Phantasy star+

<img src="http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/phantasy-star-zero-box-art.jpg" border="0" /> Phantasy Star is a series of console role-playing game video games and other supplementary media created by Sega. The original game debued in 1987 on the Sega Master System with Phantasy Star, and continues into the present with Phantasy Star Universe, Sega's foray into the realm of MMORPGs. Each of the games in the series features a science fantasy setting featuring a cross-genre combination of magic and technology. The series takes place in two similar fictional universes. While the first four games in the series are set in the planetary system of Algol, the later online games, Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Universe, are set in other galaxies, with no canonical link to the original series, but rather only features the recurrence of common themes, enemies, and the primary antagonist, Dark Force. <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/playstation.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/psp.jpg" border="0" /> The original series takes place in the Algol Solar System, which consists of four planets - Palma, the world of green, Motavia, the world of desert, Dezolis, the world of ice, and the mysterious Rykros, whose elongated orbit brings it within visible range only once every thousand years. Throughout the series, players travel to the all four planets, interacting with each unique set of inhabitants. Throughout the series, players discover the secrets to the solar system's genesis, which is irrevocably tied to an ancient conflict. <img src="http://pspdemos.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/phantasy-star-portable-psp-demo.jpg" border="0" /> <strong>Phantasy Star</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>was the first installment of the series, released for the Sega Master System in Japan on December 20, 1987, and then in the United States in 1988. It introduced players to the planets, races, and lore of the series. It is considered a trailblazer amongst the RPG genre, both for its advanced graphics technology, and for being one of the first story-driven games released in the United States. The game centered around the adventures of Alis Landale, a young woman from Palma and notably one of the genre's first female protagonists. In a quest sparked by revenge but sustained by urgent needs of Algol's citizens, she is joined by a muskcat named Myau, a warrior named Odin, and a wizard called Noah. Together, the group is pitted against a tyrant king, and ultimately the very incarnation of evil.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star II</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>It benefited from an upgrade in graphics and in the scope of its quest, as it more than twice the size of its predecessor. It tells the story of Rolf, a government agent from the town of Paseo on Motavia. In this new setting, 1,000 years after Phantasy Star, Motavia is no longer a desert world, but has been mostly converted into one lush with vegetation and animal life, thanks to a system-wide computer network known as Mother Brain. But as malfunctions throughout the network result in all sorts of catastrophes – from climate change to the appearance of mutant plant and animal life called biomonsters – Rolf changes from an agent of the government to a rebel fated to end Mother Brain's reign over the system. He is joined by a colorful cast of characters like Rudo the hunter, Hugh the biologist, and Shir the thief, all of which have their own stakes in the conflict. Beset by monsters on one side and government-deployed robots on the other, Rolf and his allies are eventually pitted against an evil from time uncounted.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star III</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>was a departure from the norms of the series in that it mostly took place in a medieval fantasy setting, in contrast to the science-fiction settings of previous games. The game revolves around two factions - the Orakians and the Layans - who have been engaged in bitter conflict since their founders disappeared without explanation 1,000 years earlier. Unique to Phantasy Star III was a storyline that spanned three generations, starting with Rhys, an Orakian, and continues through two more generations, which ultimately mixes with the Layans. At the end of each generation, the player determines the next main character by choosing which of the women encountered during the adventure the characters will marry. The conflict between Orakians and Layans continues regardless of these choices, until ultimately it is revealed to be a mere consequence of a much greater struggle that connects to the two previous games.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star IV</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>was released in Japan in November 1993, the United States in December 1994, and in Europe in December 1995. Building on its predecessors, it added a number of innovative features, such as pre-programmable combat maneuvers called "Macros", combination attacks between two or more characters and manga-style panel illustrations for major cutscenes. It was also the first game in the series to have in-depth character interaction and development.<!--spoiler--></span></div> Taking place 1,000 years after Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star IV returns to the Algol Solar System, which has been in a precipitous decline after an event known as the Great Collapse. The people struggle to survive against an unforgiving climate and a resurgence of biomonsters. Amongst them are Chaz Ashley and his mentor Alys Brangwin, bounty hunters who make a living performing various tasks for clients – from protecting citizens from monster attacks to investigating strange events. As seemingly random occurrences all tie back in to the system-wide crisis, Chaz and the allies he meets during his quest must fulfill the series promise of fighting back the reemergence of darkness. But in this, the end of the original series, players will not only face off against the incarnation of evil, but penetrate to its very source, to rescue Algol once and for all from a bleak fate. <strong>Phantasy Star Collection</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>is a compilation of the four games from the original series, released in 1998 on the Sega Saturn, as part of the Sega Ages series, and only in Japan. A Game Boy Advance version, produced by Digital Eclipse, was released for international audiences in 2002. Unlike the Saturn release, Phantasy Star IV was not included. Three of the four games were released again on the PlayStation 2 as part of the Sega Genesis Collection and all four appeared on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection. This compilation included special features such as behind-the-scenes information, and the ability to save the game anywhere.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star Generation 1</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br> is an enhanced remake of Phantasy Star, released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, as Volume 1 of the Sega Ages series. It features newly designed graphics, arranged versions of music from the original game soundtrack, and fleshed out dialogue which results in both character development and a richer story.