27.10.2013

If there's anything the Gamecube lacks (or most of Nintendo consoles, for that matter) it's an assortment of roleplaying games and online functionality. Because the console doesn't even come with its own modem, whereas the Dreamcast did some years before this console's release, Nintendo hadn't really cared for online play at the time, but regardless they still could've made an effort. If they had, they could've ended up with superior RPG titles like Phantasy Star Online, one of the greatest online experiences you could ever hope to find.Before we go any further though, it's important to note that although the title is Phantasy Star "Online", the online aspect of this game isn't compulsory,whereas on the XBOX it is. You don't need to be online to make your characters but on the black box counterpart one needs to be to so much as get past the title screen. This is important for those who are on the fence about which version to buy. It may also be of use to clarify what the episodes are in the title. Episode 1 is a port of the original game on the Sega Dreamcast, their last console before they stuck to making video games. This contains all the original quests, items and levels of before, but new additions to the game are in Episode 2, which is totally original for Xbox and Gamecube players. This adds new bosses, quests, items, zones and expands upon the story of the original game, so you're getting a lot more bang for your buck than you might think.Now bearing in mind that this is the year 2013, the gameplay will have different effects on today's audience. For starters, the online aspect of the game is no longer available because Sega shut down the servers, but you can still play offline in singleplayer and local multiplayer (up to 4 people can tag along). At its time however, Phantasy Star Online was one of the most enjoyable and social games you could find because of the quest model, seasonal quests and levels, huge amounts of customisation and trading to be had. Even simply talking people was great fun, provided you had a keyboard or made exceptional use of emoticons and pre-programmed phrases. Now you're left with the campaign and if you've not many friends, this title may be worth missing.In spite of being an RPG Phantasy Star Episodes 1 & 2 don't offer much in the way of story. The two games are about humanity trying to find a suitable location to settle on, hence why the flagship is called 'Pioneer' 2. There needs to be good sources of food and vegetation, breathable air, clean water and not too much wildlife to worry about. It isn't your mission to simply land on each planet and see if they're habital or not, but go around slaying monsters and finally a boss. You will find friendly NPCs who require your aid in the level and out of it, and there are a great deal of quests to be had. You'll have escort quests, collect quests, kill quests, hide and seek quests (find a particular person, or clues as to their whereabouts) and many other things. This does mean seeing the same levels over and over, but as I say, multiplayer can make the experience so much more better and having local MP means your relationship with a friend will strengthen in this title.Unlike later editions where you take control of a completely obnoxious protagonist, you can create your own character and change so many aspects of them. You can either be a Human, CASTs (robots) or Newmans (the game's equivilant of elves). They all have their strengths and weaknesses as well as class limitations, but go for aesthetics rather than what they can and can't do. The classes are Ranters (RA), who excel in ranged attacks; Hunters (HU), who specialise in melee combat and Force (FO), who use a magical resource called 'Force'. Having chosen all this, your character can go under many changes, my favourite being the CASTs, as you can change numerous layers of their paint job, but every race can undergo height, weight, eye colour, eye shape, nose shape, mouth shape, skin colour, outfit colour amongst so many other options. When it comes to character customisation PSO gives you the most you'd ever hope to see, and it's not ridiculous like TESIV where most of the character changes you won't even notice or care for.The core of the gameplay is the combat which was inspired by Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo games, putting this title in the hack and slash genre. The dungeon delving elements of this game are done to a tee, but combat still requires a lot more strategy than most people claim. You can't simply wail in and mash buttons because even though fighting is in real time, you still have to be patient when stringing combos together with heavy, light and special attacks. And not only are combos rewarding as an effective fighting scheme, but you can appreciate the animations that weren't bad for the Sega Dreamcast's standards. Because everything about the game runs in real time, you can't waste too much standing around going to the toilet or browsing the menus because even pressing the Start button isn't pausing the game, so you have to be very careful about where you take breaks. Imagine this in multiplayer though - trying to coordinate a group of four with limited typing abilities on a control pad and not being able to slow the game down in the slightest.The dungeon aspect of the game is replicated to the point where you would consider this as part of the family. Running the same dungeon to level up, gear up and grabbing things to sell is common to the genre, and PSO is sadly no exception. I say sadly because it can become very tiresome especially when doing this alone. The first boss is the perfect example of why you need to go back and fourth: you may have reached him by, let's say, level 4 and can take down most enemies without much trouble, but when you face the boss you're going to wish you hadn't picked this game up at all. Everything you do in this game is more fun with friends because it was designed for it, so expect the XP grinding and Meseta (Pioneer 2's currency) to become mind-numbing if you're alone.Pioneer 2 is a very nice lobby but it's a damn shame it's not expanded upon. In the background you can see Blade Runner-esque tower blocks, typical B-movie sci-fi vehicles roaming around.... you feel as though you're in the first 10 minutes of Judge Dredd. But it's better to have everything close and convenient than spread out openly and be stuck with a namby-pamby jog. You have the hospital wing where you can heal and be resurrected, the shops for armour, weapons and items, the bank to store Meseta in case you die in a mission, and the Hunter's Guild for quests. There's also quite a few NPCs to talk to who have different subjects depending on your progress and discoveries in the game, one of the little things that I love about modern RPGs. There is another hub exclusive to the online gamers where they chill out, party up and trade, but that is no longer available because as said before the servers are gone.Phantasy Star Online doesn't boast much in terms of visuals, but this is only down to the Sega Dreamcast's limited capabilities. That's not to say that it was an ancient pile of hard manure, but it couldn't live up to the standards of the console it was ported to. The visuals aren't terrible though and you can easily discern an enemy from a tree or wall, but you may have to be a tad forgiving when it comes to the polygon count. Still, the environments are the stuff of beauty and there's all kinds of changing weather effects which were rarely seen in video games at the time.And even though the soundtrack is terrific it's not something you can really hum to or even remember. It's hardly worth buying the soundtrack CD (if there even is one), but you might occasionally tap your feet to the theme of Pioneer 2's interior. There's also no voice work to be found unlike the later game, Phantasy Star Universe (totally not recommended), but the subtitles are there when needed and you don't have to plough through loads of dialogue like it's a Bioware game.CONCLUSION:Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 & 2 is a superb RPG and for fans of Diablo, Final Fantasy and Phantasy Star Universe, this is a must buy. Even though it loses points in the fun department when you're playing on your own, it makes for one of the finest bonding multiplayer experiences ever if you get a friend and an extra controller. This is a game you will remember, and it should be played in huge quantities by aspiring and current roleplaying game makers.TL;DR:PROS:+ Huge list of colossal levels to explore!+ Captures the dungeon-delving aspect of the genre perfectly!+ More character customisation options than you can shake a stick it!+ Loads of outfitting options and game-changing mechanics for each class - try them all!+ Best played in multiplayer!CONS:- Progression is limited; expect to run the same levels multiple times for cash, items and experience points.- Visuals are lacking considerably, and sounds can easily become tiresome and unforgettable.- Difficulty spikes are unpredictable and unforeseeable.- Missions can become repetitive to those with little patience.- Best to miss this out if playing alone - there's better RPGs out there.

