Nintendo GameCube enters a whole new gaming universe with the arrival of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II.
The award-winning online adventure that caused a storm on Sega Dreamcast comes to Nintendo's home console with even more features. It's also the first game to take advantage of the Nintendo GameCube broadband and modem adaptors (released at the same time). Best of all, this is actually three games in one. Episode I is a combination of all the content from the original PSO and PSO ver.2, while Episode II is a brand new adventure exclusive to Nintendo GameCube.
If you're unfamiliar with the epic, spare-time-sapping experience that is Phantasy Star Online, here's a quick history lesson. With their home world on the brink of destruction, a population is forced to colonize another planet, Ragol. After an apparent accident destroyed the first transport ship, it's up to the Hunter's Guild to solve the mystery that cost millions of lives. That's where you come in.
With this background scenario set up, you're free to create the character who will become your online self as you explore Ragol. There are an almost infinite amount of character combinations. Will you be a gun-toting soldier, a magic-wielding mystic or a powerful android? Do you want dark hair or light? Short or tall? The choice is yours. Once your character is created, you are then free to do whatever you choose. Take part in missions, go shopping for supplies, or simply chat to fellow gamers - this is role-playing at its purest.
PSO can be played offline, all the way to the end of the game if you wish. Plus this GCN version features a split screen mode for up to four players to take part on one console. But the appeal of Phantasy Star Online is the feeling you get from fighting alongside characters controlled by real people. But it's not all gung-ho. Talking to characters is half the fun and, because you'll often be playing with people from other countries, Sega has solved the language barrier with the use of special emoticons (or smileys) for quick universal communication.
Of course, if you're a PSO veteran then all this will be familiar territory. But Episode II is a never-before-seen adventure. Featuring all-new quests, creatures, weapons and rare items; this Nintendo-exclusive game boasts even more breathtaking graphics. And if you tire of planet-side combat, you can team up for a quick game of Lobby Ball (a futuristic form of soccer). You can also download new quests and maps to keep you coming back for more. Quite simply, you ain't seen nothing like this before.
Something else you've never seen is what Phantasy Star Online does for your Game Boy Advance. You'll be able to connect your GBA to Nintendo GameCube, go into the PSO world and access special downloads for your handheld. Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II is accessible enough for non RPG-ers to get to grips with, and is a great introduction to the world of playing online. And if you're a battle-hardened PSO veteran then this new GCN version will bring all those fond memories flooding back - and give you many new ones too.
This description was provided by the publisher.
