Phan-tastic: Phantasy Star 0 Review

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenNovember 18, 2009
52 1,031 3 minutes read

If we were to take a trip back in time, 8 years to this very moment, I could tell you exactly where my past self would be: sitting in a sticky, orange leather chair, drinking Mr. Pibb and playing Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast.  I would have an expression on my face that existed somewhere between ecstasy and vapid occlusion.  Jumping ahead to the same day in 2006 we would see that I am sitting on a dorm couch, staring at a copy of Phantasy Star Universe and trying to determine whether or not it would serve me better as a coaster or a Frisbee.  Like so many others, I felt perplexed by how my beloved franchise could be so mismanaged as to create a game so detached from its predecessor that it was only recognizable through the use of strategic neon lights.  When Phantasy Star Zero was announced, and touted as being a true successor to Phantasy Star Online, I approached with cautious optimism.

Phantasy Star Zero lifts its rhythmic combat system wholesale from its Dreamcast predecessor.  Long time Hunters will immediately find themselves at home with the same metronomic slashes they spent hours perfecting in their youth, while neophytes will need to take time to familiarize themselves with the series’ hallmark attack cantor.  For those with little or no experience with Phantasy Star, know that the persistent tempo of battle is therapeutic for some, but may prove to be monotonous and aggravating for others.  Gamers will find familiarities in more elements than combat.  Even the sound design harkens back to the techno-agrarian themes or Ragol and the Pioneer-2.  In a lot of ways, Phantasy Star Zero feels like an expansion to Phantasy Star Online squished into your handheld; the “Lost Episode 5,” if you will.

I would not imply that Zero fails to bring anything new to the table.  The new DS installment is chock full of new areas, weapons and mags, including some secret SEGA themed items, such as Silvaria’s Lance from Valkyria Chronicles!  Sonic Team has completely reworked the Phantasy Star art style to provide a whole new world and a Pokemon-esque aesthetic that looks amazing on the tiny DS screen.  Most exciting is that, for the first time since Phantasy Star 4 on the Genesis, Phantasy Star phans have been presented with a cohesive story and a cast of characters worth caring about.  Zero implements a new story that changes based on which race you choose at the game’s onset, which encourages those of us who would usually just pick a CAST Ranger and power our way through once to take a step back and enjoy each of the three unique races.

Nintendo WiFi works fairly well for Phantasy Star Zero, but it requires friend codes, so be prepared to start scanning forums if you don’t have like-minded friends handy.  Up to four people can scour the dungeons together, communicating over a mix of PictoChat and pre-recorded “tactical” phrases, conveniently located to the far right of the screen, near your thumb.  It can get a little difficult to see when 4 people are talking at once, but the Picto bubbles always migrate away from the center of the screen, so you’ll never have to worry about missing what’s right in front of you.

For those of you who have been playing Phantasy Star Online on private servers for the past three years, grasping desperately at straws to keep your favorite game alive, then you should really be playing this game.  Anyone with pleasant memories of slashing through Boomas on the Dreamcast will melt over this title’s nostalgic charm.  New hunters had best try the combat first, as it may prove too obtuse to the Dynasty Warriors crowd, but Zero is the best thing to come out of the Phantasy Star series in years, and it stands as a testament to notion that giving fans what they ask for can be the foundation for something truly gratifying.

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenNovember 18, 2009
52 1,031 3 minutes read
Photo of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

52 Comments

  9. The touchscreen is only really used for communications. There are a few other uses, like bringing up a larger map, but luckily, they locate all of the touchscreen buttons close enough to the side of the screen that you’ll never have to use your stylus.

  10. Who reads that rag anymore? I remember when it had the maps for Mario 3 it was king, but that was the 80’s!

  11. Thanks for the review. I remember hearing about this when in came out in Japan. I’ll buy it, as I do all things Sega.

  12. I think this is a good place to start. It isn’t really linked to the others, so you won’t be missing out on some overarching story. The gameplay it similar enough to PSO that you can get the gist of why people loved it so much. I would of course suggest going back and trying PS1, PS2 and PS4 for the Genesis and Master System if you ever are so inclined – very different games, but still very good.

  14. The music is very similar to PSO’s music, but keep in mind that the DS isn’t exactly a musical powerhouse. Still, I doubt you’ll be disappointed – they do a really great job of recreating those same feelings, but making it fit within the new universe. Plus, all the old sound effects are back, so every time you pick up an item, you’ll feel nostalgic.

  15. Get the Ultimate Genesis collection. It’s $20 has all three of the first PS games and a whole bunch of other good stuff!

  16. Mr Pibb> Dr. Pepper? no way, Jose!

    Gotta get some friends together for this? Hows the lag?

  18. Cute looking charcters. I like Sarisa’s look.

    Maybe next halloween? Or will I look too much like Ulala?

  21. Mr Pibb > Dr Pepper > Pibb XTRA (yes, the name matters)

    I didn’t have any lag issues while I was playing. Online games are great, just like old times, but there’s still a lot of fun to be had offline with this one.

  22. This seems like it would work better on the PSP. There’s voice, a larger screen, and a solid online network.

  24. Good review but I have one question. If I’m level 30, and my friends are level 2, how does the game adjust for the party?

  25. It really depends on how you play and how much grinding you have to do – playing through as a Hunter generally takes less time than a Force, etc. I think you can clear story mode in 10 hours, if you don’t take side quests and skip all the story bits. You’ll want to play through at least 3 times to get the entire story (if you care for that sort of thing).

  34. The game is definitely good stuff. Probably the best co-op wifi available on the Nintendo DS. Take note, ripping graphics from the NDS isn’t exactly easy to do, and the visuals posted here are muddier than what the game really looks like. It’s when you see it all in motion that it really takes life.

  36. I have never played any of the Phantasy Star Online games, although I’ve always wanted to. If I ever get a DS, I might just try this one.

  39. This game is so good. Maybe one of the best DS games out there. It’s a must buy for Phantasy Star fans.

  45. Definitely want to pick this up. This and Kingdom Hearts are two games that I really want to try out on my DS before Pokemon Gold comes out.

  49. I think it is a good game to start. As the post said “it is testament to notion that giving fans what they ask for can be the foundation for something truly gratifying.”

  50. This wasn’t really my type of gaming, until they had this for demo at Game Stop. I seriously spent even longer playing in there than I usually do.

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