Xenogears was originally pitched as Final Fantasy VII. Square rejected the pitch for being “too dark,” so it became its own project.

The game then began as a concept for a Chrono Trigger sequel, before shifting into an original universe.

Director Tetsuya Takahashi and writer Soraya Saga (his wife) created the game’s narrative.

Xenogears draws influences from Jungian psychology, Gnosticism, and Nietzsche.

The game’s original name during early development was “Project Noah.”

Xenogears was developed by Square’s “Team Kyodo,” separate from the Final Fantasy team. Square rushed development, forcing the team to cut large portions of Disc 2’s gameplay.

Many staff members later founded Monolith Soft, creators of Xenosaga and Xenoblade.

The game was released in Japan in 1998 and in the United States in 1998, but it was never released in Europe.

Due to its religious themes, Square avoided marketing it heavily in the United States.

Citan Uzuki was originally planned to be one of the main antagonists.

Rico was originally intended to have a significantly larger role on Disc 2.

Emeralda is over 4,000 years old, despite appearing in child form.

Some bosses are actually easier on foot than in Gears.

The in-world game “Speed” is a parody of Square’s own racing mini-games, including Chocobo Racing.

Composer Yasunori Mitsuda suffered from illness during production and completed some tracks from a hospital bed.

The anime cutscenes were produced by Production I.G, known for Ghost in the Shell.

The final cutscene (Fei and Elly drifting in space) was originally three times longer but had to be shortened.