Phantasy Star Universe

"Worth the wait!"

After a long wait, Phantasy Star Universe is finally here. Please note that this review is for the Network Mode.

PSU Network Mode allows you to create your own character, up to four characters per account, and join up with other people and play through missions. Character creation alone can keep you entertained for a bit, as you can change everything from the shape of your character's face to how 'chunky' your character is. Even if you get bored with your character's appearance, you're only a make over away from a new 'do. You do have a new race, Beast, to select from, and the three races of Human, Newman, and Cast from Phantasy Star Online are selectable as well. Once, you have a race, you can change your 'class' in game. Hunter, Ranger, and Force are still the classes, but you have the option to switch between them. Also, there are no restrictions. That's right people, Casts can use Techs in this game! And speaking of techs, they have added another element to the mix. You now have Foie, Zonde, Barta, and Diga as your basic attack spells.

The graphics are beautiful. The detail of the enemies, and the design of the towns really have blown me away. Also, I really liked the way they did people walking around town as ghostly figures, which gives the impression of a busy town without overwhelming your screen with NPCs. While casting a Zonde spell, I could see the force of the spell build and create a little shockwave as it leaves your character.

Combat is much as you old schoolers from PSO remember it, with a few twists. You still align yourself with the oncoming horde, and press a button with the corresponding tech/weapon/skill. The differences consist of being able to equip two one handed weapons at the same time, weapons skills that you learn, and attack patterns of techs.

Now, there are some differences from Phantasy Star Online when it comes to game play. First is that you are allowed to create your own weapons, armor, and items. Also, you don't have a Mag, but you do have a robot helper in your character's room that you can evolve into a humanoid that can help you on missions. Weapon and Armor drops are much much rarer. In a 2 hour period, I have only had one weapon drop and that was when my character was enjoying a luck bonus. This makes it much harder to purchase weapons, armor, techs (God, Sega, WHY) and such. On the flip side, your techs are not purchased per level, but level up as you use them.

Overall, I find this game a MUST HAVE for Phantasy Star fans. It has just enough new stuff to make it a different game, but enough old stuff to cause a trip down memory lane.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/30/06