The Bottom Line
Phantasy Star Online has seen action on practically every major console for a reason, it is an amazing game.
Pros
- The very first online console RPG is back!
- Extremely addictive gameplay
- Huge game with even more downloadable content
Cons
- Starting to show its age
- Lousy lock-on system
- Large number of 'hacked' and copied items
Description
- Graphics: 3.5 This is a port of a game first released in 1999. Despite its age, it is still pretty.
- Sound: 3.5 The music is appropriate and the sounds are believable, but no custom soundtrack support
- Concept: 5 Very fun and original. It features the best of all MMORPGS with very few faults.
- Control: 4 Innovative controls and chat options, very tight. The lock on system is frustrating.
- Replay: 5 This game will steal your life. Quests, rare items, leveling up, all very addictive.
- Multiplayer: 4.5 Online this game gets a 5. The offline multiplayer is good, but has rough spots.
- Difficulty: 4 It will take you a LONG time to reach that elusive 200th level.
- All scores are out of 5. The overall rating is not an average of the above scores.
- The game requires an Xbox Live account for Xbox users, even to play the game offline.
- The first two months are free, then the game carries an $8.95 hunter's license fee.
Guide Review - Phantasy Star Online Episodes I & II - Xbox, GameCube
Both the Xbox and GameCube have been blessed with one of the best RPGs out there. Phantasy Star Online gives both systems the kind of quality online experience fans have been clamoring for.
PSO first debuted on the Dreamcast back in '99. Using a heavily modified version of the same game, Phantasy Star Online Episodes I & II give you two complete, deep games to play either off or online.
The offline game is fun, but online is where the magic really happens. Whether hanging out and making trades in the lobby or tackling quests with 3 other people, the community and depth of the game make this an amazing experience. Online gaming veterans and newbies alike will find more than enough in PSO to keep them enthralled for countless hours.
