miss Razz via cheatcc.com »