Regardless of who published it, it was the same development team (Monolith Software) that built both. That's why the Xenosaga games exist, because the developers snagged the rights to it and took it to Namco. The original version of the game could be re-released considering that.

Joe's got the GNRS accessories and the Chargers, but his engines suck. 100 output but 1000 fuel? That's horrible! I just stuck with the X70's (8000 fuel, bitch!) for all of my gears and added GNRS50's to whichever three I had in combat at the time. I wasn't too pleased with his armor, either. The Z-Gold's have a ton of normal defense, but I like the added Ether defense of the Z-Alloys. I just put 80/30's on all of my gears. Although, to give him some credit, he's got the best Stier and Seibzehn frames.