"This game is simply amazing!!"

Phantasy Star has changed drastically over the years.The oringal Phantasy Star games were straight up Turn Based RPGs.But then the Dreamcast came out and that changed everything.With the addition of a modem on the console you could play games online.One of the games you could play online Phantasy Star,recreated as an action rpg that you played online(Phantasy Star Online,PSO).Needless to say people flocked to this game,it was extremely popular.When the Dreamcast died off many PSO fans thought all hope was gone,but Sega pulled a fast one and decided to recreate it on Gamecube and XBOX with the addition of a new section(episode II)but fans still craved more.Earlier last year Sega announced Phantasy Star Online Episode III,PSO fanboys went wild.But theres a catch,Sega Drastically changed the gameplay from hack-n-slash to strategy card game.Many people were doubtful but i'm heer to say...........IT WORKS!!!!

Graphics:8/10
The graphics are relatively the same as the last PSO incarnation.They've had a bit of a touch up.The backgrounds of the arenas are astonishing,they look great.The character models look good as well....most of the time.They can be a bit bland at times.And the animations of the characters are somewhat annoying all they do is bounce up and down and walk like robots(which is okay if they're are robots).But all and all it's not bad.

Sound:7/10
The sound is good.....for awhile.It's not bad not at all just repetitive.Its pretty much the same musical score that they've had from other PSOs.But the battle music is cool,it helps to get you pumped and ready to fight.But as for me I often find myself turning on the radio or listening to a CD.

Gameplay:10/10
Now this is what you've all been waiting for.The gameplay is simple genius.Theres really no better way to explain it.You play with ''C.A.R.D.''s(Compressed,Alternate,Reality,Device i think)The weapons aren't really gone they've just been shrunken down into little cards.Most of your favorite weapons from the old games are in here.

Story:10/10
The story is great.There's two stories in the game,Hunters and Arkz.The Arks are the ''bad'' guys,they control monsters.Hunters,of course the ''good'' guys play weapons and mags and whatnot .There are plenty of missions and cutscenes and characters.

Replay Value:10/10
There are a ton of cards to collect which will keep you busy.The two stories i mentioned previousilely will take a awhile to finish.You can always level up your character in Free Battle(where you can also play with your friends offline)And then there's online mode where you'll be able to battle other people and download new quests.They have tournaments like every 20-30 minutes.

Would I recommend it?:OH YEAH!!!!This game is the best yet.I absoulutely love it.Theer are a lot of people out there who won't take a chance on it and they need to because it's a great game despite the huge changes.

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