Nintendo Entertainment System owners may have had Final Fantasy, but if you were a Sega fan, then you had access to a completely different kind of phantasy. I'm of course talking about the curiously spelled Phantasy Star franchise, which started on the Sega Master System in 1987 and is still going today, with the latest installment being Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. With all this talk about Final Fantasy XVI, I wondered how Phantasy Star compared. More specifically, what did Electronic Gaming Monthly say about this long-running series?
In case you're wondering, EGM reviewed a total of ten games in the Phantasy Star franchise. That includes three of the main installments, one compilation and six Phantasy Star Online titles. They hit pretty much everything except for the 8-bit original, which was released two years before the magazine started up. What we're going to do today is count down the best and worst Phantasy Star games using Electronic Gaming Monthly's own words and scores. There's no editorializing here, we're going to focus on what the critics said back when these games first came out. So, go and grab an energy sword and your favorite mag, because this is another futuristic episode of EGM Ranks Phantasy Star.
Phantasy Star Universe (PlayStation 2 & Xbox 360)
#10
“Wait ... someone out there actually enjoys Phantasy Star Universe's story mode? That's kooky talk. But that mess isn't what really bothers me – the online play doesn't quite cut it. Specifically, it's insulting to series fans like myself that Sega handicapped the online content out of the gate. Also, the new item-creating bots aren't as appealing as the now-absent over-the-shoulder mags, and the visuals don't stack up to PSO's. I'm diggin' the six-man parties and evolved combat, but I just expected more.” (7.2 out of 10)
Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 (Dreamcast)
#9
“In case you missed my review of the original Phantasy Star Online, I was a huge fan. Sure, single-player sucked, but the character building and online social aspects were so addictive I thought every console gamer should give it a try. Version 2 is basically the same game, so I feel the same way. But if you have played the first, it's a bit disappointing: Many minor annoyances remain, there's no new classes, or true levels, battle mode is sloppy, lobby soccer is a joke and the extra $15 fee sucks. The only cool additions are the challenge mode, (hopefully) no more cheating and some of the new items. Is it worth another purchase? For me, barely.” (7.5 out of 10)
Phantasy Star IV (Genesis)
#8
“I must admit, from first glance, this game just didn't look too great. It took quite some playing for the story to progress, but once it did, you get involved. There is good selection of magic weapons and other assorted role-playing game items to keep you happy. The only drawbacks were the lack of graphic detail and the fact that the music can get annoying. However, it's still a top RPG with enough gameplay to get you wrapped up in it.” (7.75 out of 10)
Phantasy Star II (Genesis)
#7
“Role-playing games aren't my thing, but this one has a monstrous quest anyone can get involved with and lost in. Plan to spend many days solving this 6-meg brainbuster! I wish the battle scenes were on landscapes instead of a boring blue grid, but all in all, Phantasy Star II is presented well.” (8 out of 10)
Phantasy Star III (Genesis)
#6
“One of the best role-playing games ever! Phantasy Star 3 blows away the previous games, although it isn't necessarily more challenging overall. The game throws in a lot of new features, like different generations who each will encounter their own quests to overcome. Awesome RPG!” (8 out of 10)
Phantasy Star Collection (Game Boy Advance)
#5
“I missed out on the Phantasy Star series up until now, but almost everything I'd heard was true. The first two games hold up surprisingly well – great characters, interesting stories and lively, colorful graphics highlight these soul-crushingly difficult old-school quests. Phantasy Star III isn't nearly as bad as I'd heard, but it's still a mediocre RPG that fails to live up to its heritage. But it's hard to complain when you're getting two classics (and Phantasy Star III) at such a bargain price – just be prepared for a challenge.” (8.2 out of 10)
Phantasy Star Online (Dreamcast)
#4
“Phantasy Star Online is a beautiful, beautiful game, easily one of the best-looking I've ever seen. But, as a single-player game, it's also one of the most boring and monotonous I've ever experienced. Going into the same level 20 times on ‘fetch quests' and fighting the same boring enemies thousands of times isn't exactly my idea of fun. The monster A.I. is crap, there are tons of collision problems and the lock-on is weak. Thankfully, though, the ‘online' part of Phantasy Star Online's name isn't just there for show – this title really is meant to be played on the internet, and as a multiplayer game it succeeds wonderfully.” (8.25 out of 10)
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution (GameCube)
#3
“Episode III is like going to a strip club: There's a whole lotta teasing going on, but the true prize/goal is frustratingly inaccessible. For most PSO fans, this card-game detour – complete with new graphics – will only make you want a real action RPG sequel even more. Be that as it may, Episode III will please deep thinkers. It's a lot more complicated than your typical card game, with multiple layers of attack-defense strategy to worry about. Naturally, pursuing those ultrarare cards is what will keep you playing, but if you like simpler adventures, stay away.” (8.7 out of 10)
Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II (Xbox)
#2
“To paraphrase Michael Corleone, ‘Just when I thought I was out of PSO, it pulls me back in.” With so many ways to customize and improve your character, this wildly addictive game is once again keeping me up all night – even two years after I first started playing it. Gripes? I have a few: Some graphics still pop into view, and the camera in split-screen is atrocious. Still, voice chat makes this, by far, the best version of an already amazing experience.” (9 out of 10)
Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus (GameCube)
#1
“Stay away from this game. Sure, it appears innocent enough. You might even think it looks repetitive and mindless (it is). But if you dare to play it, Phantasy Star Online will, ever so slowly, sink its addictive claws into your brain, never to let go, even after you've beaten it once. Or twice. Or more ... The hook is the pacing: PSO drip-feeds you just enough experience points and rare items that you'll be back again and again to get more and more. And since this disc has two full games, don't think you'll be able to kick this habit easily. Split-screen, however, isn't all it's cracked up to be. Bad camera angles + tiny screens = massive frustration.” (9.3 out of 10)
