Phantasy Star 0 (DS) Review
200 years ago, something happened. Something big… so big in fact that the world was catastrophically altered, and all history before and even the event itself have been forgotten. Before this moment in time, the three races lived here. Now, however, humans have worked hard at rebuilding their society. Casts (the race of living robots) that still can have only begun to turn back on again. They are the last of their kind with no memories of anything at all. Newmen are now the stuff of legend… long gone to the new pre-history.
This is the world that Phantasy Star 0 drops you into, and let you in on an adventure to understand what the “Great Blank” really is… and maybe, just maybe, save the world from a second one. It’s impossible to explain more then this without ruining the story of the game, but to it’s credit, the species you play will both change how the story begins as well as control details along the way, truly making the game a little more unique for each player. Sadly, the reason I cant explain anything more is because the game is pretty short and direct. The main game is about 6 missions, each can be completed in a about an hour. Thankfully there are side-missions to pad the length of the game as well as supply extra details about the world of the game, but the length is an issue.
Gameplay-wise, this game is instantly familiar to anyone who has ever played Phantasy Star Online, including the return of the old style action palette, literally allowing you to custom set each what each button (as well as each button when you hold down the left bumper) does while in combat. It isn’t a direct port from PSO, though, as you no longer lose that second set of techniques when your mag is ready to drop it’s own attack for you. (That is now controlled by holding both bumpers to charge it.) You also now have a new super-shot system in which holding down a button to attack will charge your character to do a super technique (provided you have enough Photon Points left to do it), adding even more depth to an already classic and well made engine!
Sadly, not all changes here were good, as the gunplay can be a little stiff if you are not moving when you start firing. You will get the classic 3-hit combo system this way, but when you are done, you wont move for a moment, leaving you vulnerable. But overall, that is a very minor complaint. This game is as fun as the original was, and carries with it almost the exact same feel. This game is absolutely solid.
In addition to the single player campaign, you can play with up to 3 others in a multiplayer mode with it’s own quests to complete, and here the game really shines. Playing exactly like you did on your own, you can play locally or with others online and the DS doesn’t miss a beat, making for a fun as hell game (and for many, a trip down memory lane). The only issue I can bring up with this mode is communication.
When you play with random people on a Nintendo Console, you assume there will be restrictions. In this case, you are limited to a list of 15-20 phrases which you can click on to say in-game. That in itself is not too bad, but when you can not find a Goodbye to leave without being rude, or something to say “you choose” or “after you” to not demand the lead possition in a group, it almost becomes useless at times. Frustratingly so.
Playing with others you have traded friend codes with (I refuse to knock a game for using something the system it’s on has made manditory) is a little better. Now in addition to these phrases, you can draw what you want to say, and even save drawings for later, giving you quick access to much more usefull (or amusing depending on what you want to do) messages on the field. While this is definately a step in the right direction, and has a “cool factor” to it, I can’t help but wonder why Sega didn’t use the mic built right into the DS. After all, when playing as a team, nothing beats voice communication, as the popularity of XBox Live has proven to us all. My advice: If you can do it, play this game with all your buddies being on a voice network to the side.
Graphically, I have to say I am impressed with this one. This is easily the best looking DS title to date (even including 2D games Ive played on the system), and with almost no slowdown at all. When the battle is at it’s heaviest and you are looking at 11 or more characters (who all look amazing) on the screen at once, there isn’t even a hint of a stutter, so enjoy your battles at their best and in full power. This game will offer you nothing less, and show you just how powerful your handheld system is.
I still have to say almost no slowdown, though, as the game clearly gears itself to do this. When the enemies are loading in is when you see the framerate drop, as if the game is swapping power from it’s graphics to load for that half second. Obviously this has no effect on gameplay, but it is notable because when you first see it, you will wonder for a second… then you will stop caring as wave 2 comes in hard and fast and in all it’s graphical (and gameplay) glory. Also worth noting is how the game sections off the map. Unlike other entries of the series, you will only see the room you are in, each one loading separately. Another clear indication of how they did what they did, but at the same time, another one you wont care about beyond a nod to the tactic itself.
If there is any real weak point in this game, it’s sound. Do not get me wrong, the music is actually really good and classic Phantasy Star Online, but the sounds were hardly varied. You have your generic monster growls, moans, and groans…. you generic shooting sounds, and your party’s groans of combat. Sadly, there is almost no voice-work in this game, limiting it to a few cut-scenes you will see while playing the story and a fully sung credits track, so get used to seeing text when an ally has something they want to tell you in combat.
Final Thoughts
If you are a fan of Phantasy Star Online, you would be foolish not to pick this game up. It is the sequel you have wanted for about a decade. If you are a fan of this kind of game (Diablo, Torchlight, ect.) you may well want to give this game a shot. It’s not a perfect match, but it is enough of the same kind of game to entertain, and with free internet gaming and at a $35 asking price, you can’t go wrong here.
Now if you will excuse me, I have some final side-missions to finish myself. See you on the surface.
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