Phantasy Star series
Encyclopedia
is a series of console role-playing
video games and other supplementary media created by Sega
. The original game debuted in 1987 on the Sega Master System
with Phantasy Star, and continues into the present with Phantasy Star Universe
, Sega's foray into the realm of MMORPGs. Each of the games in the series features a science fantasy
setting featuring a cross-genre combination of magic
and technology
.
The series takes place in two similar fictional universes. While the first four games in the series are set in the planetary system
of Algol, the later online games, Phantasy Star Online
and Phantasy Star Universe
, are set in other galaxies, with no canonical
link to the original series, but rather only features the recurrence of common themes, enemies, and the primary antagonist, Dark Force.
in Japan
on December 20, 1987, and then in the United States
in 1988. It introduced players to the planets, races, and lore of the series. It is considered a trailblazer amongst the RPG genre, both for its advanced graphics technology, and for being one of the first story-driven games released in the United States. The game centered around the adventures of Alis Landale, a young woman from Palma and notably one of the genre's first female protagonists. In a quest sparked by revenge, but sustained by urgent needs of Algol's citizens, she is joined by a muskcat named Myau, a warrior named Odin, and a wizard named Noah. Together, the group is pitted against Lassic and ultimately Darkfalz.
. It benefited from an upgrade in graphics and in the scope of its quest, as it more than twice the size of its predecessor. It tells the story of Rolf, a government agent from the town of Paseo on Motavia. In this new setting, 1,000 years after Phantasy Star, Motavia is no longer a desert world, but has been mostly converted into one lush with vegetation and animal life, thanks to a system-wide computer network known as Mother Brain. But as malfunctions throughout the network result in all sorts of catastrophes: From climate change to the appearance of mutant plant and animal life called biomonsters. Rolf changes from an agent of the government to a rebel fated to end Mother Brain's reign over the system. He is joined by a colorful cast of characters like Rudo the hunter, Hugh the biologist, and Shir the thief, all of which have their own stakes in the conflict. Beset by monsters on one side and government-deployed robots on the other, Rolf and his allies are eventually pitted against an evil from time uncounted.
setting, in contrast to the science-fiction settings of previous games. The game revolves around two factions, the Orakians and the Layans, who have been engaged in bitter conflict since their founders disappeared without explanation 1,000 years earlier. Unique to Phantasy Star III was a storyline that spanned three generations, starting with Rhys, an Orakian, and continues through two more generations, which ultimately mixes with the Layans. At the end of each generation, the player determines the next main character by choosing which of the women encountered during the adventure the characters will marry. The conflict between Orakians and Layans continues regardless of these choices, until ultimately it is revealed to be a mere consequence of a much greater struggle that connects to the two previous games.
-style panel illustrations for major cutscenes. It was also the first game in the series to have in-depth character interaction and development.
Taking place 1,000 years after Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star IV returns to the Algol Solar System, which has been in a precipitous decline after an event known as the Great Collapse. The people struggle to survive against an unforgiving climate and a resurgence of biomonsters. Amongst them are Chaz Ashley and his mentor Alys Brangwin, hunters who make a living performing various tasks for clients: From protecting citizens from monster attacks to investigating strange events. As seemingly random occurrences all tie back into the system-wide crisis, Chaz and the allies he meets during his quest must fulfill the series promise of fighting back the re-emergence of darkness. However, in this, the end of the original series, players will not only face off against the incarnation of evil, but penetrate to its very source, to rescue Algol once and for all from a bleak fate.
is a compilation of the four games from the original series, released in 1998 on the Sega Saturn
, as part of the Sega Ages
series, and only in Japan. A Game Boy Advance
version, produced by Digital Eclipse, was released for international audiences in 2002. Unlike the Saturn release, Phantasy Star IV was not included. Three of the four games were released again on the PlayStation 2
as part of the Sega Genesis Collection
and all four appeared on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
for the Xbox 360
and PlayStation 3
consoles. This compilation included special features such as behind-the-scenes information, and the ability to save the game anywhere.
is an enhanced remake
of Phantasy Star, released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2
, as Volume 1 of the Sega Ages series. It features newly designed graphics, arranged versions of music from the original game soundtrack, and fleshed out dialogue which results in both character development
and a richer story.
was released in 2005, also for the PlayStation 2
, and is an enhanced remake of Phantasy Star II
, and is volume 17 of the Ages series. It mirrors the events of the original game while adding character development and fleshing out the story in more detail. It features enhanced graphics, a revised combat system, and a re-arranged soundtrack.
s in order to play.
, released in 1992
for the Game Gear, was a spin-off of the original Phantasy Star and takes place on a colony known as Copto, founded by the heroine Alis Landale. In this new setting, Alis was once again called upon to battle evil, now in the form of a being known as Kaburon, which she is able to seal away. The majority of the game then follows the adventures of new characters, Minina and Alec, some 400 years later until they reunite with Alis, who had been in cryogenic sleep in a vigil against Kaburon's return. After Copto is saved, the game foreshadows to the reemergence of evil back in Algol, setting the stage for Phantasy Star II.
