Parasite Eve Cheats & Secrets for PlayStation

Originally released on March 29, 1998, Parasite Eve is Square’s unique combination of RPG and survival horror. The title is a continuation of the story from the Japanese novel of the same name and focuses on a fictional being made of sentient mitochondria that passes down through the DNA of different women throughout history. The decision to make a sequel game to the popular novel came about as a result of the resurgence in popularity of horror media in Japan, and Square would eventually bring the game stateside later in 1998 thanks to the ongoing survival horror craze started by 1996’s Resident Evil and its acclaimed 1998 sequel.

In addition to strong critical reviews and a fairly devout cult following, Parasite Eve would also sell incredibly well. Both Parasite Eve and its sequel (arriving just a year later on the PlayStation) would sell just over 3 million units, making both games some of the more popular titles in what is now seen as Square’s “experimental period”. Following the PS1 sequel in 1999, it would be more than 10 years before a third and final game in the trilogy would be released, 2010’s The 3rd Birthday. Interestingly, Parasite Eve serves as an important footnote in Square’s history as the company’s first Mature-rated game.

Parasite Eve Premise

The story of Parasite Eve begins on Christmas Eve, 1997. Rookie NYPD detective and player character Aya Brea is on a blind date to the opera performance at Carnegie Hall when tragedy strikes. Without warning, the entire audience begins to spontaneously combust, and one of the actresses on stage transforms into a hideous being before her eyes. Aya and her date survive, and the young detective immediately begins chasing down the actress, who refers to herself as “Eve”. After an initial confrontation, it becomes apparent that Aya shares many of the same abilities that Eve does, indicating a strange connection between the two and raising questions about Aya’s past that she will answer through her investigation and apprehension of the murderous Eve.

In terms of its gameplay, Parasite Eve is almost a 1:1 blend of Square’s more familiar RPG gameplay along with survival horror. Like the Resident Evil series, character and enemy models are 3D while environments are a mix of 3D geometry and pre-rendered backgrounds. Combat in Parasite Eve leans more toward a traditional JRPG than the action-oriented and real-time Resident Evil, but players can still maneuver in battles and use positioning to their advantage. Aya wields different kinds of firearms in battle along with “spell”-type abilities governed by a Parasite Energy (or PEnergy) meter. Aya can also upgrade her firearms and improve their combat abilities through a fairly robust armor and upgrade system.

Parasite Eve Main Characters

The story of Parasite Eve centers around the main character Aya Brea, a detective in the NYPD. The game’s narrative is actually a sequel of sorts and a continuation of the events in the novel from which the series gets its name, Hideaki Sena’s Parasite Eve. During a blind date to an opera performance at Carnegie Hall, Aya witnesses everyone in attendance spontaneously combust, with only Aya, her date, and one of the performers spared. Confronting the actress, Melissa, it becomes apparent that the two share some kind of strange connection, with Melissa telling Aya that her mitochondria still need time to evolve. With only 6 days to solve the case before the newly christened “Eve” strikes again, Aya sets out on a journey of self-discovery to prevent another fatal tragedy. The main characters in Parasite Eve include:

• Aya Brea: The protagonist and player character of Parasite Eve. Aya Brea is a rookie NYPD detective with latent psychic abilities stemming from a childhood trauma. After walking away as one of the sole survivors of a tragedy, Aya sets out to stop the perpetrator before she can strike again.
• Daniel Dollis: A veteran detective within the NYPD, Daniel is Aya’s partner and friend. He acts as a protective mentor and guiding force for his rookie partner, willingly jumping in headfirst to help her stop Eve.
• Melissa Pearce/Eve: Eve is the main villain of the Parasite Eve series. Throughout history, there have been multiple Eves that have been taken over by the self-aware mitochondrial being. The latest Eve manifests within the body of the opera singer and actress Melissa Pearce, coinciding with a terrible tragedy and mass spontaneous combustion event.

