Phantasy Star Series

Anything from run & guns to modern RPGs, what else do you play?
User avatar
BryanM
Posts: 6117
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:46 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by BryanM »

Please also remember that "no RPGs" didn't really help the few N64 or GameCube RPGs whatsoever
As a professional analrapist, I'd like to suggest, maybe, the fact that Ogre Battle 64 came out four years after console launch.... years after Final Fantasy 7 came out, years after everyone knew Dragon Quest 7 was going to be on the Playstation (also known in these parts as the Phantasy Station X)... maybe the people who liked jRPGs knew the N64 wasn't what they needed to get, in order to play what they wanted to play.

While today, unless you're completely out of the loop, you would know that the DS and 3DS have been the JRPG machines. The fact that the Switch will have Dragon Quest XI, will be getting Fire Emblem, has Disgaea 5, has Mario + Rabbids, is getting Labyrinth of Refrain, will be getting multiple forms of Pokémon, Shin Megami Tensei 5, and is likely to get the Etrian Odyssey sequels, means a ton to a lot of people. It's this crazy thing called a supported genre. Alongside supported franchises that have been around forever.

Sorry for thinking thoughts and saying them out loud on the internet for people to hear them. Your hate boner for the internet is strong and very impressive.

Also sorry if there are overly sensitive Ogre Battle 64 fans reading this, I'm not trying to diss your jam. I was quite hyped for that game, but was understandably disappointed. Final Fantasy Tactics came out a couple years earlier, and how the hell does anyone compete against that?

(Also also, I like Shining Force quite a bit more than Fire Emblem. Sorry I killed a franchise that I love by stopping SEGA from making more of them. With my mighty analyzing powers.)
Last edited by BryanM on Sat Aug 04, 2018 4:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Squire Grooktook
Posts: 5969
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:39 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Squire Grooktook »

Strider77 wrote: All that aside how are the aesthetics and more importantly the atmosphere. PSO's audio and atmosphere did alot for me.
I'll break it down into individual pieces:

>Environments

Prrrrrreeeeeeetty good.

Not quite as strikingly colorful and exotic as some of PSO1's locales, but there are definitely areas you can feel the magical air and want to get lost in. I'm particularly fond of the bizarre cubic dragon sanctuary and the dusty, melancholy mine ruins.

>Music

Environmental themes = shit
Boss themes = pretty good

To elaborate a bit, there's a dynamic mixing going on with the field theme music. Little more advanced than the typical "enemies nearby / enemies not nearby" dual tracks of the previous game. Now you got a computer program playing dj in accordance with (random) variables like enemy density and spawns, player stats, random events, all sorts of shit.

It sucks.

Luckily the boss themes have none of that shit and most of them are pretty good. I think it has only one of the two composers who worked most of the PSO1 music, and while he's got a tough act to follow he does crank out some glorious tracks here and there (Quartz Dragon, Big Vharda). Some of the later stuff is a bit noisy though.

Actually I think they miiiiiiiight have ditched the dynamic mixing for some of the newer areas (such as Earth). Which is good. I only played a little of Earth but it had pretty solid atmosphere.

>Character designs

This is kind of interesting because a lot of the npc designs and monsters are shit but the character creator is so overwhelmingly powerful that it doesn't matter. You can pretty much create any kind of character you can imagine and look pretty damn cool from the get go so I can't really fault the shitty canon designs at all.




Overall, it's not the aesthetic powerhouse that PSO1 was, but then again those are big shoes to fill. It's overall pretty serviceable.
RegalSin wrote:Japan an almost perfect society always threatened by outsiders....................

Instead I am stuck in the America's where women rule with an iron crotch, and a man could get arrested for sitting behind a computer too long.
Aeon Zenith - My STG.
User avatar
Blinge
Posts: 5369
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2013 4:05 pm
Location: Villa Straylight

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Blinge »

Despatche wrote: they need to go back to Sonic 1/CD and rethink what they're doing.
I played Sanic CD recently. It was very underwhelming.

there was a decent amount of whelm, and the game placed me underneath this whelm.
Image
1cc List - Youtube - You emptylock my heart
User avatar
Sumez
Posts: 8019
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:11 am
Location: Denmarku
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Sumez »

BryanM wrote:The fact that the Switch will have Dragon Quest XI
Not this year it won't. No one is getting a Switch for DQXI.
User avatar
BryanM
Posts: 6117
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:46 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by BryanM »

I bought a Phantasy Station 2, with the tipping point being the thing was a DVD player, and knowing it was going to get Dragon Quest 8 on it. It's release date was TBA at the time. Not even a screenshot was released yet.