Phantasy Star Adventure
is a first-person
text adventure released in 1992 for the Game Gear, the first game of the series to be released on Sega's portable. Taking place at the same time as Phantasy Star II
, it puts the players in the shoes of an agent of Paseo. He receives a letter from friend and scientist, Ken Miller, who is studying on the ice planet Dezolis and invites him to see an important new invention. Once there, the player learns that Ken and his device are missing, initiating an investigation.
Phantasy Star II Text Adventures
were a series of eight text adventure video games available to users of Sega Meganet
, a modem
for the Sega Mega Drive
in Japan
, and later released as part of a compilation on Sega CD
. Each of the games takes place shortly before Phantasy Star II, documenting the backgrounds of its characters, and explaining what brings them to the town Paseo where they eventually team up to investigate the pervasive troubles of the Algol Solar System.
Phantasy Star Online is a series of online RPG
s originally released for Dreamcast in 2000
, and continuing on the Xbox
, Nintendo GameCube
, and Microsoft Windows
. Phantasy Star Online started a new adventure, centering on the plight of a colony of spaceships called Pioneer 2, in another star system. Players fight through a number of levels spread over four distinct areas, finally facing off against Dark Falz, a nod to the original series. In addition to the main story, players can also take the Hunter's Guild sidequests, which explores the lives of Pioneer 2's citizens, and further delve into the backstory behind the game. In the tradition of MMORPGs
, these sidequests reward players with Meseta, the chance to explore the stories behind Pioneer 2's NPC
residents, and the opportunity to obtain special weapons.
and Xbox
in 2002, and introduced several new features, such as multiplayer split-screen mode, three new character classes, game rebalancing, reduced experience point requirements, class recalibration, and five newly explorable areas.
, marked yet another departure from series establishments, featuring a card based play style. Taking place twenty-one years after Episode I and Episode II, follows the people of Pioneer 2 as they continue their settlement on the planet Ragol. The government, amidst inner strife, seeks to use a mysterious substance discovered on the planet, known as the germ, to power the newly developed Compressed Alternate Reality Data (C.A.R.D.) technology. Players take on the roles of both agents appointed by the government to explore, research, and capture the rebel elements, or the Arkz, rebel elements themselves trying to intercept and destroy the government's plans for the exploitation of the planet.
, Episode IV was an expansion of Episode I and Episode II, and a return to the PSO's hack and slash format. It features new enemies, maps, and items, in addition to those included with previous episodes. The new maps include Crater Routes, Crater Interior, and Subterranean Desert.
is an action role-playing game
by Sega's
Sonic Team
for the PC
, PlayStation 2
, and Xbox 360
. It more closely follows the series' new direction as set by Phantasy Star Online, mostly played in both a persistent online network mode, but unlike its predecessor, featured a more robust single-player story mode.
The game is set in the Gurhal Star System, which consists of three planets, each with its own unique culture and inhabitants. After the "Final Conflict", a war ending 100 years ago, a union was formed between the three planets, leading to the establishment of the Allied Army. During a celebration of the peace accord, a meteor shower facilitates the invasion of the three planets by SEED – a race of strange monsters. The game revolves around Ethan Waber, a member of an elite soldier force called the GUARDIANS, which must rally against the new threat.
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus
is an expansion pack for Phantasy Star Universe, featuring new enemies, weapons, levels, and cities. Ambition of the Illuminus continues the story online with the player's personal avatar
. Now the central character, he or she will investigate and work to restore peace in the chaotic Gurhal System. The player investigates through a series of single-player missions, meeting familiar characters like Ethan Waber. The multiplayer world was greatly expanded with new missions and dungeons.
A being known as "Dark Force" plagues the Algol planetary system every thousand years, resulting in mass destruction and loss of life. It begins its campaign of terror in subtle ways, usually subverting others to its will. Only once its pawn has either been eliminated or is no longer useful does Dark Force ever reveal itself. With each incarnation of Dark Force, a group of protectors arise to suppress it, ushering in a period of recovery and prosperity for the Algol system. This cycle of complacency and destruction continues every millennium
. In Phantasy Star IV, the source of this being known as the Profound Darkness appears as well.
The original series takes place in the Algol system, with three major planets: Palma, Motavia, and Dezolis. Palma is destroyed during the events of Phantasy Star II, when the prison satellite Gaira crashes into the planet. Several colony ships fled from the disaster, and one of those ships, the Alisa III, is the setting of Phantasy Star III. Other locations within the series include several artificial satellites and Rykros, a planet with an extremely elongated orbit. Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Universe take place in different solar systems.
Fictional races that re-occur in the series include sentient androids created by humans, called CASTs in the spin-off series, and Numans, previously called Newmans, elf
-like humanoids created by genetically engineering
DNA from humans and other, genetically engineered "biomonsters".
in Japan
on December 20, 1987. It was one of the earliest cartridges to include battery backed RAM for saving game positions
. The game featured 3D
maze-like dungeons, which players traversed in a first-person
mode. Phantasy Star, along with Dragon Quest
, and Final Fantasy
, distinguished itself as a pioneer of what came to be defined console role-playing. The first four games take place in the same universe
, as opposed to many RPG series such as Final Fantasy
, wherein successive game settings are unrelated, or, at most, superficially related. Each major Phantasy Star game adds onto the series' overall story, culminating in Phantasy Star IV which ties all of the series' plot elements together.
