Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II

"I haven't touched another game for over a year"

-Phantasy Star Online:Episode 1& 2-

Introduction-
The first Online game ever released for the Gamecube, Phantasy Star Online is an EXTREMELY addictive game that has captivated its online audience for months on end. While the offline experience is best described as adequate, the online gameplay is far superior with thousands of players to meet and make friends with. You honestly never know who you're going to meet! In addition there are always new things being added, as well as holiday events to look foreword to. The game begins with a fully customized character, who will play one of three classes; Hunter, Ranger, or Force. From these categories you select various subsections of characters based on abilities and appearance. From there you can choose to either go online or offline where you will be given a mission to investigate the surface of the planet Ragol. At first the game is about strengthening your character and making it to the harder difficulties, but after you become formidable you can begin to hunt rare items to make your character even more powerful. This process can span hundreds, or even thousands of hours!

Gameplay- 10/10
The gameplay of PSO is completely real time; there isn't even a pause button! At first the system of gameplay will be very difficult, but eventually it will fit like a glove. The system for weapons requires a three hit combo motion that will be difficult and awkwardly timed at first, but after it is mastered can be done without effort. In addition there is a wide array of weaponry to be used and each type of weapon has a specific animation, they vary between classes as well. If you find yourself more interested in casting spells and creating a light show, then the games teching system is what you need to know. It is far more simple to do; it requires no combing, basically just button mashing. However it requires a knowledge of the techniques and how they work. When you have more experience you can learn how to dodge enemies and attack them at the same time. Mastery of this system will make the game both fun and exciting.

Graphics- 8/10
While there isn't anything spectacular the graphics in this game are very well done. It won't match up to a lot of the newer games on the GC, but remember it's a DC port. In Episode 1 the graphics are much more basic. The forest is pretty well detailed, but not even in the same ballpark as Episode 2 Jungle (I'll get to that). Caves are absolutely dreary, and mines/ruins do not offer much to the imagination either. However, the more stunning graphical aspects of the game are found in Episode 2. There are well rendered jungles, mountains, and a beautiful ocean view; the water effects are really beautiful. There are certain spots where you will literally find yourself breath taken. The only problem I can recall is a drop in frame rate in certain areas of Episode 2, otherwise it is a solid game graphically.

Sound- 8/10
I feel the sound in this game is appropriate. The music supports the mood created by the surroundings. In addition the enemies make grunting noises and groans when they are attacked or killed. The intro music supports the "adventure into the unknown" theme, and can become addicting after a while. Weapons have their own sounds as well, ranging from a lightsaber woosh! to a frying pan bashing an enemy on the head. Overall the music coupled with the sound effects creates a feel that seems to be almost perfect.

Replay Value- 10/10
Let me be very blunt…this game NEVER ENDS. You can only quit once you've completed your established goals, but even after they are completed you may not be able to leave. There are hundreds of items to hunt; the list is literally endless. If you get bored of this, which may never happen, you still have Challenge Mode to try. If this doesn't interest you, there's also a battle mode. Most people find themselves completely immersed in normal mode alone; hunting items that very well may never drop. There are also quests to try for when the normal stages no longer entertain. Quests offer various prizes and rewards as well as new monsters that can only be attained through certain quests. Some quests offer hoards of enemies for you to trounce, which will aid you in your quest to search for your ultimate prized item, or maybe just to take you to the goal of reaching level 200. You already have a 200? Try it again with a different class. I'm making it sound a lot easier then it really is, but as you can see this game has a lot to offer.

Overall 9/10
This game is maybe one of the most underrated games I have ever played, it has given me 20x the hours of FFVII and keeps me coming back for more every single day. Words of advice though, if you do go online try not to accept items from others; one of the most rewarding aspects of this game is being able to say you earned everything that you use. Cheating IS rampant, but it's your decision on whether you choose to or not. I advise you not to cheat, as the game is more fun that way (trust me, I know firsthand) you can still cheat and have fun either way. Cheating does not take away from the allure of this game. It has a charm that keeps its subscribers hooked like drug addicts :).

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/04