There are some people out there that just knowing it's coming is a big prerequisite. A healthy disinterest in the RPG library of the blue n' orange fps'ers and sports boxes helps, too.

In the meantime, they have... Octopath Traveler and, uh.. The Longest Five Minutes to tide them over.
User avatar
ryu
Posts: 1879
Joined: Mon May 31, 2010 6:43 pm
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by ryu »

Blinge wrote:
Despatche wrote: they need to go back to Sonic 1/CD and rethink what they're doing.
I played Sanic CD recently. It was very underwhelming.

there was a decent amount of whelm, and the game placed me underneath this whelm.
I swear Sonic CD is the hipster's choice of Sonic games. People only love it because not many played it back on the Mega CD.
blog - scores - collection
Don't worry about it. You can travel from the Milky Way to Andromeda and back 1500 times before the sun explodes.
User avatar
Blinge
Posts: 5369
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2013 4:05 pm
Location: Villa Straylight

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Blinge »

I enjoyed Wacky Workbench but most of the game plays like a Sonic 2 romhack made by a 12 year old.
Image
1cc List - Youtube - You emptylock my heart
User avatar
Strider77
Posts: 4716
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:01 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Strider77 »

I swear Sonic CD is the hipster's choice of Sonic games.
*Sonic 2.... or Adventure 2
Damn Tim, you know there are quite a few Americans out there who still lives in tents due to this shitty economy, and you're dropping loads on a single game which only last 20 min. Do you think it's fair? How much did you spend this time?
User avatar
BryanM
Posts: 6117
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:46 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by BryanM »

I do believe all the talk about the cell game being a completely unrelated project and they just slapped the name on it Cloverfield style to squeeze out some money.

It's kind of ironic the Nintendo+CyGames gauntlety-diablo clone that was released a couple days ago, Dragalia Lost, is way closer to a Phantasy Star Online Mobile sort of game.
User avatar
scrilla4rella
Posts: 933
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 2:16 am
Location: Berkeley, CA

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by scrilla4rella »

Looking forward to M2's Phantasy Star port on Switch. (Overseas releases on Nov. 15)
http://www.siliconera.com/2018/11/01/no ... r-15-2018/

The mini map addition seems tasteful.

Despite playing through 2, 3, and 4 several times I have yet to clear the first one. It's still blows my mind when I compare this to the original Dragon Quest (released a year earlier).

I imagine my December will be a lot of alternating between Ketsui and PS (sober = Ketsui ; whiskey = Phantasy Star)
User avatar
Sumez
Posts: 8019
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:11 am
Location: Denmarku
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Sumez »

What?! Is this an English version of the one that came out on PS2 back in the days??
User avatar
Specineff
Posts: 5752
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:54 am
Location: Ari-Freaking-Zona!
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Specineff »

It's the SMS version with some enhancements, not the Generation remake, if that's what you were expecting. ( I was :( )
Don't hold grudges. GET EVEN.
User avatar
GaijinPunch
Posts: 15646
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
Location: San Fransicso

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by GaijinPunch »

scrilla4rella wrote: Despite playing through 2, 3, and 4 several times I have yet to clear the first one. It's still blows my mind when I compare this to the original Dragon Quest (released a year earlier). [/quote\

Damn -- get on it. Such a great game.
I imagine my December will be a lot of alternating between Ketsui and PS (sober = Ketsui ; whiskey = Phantasy Star)
Make sure to post your whiskey thoughts in the whiskey thread.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
User avatar
GaijinPunch
Posts: 15646
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
Location: San Fransicso

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by GaijinPunch »

Specineff wrote:It's the SMS version with some enhancements, not the Generation remake, if that's what you were expecting. ( I was :( )
There are two generations version on the PS2: The remake of 1 & 2 (bad for the most part but not totally shit) and the Collection of 1,2, and 4 (amazing in every way).
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
User avatar
Sumez
Posts: 8019
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:11 am
Location: Denmarku
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Sumez »