Both Phantasy Star Online
and Phantasy Star Universe
are their own series based on the original Phantasy Star games. They continue the theme of a persistent game universe, but are set in different planetary systems than the original games.
lead characters, Alis Landale, alongside Samus Aran
of Metroid
. It was also one of the first RPGs to feature animated monster encounters, and to allow inter-planetary travel between three planets. The game was revolutionary enough to be inducted into the GameSpy
Hall of Fame in 2000. James Fudge of GameSpy said of the game that "Everything about Phantasy Star was uncommon, fun, and strange."
Phantasy Star II is regarded by many as the forerunner for certain aspects of console role-playing games, such as an an epic, dramatic, character-driven storyline dealing with serious themes and subject matter, and a strategy-based
battle system. The game's science fiction story was also unique, reversing the common alien invasion
scenario by instead presenting Earthling
s as the invading antagonists rather than the defending protagonists. The game's strong characterization, and use of self-discovery
as a motivating factor for the characters and the player, was a major departure from previous RPGs and had a major influence on subsequent RPGs such as the Final Fantasy
series.
Nintendo Power's
staff has praised the original games, saying that Phantasy Star "was the first RPG to break out of the Dragon Quest
/ Dungeons & Dragons
mold of generic Arthurian fantasy by introducing sci-fi elements. Among its many other accomplishments were the inclusion of characters with actual personalities, the introduction of event scenes, and the presentation of pseudo-3-D dungeons that were a technical marvel at the time." IGN
writer Jeremy Conrad stated that "anyone who played video games through the 8 and 16-bit eras would know that name [Phantasy Star]" and called the first four main series games "epic".
Many of the series' spin-offs, including Online Episodes I & II and Phantasy Star Zero, have generally favorable scores on Metacritic
.
as rebel leaders in a complex and political struggle between the royal family of Algol, including Alis Landale, and infiltrators from Earth who had taken control of Algol as of Phantasy Star II. Consistent with the series, all paths from the conflict still lead back to Dark Force and its progenitor, the Profound Darkness. As a retroactive effort, the details revealed in the compendium may not have reflected the original intentions for the series, and as such met with resistance from long-time series fans for over-complicating the storyline.
The Phantasy Star Memorial Drama, released in 1995 by Softbank
, was a CD featuring music and dialogue to tell a new story around the characters of Phantasy Star IV. Set three years prior to the game's events, it involves Rune Walsh helping Chaz Ashley recall sealed memories of his days as a petty thief. The story revolves around an artificial intelligence called Gene, which in the wake of the Great Collapse, is convinced that humanity is to blame for Algol's troubles, and initiates a number of plans to eliminate them. It also features the "spiritual" return of Nei from Phantasy Star II in a new character of the same name, who helps Chaz stop Gene's sinister ambitions.
Role-playing video game
Role-playing video games are a video game genre with origins in pen-and-paper role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, using much of the same terminology, settings and game mechanics. The player in RPGs controls one character, or several adventuring party members, fulfilling one or many quests...
video games and other supplementary media created by Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
. The original game debuted in 1987 on the Sega Master System
Sega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
with Phantasy Star, and continues into the present with Phantasy Star Universe
Phantasy Star Universe
is an action roleplaying game by Sega's Sonic Team for the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360. In Japan, it was released for the PC and PlayStation 2 on August 31, 2006, with the Xbox 360 version releasing on December 12, 2006. Its North American release was on October 24, 2006, available in all...
, Sega's foray into the realm of MMORPGs. Each of the games in the series features a science fantasy
Science fantasy
Science fantasy is a mixed genre within speculative fiction drawing elements from both science fiction and fantasy. Although in some terms of its portrayal in recent media products it can be defined as instead of being a mixed genre of science fiction and fantasy it is instead a mixing of the...
setting featuring a cross-genre combination of magic
Magic (gaming)
Some role-playing games or game systems can include a set of rules that are used to portray magic in the paranormal sense. These rules simulate the effects that magic would have within the game context, according to how the game designer intended the magic to be portrayed...
and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
.
The series takes place in two similar fictional universes. While the first four games in the series are set in the planetary system
Planetary system
A planetary system consists of the various non-stellar objects orbiting a star such as planets, dwarf planets , asteroids, meteoroids, comets, and cosmic dust...
of Algol, the later online games, Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online is an online multiplayer action RPG title, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000, bundled with a demo of Sonic Adventure 2. Another edition, entitled Phantasy Star Online ver.2, was released for Dreamcast the following year...
and Phantasy Star Universe
Phantasy Star Universe
is an action roleplaying game by Sega's Sonic Team for the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360. In Japan, it was released for the PC and PlayStation 2 on August 31, 2006, with the Xbox 360 version releasing on December 12, 2006. Its North American release was on October 24, 2006, available in all...