Games in the Parasite Eve Series

Despite some fairly strong critical praise and a dedicated fan following, Parasite Eve remains one of Square’s niche franchises. Following two successful entries on the PS1, the franchise would lay dormant for many years until its revival on the PlayStation Portable. The series’ PSP entry, The 3rd Birthday concludes a trilogy of titles starring main protagonist Aya Brea. Since that game’s release, Square Enix has yet to return to the series. Recently, Parasite Eve has been one of several bygone franchises in Square Enix’s catalog that fans are asking for a remake or remaster of in the wake of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy’s success. Games in the Parasite Eve series include:

• Parasite Eve (PlayStation, 1998)
• Parasite Eve II (PlayStation, 1999)
• The 3rd Birthday (PSP, 2010)

Parasite Eve Cheats & Secrets

There are no official cheat codes for Parasite Eve. That said, there are plenty of secrets, glitches to exploit, and unlockables. Additionally, there are several useful Game Shark codes players can take advantage of.

Parasite Eve Unlockables

EX Game Mode

Beating Parasite Eve once unlocks a new option on the main menu with the “EX Game” mode. Starting a new game using this option returns players to the beginning of the story at level 1, only with all the weapons and equipment the player chooses to engrave in their first playthrough. Additionally, players carry over any remaining Bonus Points from their first playthrough. EX Game Mode is a sort of New Game + that is slightly harder than the base experience and features a new location — the Chrysler Building. Clearing all 70 floors of the building in EX Game Mode will see players confronting the game’s true final boss.

Parasite Eve Secrets

Parasite Energy Regeneration

Repeatedly using Parasite Energy in battle will eventually deplete the gauge entirely and prevent it from recharging. However, there is a clever workaround players can use to instantly recharge PEnergy. Once the meter fully depletes, switch Aya’s armor to restore the recharge rate. The PEnergy meter will refill at normal speed, allowing players to continue using Parasite Energy abilities.

Infinite +1 Defense for Armor

There is a secret mini-boss enemy that spawns in St. Francis Hospital. While this enemy is very strong, players can always steal a +1 Defense item from it using the Club. In the room where Aya turns a valve, move to the spot between the door and the treasure chest. It’s in this spot that the enemy sometimes spawns. Try to trigger encounters with this enemy, steal +1 Defense items, and escape as many times as you need to enhance your armor.

Infinite Trading Cards

St. Francis Hospital also contains another secret. On Day 4, after first arriving at the hospital and meeting the nurse and patient, have Aya check behind the cabinet in the room. You will get a Trading Card, but Aya can keep searching this same spot infinitely to stockpile Trading Cards. Note that you can only do this once, on the first time you enter the room. Leaving the room and returning will disable the glitch.

Chocobo Flag

As a Square game, it should come as little surprise that Parasite Eve contains a Final Fantasy Easter Egg. While on the City Map screen, select the Natural History Museum. When the helicopter starts circling around the museum, you can spot that the blue banner hanging from the building has the silhouette of a Chocobo on it.

Parasite Eve Game Shark Codes

Whether playing Parasite Eve natively on a PlayStation or through emulation, there are several Game Shark codes for the game you can take advantage of. PlayStation players will need a Game Shark device, while those using an emulator simply need to enter the codes into the emulator’s “Cheat” menu.

Parasite Eve Cheat FAQs

What is the best gun in Parasite Eve?

There are plenty of great guns for Aya to use in Parasite Eve, but one stands out above the rest. The M1911A that players can find in the sewers has the best stats of any weapon. With the right upgrades, it’s the best all-around choice for taking on the game’s final boss. The M16A1 rifle is a great alternative option, but it lacks the impressive stat distribution of the M1911A.

What are the best spells in Parasite Eve?

The best spells in Parasite Eve are the ones that focus on healing Aya and managing enemies. Attack/offensive spells are, in general, not as useful in comparison to firearms. Aya will deal more, and more consistent, damage using firearms. As such, players should focus on spells that allow Aya to restore. health, cure status effects, or slow/debuff enemies. Spells like Slow, Confuse, and Haste are great for normal encounters.

What is the code for the safe in Parasite Eve?

Opening the Fireproof Locker in Dryfield is the final step of a four-part riddle in the area. After visiting four different locations and taking note of the numbers that appear in each, players can put together the correct combination to open the Fireproof Locker. The numbers, in order of how players discover them, are 4487. Using this combination on the Fireproof Locker will unlock it, rewarding the Holy Water item. Attaching this item grants a 25% damage reduction, an incredibly useful boon.

How long to beat Parasite Eve?

On average, most playthroughs of Parasite Eve will take players anywhere between 8-10 hours. However, that number increases dramatically for those hoping to 100% the game. Players hoping to see and do everything in Parasite Eve can expect to spend 30-35 hours.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CheatCC/Matt Karoglou.