"Simply the best RPG(compilation) on Game Boy Advance!"

Ah Phantasy Star, one of the oldest RPG franchises. Originally released in 1987, Sega took the world by storm by unleashing what I consider one of its greatest weapons, Phatasy Star. It was simply groundbreaking and gamers loved it. Then when gamers wanted more PS, Sega gave it to them, Phantasy Star 2 for the Sega Genesis. It had awesome graphics, an improved battle system, and a futuristic story which takes place thousands of years after Phantasy Star. It was hailed by many as an amazing game, and it was secretly one of the best RPGs of the 16-bit era. Then Sega though, ''Why not do it again?'', so they gave us Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom. While many were excited, many were let-down as it just didn't have the same quality that the previous two did. Luckily, Sega redeemed itself with the brilliant Phantasy Star IV: End of the Millenium. So when you lye out on the couch you might say, ''I wish I could play those classics again, but I don't have a Genesis or Master System anymore.'' Say no more.

THQ and Sega have released 'Phantasy Star Collection' for GBA, combining Phantasy Star, Phantasy Star 2, and Phantasy Star 3: Generations of Doom so the gamer of today can give these games a whirl (sadly, PSIV isn't included)

PHANTASY STAR:
-The original Phantasy Star is the second best on this package, and it's also the hardest. It plays a little like Dragon Quest (Warrior for those who aren't familar), but even if you dive in, expecting a difficult and frustrating plunge, you'll be relieved when it's over, and realize that it was worth it.

The story is simple. In the future, King Lassic reigned peacefully over the planet. But one day a new religion comes promising immortality to all who join, so Lassic joins. Suddenly he turns evil, monsters appear across the planet, and he is meaner then ever. A man named Nero tries to find out of his plans, but is caught and beaten. Luckily, his sister Alis finds him, and he tells her to find 'Odin' so he can help, before Nero died. So it's up to her to not let Nero's death go in vain.

The gameplay is harder then today's games. It doesn't always tell you where to go, and doesn't give out clues to help. You have 4 members who joins and make your party, Alis, Odin, Myau, and Noah. Combat is simple. Just keep selecting 'Attack' to do basic attacks, and 'MAGC' to cast spells, as long as you have enough MP. But the major downfall is that you cannot select which enemies you want to attack. Also, the dungeons are explored in First-person 3D. While they look cool at first, soon you'll realize how insanely tough they can be.(You don't have a map).But otherwise, this is a great game. You should (ofcourse) start Phantasy Star Collection with this.
-VISUALS:7/10 -CONTROL:8/10
-SOUND:7/10 -REPLAY: 3/10
-ORIGINALITY:7/10 -OVERALL: 9/10

PHANTASY STAR II
The best in this entire collection. It's still tough, but not as hard as Phantasy Star. You'll instantly cherish your experience with Phantasy Star II.

The story and atmosphere gets the futuristic setting spot on. Instead of healing dead party members in churches like Phantasy Star, you go to 'Clone Labs'. You can go to different cities by getting your memory scanned, etc. The story takes place years after PS. After the downfall of Lassic, Alis is a legend. It is Planet Motavia, Paseo you went there in PS1), but something's wrong, a new ''evil'' arrives. The Mother Brain, controlling everything, something has happened to it, and it's up to you to put a stop to it.

Gameplay is like PS1, but with MUCH prettier graphics, great music, a splendid story, and improved combat. The combat system is the best in PSII. You can either select 'FIGHT' or 'STATEGY'. If you select FIGHT, you'll just start an automatic fight. If you select STRATEGY, you can strategize your moves. It's excellent. Plus, the 3D dungeons have been replaced with overhead dungeons. A smart move. Overall, Phantasy Star II is the best on this pack.
-VISUALS:8/10 -CONTROL: 8/10
-SOUND:9/10 -REPLAY: 4/10
-ORIGINALITY:8/10 -OVERALL: 9/10

PHANTASY STAR III: GENERATION'S OF DOOM
Now unfortunetely, this is the worst game on this pack. While it's not a bad game, just it's a little dissapointing. But, it's also the easiest.

Gameplay is more like Phantasy Star then Phantasy Star II, as it ditches most futuristic things found in PSII. That is a shame. And combat is unusual. It's a little like PSII, but it's weird and kinda' ''clunky.'' Sometimes fights which should be simple drag on forever. But the music is top-notch here. And it's cool as you play as three generations of characters.

The plot is you are Prince Rhys. He is marrying Maia that day. But as they are getting married, a monster comes and takes here. So he wants to find here. The story spans three generations, which is cool. But the way the game tells the story is different then PS and PSII.But, the graphics are pretty and on-par with PSII.PS III is the weakest link in the series.
-VISUALS:8/10 -CONTROL:7/10
-SOUND:9/10 -REPLAY:3/10
-ORIGINALITY:7/10 -OVERALL:7/10
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OVERALL SCORES:
-VISUALS:7/10 -CONTROL:7/10
-SOUND:8/10 -REPLAY:2/10
-ORIGINALITY:8/10 -OVERALL:9/10

Well, despite PS3's weakness, Phantasy Star Collection is a must buy for all RPGers out there!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/03, Updated 01/05/03