, are set in other galaxies, with no canonical
Canon (fiction)
In the context of a work of fiction, the term canon denotes the material accepted as "official" in a fictional universe's fan base. It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction, which are not considered canonical...
link to the original series, but rather only features the recurrence of common themes, enemies, and the primary antagonist, Dark Force.
Original series
The original series takes place in the Algol Solar System, which consists of four planets - Palma, the world of green, Motavia, the world of desert, Dezolis, the world of ice, and the mysterious Rykros, whose elongated orbit brings it within visible range only once every thousand years. Throughout the series, players travel to all four planets, interacting with each unique set of inhabitants and discover the secrets to the solar system's genesis, which is irrevocably tied to an ancient conflict.Phantasy Star
was the first installment of the series, released for the Sega Master SystemSega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on December 20, 1987, and then in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in 1988. It introduced players to the planets, races, and lore of the series. It is considered a trailblazer amongst the RPG genre, both for its advanced graphics technology, and for being one of the first story-driven games released in the United States. The game centered around the adventures of Alis Landale, a young woman from Palma and notably one of the genre's first female protagonists. In a quest sparked by revenge, but sustained by urgent needs of Algol's citizens, she is joined by a muskcat named Myau, a warrior named Odin, and a wizard named Noah. Together, the group is pitted against Lassic and ultimately Darkfalz.
Phantasy Star II
, released in March 1989, marked the series' transition to the Sega Mega Drive/GenesisSega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
. It benefited from an upgrade in graphics and in the scope of its quest, as it more than twice the size of its predecessor. It tells the story of Rolf, a government agent from the town of Paseo on Motavia. In this new setting, 1,000 years after Phantasy Star, Motavia is no longer a desert world, but has been mostly converted into one lush with vegetation and animal life, thanks to a system-wide computer network known as Mother Brain. But as malfunctions throughout the network result in all sorts of catastrophes: From climate change to the appearance of mutant plant and animal life called biomonsters. Rolf changes from an agent of the government to a rebel fated to end Mother Brain's reign over the system. He is joined by a colorful cast of characters like Rudo the hunter, Hugh the biologist, and Shir the thief, all of which have their own stakes in the conflict. Beset by monsters on one side and government-deployed robots on the other, Rolf and his allies are eventually pitted against an evil from time uncounted.
Phantasy Star III
, released for the Mega Drive in 1990 and on the Genesis in 1991 was a departure from the norms of the series in that it mostly took place in a medieval fantasyFantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
setting, in contrast to the science-fiction settings of previous games. The game revolves around two factions, the Orakians and the Layans, who have been engaged in bitter conflict since their founders disappeared without explanation 1,000 years earlier. Unique to Phantasy Star III was a storyline that spanned three generations, starting with Rhys, an Orakian, and continues through two more generations, which ultimately mixes with the Layans. At the end of each generation, the player determines the next main character by choosing which of the women encountered during the adventure the characters will marry. The conflict between Orakians and Layans continues regardless of these choices, until ultimately it is revealed to be a mere consequence of a much greater struggle that connects to the two previous games.
Phantasy Star IV
was released in Japan in November 1993, in the United States in February 1995, and in Europe in December 1995. Building on its predecessors, it added a number of innovative features, such as pre-programmable combat maneuvers called "Macros", combination attacks between two or more characters and mangaManga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
-style panel illustrations for major cutscenes. It was also the first game in the series to have in-depth character interaction and development.
Taking place 1,000 years after Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star IV returns to the Algol Solar System, which has been in a precipitous decline after an event known as the Great Collapse. The people struggle to survive against an unforgiving climate and a resurgence of biomonsters. Amongst them are Chaz Ashley and his mentor Alys Brangwin, hunters who make a living performing various tasks for clients: From protecting citizens from monster attacks to investigating strange events. As seemingly random occurrences all tie back into the system-wide crisis, Chaz and the allies he meets during his quest must fulfill the series promise of fighting back the re-emergence of darkness. However, in this, the end of the original series, players will not only face off against the incarnation of evil, but penetrate to its very source, to rescue Algol once and for all from a bleak fate.
Compilations and Remakes
The popularity of Phantasy Star in both the east and west prompted Sega to re-release the games of the original series, both within larger game compilations, and in standalone enhanced remakes.Phantasy Star Collection
Phantasy Star CollectionPhantasy Star Collection
Phantasy Star Collection's North American release was met with generally favorable reviews, earning an aggregate score of 76 out of 100 on MetaCritic. Critics noted that although the game was outdated, it still held up with its innovations to the genre. They praised the games' uniqueness upon their...
is a compilation of the four games from the original series, released in 1998 on the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
, as part of the Sega Ages
Sega Ages
Sega Ages refers to a number of compilations or re-releases of classic video games from developer and publisher Sega.-Saturn version:Sega-AM2 released several Sega Ages games for the Sega Saturn in Japan:...
series, and only in Japan. A Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
version, produced by Digital Eclipse, was released for international audiences in 2002. Unlike the Saturn release, Phantasy Star IV was not included. Three of the four games were released again on the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
as part of the Sega Genesis Collection
Sega Genesis Collection
The Sega Mega Drive Collection is a video game compilation for the PlayStation 2 and PSP, compiled and emulated by Digital Eclipse and released in the U.S. in 2006 and Europe and Australia in 2007...
and all four appeared on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, known as the Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection in PAL regions, is a compilation of video games developed by Backbone Entertainment for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles...
for the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
consoles. This compilation included special features such as behind-the-scenes information, and the ability to save the game anywhere.
Phantasy Star Generation 1
Phantasy Star Generation 1Phantasy Star Generation 1
Phantasy Star Generation:1 is a role-playing game released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and is an enhanced remake of Phantasy Star, originally released for the Sega Master System in 1987....
is an enhanced remake
Enhanced remake
A video game remake is a game closely adapted from an earlier title, usually for the purpose of modernizing a game for newer hardware and contemporary audiences. Typically, a remake shares essentially the same title, fundamental gameplay concepts, and story elements of the original game...
of Phantasy Star, released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, as Volume 1 of the Sega Ages series. It features newly designed graphics, arranged versions of music from the original game soundtrack, and fleshed out dialogue which results in both character development
Character development
Character development may refer to:* The change in characterization of a dynamic character, who changes over the course of a narrative.* Character creation, especially for games...
and a richer story.
Phantasy Star Generation 2
Phantasy Star Generation 2Phantasy Star Generation 2
Phantasy Star Generation:2 is a role-playing game released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and is an enhanced remake of Phantasy Star II, originally released for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive in 1989...
was released in 2005, also for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, and is an enhanced remake of Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star II is a console role-playing video game developed by Sega AM7 and released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan in 1989. It was also released for the Mega Drive in Europe and the Genesis in America in 1990...
, and is volume 17 of the Ages series. It mirrors the events of the original game while adding character development and fleshing out the story in more detail. It features enhanced graphics, a revised combat system, and a re-arranged soundtrack.
Spin-offs
These games were tangents from the original series, in some cases featuring characters from those games, and in others following storylines only loosely connected to the main continuum. They were released for their respective systems only in Japan, and as such, fans have had to rely on fan translations of ROMROM image
A ROM image, or ROM file, is a computer file which contains a copy of the data from a read-only memory chip, often from a video game cartridge, a computer's firmware, or from an arcade game's main board...
s in order to play.
, released in 1992
1992 in video gaming
-Events:-Notable releases:* Gremlin Graphics releases Zool, Amiga's answer to Mario and Sonic. It goes on to become the best selling Commodore Amiga game, boosting the already popular computer to be the leading gaming machine in Europe....
for the Game Gear, was a spin-off of the original Phantasy Star and takes place on a colony known as Copto, founded by the heroine Alis Landale. In this new setting, Alis was once again called upon to battle evil, now in the form of a being known as Kaburon, which she is able to seal away. The majority of the game then follows the adventures of new characters, Minina and Alec, some 400 years later until they reunite with Alis, who had been in cryogenic sleep in a vigil against Kaburon's return. After Copto is saved, the game foreshadows to the reemergence of evil back in Algol, setting the stage for Phantasy Star II.
Phantasy Star Adventure
Phantasy Star Adventure
Phantasy Star Adventure is a first-person text adventure role-playing video game developed by Sega for the Game Gear portable system. It is the first Game Gear based on the Phantasy Star series...
is a first-person
First person (video games)
In video games, first person refers to a graphical perspective rendered from the viewpoint of the player character. In many cases, this may be the viewpoint from the cockpit of a vehicle. Many different genres have made use of first-person perspectives, ranging from adventure games to flight...
text adventure released in 1992 for the Game Gear, the first game of the series to be released on Sega's portable. Taking place at the same time as Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star II is a console role-playing video game developed by Sega AM7 and released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan in 1989. It was also released for the Mega Drive in Europe and the Genesis in America in 1990...
, it puts the players in the shoes of an agent of Paseo. He receives a letter from friend and scientist, Ken Miller, who is studying on the ice planet Dezolis and invites him to see an important new invention. Once there, the player learns that Ken and his device are missing, initiating an investigation.
Phantasy Star II Text Adventures
Phantasy Star II Text Adventures
Phantasy Star II Text Adventures were a series of eight text adventure videogames available to users of Sega Meganet, a modem for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan, and later released as part of two compilations on the Sega Mega-CD...
were a series of eight text adventure video games available to users of Sega Meganet
Sega Meganet
The Sega Toshokan, Sega Game Library or Sega Meganet was a network service in Japan for people using the Sega Mega Drive. Debuting in 1990, this was the first time online multiplayer console gaming was possible. However, the service was not very successful and was eventually discontinued...
, a modem
Modem
A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...
for the Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and later released as part of a compilation on Sega CD
Sega Mega-CD
The is an add-on device for the Mega Drive video game console, designed and produced by Sega and released in Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The device was also released in North America under the name Sega CD, for the Sega Genesis...
