"PSO is here and takes the Sega Net online multiplayer crown"

Those of you who thought ''EverQuest'' was the only online role-playing world just got rude awakening.

That’s right all you fans of the popular ''EverQuest'' series now have some major competition in the ballpark. Sega has just released its long anticipated and majoryly hyped Phantasy Star Online. Despite a few nit-picks here and there this game is amazing. I am first gonna sum up the way I have decided to review PSO. First I will describe the game in single player mode and then as an online multiplayer title. To start off I would like to say with this game Sega has revolutionized console gaming with a fun, innovative, and amazing title.
Besides being a multiplyer game PSO includes a strong but mediocre single player game. When I first got PSO I have to say I did not run onto Sega Net to play online. I thought oh better level up my character before going online. I entered the game watched the intro movie which was short and sweet and jumped head first into the single player version of the game. This version of the game is really nothing new. You make your character start in the city get the supplies you need and head off to the planet Reagol in search of adventure. It is your typical dungeon crawler Diablo esque RPG game. Although you can visit the Hunter Guild to get a job which there in turn expands the game. Although as a single player game PSO leaves a lot to be desired.
Here is where PSO is a true wonder the online multiplayer department. To start off it still amazes me how strong the Sega online titles are. Quake III was great as well as Star Lancer but I have to say PSO takes the crown. When you get on you are asked for an access number and key so your character can exist online and off then you choose your ship which is basically a network select. Then you choose a block where you can join or start a team. The teams consist of four players that are able to get jobs at the Hunter Guild or fight their way through the game. You can also trade Guild Cards that can search for players you enjoy playing with automatically. Once essential though for online play is the keyboard. This game is all about cooperation and communication needs to fast and accurate. If you’re the competitive type this game is not for you. PSO is strictly a cooperative experience where the point is helping each other out.
The graphics is PSO are amazing. Sega has created an outstanding graphical game. Next to Shenmue this game has the best graphics bottom line.
Sound is right there with graphics. Strong effects are accompanied by good but repetitive music.
PSO is truly a groundbreaking title. Not necessarily for the PC gamer who has played ''EverQuest'' or ''Diablo 2'' but for the console gamer this is truly a new world. Sega has done a good job of linking the single and online multiplayer modes to where you need to play both to be successful in the game. Although if you only enjoy the traditional RPG game this is not for you. This is not really in any way traditional. PSO goes for the action RPG style with a new and unique battle engine and interesting gameplay.
The storyline in PSO is also mediocre. Although it an interesting premise the storyline in PSO is weak. To sum it up your planet is destroyed and you are searching the new found planet Reagol that had an explosion on it as soon as you arrived, Besides that and in game hints that is it.
If it were not for the mediocre single player mode. Or the mediocre storyline PSO would be perfect. Although as it is it’s a great game that expands the console horizon and bringing a truly unique online world into your home.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/07/01, Updated 02/07/01