"The online armada on the Gamecube stays alive and strong"

Phantasy Star Online Episode III: Card Revolution is a well deserved new online game for the Gamecube. It differs from the last two episodes by bringing in a whole new gameplay element named C.A.R.D. Most typical people would say, ''Oh, that's Pokamon Cawds!1!!!'' or ''Why is everyone getting into the Yu-Gi-Oh game now?'' These are people's opinions that haven't even played the game, and that's why I've decided to give a review for it.

Gameplay : 9/10

This is the main focus of PSO III. The well knowned hack-and-slash gameplay is nothing but a memory of the past now, and as stated before, the new C.A.R.D. technology has taken it's place. To get ready to start a battle, you can edit your cards that you have. Monster, item, weapon, magic, and assist cards are all at your disposal. Of course, the game has gone back to it's roots by making it turn based again, with a lot more adjustments. In battle, there are five phases to go through during your turn.

The first phase is Dice, this is when 2 numbers(one standing for attack and the other defense) are selected randomly through 1-6. The higher the number, the more you can do/block. The second phase is Set, in which you can set monster, item, assist, and etc. down on the battle field. This takes up the number atk rolled, so you'll have less to do in the action phase. The third phase is Move, which as well, takes up the 1 number atk every block you move. The fourth phase is the action phase. This one is pretty obvious, you attack your opponent. The last phase is Draw, which is you draw a certain amount of cards randomly(or in order that you edited them in, depending on the rules that are set before the battle).

And, when an opponent strikes to attack you, you can defend using your def number that was rolled. If you roll a 4, you get to use 2 'Guards' for instance, that each take up 2 #'s. That is, if the opponent even attacks twice.

After the battle, you will be graded on how well you did if you won. You can pick a 'booster pack' that holds a certain amount of cards in them, depending on how well you were graded. If you lost, them you can pick a pack, but it will only hold a few cards instead of many.

Graphics : 9/10

The graphics in this game aren't that different from the previous episodes. The only big change, and noticable difference, in this game is how the battlefield looks. The shiny, bright, and very detailed landscape looks very nice and appropriate as your battling it out with a friend(or foe). The characters don't seem to be changed in any way, and there aren't any new clothes/faces/etc.

Sound : 8/10

The sound is a lot better than the first two episodes. In the lobby while online, there is now a juke box that lists 22 songs(half are midis) to play while talking to your friends or others that you meet online. The music while in battle is set very good. Nothing breath taking, but absolutely not bad either.

Story : 8/10

In this section I'll go ahead and include the online and offline modes. First, I'll explain the paths you can take offline. In offline mode, you can select from the Hunters or the Arkz story. Both are as long as you'd probably like them to be, but definately not as long as Ep 1 and 2's offline mode. There are, however, plenty of battles to keep you going into the mix.

In online mode, which is not so obvious the main focus of the game, is very fun as well. From playing a weird version of soccer, battling, or just hanging out in a lobby, it's just as fun as the last episodes.

Replay Value : 9/10

This one is kinda obvious if you read the review(and thanks if you did). Many battles to face, plenty of things to do online, like entering tournaments or just making a private room with a friend to battle PCs. It may not be as great to just battle and walk around blocks as movement, as in the first two you got to explore areas with friends dungeon style, but it is a true experience to the Phantasy Star Online series.

-=My Opinion=-
I tried not to be opinionated in the review, because I really dislike reviews when the reviewer thinks it's all about what he/she thinks and just goes on and on about how the game isn't good. So, anyway, the only real disappointment I had with the game was how the gameplay got a bit repetitive. And I still can't get over on how you can't battle with the character you make. You have to select from a wide variety of 24 people, which is a lot, but it just still bugs me. That's about the only thing I disliked though.

(Finally!) Overall : 9/10

Thanks, again, for reading, and I hope I didn't leave any errors that would offend anyone or just little typos. Ciao!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/22/04