The Thursday Phantasy star online’s release just so happened to be the same as Soul Calibur IV, so the amount of people lined up was ridiculous. I missed the release party on the basement floor and ended up waiting outside of the front door two floors up. When the doors opened I had a two floor advantage and even with that there were still people running up the escalators. When I got to the 6th floor where the games are sold the line was crazy. I was lucky though and made it to the end of the FRONT of the line which is pretty good as there were a TON of people behind me. After about an hour of waiting and listening to the guy behind me giggle annoyingly to his friend on the phone about how he was soon going to own Soul Calibur and how happy he was to get his hands on a Soul Calibur control stick I finally got a copy of the game. My girlfriend got pissed that I didn’t get her a copy and so I was out the next day to find another copy. I found one at the same place I went before and even picked up some swag that was left over from the release party.

Phantasy Star Portable is the second chapter in the series continuing at the end of Phantasy Star Universe for PlayStation 2. In this chapter the player is the main character in the full story mode instead of Ethan Webber from chapter one. The Guardians also appear in chapter two along with the Rogues, The Graarud Kyoudan, and other characters familiar to fans of part one. There are new bosses, weapons and characters. Among the new characters is a New model Cast named Vivian who is assigned as your partner, and a mysterious woman named Helga. You are assigned to the colony to look into the activation of the guard machinery and remaining SEED awakened by Graarud and the intentions of Helga.

Gameplay

Gameplay modes include Story mode and Multimode. During Story mode the player is faced with making choices that effect the outcome of the game. In addition to story mode there is a multi mode where players can team up via adhoc to complete missions. The character created by the player can be used in multi mode and story mode which is a big and pleasant change from part one. It is even possible to switch from Story mode to Multiplayer mode on the fly by switching in the player menu.

One of the features which I’ve enjoyed since Phantasy Star Online back in the days of Dreamcast is character customization. This was grossly improved in Phantasy Star Universe for PlayStation2 and the same near endless possibilities for character individuality are brought to PSP. The player can customize eyes, for example, down to the size of the pupils, and the length of the eyelashes. Hight, weight, facial features, hair and clothing are also customizable to great detail. Not only does the player have facial features to choose from but also species. Available are Human, Cast, Newman, and Beast. Within each species is occupation (Hunter, Ranger, and Force). Each occupation also has specialization. For those who like change, the player can change these features and add accessories like sunglasses, head protectors, and hats by going to the Este in the Gaurdian Colony as in PSU for PS2. Height cannot be changed.

The most noticeable change in gameplay is Navigation in the colony. Navigation in the colony has changed from free roaming to a birds eye picture with selectable icons that represent NPCs and shopkeepers. Outside of the shop is a picture of the city you’re in and a menu with. I felt that the gameplay was faster paced than PSU because I dint have to run everywhere. The new menu system does not have a negative effect on the the quality of gameplay.

Sound

The game has full voice like PSU with text bubbles and voice during battle and true to PSU and the universe. The voice actors are the same and some of the NPCs who didn’t have a voice actor in PSU like Shiina, the Cast who worked in the Gaurdian HQ on Parum with wierd Japanese(for those who played the Japanese version of PSU) now have voice. The music is Amazing and true to the PSU universe. While it’s not the exact same fidelity as PSU it’s almost right on the money.

Online

Phantasy Star Portable’s Multi mode support’s four players. If you find yourself going up against a difficult mission and you only have one person watching your back you and your friend can Fill the empty spaces in your party with your Partner Machinery from your room, or with any NPC that gives you their partner card in Story mode. The question of worrying about who gets a rare drop is also covered. Through the settings it is possible for everyone to get the same weapon or armor regardless of who picks it up. To keep the game fresh downloadable demo’s are also available.

Character Data Import

For those who played PSU online using PC or Playstation2, Character data can be imported to the PSP. Players over level 21 will become level 20 Meseta and items will be imported or changed to Meseta. Some accessories must be changed at the Este. As mentioned earlier, player data from the Special downloadable demo is also importable. All items Meseta and stats (up to level 20 and Job rank 5) can be transferred.

Overall

With a linked online and offline mode, the possibility to import character data, new weapons, a new story, characters, downloadable missions, and multiple endings, Phantasy Star Portable will keep everyone busy well into post TGS season.