Phantasy Star Universe
Does the newest Phantasy deliver on its promises?
 | Version Xbox 360, PS2, PC | Developer Sonic Team | Publisher Microsoft | Genre RPG |
| ||
| |||||||
| |||||||
When Phantasy Star Online arrived in 2000, it revolutionised online console gaming - it was the first team-based, online RPG a console platform had seen, but offline mode was pretty much non-existent, especially after experiencing the in-depth stories within the original Phantasy Star series.
While PSO was continually updated with fixes and new missions, as well as being released across many formats, it wasn't the true sequel fans wanted. During E3 2004, SEGA released a short trailer announcing Phantasy Star Universe, but teased as to what platforms it would release on and whether it would be a sequel to PSO, the PS series, or both.
A few years on, Phantasy Star Universe is finally here, packed with both online multiplayer as well as offline story modes, and released for three formats; PS2, PC and Xbox 360, which this review is based on.
"Rather than PSO's petite lobbies, PSU raises the bar with impressive, detailed lobbies full with tonnes of players"
|
When first going online, the character creation screen appears and the user must select the type of character they wish to create. Currently Beast, Cast, Human and Newman are available but we wouldn't put it past Sonic Team to introduce more in the future. Once this has been done, it's time to customise the character.
While at first it feels similar to Phantasy Star Online, diving a little deeper reveals that there are many more customisable features, from selecting what kinds of voice they have, to various facial details. Clothes are another aspect; while initially the choice is limited, various new designs are made available (at a price) as players progress though the online mode. All players are given their own bedrooms in the game where they can chill out, prepare for battle or sort out their inventory.
"Undoubtedly, the biggest concern for most players will be the expensive monthly fee."
|
| Video Coverage (Latest Videos & Video FAQ) | |||
| PLEASE DO NOT DIRECT LINK TO ANY MEDIA FILE ON KIKIZO | |||
| Description | Dur. | Size | Details |
|
Phantasy Star Universe NEW - Most recent trailer (Japanese) (Sega) |
2.53m | 22MB | DF, SD, 30 640x480 1.5Mbps |
|
Phantasy Star Universe NEW - Gameplay demonstration CAM (Sega) |
1.28m | 11MB | DF, SD, 30 640x480 1.5Mbps |
|
Phantasy Star Universe Gameplay footage 1 (Sega) |
0.57m | 10MB | DF, SD, 30 640x480 1.5Mbps |
|
Phantasy Star Universe Gameplay footage 2 (Sega) |
0.53m | 9MB | DF, SD, 30 640x480 1.5Mbps |
|
Phantasy Star Universe Gameplay footage 3 (Sega) |
0.59m | 10MB | DF, SD, 30 640x480 1.5Mbps |
|
Phantasy Star Universe Gameplay footage 4 (Sega) |
0.29m | 4MB | DF, SD, 30 640x480 1.5Mbps |
|
Phantasy Star Universe Direct feed trailer (640x480, 1Mbps) |
3.22m | 25.67 MB | WMV |
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare