Phantasy Star online was a first in many ways, it was definitely one of the first console based MMORPGs, probably one of the first online RPGs. It made full use of the internet capabilities of the Sega Dreamcast and in many ways resembles our contemporaries MMOs. Many people remember when this game first came out in 2000, bundled with a demo/beta version of Sonic Adventure 2. Phantasy Star online took the RPG genre out of the simple turn based strategy introduced by the Final Fantasy series. This game introduced an innovative Action-RPG style gameplay, that blended seamlessly into the backstory and cutscenes. Many aspects of this game would later become the norm for the Massive Multiplayer online.
Classes
Hunter- Hunters are the "warrior"-type characters. Their attacks are mostly short to medium range and can use many types of close-ranged weapons such as sabers, great swords, dual-dagger's, halberd's etc. They are deadly close up
Ranger- Rangers are the typical "archer"-type characters. Their attacks are mostly ranged and they use pistols, rifles, shotguns, and machine guns. These characters excel in ranged combat, and can be extremely deadly if used well.
Force- Force, are the typical "Mage"/"Magic"-type characters. They are also the all encompassing class for this game. They have close combat capabilities, though physical and magic attacks, and also act as the support.
Me personally, I had the most fun playing with my Force type character.
Races
Human-You do know what a human is don't you?
Newman-These are comparable to elves, or the elven race.
CASTS- This is probably the most creative race in Phantasy Star online. These are basically humanoid robot's, androids, however, the degree of which CASTS and the degree to which they resemble machines vary greatly.
One of the greatest aspect of the game is that the offline character is transferable to online which is rare even today. The game has well epic gameplay, which is almost like a really early version of Vindictus, there were varying attacks based on which buttons you pressed, however, these had to be timed down in a sequence, not just random button mashing. However, for all the good things that can be said about Phantasy Star Online, there was one glaring flaw. You are not allowed to choose the gender of your character.
Note: Another thing that ticks me off about this otherwise great game. You need to use 1 VMU per character. Sorry.
Storyline: Whether, the story line is good or bad is actually up for debate, some people like it some people flat out hate it. I found it to be okay, and somewhat engaging. The synopsis is that Pioneer 1, a spaceship containing the refugees of innumerable worlds have landed on a planet that they have found "suitable for living." As the Pioneer 2 completes it's voyage and lands on this world, there is all of a sudden a massive explosion and contact with the Pioneer 1 was lost. The heroes of this game must explore through the four sections of this world, which are the forest, the caves, the mines and the ruins. The hero must find clues, while leveling up there character. After, all of the difficulties are completed, The final level is unlocked and the final boss is unveiled. What really drew my attention was the fast leveling of the characters. It's actually easier to level by completing quests than by simple grinding, and the world's, I felt were unique, if a little campy.
Music: There is a special note to be made about the music in Phantasy Star Online episodes I and II, were phenomenal, they engrossed you completely in the world of Phantasy Star and The experience, would probably not have been as good without it. I honestly think that in music, this game alone can beat out the final fantasy series.
Graphics: The Graphics of Phantasy Star online, I feel were actually pretty remarkable. The graphics are almost on the same level as those of the popular Blizzard. I felt that were worlds were also rendered whether well. And while, we can definitely see that this was a Dreamcast era game. The graphics with all things considered were pretty good.
Left Image from gamespot, right image from james seng's blog
As an additional note, the world of Phantasy Star online was a major inspiration for "The World" in .//hack
That series would then go on to become some of the best J-RPGs I've ever played.
Whether, you love it or hate it, Phantasy Star online has had much lasting influence on the gaming world. Whether, it's the world, the mechanics or maybe even the sheer innovativeness of the game, the gaming world owes much of what it has to this game, and while it is lacking in some areas it is still one of the greatest and most influencial games ever created.
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