. Each of the games takes place shortly before Phantasy Star II, documenting the backgrounds of its characters, and explaining what brings them to the town Paseo where they eventually team up to investigate the pervasive troubles of the Algol Solar System.
Phantasy Star Online
Role-playing game (video games)
Role-playing video games are a video game genre with origins in pen-and-paper role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, using much of the same terminology, settings and game mechanics. The player in RPGs controls one character, or several adventuring party members, fulfilling one or many quests...
s originally released for Dreamcast in 2000
2000 in video gaming
-Events:* May 11–13 — 6th annual Electronic Entertainment Expo ; the 3rd annual Game Critics Awards for the Best of E³* June 26 — International Game Developers Association renamed from Computer Game Developers Association...
, and continuing on the Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
, Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
, and Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
. Phantasy Star Online started a new adventure, centering on the plight of a colony of spaceships called Pioneer 2, in another star system. Players fight through a number of levels spread over four distinct areas, finally facing off against Dark Falz, a nod to the original series. In addition to the main story, players can also take the Hunter's Guild sidequests, which explores the lives of Pioneer 2's citizens, and further delve into the backstory behind the game. In the tradition of MMORPGs
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of role-playing video games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....
, these sidequests reward players with Meseta, the chance to explore the stories behind Pioneer 2's NPC
Non-player character
A non-player character , sometimes known as a non-person character or non-playable character, in a game is any fictional character not controlled by a player. In electronic games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer through artificial intelligence...
residents, and the opportunity to obtain special weapons.
Episode I & II
Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II, was not a simple port of the Dreamcast game(only episode I). It included a brand new episode not available in the original Dreamcast version (PSO Episode II is not to be mistaken with PSO Version 2 available for the Dreamcast). The game was released for the Nintendo GameCubeNintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
and Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
in 2002, and introduced several new features, such as multiplayer split-screen mode, three new character classes, game rebalancing, reduced experience point requirements, class recalibration, and five newly explorable areas.
Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution, released only for the Nintendo GameCubeNintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
, marked yet another departure from series establishments, featuring a card based play style. Taking place twenty-one years after Episode I and Episode II, follows the people of Pioneer 2 as they continue their settlement on the planet Ragol. The government, amidst inner strife, seeks to use a mysterious substance discovered on the planet, known as the germ, to power the newly developed Compressed Alternate Reality Data (C.A.R.D.) technology. Players take on the roles of both agents appointed by the government to explore, research, and capture the rebel elements, or the Arkz, rebel elements themselves trying to intercept and destroy the government's plans for the exploitation of the planet.
Episode IV: Blue Burst
Released exclusively for Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
, Episode IV was an expansion of Episode I and Episode II, and a return to the PSO's hack and slash format. It features new enemies, maps, and items, in addition to those included with previous episodes. The new maps include Crater Routes, Crater Interior, and Subterranean Desert.
Phantasy Star Universe
Action role-playing game
Action role-playing games form a loosely defined sub-genre of role-playing video games that incorporate elements of action or action-adventure games, emphasizing real-time action where the player has direct control over characters, instead of turn-based or menu-based combat...
by Sega's
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
Sonic Team
Sonic Team
is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based...
for the PC
IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible computers are those generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT. Such computers used to be referred to as PC clones, or IBM clones since they almost exactly duplicated all the significant features of the PC architecture, facilitated by various manufacturers' ability to...
, PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, and Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
. It more closely follows the series' new direction as set by Phantasy Star Online, mostly played in both a persistent online network mode, but unlike its predecessor, featured a more robust single-player story mode.
The game is set in the Gurhal Star System, which consists of three planets, each with its own unique culture and inhabitants. After the "Final Conflict", a war ending 100 years ago, a union was formed between the three planets, leading to the establishment of the Allied Army. During a celebration of the peace accord, a meteor shower facilitates the invasion of the three planets by SEED – a race of strange monsters. The game revolves around Ethan Waber, a member of an elite soldier force called the GUARDIANS, which must rally against the new threat.
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus
is the first expansion of Sonic Team's internationally popular online RPG Phantasy Star Universe, available for the PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. Released initially in Japan on September 27, 2007, for PlayStation 2 and PC, subsequent territorial releases followed on November 20, 2007, when North...
is an expansion pack for Phantasy Star Universe, featuring new enemies, weapons, levels, and cities. Ambition of the Illuminus continues the story online with the player's personal avatar
Avatar (computing)
In computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user's alter ego or character. It may take either a three-dimensional form, as in games or virtual worlds, or a two-dimensional form as an icon in Internet forums and other online communities. It can also refer to a text...
. Now the central character, he or she will investigate and work to restore peace in the chaotic Gurhal System. The player investigates through a series of single-player missions, meeting familiar characters like Ethan Waber. The multiplayer world was greatly expanded with new missions and dungeons.
