This batch of Xenosaga: Episode I photos from the Tokyo Game Show reveal more of the title's complex battle system. The four meters that each character has have been clearly identified as hit points, ether points (magic), AP, and a mysterious "BC" gauge. AP appears as a set of six blue arrows that light up; as in Xenogears, a character can attack with several strikes per turn, with each type of attack using up a different number of arrows. The purpose of the BC gauge is unknown; it appears as a number next to a continuous meter that fills up with red. It's possible that the BC gauge is used to summon a character's A.G.W.S., or to activate some other sort of special attack.

   A blue area in the lower-right corner seems to track which characters will take their turns next, as in Final Fantasy X or the Evolution series. Next to that is a single "UP" display that points to the leading character and displays various icons. The purpose of this interface piece is not yet known.

   Some of the characters' weapons were also revealed. M.O.M.O. clearly fights with a rod, and Shion appears to be equipped with a large red object resembling a riot shield. KOS-MOS' weapon does not appear in any of the photos, though it's likely she fights with the giant Vulcan guns she uses during story sequences.

   Also revealed are a few of the restorative items: Aqua Gist, which restores HP, and Rose Gist, which restores MP. These two items mirror the naming pattern of the "Sol" items in Xenogears, which included matching tools like Aquasol and Rosesol. (A spokesperson for Aqua Gist was unable to confirm at this time whether Aqua Gist is the choice of 10,000-year-old Bearcows.)

   The post-battle victory screen also reveals more about how characters will be upgraded. Each character has a traditional experience level, as well as three other statistics that increase after battle: T. Points (possibly Technique Points), E. Points (likely Ether Points), and S. Points. The party also has a shared money statistic (which is christened just "Money" instead of a currency name); as in most RPGs, cash is gained from slaughtering monsters. The victory screens also displays the time the party took to complete the battle, tying in with previous comments from director Tetsuya Takahashi that players will receive special rewards if they can defeat enemies quickly.

   Xenosaga: Episode I is appearing in playable form at the show, so look for additional impressions soon.