"Do not be afraid to give this game a go!"

--Phantasy Star Online Episode III C.A.R.D. Revolution--

Introduction

When Phantasy Star Online Episode III C.A.R.D. Revolution was first introduced at last year's E3, I was a little skeptical as a result of the fact that the game was a member of the ''Card-RPG'' genre. Although I have never played a Card-RPG game in my life, I decided I would give this game a go because I enjoyed Phantasy Star Online Episode I and II and like a wide variety of game genres. Although the game does take some getting used to, once you get going, Episode III becomes just as enjoyable and addictive as Episode I and II, if not, more enjoyable and addictive.

Presentation

Excellent. When I first went to the store and saw this game on the shelf, I was attracted by the beautiful box-art. Sonic Team sure has acquired some very talented artists. Once you first pop in the disc into your Gamecube, you will be introduced to a few setup configurations (that only appear the first time you play the game) and a slick interface with some stylish menus. Character creation is just as in depth as Episode I and II. You have a choice of three classes and four different characters for each class. The appearance of the character you choose can be changed in just about any way imaginable. The story progresses on from Episode I and II nicely -- I do not want to spoil anything -- with some brief, but cool cut-scenes that introduce you into one of the greatest games available for the Gamecube.

Gameplay

As mentioned earlier, I am completely new to the Card-RPG genre, so I really did not know what to expect when I first played the game. I will admit that the first couple of battle were somewhat confusing (I choose not to read the tutorial that is available), but once I got the hang of the battle system, I became hooked. The game involves strategy, unlike Episode I and II, and is slower paced (battles can last as short as 3 minutes or as long as 45 minutes or more), but never boring. I am not going to explain the entire battle system in depth, but I will say that it is not too complicated and not too simple. Anyone should be able to understand how the battle system works, but it will take time to master it and learn all of the tricks of the trade. I find this game somewhat more addicting that Episode I and II because much of the focus is on competitiveness rather than the cooperation that was involved with Episode I and II. This makes the online experience much more intriguing, in my opinion.

Graphics

This game looks fairly similar to Episode I and II. There are some slight upgrades, but did the game really need anything more? Episode I and II was, and still is, a great looking game, because of the incredible artwork and use of color that was implemented in the game. Episode III is very similar to Episode I and II. The character models feature beautiful artwork along with the level design. However, what really made the visual experience much more enjoyable for me, were the colorful and artistic illustrations featured in the game as the story progresses and on all cards the exist in the game. The illustrations are nice to look at, along with everything else in the game.

Sound

Epic. The soundtrack, like in Episode I and II, has blown me away. There are some classic tunes, along with some new ones, that really reel you into the game. Sound effects are pretty much identical to those in Episode I and II, but they certainly get the job done. There is no dialogue, but, like Episode I and II this is not the type of game that needs such a feature.

Replay Value

This is where the game really shines. It is by far one of the most addicting games I have played. This is one game you will want to master whether you are online or offline. Episode III differs from Episode I and II in that the offline modes are just as addicting as the online mode. This is not saying that the online mode is not as good as Episode I and II's. There is not any cheating or ''duping'' online in Episode III, which is a good thing. There is a ranking system, which was a nice addition, and the competition can get really intense. You can also choose to watch some battle, which is a cool feature, and perhaps pick up some pointers from some other players. Whether you are online or offline, you will want to collect as many new cards as possible -- and there are a lot of them. If you get reeled into this game, you will be playing it for a long time.

Scores

Presentation - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 9/10
Sound - 9/10
Replay Value - Extremely High - 10/10

Final Score: 10/10

Episode III is an underhyped game, but is surely a Gamecube gem. Episode I and II players will not want to miss this one as it wraps up the Phantasy Star Online story, but new players to the series who are skeptical about the ''C.A.R.D.'' part of the game, fear not! I was in the same situation as you at one point and all I had to do was open up my mind and not be afraid to try something new. I certainly do not regret. This is the best Phantasy Star Online game available this generation and has exceeded my expectations!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/21/04