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| Phantasy Star Online,
For Sega Dreamcast |
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| Games,
Richard Young,
26 February 2001 |
Rating: F5
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Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast represents a significant title for Sega, as it is the first console game to truly realise their original idea of co-operative, real time, online gaming. Naturally it’s fun to kick the arse of Kyoko from Japan or Randy from the USA with Chu-Chu Rocket and Quake III: Arena. The difference with PSO is that it is the first RPG where your character interacts directly with the characters of other players in a virtual universe, as you team up and blast the cyber-stuffing from hordes of fearsome beasties. You really do feel like you are taking part in something much larger than just a computer game, especially when you first power up and create your character, using one of the nine basic profiles.
The options available when creating the appearance or your character are almost infinite, which means that you are seriously unlikely to run into anyone who looks or acts the same as your own virtual self. Then it’s time to beam down from Mothership Pioneer 2 onto the surface of Ragol, which is where the fun really begins. This is where having the phone cable plugged into your Dreamcast is kind of important, as you are about to log on to one of Sega’s many specialist servers. Using Star Trek style transportation devices called “Telepipes”, you are able to join forces with up to 3 other players on your quest. Weapons and various other power ups are available throughout the game, as is the local currency, the Meseta (a kind of futuristic Peseta, I suppose).
The laws of economics apply on Ragol as much as they do anywhere else, so if you are too greedy or are even prone to a little thievery, you will actually be making things harder for yourself. Although it is impossible to harm your fellow troops, should you continue to piss them off then they will probably be more reluctant to “resurrect” you if you should die, as that is how things work in this Star-Trek like future. The real joy of this game comes from teamwork; from fighting alongside and communicating with players from around the world. It is a credit to Sega’s own Sonic Team and their attention to detail not just in the gameplay or in the graphics (which are smooth and sumptuous), but in the way everything has been thought out to make a very user-friendly game. One can plug in a keyboard to type messages, or utilise the set phrases to chat to your fellow Phantasy Star Onliners, which are automatically translated into their own language, so communication problems are never an issue. Should you meet anyone you get along with, you have the option of exchanging special “Guild” cards that enable you to look out for each other the next time you log on. There are even little Pokemon style mascots which you can train up and use in battle or trade for weapons or more Mesetas.
I could wax lyrical about the positives of this game, but unfortunately, there is just one drawback: The phone bill. It is sad but true, that the best way to enjoy PSO is also the most scary for those who are concerned about cost, and as per usual, good old British Telecom continues to squeeze its customers dry. You see, the American version of PSO allows Dreamcast owners to log on via an existing ISP whereas users in the UK need to dial up a special number to get online. Bugger. This one factor would normally push my rating down, but it’s not really Sega’s fault that BT insists on lining its own sweaty pockets as much as possible. F5 to Phantasy Star Online, and a resounding F0 to British Telecom.
Developed by Sonic Team
RRP £39.99
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