Phantasy Star II

aka: PSII, Phantasy Star 2, Phantasy Star II Classic, Phantasy Star II: Kaerazaru Toki no Owari ni
Moby ID: 7748

Genesis version

The Phantasy goes on….

The Good
As one of the first rpg’s released on the Genesis, PSII also marked a new beginning for both the series and the genre. In Phantasy Star II, players assume the role of Rolf, a young but incredibly capable agent working for the Motavian government. Motavia the once desert wasteland has been transformed in to a tropical paradise. Thanks to the Mother Brain, a supercomputer. One thousand years have passed since Alis and company defeated the diabolical King Lassic. Peace came. But winds of change are blowing.

The Mother Brain is malfunctioning, and hideous creatures stalk Algol. People of Motavia have become lethargic under the care of the Mother Brain. Rolf is sent on a mission to determine why the Mother Brain is blowing her circuits. Will he be smart enough to unravel this mystery? And will he be brave enough to save Algol?

Seven others will join Rolf in his quest.  The return of some heroes and villains from the original Phantasy Star will thrill phans. As will the improved graphics, sound, and battle system. Gone are the first person dungeons. Replaced with top-down dungeons. They are NOT any easier however.

Phantasy Star II, also boasts one of the most original plots in rpg history. Continuing the franchises incredibly original plot line. The first Phantasy Star introduced many plot twists that are now cliché. PSII, ups the stakes. With now common, evils of technology, and darker storyline, to name a few. Phantasy Star II is an amazing sequel to an amazing game.



The Bad
Most ‘bad’ elements of this game are NOT that bad. The game is incredibly difficult by today’s and yesterday’s standards. In fact Sega realizing this, packaged the game with a free strategy guide!

The translation of the game suffers as well. Back in 1989 this was not that big of a deal. Today it just doesn’t fly. Then again FFVII has one of the worst translations ever and no one seems to mind.



The Bottom Line
I would say that PSII is not only a worthy sequel, but also one of the finest rpgs of all time. It improves on its predecessor in almost all regards. Now wonder it is the favorite of most Phantasy Star junkies. Fans of old-school rpg’s owe it to themselves to check this one out.

by MasterMegid (723) on January 24, 2006

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