• ID = PS1018
• STYLE = Role-Playing - Adventure
• DEV. = Jack Of All Games
• PUB. = Jack Of All Games
• R-DATE = Feb-15-2005
• ESRB = T / For Teen
• PLAYERS = 1-4 players
• LIST PRICE = $49.99
  

Explore the vast Algo System and do battle with an arsenal of weapons, magical spells, and armor. Defeat the evil King Lassic to restore peace to the galaxy in Phantasy Star I. Uncover the shocking secrets of the Montavian Society in Phantasy Star II. Live through three generations to conquer monstrous mutations in Phantasy Star III.

GameCube Description & Screenshots of Similar Game:
A strangely powerful Photon-like substance found on Planet Ragol has spurred a raging battle between the Hunters and a rebel team called the Arkz. The prized matter known as "The Germ" has unique replicating powers and can be sealed in small playing card-sized packets. Warriors carrying a deck of the sought-after cards can then bring unprecedented amounts of destructive weapons and animals into battle. Fight with the Hero Hunters or on the rebels' Dark Side and stack your decks accordingly. You'll compose several powerful decks from nearly 500 cards featuring fighting moves, weapons, and PSO creatures. Teleport to awe-inspiring battlefields and throw out your best hand against other card-carrying opponents for the ultimate win, lose, or draw battle.

• Battle online opponents or play through the Story in Offline Mode.
• Interact with Hunters from PSO Episode I & II in the lobby.
• Engage in multi-player online or offline battles.
• Strategically combine Action and Assist cards to complete your powerful decks.
• This next chapter in the PSO universe continues the story of PSO Episodes I & II.

For those unaware of the game, it's a fairly basic third-person shoot-'em-up, but with detailed RPG style stats for every character, weapon and object. PC gamers might recognise it as a kind of 3-D Diablo . Like many of the best multi-player games PSO is pretty dull in single-player mode and despite the huge number of missions the repetitive combat and lack of interaction with your environment does begin to grate.

Played online though, or via the GameCube's exclusive new four-player split screen mode, the game suddenly comes alive as you work together in a group covering each other's backs and stealing rare items when nobody's looking. The three very different character classes means that no one character can do everything and teamwork is an absolute necessity, not just a noble ideal. When online you get the added bonus that the game automatically translates set words and phrases so you can actually play and chat with people from other countries. However, although the online play is free for the first 30 days, a monthly fee is charged thereafter.

The only problem with the game is that the graphics are very 2000 and the repetitive gameplay can get a bit too much after extended play. It's a unique experience though and well worth trying out. -- David Jenkins