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star Generation 2</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>was released in 2005, also for the PlayStation 2 and is an enhanced remake of Phantasy Star II, and is volume 17 of the Ages series. It mirrors the events of the original game while adding character development and fleshing out the story in more detail. It features enhanced graphics, a revised combat system, and a rearranged soundtrack.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Spin-offs</strong> These games were tangents from the original series, in some cases featuring characters from those games, and in others following storylines only loosely connected to the main continuum. They were released for their respective systems only in Japan, and as such fans have had to rely on fan translations of ROMs in order to play. <strong>Phantasy Star Gaiden</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>released in 1992 for the Game Gear, was a spin-off of the original Phantasy Star, and takes place on a colony known as Copto, founded by the heroine Alis Landale. In this new setting, Alis was once again called upon to battle evil, now in the form of a being known as Kaburon, which she is able to seal away. The majority of the game then follows the adventures of new characters Minina and Alec some 400 years later until they reunite with Alis, who had been in cryogenic sleep in a vigil against Kaburon's return. After Copto is saved, the game foreshadows to the reemergence of evil back in Algol, setting the stage for Phantasy Star II.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star Adventure</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>is a first-person text adventure released in 1992 for the Game Gear, the first game of the series to be released on Sega's portable. Taking place at the same time as Phantasy Star II, it puts the players in the shoes of an agent of Paseo. He receives a letter from friend and scientist Ken Miller, who is studying on the ice planet Dezolis, and invites him to see an important new invention. Once there the player learns that Ken and his device are missing, initiating an investigation.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star II Text Adventures</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>were a series of eight text adventure videogames available to users of Sega Meganet, a modem for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan, and later released as part of a compilation on Sega CD. Each of the games takes place shortly before Phantasy Star II, documenting the backgrounds of its characters, and explaining what brings them to the town Paseo where they eventually team up to investigate the pervasive troubles of the Algol Solar System<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star Online</strong> Main article: Phantasy Star Online Phantasy Star Online logoPhantasy Star Online is a series of online RPGs originally released for Dreamcast in 2000, and continuing on the Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft Windows. Phantasy Star Online started a new adventure, centering on the plight of a colony of spaceships called Pioneer 1, in another star system. Players fight through a number of levels spread over four distinct areas, finally facing off against Dark Falz, a nod to the original series. In addition to the main story, players can also take Hunter's Guild sidequests, which explores the lives of Pioneer 2's citizens, and further delve into the backstory behind the game. In the tradition of MMORPGs, these sidequests reward players with meseta, the chance to explore the stories behind Pioneer 2's NPC residents, and the opportunity to obtain special weapons. <strong>Episode I & II</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II, was not a simple port of the Dreamcast game(only episode I). It included a brand new episode not available in the original Dreamcast version (PSO Episode II is not to be mistaken with PSO Version 2 available for the Dreamcast). The game was released for the Nintendo GameCube and Xbox in 2002, and introduced several new features, such as multiplayer split-screen mode, three new character classes, game re-balancing, reduced experience point requirements, class recalibration, and five newly explorable areas.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>Main article: Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution, released only for the Nintendo GameCube, marked yet another departure from series establishments, featuring a card based play style. Taking place twenty-one years after Episode I and Episode II, follows the people of Pioneer 2 as they continue their settlement on the planet Ragol. The government, amidst inner strife, seeks to use a mysterious substance discovered on the planet, known as the germ, to power the newly developed Compressed Alternate Reality Data (C.A.R.D.) technology. Players take on the roles of both agents appointed by the government to explore, research, and capture the rebel elements, or the Arkz, rebel elements themselves trying to intercept and destroy the government's plans for the exploitation of the planet.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Episode IV: Blue Burst</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>Released exclusively for Microsoft Windows, Episode IV was an expansion of Episode I and Episode II, and a return to the PSO's hack and slash format. It features new enemies, maps, and items, in addition to those included with previous episodes. The new maps include Crater Routes, Crater Interior, and Subterranean Desert.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Trailer</strong> <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.com/v/UBC433ZKjHU&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UBC433ZKjHU&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> [<strong>Phantasy Star Universe</strong> Main article: Phantasy Star Universe <strong>Phantasy Star Universe logo Phantasy Star Universe</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>is an action role-playing game by Sega's Sonic Team for the PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. It more closely follows the series' new direction as set by Phantasy Star Online, mostly played in both a persistent online network mode, but unlike its predecessor, featured a more robust single-player story mode. The game is set in the Gurhal Star System, which consists of three planets, each with its own unique culture and inhabitants. After the "Final Conflict", a war ending 100 years ago, a union was formed between the three planets, leading to the establishment of the Allied Army. During a celebration of the peace accord, a meteor shower facilitates the invasion of the three planets by SEED – a race of strange monsters. The game revolves around Ethan Waber, a member of an elite soldier force called GUARDIAN, which must rally against the new threat.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>is an expansion pack for Phantasy Star Universe, featuring new enemies, weapons, levels, and cities. Ambition of the Illuminus continues the story online with the player's personal avatar. Now the central character, he or she will investigate and work to restore peace in the chaotic Gurhal System. The player investigates through a series of single-player missions, meeting familiar characters like Ethan Waber. The multiplayer world was greatly expanded with new missions and dungeons.<!--spoiler--></span></div><!--spoiler--></span></div>