Specineff wrote:It's the SMS version with some enhancements, not the Generation remake, if that's what you were expecting. ( I was :( )
Honestly, to me that's even better.
User avatar
GaijinPunch
Posts: 15646
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
Location: San Fransicso

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by GaijinPunch »

Sumez wrote:
Specineff wrote:It's the SMS version with some enhancements, not the Generation remake, if that's what you were expecting. ( I was :( )
Honestly, to me that's even better.
No PS2? Honestly, they will have their work cut out for them . It's M2 so I'm going to assume it will be amazing, but the PS2 one has apparently far better sound than is available in emulation . Ganelon won't over it in detail on gamengai years ago when it came out. Should find that thread.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
User avatar
scrilla4rella
Posts: 933
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 2:16 am
Location: Berkeley, CA

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by scrilla4rella »

I really hope M2 gives us the option to have the Japanese FM synth soundtrack with the English text.

I imagine the localization will be untouched but it'll be better than having to read the JPN in katakana (fuck that). It also helps that I have some nostalgia for this era of funky abbreviations (due to memory limitations) in JRPGs.
GaijinPunch wrote: Make sure to post your whiskey thoughts in the whiskey thread.
Oh, for sure :P
bigbadboaz
Posts: 1135
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:08 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by bigbadboaz »

Yeah, with M2 you can almost count on the FM synth option. For them to overlook/ignore that would be a serious disappointment.
User avatar
BrianC
Posts: 8859
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:33 am
Location: MD

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by BrianC »

bigbadboaz wrote:Yeah, with M2 you can almost count on the FM synth option. For them to overlook/ignore that would be a serious disappointment.
They actually added FM to the original SMS Fantasy Zone on the 3DS. I watched a video of Valis III for MSX2 and was reminded that it used the same FM sound chip.
User avatar
GaijinPunch
Posts: 15646
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
Location: San Fransicso

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by GaijinPunch »

I imagine the localization will be untouched but it'll be better than having to read the JPN in katakana (fuck that). It also helps that I have some nostalgia for this era of funky abbreviations (due to memory limitations) in JRPGs.
Having just watched the trailer, it looks like the text is now a more natural hiragana with katakana where appropriate, although w/ the low res font even that is hardish to read. Seems like the only change I would really love. Those features are all cool and all, but the minimap seems a bit much. Oh well. I've played the game through countless times on the SMS. Easily 10 as a kid, maybe more. Not sure I'd ever have the time for a play through before retirement, even if I had a Switch. The tunes alone bring back great memories though.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
User avatar
Specineff
Posts: 5752
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:54 am
Location: Ari-Freaking-Zona!
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Specineff »

GaijinPunch wrote:No PS2? Honestly, they will have their work cut out for them . It's M2 so I'm going to assume it will be amazing, but the PS2 one has apparently far better sound than is available in emulation . Ganelon won't over it in detail on gamengai years ago when it came out. Should find that thread.
Please let me know if you do. Thanks.
Don't hold grudges. GET EVEN.
User avatar
scrilla4rella
Posts: 933
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 2:16 am
Location: Berkeley, CA

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by scrilla4rella »

https://twitter.com/JacobNahin/status/1 ... 3227464704

So I guess the previously reported Western release date (11/15/18) for Sega Ages Phantasy Star on Switch has slipped (goddammit!) but it's still happening. New release date has yet to be announced.

(Ok, Project Octopath, it looks like you'll be in my life for a couple more weeks...)
User avatar
BrianC
Posts: 8859
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:33 am
Location: MD

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by BrianC »

I ended up buying the JP version (which has english text and the US version with FM sound). Manual is untranslated, though.
User avatar
scrilla4rella
Posts: 933
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 2:16 am
Location: Berkeley, CA

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by scrilla4rella »

BrianC wrote:I ended up buying the JP version (which has english text and the US version with FM sound). Manual is untranslated, though.
thx for the info. I may end up doing the same.
-
Looks like 12/13/18 is new overseas release date.
https://twitter.com/JacobNahin/status/1 ... 2273772545
User avatar
Squire Grooktook
Posts: 5969
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:39 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Squire Grooktook »

So I picked up PSO2 again. Nearly 4 years since I last played it.

Having played/revisited many hack and slash games in the interim, I'm still absolutely blown away by how fun and addictive the combat in this game is and how it still feels like a worthier successor to Devil May Cry than anything Platinum Games has ever made.