15.7.2004

I love the Phantasy Star games, let me tell you that, ALL OF THEM!!!From the original game series from 1988 - 1994 on the Sega Master System/Mega Drive and this classic multiplayer game from heaven.First of all, this is a must have for a RPG fans but also people who like ation type games as well. The game play is that there are 12 different character to choose from in three diffeent sectors: Hunters, Rangers and Forces. Each group had advantages and disadvantages so nobody is better than the other. Pick the one you feel the best about.PSO can be enjoyable both online and offline. The ofline mode lets you play by yourself or by the exculsive Multi Mode for GameCube that lets you play two - four players on split screen.

6.3.2003

At the time of writing this, I recently played a version of Phantasy Star Online, and it was the best online RPG game I have ever played. Not only is the feel of the game fantastic, but I'm sure anyone familiar to the online game world will appreciate this vastly.The game is not just about online play, there is also a decent story mode. The story is not a particularly good one, but it's mainly added to give you a feel as to what you have to do in the online section, which is fantastic. You are given 12 different characters to choose from, three more than the Dreamcast version. These are sorted into three groups: Rangers, Hunters and Forces. They all have different abilites,

4.11.2004

Many may feel that they do not want to fork out £40 for a last-gen console game. This is not without a point, the graphics are lacking, there are precious few levels and the online support is weakened by Nintendos fear of the internet. Its the only online game out. However, taking all of these things into account, I still cant possibly give Phantasy Star Online anything remotely less than 5 stars, why? Because of the multiplayer!OK, not just the multiplayer, the lifespan comes into account also. You take one character of your choice, define skills class and sex and you begin the most purely addictive game for the GC. Your potential is an amazing level 200, and for non-hardcore players like me,

27.3.2003

Phantasy Star Online is one of THE essential experiences, not only because it is the first next-gen online game, but because of the sheer magic of playing with people around the world.The game is a seemingly basic real-time roaming RPG which lets you create your own persona either as a Hunter (sword user), a Ranger (gunner) or a Force (mage) using a wide range of designs and styles in a rather Sims-like manner. Apart from that, it sounds fairly run-of-the-mill doesn't it? In one word yes; playing on your own is very tedious.However, it's when you connect to Sega's online server when the game really kicks off. There is really nothing quite like meeting up with familiar faces in the online lobbies and tackling the game together,

