"like a thirty dollar time machine."

Graphics: 7/10

The graphics are terrible compared to such modern day graphic marvels as golden sun and such, but at the time these games were originally released, they were way ahead of there times.

Sound: 3/10

The sound is really bad. Music is very low quality and the games don’t have very many different songs.

Game play/ Storyline: 10/10

This is where these games truly shine. The game play is very easy to get into but some of the battle systems take awhile to master. Phantasy star 2 has a battle system I really like. Once you chose the attacks and hit fight, the people will do the same moves over and over until you hit one of the d-pad buttons. This is useful because if you want to use the same moves two turns in a row; you don’t have to choose them again and again

The stories may seem pretty common by today’s standards:

PS1: take the quest of Alis and avenge your older brother Nero’s death at the hands of the evil king Lassic’s robot guards (who look remarkably like Storm Troopers from star wars) and even team up with a talking cat!

PS2: take the role of government agent Rolf, and head out with a monster-human hybrid named Nei to free the Algo system of the oppressive mother brain computer system. (It’s a big thing that controls all weather on planet Moravia) My personal favorite of the three

PS3: as Prince Rhys, head out to save your fiancé, who has been kidnapped by a demon. Then head out on more quests as the hero’s son and grandson. This game is the only game in the collection to feature multiple endings. And at the end of each generation you can chose which of two women you will marry. Chose wisely as this decision affects your next hero’s name, race, and strengths.

Sure these sound common but the way there told is really great.

Overall: three great games for the price of one. If you enjoyed these games back on the earlier Sega consoles, it will be really fun to revisit these classics and relive the memories. Who doesn’t want to lay the smack down on evil with a talking cat?

If you’ve never played these before, but are a fan of RPGs don’t let the outdated graphics steer you away. If you do you will miss out on what may be your last chance to get three of the greatest RPGs of the late 80’s- early 90’s era in their original format.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 02/14/03, Updated 02/14/03