Phantasy Star Collection

Phantasy Star Collection is a compilation of the original games in the Phantasy Star series. The game was developed by Sega and released for the Nintendo GameBoy Advance on November 24, 2002.

Developer: Sega
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: November 24, 2002
Platforms: GBA
JustRPG Score:
 90%
Pros:
+Appealing character models.
+Two games for the price of one.
+Visually appealing.
+Classic RPG elements.
Cons:
-No replay value.
-Graphics dated by today’s standards.

Overview

Phantasy Star Collection Overview

Phantasy Star Collection is a combination of the two original Phantasy Star games, ported to the Nintendo GameBoy Advance. These games play like traditional role playing games with a sci-fi setting. The character models are very visually appealing and the setting is charming. Overall these are classic games and any serious RPG gamer should give them a try at least once.

Phantasy Star Collection Screenshots

Phantasy Star Collection Featured Video

Full Review

Phantasy Star Collection Review

 

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The Phantasy Star series of sci-fi games were among the finest RPG’s ever released. These 4 games appeared well before the next-gen consoles and mighty computers While providing the prevailing foundation for what was to become Phantasy Star Online, thePhantasy Star’s were “stars” in their own right. They were, without a doubt, the first long-play, gigantic world, 3D dungeon RPG’s that contained all the familiar elements that appear in today’s games. The games featured a healthy variety of hero equipment and magic capabilities.

 

Sega and THQ revived the first 3 games in Phantasy Star Collection exclusively for the Gameboy Advance. Overlook the dated graphics and primitive sounds. These games contain compelling stories, plenty of exploration, heaps of monster combat, and medium to lengthy completion times. Phantasy Star III, subtitled “Generations of Doom” was my personal favorite and a milestone of RPG gaming. In III, once you complete the first major quest, you began the second and third game stages with the offspring of the first’s heroes. A first for any RPG, I believe. Even to this day, the clever concept has not been repeated. III contained such memorable tunes that I still listen to them.

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The Games

Phantasy Star was released on the Sega Master System in 1987, if you can believe it. (That’s the same yearFinal Fantasy was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System.) Your party of three travels though several worlds, even space. (What was it about these early RPG’s and space travel? The first twoUltima’s on the PC stretched from swords and sorcery to space travel as well.)

 

Phantasy Star II was released in 1988 on the Sega Genesis. Three also adventure in this game. The planet is being overtaken by a rather despicable computer. Be prepared to travel to other planets again. The combat engine rocks big-time.

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Phantasy Star III was released on the Sega Genesis in 1990. Alien mutants now threaten the peace of the galaxy. As mentioned above the journey spans across three generations of hero-explorers. There are more worlds to visit and conquer. This game presented several different endings depending on your chosen path through the game.

 

Simply for historical perspective, Phantasy Star IV was released on the Sega Genesis in 1993, and is not included in the Collection.

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Bottom LineIn the words of my frugal aunt, “What a deal!!” The Collection now retails for under $20, and recent eBay prices have been in the $13-15 range. These are terrific bargains for at least 45 hours of solid gameplay.

 

Final Grade: 90%

Screenshots

Phantasy Star Collection Screenshots

Videos

Phantasy Star Collection Videos

Phantasy Star Collection Trailer

Guides / Links

Phantasy Star Collection Guides / Links

Phantasy Star Collection Wikipedia Entry

FAQ/Walkthrough