30.9.2003

You've got to hand it to Sega, if it wasn't for them, Online console gaming wouldnt exist. And what a perfect introduction to the Gamecubes modem adventures than this gem, the remake of a classic RPG. 3 character classes, crafted for different styles of gameplay, each in turn with 4 separate characters with slightly different attributes.The offline mode is great. An original story line, beautiful enemy and background designs and an immpeccable soundtrack. But this mode is best used for training your character and finding powerful weapons, as the repetitive action can eventually become quite tedious. The offline multiplayer modes are also entertaining, but the camera really suffers,

26.3.2003

This is a much more improved Version of Phantsy Star Online on the Dreamcast. I know have both and i'm enjoying it for the second time. Since Dreamcast has died, PSO still lived on and made it to the GC. I think this is the perfect game for everyone. Youngsters can enjoy this very much and I don't think there is anyone that is too old to not play this game.The game itself has an amazing online feature and this is the one thing that separates this game from the rest on the GC. The Online feature is very fast especially on broadband and it doesn't reduce the speed of gameplay enough to make a player annoyed. It hardly makes a difference.The graphics are pretty good with big levels and lush scenery and the characters are great.

12.6.2006

I got this game about 3 years ago i saw it in a shop i thought 'i got some time to kill looks alright' i took it home and played and didn't know how to clear the calendar so i didn't play it for about 2 months but got the courage and tried again and well... Wow this game even though it has low character design and a pretty thin main storyline this game has no end really because you can unlock hard,very hard and ultimate mode challenging your character to the edge.after about 3 months i finally got my HuCast to lvl 200 and still i am challenged on ultimate, though i have never tried the online mode sad to say i still enjoy the split screen multiplayer and i love the thrill of finding rare weapons

23.2.2003

Phantasy Star Online is the Gamecube's first online game, and what a fantastic game it is. It is set around a group of people who are going to the planet Ragol but on the way encounter difficulties in one of the ships, causing its destruction. The other ship lands, and this is where the game kicks off. You can choose between 3 of the older races (human, newman and android) and also one new one. From here you design your own character in the style of a hunter, ranger or forcer. The graphics are amazing, and the online capabilties allow a whole new depth of gaming that was previously possible. The sound effects are in traditional SEGA style and the longitivity of the game is through the roof,

19.5.2009

I say a gamble as I was unsure,despite hours looking online,whether this worKed on the Gamecube without needing to set up an account or need either of the adaptors (Modem or Broadband),thankfully it's exactly like the Dreamcast version and not the Xbox one,so yes it'll work offline,you will need a memory card though.Almost identical to the Dreamcast,with only a slightly rejigged interface and a 'cast' shadow,not a blob.I've clocked up something like 280 hours on the original DC version and that faithful machine has almost been retired,I've bought a lot of the (better)games again on either the PS2 or the Gamecube like this.So to reiterate,YOU DON'T NEED A MODEM!!

31.12.2003

WOW,this is the best game ever.The game starts off with a really cool cut sceen and then you get to choose who you play as; a forcer(they use canes and magic in combat),a Hunter(They use bladed weapons in combat) and Rangers(They use guns in combat.)After that you are sent down to a mysterious planet to find clues about what happened to a ship that crashed there.If you get stuck you can allways pay a visit to the Hunters Guild,if you complete extra missions for them they give you money which you can spend on weapons.With swords,guns and magic this isn't a game to be left out of your collection.

21.10.2015

As a huge JRPG gamer and Phantasy Star fan I've been wanting to get this game for years after seeing how great it was on the Dreamcast. I'm really glad to be able to posses such a rare and great game as this. This truly is a masterpiece and has phenomenal elements of an JRPG with very active real-time combat, online functionalities and many more different aspects of this game is astonishing. Many many hours can be invested into this game. Easily one of the best RPG games I've ever played and I highly recommend any other JRPG gamers to pick this up too.

12.8.2012

Phantasy Star Online has been my favourite for a very long time. I find it to be one of the best I have ever played, even though it was still a new area in the video game market at the time and has many glitches. It's a classic from the GameCube era, definitely one I would recommend for RPG style game lovers. Also something to try if you've played Phantasy Star Universe, and all the versions following it.

13.7.2004

Phantasy star online (Pso), is an excellent online game, it takes the best elements fromthe dreamcast version and puts in its own x factor (!?).. One of the best features of this game is once you have this and a modem or broadband adapter you can network your gamecube to your PC and even install a linux operating system onto your gamecube, sehr interesting!

1.4.2012

I adore this game, I always have and was happy to finally receive it through the post. Beyond a couple of freezing issues (which is probably my battered old GameCube, not the game itself) it plays almost perfectly. Going through the episodes again has been a blast and this seriously was an RPG game ahead of it's time.

Phantasy Star Online Episode I&II (GameCube) - Reviews

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