Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst

"The world's #1 online RPG for consoles comes to PC better than ever before!"

From here on, Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst may be referred to as PSO BB, or just BB.

Yes, you heard right ladies and gentlemen, PSO is back in it's newest incarnation yet, title Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst. This appears to be the final evolution of the first, and rated best online RPG released for any video game console to date, Phantasy Star Online. With more content, better graphics, more players, and a safer environment, PSO BB just may have what it takes to become one of the greatest online RPGs ever made!

Gameplay 10/10
In many debates dealing with videogames, the statement of "games being made by their gameplay, versus their graphics" will most likely be heard. Well, that is definitely the truth.

PSO was a phenomenon back when it first released on the SEGA Dreamcast in the year 2000. I believe that this was due primarily to it's incredible gameplay, as well as it's other incredible features. The gameplay is simple enough for those new to the game to be able to understand and utilize right away, and continues to perform even for those players that have clocked in hundreds, or maybe even thousands of hours! And for those who have played previous versions, you'll be glad to hear that Sonic Team has improved the gameplay by adding even more options giving you the absolute best, and most control yet in the PSO series.

The gameplay system is best described as a real-time, free-roaming combat. In this, the player has the ability to use several kinds of weapons, and methods of assault, including swords, guns, and techniques (magic). Depending on what you decide to play with, the controls for this game can vary.

The basic controls are done with the keyboard, W and D being forward and back respectively, then A and D being left and right. The Left, Down, and Right arrow keys are set for attacks, which can be “flipped” to three more attacks when the CTRL key is held. The Up arrow key is reserved for centering the camera.

If you prefer a controller, the controls can be configured to your personal needs. I would highly recommend using a controller versus the keyboard. There are a number of different PC controllers available in retail stores and on various websites. There are even controller adapters for your favorite home consoles' controllers, such as GameCube, Dreamcast, XBox, and PlayStation 2.

Furthermore, as previously mentioned, Sonic Team has added an all-new addition to player control with the number key shortcuts. You can now set attacks, techniques, and/or items to the number keys, 0 through 9. This feature will allow for the player to have the utmost control over all of their characters' abilities!

Story 8/10
These are very brief summaries of the stories for each Episode
Episode I
The intergalactic ship known as Pioneer 2 is coming into orbit of the planet Ragol. Pioneer 1 landed on the planet some time prior, and is attempting to establish a link with the Pioneer 2 ship. A mysterious force appears, and seemingly destroys all the inhabitants of Pioneer 1 while breaking all communication with Pioneer 2. The Principal's daughter, Red Ring Rico, goes to the planet Ragol first to find out what went wrong, and since has gone missing. It is the job of the Hunters (that being the online community) to land on the planet's surface and investigate this mystery.

Episode II
Sometime either near the end of Episode I, or shortly thereafter, Pioneer 2 receives strange messages from a far off island on the planet Ragol. The Hunters are again deployed to this area, only after two extensive training sessions to find out where these messages are coming from, and who is sending them.

Episode IV [This is VERY incomplete and may or may not be correct]
A meteorite has apparently hit the planet of Ragol OR some sort of huge explosion has occurred, which has triggered the event of strong monsters appearing on the surface. The Hunters for one reason or another begin to investigate the gigantic crater in attempt to find out what's going on. However, it appears that some sort of military unit from Pioneer 2, has control of the area and therefore turns the Hunters away. Perhaps there is some sort of secret being held here?

Also, just in case some of you may be wondering, Episode III is a separate game on the Nintendo GameCube, which I believe takes place after Episodes I, II and IV.

Graphics 9/10
The graphics for the original PSO were already exceptional, and in PSO Episode I & II (for GameCube and XBox) the graphics were improved quite a bit. Now, BB has taken it to an even higher plateau with even better graphics than ever. Sharper, more vibrant and with new, immense areas and more detailed enemies.

Though to be honest, no matter how much more they polish and improve this game's graphics, it's still a five year-old title, and it is beginning to show it's age.

Also, I have heard that there are some graphical issues that occur in certain areas in the game. I've yet to encounter these, but apparently a number of users have.

Sound 10/10
PSO BB has the same great soundtrack from it's previous versions, plus some new music and remixes. All of the in-game sounds fit their situations perfectly, and the atmosphere is set really well.

However, if you by some chance decide that the music isn't exactly what you want to hear, by this being a PC game now, it is possible to change the in-game music!

Play Time, Replay Value, Overall Value 10/10
One can EASILY put in hundreds of hours into this game due to it's incredibly addictive gameplay. The game's replay value is sky-high, and since it's a free download, there is no initial game purchase necessary! Monthly fee for this game is $8.99 USD, which personally I think is well worth it since previous versions have cost a mere four cents less with much less content and service! The downside? It's online only.

Final
Don't miss out on this awesome game. It's a very different kind of online RPG amongst the myriad of those available. Every gamer should have the experience of playing such a great game. If you decide to come aboard the Pioneer 2, look me up!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/01/05