Reviewed
05.09.2003
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sonic
Team
Format
1x
DVD (Xbox)
1x
GCD (NGC)
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
--
Gamecube --
Sep.
12, 2002
(Japan)
Oct.
29, 2002
(USA)
Mar.
7, 2003
(EUR)
--
Xbox --
Jan.
16, 2003
(Japan)
Apr.
15, 2003
(USA)
May
23, 2003
(EUR)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd
Person
Genre
Action/RPG
MMORPG
Player(s)
1-4
Options
Backup
Keyboard
--
Gamecube --
Broadband
Adapter
Modem
Adapter
--
Xbox --
Vibration
Voice
Chat
Requires
Xbox
Live (Xbox)
Importable
50% |
| Introduction |
|
> After months of being delayed, Sega finally saw fit to
release its masterpiece of a MMORPG to the Microsoft Xbox.
Phantasy
Star Online saw instant success in 2000 when it debuted on
the Sega Dreamcast, and since then has seen 4 different versions
across multiple platforms. This one is just as great as the original, with
many added features including voice chat capability. |
| Graphics |
|
> There have been some updates from its Gamecube
counterpart, but nothing major. You actually have shadows following you
around instead of circles now. The character models look smoother than
before also. The animation has been done a little better this time around
with cleaner looking spells and battles. If you are a graphic junkie I
wouldn't recommend this game, considering its a 3 year old port and the
graphics haven't changed to be considered "new". |
| Control |
|
> As we all know the Xbox pad isn't the easiest to maneuver
on, but Sonic Team made it work. The control hasn't changed
much from the previous version except for button placement. You still have
customizable chat buttons with spell and attack buttons. The game itself
is very easy to control, and if your new to the game you should have no
problem at all. |
| Sound |
|
> The built in Dolby Digital 5.1 really is amazing with this game. The
sound effects are brilliant and especially the music sounds amazing. If
you're listening to this on a good 5.1 capable receiver, you'll immediately
realize the improvement. If not it still sounds just as good on a regular
TV with Dolby Pro Logic. Other than that, the effects and music have remained
the same from previous versions. |
| Fun |
|
> This game is very addicting and fun. If you're a fan of the originals
or the Gamecube game and you have a Xbox Live
account with $8.95 to spare, then this game is for you. Offline you can
either play by yourself or with 4 friends. Online you can interact with
thousands of different players from across the country. In-game you can
play with up to 4 different players in regular team play, Challenge Mode,
or Battle Mode. The ultimate quest to reach level 200 and searching for
your next rare item will keep you coming back to this game for months or
in some cases years to come. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> This is a fun and addicting game. If you're a fan of the originals you
should definitely pick this one up. Even if you're an action/RPG fan or
just looking for a great Xbox Live game, go get this one.
The only downside is the Xbox Live requirement (obviously
not a problem for Gamecube players). |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.5 | Graphics: 8.7 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 10.0 | Fun: 9.8 |
~ Cloud
~
|
