Phantasy Star Online

"An enjoyable ride that fills a needed genre."

Well, after the huge quantities of hype that led us to believe that ''Phantasy Star Online'' would be the greatest thing ever, how does the product actually fare? A Sega rep said ''If this game doesn't sell consoles, nothing will'' and I would have to agree to the utmost.

To those unfamiliar with the game, calling it an RPG is completely unfounded. The game dispels conventions including multiple towns, party based adventures, and a gripping story. However the game actually fits the root of ''roleplaying'' at its very core. It allows you to select nine character types from a range of three races and classes. Even within a single class, races and even gender allows for minor differences. Are you the gung-ho type? Go with a Hunter. A crafy gunman who likes to keep his hands clean? Go with the Ranger. Like to be a force of nature who forgoes weapon use? Try the Force. Coupled with a decent range of options to alter physical appearance, you can make a unique persona all your own.

It is then that the game begins. It fills what I like to call the ''Diablo-gap''. Having played Diablo or its sequel on the PC, you know the exact structure of the game. For those who haven't played, the game is essentially a series of quests throughout somewhat randomly generated areas. Things like enemy placement or design will change every time you begin a game. The lack of a major story keeps the game shallow for those who seek a meaty quest, but for those who enjoy trying a game again on a harder level (with your same character mind you), or those who strive just to see the next amazing weapon, will play this game for a long time to come.

As for the online aspects, I shall be brief. My only online play thus far was during a session with my Uncle who works at Imagine Publishing... Thus I only played online during beta-phase. Even then, it was relativly lag free, and the concept of a ''not-so-massively-multiplayer'' RPG was refreshing after the burnout of countless Ultima Online clones. The intimate group of four friends allows a unique and fun multiplayer romp that is carried with what I still consider a strong single player game.

Graphics: 9 Very strong overall. Not the pure visual splendor of Grandia 2, or Shenmue, but charming and clean. Usually nice frame-rates, and randomized levels that don't look like it (ala Evolution, blah!!!)

Sound/Music: 7 Powerful music at times while oddly laid back at others. Your typical ''fantasy-meets-scifi'' sounds, but still above average.

Control: 9 Very clean. Having access to more hotkeys would have been nice as games like this encourage quick access to varied spell or items. The lock-on cam was better implemented in Zelda64, but is still good enough.

Gameplay: 10 A highly difficulty at times encourages continued play and character growth. Those who are into character improvement and building will play forever as randomization, coupled with varied character styles encourages long replay sessions. A very easy game to start over and have an all new experience.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Here are some things you must know...

- A save-file ''bonds'' to your unique Dreamcast. You will not be able to bring your VMU to a friend and copy/share characters. This is a cheat prevention.

- You can only have one character per VMU. I recommend having at least two. The game doesn't use the screen to any merit so a cheap VMU should suffice for saving your character.

Buy or Rent?: Buy. This is an amazing game. Those Diablo fans have no question of the goodness found here. Those who've never played such a game owe it to themselves to try this out. Right now, Sega should be encouraged to make more games of this type. Buy it now, and please, don't even consider piracy. Sega has earned every penny with this one... seriously.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/06/01, Updated 01/06/01