Phantasy Star Online Ep.3 - A Worthy Direction?

Thanks to Kikizo for their article discussing Phantasy Star Online Episode 3: C.A.R.D Revolution's showing at the Tokyo Game Show, where it was "one of the most popular playable games." PSOWorld has a detailed FAQ page on this forthcoming GameCube RPG, which offers "strategic combat using a turn-based card system." They also carry news of a special PSO Online Trilogy box set in Japan, and confirm that on PSO Ep.3's November Japanese release, the monthly subscription fees for the other Phantasy Star Online titles "...will carry over and work for PSO Ep.3, meaning no additional fee for Ep.3." The same may be true for the US release in Q1 2004, although Western response seems muted thus far - is this where you want to see the Phantasy Star series going?

Comments

Dear Sonic Team

[AlexMax2742]

I am one of your subscribors to Phantasy Star Online Episodes I and II for the Xbox. I throughly enjoy it, in spite of it's flaws. With Episode 3 looming on the horizon, I have this to say...

Seriously, what the hell were you guys thinking?

Maybe I need to play this in person to 'get it', but as of right now, I have no earthly idea how playing a card game online could make me want to pay for something like this.

What you guys should be doing is refining the engine used PSO Episodes I and II. Namely, fix the god damned targeting system, give us more levels, update the dated though still awesome looking graphics, more spells, more skin types, better lobby system).

That is something I would pay for. Not a card game. You guys had damn well better prove me wrong. Which you probably will, because...well...you're Sonic Team.

Love and Kisses

-Alex

Re:Dear Sonic Team

[bigman2003]

Not to refute what Alex said, but more to provide an opposing opinion.

I got a free copy of Phantasy Star Online I & II for the Xbox. I thought it was absolutely the worst game I have ever seen on my system. Horrible- the 'lobby system' consists of a bunch of similar looking rooms where you can either type (?) or talk to each other to go on some really, really, lame quests.

The graphics are horrible- except for the intro (but that lame music overshadowed the nice graphics), and that really cool black screen with the stars coming at you- THAT was nice.

But- if you generally like action games- this may be one you want to avoid. I have heard that it is a fantastic RPG- but personally, I couldn't further than about 10 minutes into the game before I gave up. I did this repeatedly until I decided this was not a game for me.

I'm just putting this out there, so other un-suspecting people like me don't spend their time or money on this game. Oh...I hated Knights of the Old Republic too. I guess a lot of people really liked that one...but I hated the combat system.

Now, Mechassault...THAT is a good on-line game.

Ditch the Online

[darkmayo]

They need to go back to the Phantasy Star roots and make a single player game with a great story. Maybe take aspects that people liked from PSO and take them to a single player game.. (such as creating your own character instead of the pre set Hero character)

anyways the "online" bit was the worst thing to happen to Phantasy Star.. other than number 3 :P