Common elements
The plot, setting, and themes of the Phantasy Star series vary dramatically from the franchise's early installments to the multiplayer titles of today. Phantasy Star, Phantasy Star II, and Phantasy Star IV all deal with the concept of evil as a living, sentient entity that takes an active interest in galactic events.A being known as "Dark Force" plagues the Algol planetary system every thousand years, resulting in mass destruction and loss of life. It begins its campaign of terror in subtle ways, usually subverting others to its will. Only once its pawn has either been eliminated or is no longer useful does Dark Force ever reveal itself. With each incarnation of Dark Force, a group of protectors arise to suppress it, ushering in a period of recovery and prosperity for the Algol system. This cycle of complacency and destruction continues every millennium
Millennium
A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
. In Phantasy Star IV, the source of this being known as the Profound Darkness appears as well.
The original series takes place in the Algol system, with three major planets: Palma, Motavia, and Dezolis. Palma is destroyed during the events of Phantasy Star II, when the prison satellite Gaira crashes into the planet. Several colony ships fled from the disaster, and one of those ships, the Alisa III, is the setting of Phantasy Star III. Other locations within the series include several artificial satellites and Rykros, a planet with an extremely elongated orbit. Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Universe take place in different solar systems.
Fictional races that re-occur in the series include sentient androids created by humans, called CASTs in the spin-off series, and Numans, previously called Newmans, elf
Elves in fantasy fiction and games
In many works of modern fantasy, elves are a race of semi-divine humanoid beings.-Characteristics and common features:Modern fantasy literature has revived the elves as a race of semi-divine beings of human stature who are friendly with animals. Fantasy elves are different from Norse elves and the...
-like humanoids created by genetically engineering
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct human manipulation of an organism's genome using modern DNA technology. It involves the introduction of foreign DNA or synthetic genes into the organism of interest...
DNA from humans and other, genetically engineered "biomonsters".
History
The original Phantasy Star was released for the Sega Master SystemSega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on December 20, 1987. It was one of the earliest cartridges to include battery backed RAM for saving game positions
Saved game
A saved game is a piece of digitally stored information about the progress of a player in a video game. This saved game can be reloaded later, so the player can continue where he or she had stopped...
. The game featured 3D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
maze-like dungeons, which players traversed in a first-person
First person (video games)
In video games, first person refers to a graphical perspective rendered from the viewpoint of the player character. In many cases, this may be the viewpoint from the cockpit of a vehicle. Many different genres have made use of first-person perspectives, ranging from adventure games to flight...
mode. Phantasy Star, along with Dragon Quest
Dragon Warrior
Dragon Warrior, known as in Japan, is the first role-playing video game in the Dragon Quest media franchise. It was developed by Chunsoft for the Nintendo Entertainment System and published by Enix in Japan in 1986...
, and Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy (video game)
is a fantasy role-playing video game created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, developed and first published in Japan by Square in 1987. It is the first game in Square's Final Fantasy series...
, distinguished itself as a pioneer of what came to be defined console role-playing. The first four games take place in the same universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
, as opposed to many RPG series such as Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy
is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and is developed and owned by Square Enix . The franchise centers on a series of fantasy and science-fantasy role-playing video games , but includes motion pictures, anime, printed media, and other merchandise...
, wherein successive game settings are unrelated, or, at most, superficially related. Each major Phantasy Star game adds onto the series' overall story, culminating in Phantasy Star IV which ties all of the series' plot elements together.
Both Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online is an online multiplayer action RPG title, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000, bundled with a demo of Sonic Adventure 2. Another edition, entitled Phantasy Star Online ver.2, was released for Dreamcast the following year...
and Phantasy Star Universe
Phantasy Star Universe
is an action roleplaying game by Sega's Sonic Team for the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360. In Japan, it was released for the PC and PlayStation 2 on August 31, 2006, with the Xbox 360 version releasing on December 12, 2006. Its North American release was on October 24, 2006, available in all...
are their own series based on the original Phantasy Star games. They continue the theme of a persistent game universe, but are set in different planetary systems than the original games.
Reception and legacy
Games in the Phantasy Star franchise have overall been well-received by fans and critics alike. The original four games in the series are typically regarded as classics for the RPG genre. Upon its initial release, the series was praised for its unique futuristic setting, something that had not been done yet in the genre. Phantasy Star is recognized as featuring one of the first femaleFemale
Female is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces non-mobile ova .- Defining characteristics :The ova are defined as the larger gametes in a heterogamous reproduction system, while the smaller, usually motile gamete, the spermatozoon, is produced by the male...
lead characters, Alis Landale, alongside Samus Aran
Samus Aran
is the protagonist of the Metroid video game series. Introduced in the 1986 video game Metroid, Samus is a female ex-army soldier bounty hunter usually fitted with a powered armor suit with weapons that include beams and missiles...
of Metroid
Metroid
is an action-adventure video game, and the first entry in the Metroid series. It was co-developed by Nintendo's Research and Development 1 division and Intelligent Systems, and was released in Japan in August 1986, in North America in August 1987, and in Europe in January 1988...
