Phantasy Star

2008-09-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to make it sound like I know all about retro gaming or this game's influences. What I can say though is that this game has stood the test of time. And then some.

let's start at the beginning. This game was released to the Japanese public in December, 1987. That's just over six months after dragon quest. Now I've played and beaten both of these games and the difference is striking. Even though they are both rpgs released around the same time they could be in different genres. Instead of only 1 character you have 4. Instead of 1 world map there are 3. This game is just years past that other game. It even features beautifully drawn still screens for important story moments.
That isn't to say this game isn't dated. I would actually argue that this game's graphics are a step below dragon quest's. Definitely not in scope but just in sheer quality. After the all to brief scene in the beginning of the game I was inserted into what the game called a "town". I can't believe I'm saying this though, I actually got used to the graphics after a while. They were not a large impediment in my enjoyment. Mostly because the monsters, ALL of them, have unique attack animations. It isn't like they are jumping at you but if you've ever played Pokemon: Crystal you know what I mean. Not to mention the dungeons have very smooth animation. Btw, this is an fps dungeon crawler.
Once I left that initial town I was completely murdered by a scorpion and was sent back to the title screen. Did I mention this game was hard? This game kicked my ass more than a few times. It wasn't impossible but I would recommend going out and buying a whole pack of graph paper. This is because in dungeons your only view is forward. You can only look at 1/4 of your surroundings at any given time. When I started I felt like one of those dogs with the cones on their necks so I wouldn't chew my stitches but, like before, I just realized that back then this was state of the art and if I didn't like it I shouldn't be playing the game. But that's the thing.
I did like it. This game was great! It is 3 times as long as Dragon Quest and I would venture to say it was at least 3/2 as long as Final Fantasy, which came out at the exact same time. That game was a bit more advanced in gameplay mechanics but graphically and in terms of scope and depth it wasn't as good(no enemy animations!).
In short If you want another Phantsy Star Online, this game is NOT what you are looking for. The graphics have not held up very well throughout the ages, unlike Dragon Quest's, but it has a great story(you'll wanna see the final boss if you've played PSO) and a lot of heart. I haven't even said that in america we got the game in 1988 and didn't get dragon quest until 1989 and Final Fantasy until 1990(which, in Japan came out at the same time as this one). Just remember to kill the flies until you get heal! RUN from everything else!

Score then: 9.5/10
score now: 7.0/10

If you want to play this game just buy the collection of the first 3 on ebay for around thirty dollars. Sadly they haven't put this one virtual console. Currently I am playing, and thoroughly enjoying the second one. Look out for my review in the coming days(or weeks).

Beso's chagrin

2008-09-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am falz3333 and this is my blog. If you don't know what this business is all about then let me tell you. I am an avid gamer and artist. The type of games I play mostly are retro Japanese adventure titles. If it gives you any idea of what I'm talking about as of this moment I am waiting for Mega Man Legends 2 to arrive at my doorstep so I can review it for you. The reason for my sudden blog is because I just felt as though I needed to say things that other people would like to hear. This is your one stop for reviews of old, rare, great, and interesting adventures from an era when 3D gaming was blossoming and 2D had already been perfected or anything I like in general. I am open for suggestions on games you think I should discuss. Just email me at falz3333@yahoo.com

My first review is of a little gem I'd like to say was one of the most influential rpgs of it's time, but can't. Turn your attention to Phantasy Star!

falz3/4: beso's chagrin

Phantasy Star

Beso's chagrin