(i know it needs work, but oh well)
Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 and 2.

Is this the next best RPG to arrive to the XBOX? Well after playing 26 hours of this highly addictive game, I thinks its safe to write a review!

Graphics: Um… about the graphics. There isn’t really much to be said about the graphics in either episode of PSO. The first episode is just imported from the DC, with maybe a few touch ups. And episode 2 looks the exact same. Just bumpy, over pixilated, but easy enough to see and interpret what everything is. But for all you ‘gotta have graphics’ people out there, you really need to lighten up, because this is one game you should not miss out on. (It really should be noted that the camera, does tend to get really annoying at some times, because it sometimes just gets out of place)

Sound: Although the graphics may not have been improved, the game does support Dolby 5.1. Even though it does support 5.1 the sound isn’t all that amazing. It’s all decent like every other imported game I have played. But, it is neither annoying, or just incredible to hear, so I can’t really give much about what the sound section has to offer.

Gameplay: Well, if you have read this whole review so far, you will be wondering what’s so great about it! I mean, all you hear me talking about are the decent graphics and the decent sound, sounds like a big import game that nobody liked, right? Wrong. This game has such an incredible amount of gameplay attributes to understand. PSO will keep you playing this game over and over and over again, until you are too tired to press 1 more button. I can guarantee that anyone who is even a slight fan of RPG’s, will love this game and play it everyday from the day they purchase it.
I hate to be the one to break it to you though, but you must own XBL to be able to purchase this game. So don’t plan on seeing it in the top 10 charts anytime soon. Even though it may be the best RPG that I have ever played, only XBL users can play this game. I have no clue as to why Sega made it this way, but the fact is, they did. Also, if you haven’t heard, there will be an $8.95/month fee to pay for PSO Online. (Why does it seem I am making this game come across worse, and worse to people?) But, to make the fee seem more rational, the game is only $39.99 bran new, and you do get the first 2 months free, and Sega corp. will be making new quests, and maps, and I have overheard even a few weapons, every holiday. So, heads up for EASTER everyone! (The holidays include: Valentines Day, Easter, Christmas, HALOween, and Thanksgiving.)
Now that I have all the cons of the game out, time to get you people ready and pumped up with the pros. Well, the game it self consists of running around levels such as a Forest or a Cave, and killing very odd creatures. (With up to 4 player co-op, and 1 player on XBL) There are 12 different people to choose from. Right now I am a Ranger, a very good player who can use sabers, rifles, pistols, and swords. He is pretty much an all around guy, and he gets better and better by leveling up. (as do all the characters) All characters also have a “Mag” that hovers right behind you, at about shoulder length that you need to feed items such as monomate, or difluid, so he too can level up. As the Mag levels up, he becomes more and more powerful. He increases your characters evasion, defense, strength, and HP (Health Points). Well, as you feed the Mag, it will eventually evolve into a Kalki. When the Kalki grows in experience he will be able to launch what is called a Photon Blast. This can be very useful against a huge crowd of enemies, or a boss. (Does anywhere from 250+ damage)
Like most RPG’s, what actually makes it addictive is the leveling up factor. You will definitely notice this in PSO. Leveling up is all the fun and addictiveness that keeps you playing for hours and hours at a time. Trust me, I have owned this game sense Wednesday at 8:00 until now, and I already have 26 hours on my character. (He is only at level 19) I really wish I could explain more about this game that keeps you hooked, but it’s just so hard to explain by words. But I can guarantee you that if you ask anyone who owns or used to own PSO, they will tell you it was one of the best RPG’s ever created.

Control: Control freaks rejoice, finally an all-customizable controls game! Yes you heard me, every single button that is in PSO you are free to customize. Although I do prefer the ones that are set in normal attack section, but the secondary attack section you may want to fix. All in all, good job Sega!

Replay: PSO is the second most game that I feel I can never get sick of to play over and over again. (Halo being #1) I have found myself not being able to drop the controller because of the whole leveling up factor. I always have to have my guy up just one more level before I drop the controller, or go to bed. It’s a game that you almost have to play for at least 1 hour a day. (That is definitely the minimum number of hours, trust me you will play longer.)

Overall: Although the game may have been released 6 months after the GC version, it is still just as much as a must have game as Halo is. PSO is a game that every XBOX/XBL owner must have in his/her collection, because it is just a game you should not miss out on. Definitely worth the scores above. (Keep in mind, this is the HIGHEST score I have ever given a game)

Graphics: 5
Sound: 7
Gameplay: 9
Control: 10
Replay: 10
Overall: 9.1

nice review :thumb: just leave the score in the topic description :D

Ty insanity... how about the others though?

they're all good :thumb:

lol, ok... you gonna post em on the real site then?

yeah im gonna make u a reviewer, just ask me before you post reviews k?

Umm... what do you mean by that...?

Do you mean, dont put em in the "Pro Review" area...?

Why is it that most reviewers at sites and Magazines give the GCN version a better score? They are the exact same thing. And Phil just took this off of is review at XE didn't you, Phil? :lol:

lol, what makes you say that?

It was gonna be at xboxevolved, but the site crashed before he could post it... so... i figured why not.

no you can put them in the proreview area, just ask me before you review a game. :D

ooooh i get it.