Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2

"A worthy game, a not so worthy expansion."

Introduction:
Finally, after months of waiting, gamers are given the chance to own the sequel to the most addictive game on the Sega Dreamcast, Phantasy Star Online Version 2. With a new difficulty setting, new modes, and higher level characters, does PSO v2 live up to the hype? In a word: NO.

Graphics:
PSO v2 sports some of the best graphics on the Dreamcast. At times you will stop and enjoy the scenery while you await a friend to make his way over to you. The Ultimate difficulty setting has new monsters and the environment looks drastically different, a nice change to the usual scenery from version 1. The new weapons also look nice, if you can find them. Unfortunately, there are no new character costumes to choose from. Overall, PSO v2 adds very little to the PSO formula in the graphical department.
8/10

Sound:
You will be humming these tunes in your sleep. Addictive and peaceful, these sounds ring clearly throughout the game. Nevertheless, nothing new has been added in the sound department, except for a few new weapons sounds and in battle mode. Perhaps the old formula still works.
8/10

Control:
The controls are very tight. Confusion is not an issue. However, you had better have a Dreamcast keyboard because the keyboard acts as 45% of the control! Without one, you are like a politician without a voice. At times I wish there were more ways to customize buttons, as there are only a total of 6 buttons you can customize. Not really good when you need a wide variety of items/spells. Fortunately, PSO v2 features a quick change mode which really speeds up the process of accessing your items, weapons, and spells.
9/10

Story:
Every RPG should have a story, right? Sonic Team obviously thinks otherwise. The PSO series pales in comparison to the previous 4 Phantasy Star games. Sure, there is some story, only if you go and read the secret beacons found throughout the level. Once read, they are meaningless, and they add nothing at all to the game. Simply put, the story is extremely bland.
2/10

Replay Value:
With only four levels to play through offline, there had better be reasons for playing through this title. Fortunately, there are. Number one, your user level. Going up just one level becomes extremely addictive. The other reason is because of your pals. That is correct, your friends keep you playing. Without the online part, there would be no replay value. However, PSO v2 doesn't add very much replay value to those who have played the original game to death. Those who missed the original PSO will be in heaven. While most PSO vets will find some regret on buying this game, they will continue to play because it is addictive.
7/10

Positive Aspects:
+ Now you can go to level 200!
+ New rare weapons, armor, and mags can be found!
+ Battle Mode!
+ Challenge Mode!
+ Ultimate Mode!
+ Same gameplay

Negative Aspects:
- Going to level 200 will take several hundred hours
- Good rares are hard to find
- Many new rares are banned
- Cheaters still reign
- Same gameplay
- $39.99 for an expansion?!?
- $5/month(US) $3/month(Jap)
- Lag on quests
- No Broad Band Support(Officially)

Summary:
I am ultimately disappointed in this game, for it is not worthy of being called a true expansion. Still, the gameplay is there, and I still find myself putting down my PS2 games to play a few levels in PSO v2. If you have never played PSO, get this game! If you have put more than 300 hours into the original, reconsider if you have the patience to play through this one.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/02/01, Updated 10/02/01