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Entertainment • Video Game

Parasite Eve

Parasite Eve is a 1998 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Parasite Eve is a 1998 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. Based on Hideaki Sena's novel of the same name, it follows NYPD officer Aya Brea as she investigates a series of deadly incidents in New York City linked to Eve and mitochondrial mutations.

Gameplay

Parasite Eve combines exploration and role-playing mechanics with a pausable real-time battle system. The gameplay also blends survival horror elements with RPG design.

Plot

The game is set in late 1997 in New York City, where Aya Brea investigates a series of mysterious deaths after a catastrophic incident at Carnegie Hall. The central conflict involves Eve and a biological threat tied to mitochondria, unfolding over a six-day period as Aya confronts Eve and investigates spontaneous human combustion incidents.

Development and release

Square developed and published the game for the original PlayStation. Parasite Eve was first released in Japan on March 29, 1998, and in the United States on September 9, 1998.

Reception and legacy

Parasite Eve was widely noted for its unusual blend of horror and RPG mechanics and is regarded as the first entry in its series. Later entries include Parasite Eve II and The 3rd Birthday.

Key facts

  • Set in New York City, the game follows Aya Brea over a six-day period as she confronts Eve and investigates spontaneous human combustion incidents.
  • Gameplay combines role-playing elements with a pausable real-time combat system.
  • The game is a sequel to Hideaki Sena’s novel Parasite Eve and begins the Parasite Eve video game series.
  • Square developed and published the game for the original PlayStation.
  • The story centers on mitochondrial mutation and a threat to humanity.
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Canadian context

The game was released in North America and is part of a globally known PlayStation-era franchise that has been discussed and collected by Canadian players and retro game fans.

Frequently asked questions

What is Parasite Eve?
Parasite Eve is a 1998 PlayStation role-playing video game by Square, based on Hideaki Sena’s novel of the same name.
Who is the main character?
The player controls Aya Brea, an NYPD officer investigating the events in New York City.
What kind of game is it?
It is a role-playing game with pausable real-time combat and survival horror elements.
When was it released?
It released in Japan on March 29, 1998, and in the United States on September 9, 1998.
Is it part of a series?
Yes. It is the first game in the Parasite Eve video game series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_Eve_(video_game)
    Supports: Developer, publisher, platform, genre, plot, series status, and gameplay overview.
  2. IGN — https://www.ign.com/games/parasite-eve
    Supports: Release date, developer/publisher, platform, genre, and synopsis.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0261889/releaseinfo/
    Supports: Japan and United States release dates.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0261889/
    Supports: Plot synopsis and main character details.
  5. Wikipedia — https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_Eve_(%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0)
    Supports: PlayStation release, 1998 date, and series position.