Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 and 2
Platform: GCN
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Release date: October 29, 2002
|
The original "Phantasy Star Online" for the Dreamcast captivated millions and sucked man-hours by the billions. Sega now looks to do it again with "Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 and 2" on the GameCube.
Something borrowed and something new
As you might have guessed from the title, this new PSO is two games in one. The Dreamcast edition acts as the first episode while the second is a whole new adventure in completely new areas. Both are set on the planet Ragol. You've been sent to the planet's surface to investigate the disappearance of some of your fellow colonists.
Multiplayer off-line
While the game's main draw is its online mode, this latest PSO offers a four-way split-screen mode in case you want to get a local game going. You'll also have your pick of three new character types, the ninjalike HuCaseal, the aggressive RaMarl, and the spell-casting FoMar. In addition, more color and costume variations are included to make your character unique.
Speaking of new characters, you can expect a whole slew of new enemies, both large and small, throughout "Episode 2."
Transitions
Based on what we've played so far, PSO will handle better than ever on the GameCube. Even without a keyboard available, message shortcuts allow for concise, to-the-point conversations.
The game also takes advantage of the easy layout of the GameCube controller, as many commands are icon-based and each one can be assigned to each controller button.
With an already established cult following, PSO makes for the perfect title to launch Nintendo's online feature. You can expect a full review of "Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 and 2" in the very near future.