. It was also one of the first RPGs to feature animated monster encounters, and to allow inter-planetary travel between three planets. The game was revolutionary enough to be inducted into the GameSpy
GameSpy
GameSpy Industries, Inc., known simply as GameSpy, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related services and software. GameSpy dates back to the 1996 release of an internet Quake server search program named QSpy. The current...
Hall of Fame in 2000. James Fudge of GameSpy said of the game that "Everything about Phantasy Star was uncommon, fun, and strange."
Phantasy Star II is regarded by many as the forerunner for certain aspects of console role-playing games, such as an an epic, dramatic, character-driven storyline dealing with serious themes and subject matter, and a strategy-based
Tactical role-playing game
A tactical role-playing game is a type of video game which incorporates elements of traditional role-playing video games and strategy games. In Japan these games are known as , a designation which might seem peculiar to native English speakers...
battle system. The game's science fiction story was also unique, reversing the common alien invasion
Alien invasion
The alien invasion is a common theme in science fiction stories and film, in which extraterrestrial life invades Earth either to exterminate and supplant human life, enslave it under a colonial system, harvest humans for food, steal the planet's resources, or destroy the planet altogether.The...
scenario by instead presenting Earthling
Earthling
Earthling is a term commonly used in science fiction to identify humans as opposed to extraterrestrials. The literary effect aimed for is a distancing effect, inviting the readers to contemplate their own species as it might be seen from an external point of view...
s as the invading antagonists rather than the defending protagonists. The game's strong characterization, and use of self-discovery
Journey of self-discovery
The term "journey of self-discovery" refers to a travel, pilgrimage, or series of events whereby a person attempts to determine how they feel, personally, about spiritual issues...
as a motivating factor for the characters and the player, was a major departure from previous RPGs and had a major influence on subsequent RPGs such as the Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy
is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and is developed and owned by Square Enix . The franchise centers on a series of fantasy and science-fantasy role-playing video games , but includes motion pictures, anime, printed media, and other merchandise...
series.
Nintendo Power's
Nintendo Power
Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo of America, but now run independently. As of issue #222 , Nintendo contracted publishing duties to Future US, the U.S. subsidiary of British publisher Future.The first issue published was...
staff has praised the original games, saying that Phantasy Star "was the first RPG to break out of the Dragon Quest
Dragon Quest
, published as Dragon Warrior in North America until 2005,Due to the inconsistent usage by sources since Square Enix obtained the naming rights to Dragon Quest in North America. Dragon Quest has been used by sources to refer to games released solely under the Dragon Warrior titles...
/ Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
mold of generic Arthurian fantasy by introducing sci-fi elements. Among its many other accomplishments were the inclusion of characters with actual personalities, the introduction of event scenes, and the presentation of pseudo-3-D dungeons that were a technical marvel at the time." IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
writer Jeremy Conrad stated that "anyone who played video games through the 8 and 16-bit eras would know that name [Phantasy Star]" and called the first four main series games "epic".
Many of the series' spin-offs, including Online Episodes I & II and Phantasy Star Zero, have generally favorable scores on Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
.
Media
The Phantasy Star Compendium was a specialty book published by Sega in late 1995, filled with production art, game development details, and expanded information on the characters, worlds, and lore of the original series. It purported to establish a clear connection between all four games, and elaborate further on the full story of the Algol Solar System. Amongst the connections it established were identifying Laya and Orakio of Phantasy Star IIIPhantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
is a traditional console roleplaying game that was released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan in April 1990 and in the United States in the summer of 1991...
as rebel leaders in a complex and political struggle between the royal family of Algol, including Alis Landale, and infiltrators from Earth who had taken control of Algol as of Phantasy Star II. Consistent with the series, all paths from the conflict still lead back to Dark Force and its progenitor, the Profound Darkness. As a retroactive effort, the details revealed in the compendium may not have reflected the original intentions for the series, and as such met with resistance from long-time series fans for over-complicating the storyline.
The Phantasy Star Memorial Drama, released in 1995 by Softbank
SoftBank
is a Japanese telecommunications and internet corporation, with operations in broadband, fixed-line telecommunications, e-Commerce, Internet, broadmedia, technology services, finance, media and marketing, and other businesses....
, was a CD featuring music and dialogue to tell a new story around the characters of Phantasy Star IV. Set three years prior to the game's events, it involves Rune Walsh helping Chaz Ashley recall sealed memories of his days as a petty thief. The story revolves around an artificial intelligence called Gene, which in the wake of the Great Collapse, is convinced that humanity is to blame for Algol's troubles, and initiates a number of plans to eliminate them. It also features the "spiritual" return of Nei from Phantasy Star II in a new character of the same name, who helps Chaz stop Gene's sinister ambitions.
External links
- Phantasy Star Cave Complete Phantasy Star fan site with guides and a wide community.
- The Phantasy Star Pages Comprehensive Phantasy Star page.
- Interview with Rieko Kodama, Creator of Phantasy Stars I, II, and IV
- History of: The Phantasy Star series Sega-16's complete retrospective on the series.
- History of Phantasy Star