"Hmm, 3 classic games for the price of one. How can you go wrong?"

Hmm, Sega knew what they were doing when they compiled this collection. 3 games from one of their best RPG series tossed on one cartridge. Granted, they used the black sheep of the series, Phantasy Star III is on it, but it IS part of the series, and as such, has earned a place. Sadly, the Game Boy Advance did not have enough room to hold all 4 of the old games on it at once. As such, Phantasy Star IV, which some regard as the best, was knocked off. Hopefully, that will be fixed at a later date...

Graphics:

Depends on how you look at it. This is a 2 sided argument.

From the Game Boy Advance perspective, the graphics are sub-par. If you want good graphics, get Golden Sun, or something similar.

Score: 6/10

From the retro-gamer view, the graphics hold true to their old blood. Very little has changed. Granted, the screen is smaller, but what can you do? The Game Boy Advance is meant for portability, so it's screen is shrunk down.

Score: 9.5/10

Sound:

Again, two sided argument. Same standpoints.

Game Boy Advance view, the sound is boring, repetitive, and can get on your nerves. Deja vu here, as Golden Sun is your best option for a good example of the Game Boy Advance's sound.

Score: 6/10

Retro-gamer view, it is the classic music you remember from the original Phantasy Star, Phantasy Star II, and Phantasy Star III. Why change the old tunes to fit today?

Control:

Yep, you guessed it, two sided deal again.

Game Boy Advance standpoint, you do not use all of the buttons. That can be good or bad dependent on how you like your games. For example, add a soft reset, or something similar. Although, the simplicity is very valuable. No confusing controls to try to remember. Straight-forward, no frills gaming at it's best.

Score: 7.5/10

Retro-gamer, if you have played this before, be grateful that nothing has changed. The old, reliable controls are there. Nothing new or complex to learn.

Score: 9/10

Storyline:

Hmm, almost done with these two-sided views...

Game Boy Advance side of the coin, you may find that the stories are boring, repetitive. In the case of Phantasy Star, you may marvel at the 'lack' of a story. Give the games a chance, and you may be surprised.

Score: 8/10

Retro-gamer side of the coin, the same old song and dance is there. No new hidden endings, mercifully. If there were any changes made, I would not have been too happy. These games helped out so much with the Genesis/Master System, so they kept the original formulae.

Score: 10/10

Overall:

No more two-sided arguments...Just a few parting thoughts. This game is very good, albeit addictive. As such, be careful not to kill off your batteries faster than you cn buy them. With how this game is reviving some of Sega's greatest hits, who knows what's next. Wait, wonder, see...

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/13/02, Updated 12/13/02