Phantasy Star Offline (Phantasy Star Online Version 2 (DC))

Name: scream4bruce

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Product:	Phantasy Star Online Version 2 (DC)
Date:	21.03.08 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Solid combat system, developing the MAG

Disadvantages: Poor enemies, somewhat sluggish movement

*A review of Phantasy Star Online Version 2 which only considers the offline aspect of the game!*

I don't believe there are significant differences between this and the first version of the game to warrant going for one over the other. While the official servers are down there are means of playing this game (or any other PSO title) online. However, for those who do not know enough to get it set up (like me) is it worth it for the offline experience? Firstly, there are a handful of unique character types to choose from, and then it's off to the Hunter's Guild - undertaking quest missions here sums up offline in a nutshell. The story - whatever there is of it - is not a reason to play the game. The environments are pretty but perhaps not surprisingly, the maps you'll come to carry out the missions - for all their rearrangements - become tiresome. The same can be said about the music.

Battles are in real time, such that characters can take evasive action, though movement is somewhat sluggish. Attacks can be chained via timing, and a pattern of attack, retreat, attack, retreat and so on arises in combat yet boss battles can come down to being a race of attrition. The range of enemies is disappointing, not only in the manner of palette swapping, but in their design - am not keen on having to wait for enemies to change into a form where only then are we able to deal damage to each other. While I don't like having to manage the limited inventory, developing the mysterious protector unit MAG by giving it items was nice. I gather characters level up quicker online than they do offline, which is reasonable, but there was not enough to keep me interested in the long term because of a lack of interactivity. Not bad, but the clue to its success has always been in its title.

Summary: Phantasy Star Online Version 2 for Dreamcast