Image (イマージュ*)?, also known as PSI in the English version of Maken X, is a concept appearing in Maken X.
Appearances[]
- Maken X
- Maken Shao
- Maken X Another
- Maken X: After Strange Days
Profile[]
"The PSI is a soul that can be manipulated in another dimension. Emotions and senses stem from the PSI, not the brain. Thoughts and feelings are a function of the PSI, but it can be neither seen nor touched because it exists in another dimension. People do not understand this concept"
Gameplay[]
Image appears as small blue spheres with a faint yin yang motif visible within, and is dropped after most non-boss enemies are defeated, with larger green Image pickups being found in certain levels. It is functionally similar to the EXP system in an RPG, and collecting enough Image will increase the Maken's Brain Jack Ranking level, allowing it to take control of stronger characters.
In Maken Shao, the function of Image was changed along with a new Brain Jacking mechanic. Instead of being dropped from defeated enemies as in Maken X, Image is now automatically absorbed once the Maken defeats an enemy. As a result of this, bosses now give Image upon defeat. Defeating multiple enemies in a row without taking damage increases the Flare Ranking, granting a multiplier to Image earned from defeated enemies, up to 5x, while being hit resets the multiplier to 1x. Image in Maken Shao is used to "purchase" characters to Brain Jack, with stronger characters costing more.