Phantasy Star Universe, the newest game to the ever popular Phantasy Star series, has once again captured our interests.
Storyline:
There's not much of a storyline online, as in most MMORPGs. However, there are missions that give off basic information that relates to the offline version of the game. It's only relevant if you've played through the story in Offline play. Otherwise, most people don't care about it.
Gameplay in General/Controls/Community:
It really depends on some users... I, myself, played the PC version for this game and found the controls to be rather tedious without a controller pad. However, since I now have it for the PS2... I can say controls are far more easier to handle. Battling is made easier, ranging from a targeting system to switching over weapons. You are now also able to wear a variety of clothing as the updates continue every week. The community itself varies also, as some people only come on to chat... others come on to level and earn meseta(currency in PSU). Lately there has been a lot of high level characters, which is usually due to hacking capabilities and other programs. It's safe to say that the people can be friendly at times and then there are others that ones should just try to avoid.
Graphics/Sound:
Each system looks exactly the same, which is probably why the Xbox 360 always gets such bad reviews. Looks good for a PS2/PC game. There are some lagging issues on the PS2, but usually only when too much is happening on the screen at once. In the PC, you can expect it to happen from internet connections. The sound in PSU is definitely orchestrated very well. Every game has that main theme that breaks apart into a bunch of mini-songs that sound like a remixed version of the main song. Otherwise, it's a good and done deal.
Author's Opinion:
The community can use some adjustments, but PSU Online offers constant updates that'll bring more of the story and understandings to come as well as a variety of weapons, moves, clothing, missions and more.
~Offline Review~
Storyline:
Even though I've only achieved a couple of chapters in the Offline play Storymode, I can say it's like every typical RPG. It's still fun to play though, especially when there's a 40 hour plot to it. PSO never offered a true story, but this one does and that adds more greatness to the game.
Gameplay/Controls/Community:
Same as Online, only without the annoying people that talk constant nonsense.
Graphics/Sounds/Dialogue:
Of course, every game has its faults when it comes to vocals. This one has a lively cast and you rarely see the Lip Synch problem. For some reason, vocals make games SO much better. The cutscenes are well animated, making offline a bit more RPGish potential over its counterpart.
Author's Opinion:
Definitely a great addition to add on for those who can't get online access.
~Overall View~
Evolving from turn-based to real-time, with more features than ever in the PS series, it's definitely a game worth getting into. Especially when the prices are as low as 20$ on Ebay and in game stores, you can't go wrong with it.