Phantasy Star II

"Fantastic game, but it might try your patience a bit"

this game was way ahead of it's time in so many ways. I tried it when I was little but I couldn't understand it for the life of me. Just recently I decided to try giving this title a second go and was very pleasantly surprised.

Graphics - 9/10: The graphics were outstanding for a game made in 1989, my only complaint was that the use of color is somewhat limited. Otherwise tho, the graphics were awesome.

Sound - 6/10: The worst part of the game, the sound got rather tedious after awhile. Still not bad for the time period in which the game was created but you can tell that this is the area that the develops put the least effort into.

Game Play - 8/10: Progression was rather smooth compared to the first PS (where you pretty much have to guess where to go next). The battles were rather bland adn you still had the random attack flaw from the first PS, but the fact that it is so long, detailed, and flexible makes it worthwhile. You get to choose a party of four with a total of eight characters to choose from (eventually), all with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game is a challenge for sure, but some of the challenges are pretty annoying. For example, if you thought that the dungeons in PS 1 were confusing, you are in for a nightmare during the later stages of this game. My advice to you is to use online maps for the dungeons in this game so that you don't end up smashing your SMS and throwing it out the window.

Storyline - 10/10: The pride and joy of Phantasy Star 2 is the storyline. I wish I could better explain it without giving too much of a spoiler, I'll do my best. First off, this is the earliest title I played that actually evoked emotions within me, I got sucked right in and was always wondering what was going to happen next. Here's the deal, the world is run by a system called "mother brain". However, something has gone wrong with mother brain and it is up to you to find out. Hint: It has to do with people becoming overly-dependant on mother brain (hit close to home there? What kind of turmoil is our society in here in America where we are almost entirely dependant on systems and structure?) Beyond that, the game has a surprise ending that corresponds almost too accurately with reality, exposing the unlimited destructive power of greed and materialism. You'll see what I mean if you play the game. It may be confusing at first, but it all comes together gradually until the ending.

Overall: If nothing else, the story-line makes the game worthwhile. It's great even by today's standards, but compared to most other RPGs back then, well, there simply is no comparison. The PS series continues to reign supreme.

If you don't understand all of the hype surrounding the Phantasy Star series, just think about all of the advancements that have been made in modern day RPGs in terms of story and game mechanics. All of that started right here.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/16/07