Phantasy Star Online

Phantasy Star Online marks the first major console title that features online game play. Being as such this game is also very different from the previous Phantasy Star games. In fact PSO's game play leans more towards that of an online PC RPG than a more traditional console RPG. And that can really effect your take on the game. Personally, I'm a fan of the latter.

You start off the game by building the character you'll be playing with. There are about six general types including cyborgs, elves, commandoes, magicians, and more. Most of the custom elements are already pre-made, but there's a good variety to pick from. You can choose your own costume, hair style, hair color, skin type, and even adjust your height and weight. After crafting your character, you get right into the game playing either online or offline. 

PSO is pretty much non-linear. You can tackle most of the mini-missions in the order you want. And even more objectives and stages open up as you progress. But the only way you can progress is by defeating the huge boss at the end of each level. And these guys aren't a push over. 

The focus is on simple team work and experience building. But you do have other diversions. Such as your Mag creature. Much like a Chao from Sonic Adventure, your Mag grows and changes depending upon what you feed it. With time and patience you can create some really cool looking Mags that can enhance your abilities and/or have unique spell attacks. In addition to that, your equipment list long and varied. Nearly every type of weapon is included in this title. Whether you prefer swords or guns, it's all here. And don't forget about your armor and bonus items. Which are also plentiful. 

But the real fun comes in talking to the other online players. You can input text messages through your control pad or the optional keyboard. You also have a list of pre-made sayings and visual signs. All which can be customized and saved for later use. If you want to talk privately, you can use the simple mail. It works a lot like "whispering" in internet chat rooms. Where you get a private message and can respond to it without worry of a public audience. Players can also exchange custom cards that contain a couple of stats, your message, and provides a way for people to contact or find you.

Here's what I don't like about the game. First of all, there is no fancy, ongoing storyline. So don't expect an epic tale the likes of a Final Fantasy game plot. The single player experience is less than fulfilling. There just isn't any fun leveling-up by yourself. Plus the stage designs are pretty simple. There isn't a whole lot of architecture to work your way through. So exploration is more of a tedious chore than it should be. The puzzles are also way too simple, involving the players stepping on switches separately or simultaneously. For me, the game boils down into a fight fest where the players can talk to each other. That's by no means bad, but I believe so much more could have been done to expand the game play.

I'll give Phantasy Star Online credit for it's excellent customization features, the online chat capabilities, and the wide arrange of battle equipment. But I would have liked a more solid story, better stage design, and more involved game play elements. As it is, PSO is definitely a solid stab at an online RPG. But I think Sega can do more with this genre than what's already there. I recommend giving this game a rent before you actually plunk down your money for a copy.   

    
(pics by the pros at vgmuseum.com)

Overall 7.2

Written by ShinjiZ for GameyPlace.com on July 8, 2001