What I love about the combat in particular is that instead of the rote Dodge/Parry -> Combo -> Dodge/Parry -> Combo -> Repeat formula that most modern character action and hack and slash has fallen into (see, YS 7 onward, anything by Platinum, etc.) the game instead encourages you to dodge just as much with your attacks (many of which count as mobility tools in their own right) in order to keep relentless offense on. Why sit there and block the bosses attack when you can teleport above and overhead slice or combo into a devastating I-Frame move just as the attack would land? Absurdly fun, aggressive toybox, and the new classes really excel at this, with its ability to transition into several different moves at any time based on the combo state.

I'm also really happy with some of the new content. The "Challenge Mode" where everyone is set to level 1 and forced to use equipment found in the dungeon is fantastic. Exactly what I've wanted from the game for ages. Some of the new story mode solo boss fights are excellent and surprisingly challenging.
RegalSin wrote:Japan an almost perfect society always threatened by outsiders....................

Instead I am stuck in the America's where women rule with an iron crotch, and a man could get arrested for sitting behind a computer too long.
Aeon Zenith - My STG.
User avatar
GaijinPunch
Posts: 15646
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
Location: San Fransicso

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by GaijinPunch »

I quit playing about the same day Episode 3 was released, as I was repatriating back to the US, and they had just implemented the non-JP IP ban. Of course that's all gone now, and apparently it's pretty easy to connect. Are you playing on the PC? I did play for a couple of months about a year later. Took a bit to get my characters up to snuff... but then stopped. I think that was 3 years ago. I'm sure all my weapons are total garbage now.

I clocked in a shit ton of hours. It's fun as fuck, no question. No matter how much I wish it weren't so, unfortunately I have no room in my life for a game that benefits so much attention so I've not bothered to log in again... I think maybe if I was single I could make some time but then I'd probably start planning my life around the kinkyu quests and whatnot, so fuck that. Enjoy! I do miss it.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
User avatar
ryu
Posts: 1879
Joined: Mon May 31, 2010 6:43 pm
Contact:

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by ryu »

I tried getting back into it a few months ago and got absolutely overwhelmed by all the tutorials and quest systems. Ironically I had an easier time some few years back when my japanese was way worse and I could barely read anything
blog - scores - collection
Don't worry about it. You can travel from the Milky Way to Andromeda and back 1500 times before the sun explodes.
User avatar
Squire Grooktook
Posts: 5969
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:39 am

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Squire Grooktook »

GaijinPunch wrote:I quit playing about the same day Episode 3 was released, as I was repatriating back to the US, and they had just implemented the non-JP IP ban. Of course that's all gone now, and apparently it's pretty easy to connect. Are you playing on the PC?
Yup!
ryu wrote:I tried getting back into it a few months ago and got absolutely overwhelmed by all the tutorials and quest systems. Ironically I had an easier time some few years back when my japanese was way worse and I could barely read anything
It definitely feels like that instead of revising out of date content, they just layered every new idea on top until you have a Rob-esque clusterfuck of "okay, so you have to get this item, to get that item, which becomes this item, and then is combined with this weapon so that you can trade it alongside this other item in exchange for..."

That being said, it's also been streamlined a lot in some major ways so that you have a good idea what you're supposed to do every play session to progress adequately.

*edit*

Also one of the other new classes they added (Hero) gets bonuses for constantly switching weapons during combos for style points, and main weapon is a giant sword in one hand and twin pistols.

It's literally, LITERALLY Devil May Cry Online.
RegalSin wrote:Japan an almost perfect society always threatened by outsiders....................

Instead I am stuck in the America's where women rule with an iron crotch, and a man could get arrested for sitting behind a computer too long.
Aeon Zenith - My STG.
User avatar
Blinge
Posts: 5369
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2013 4:05 pm
Location: Villa Straylight

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by Blinge »

I still see 'online' and zone out completely.

also
Image

Any legit Phantasy Star player would recognise this.. :lol: :wink:
Image
1cc List - Youtube - You emptylock my heart
User avatar
GaijinPunch
Posts: 15646
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
Location: San Fransicso

Re: Phantasy Star Series

Post by GaijinPunch »

I went back to the house I grew up in a few months ago as my mother sold it. Dug through the closet -- found my home made maps.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
Post Reply