A really big letdown. I was hoping for a much better game. Overall a shell of what it used to be.
Summary: Phantasy Star Universe isn't that bad of a game if you're prepared to dish out 10 $ every month, but with great free online games out there, this one's for the fans and the fans only. On top of that, all offline enjoyment has been stripped away and replaced by a very uninteresting story mode with god awful voice acting and choppy cutscene animation that just ruin any fun you would have otherwise had. And yes, that's right, probably the most fun thing about past PSO games has been taken away too, offline multiplayer. Don't get me wrong here, i was looking forward to this game ever since i found out about it and i really wanted it to be good, but it's just not.
Graphics- 8/10 The graphics of Phantasy Star Universe have gotten a large overhaul since the last game, i must say i was impressed when i first saw it but quickly changed my mind once i saw how emotionless the characters faces were. The cut scenes in the game, (which you will come across every minute or so) have some really bad model interaction. All of the characters seem to be shaking like they are recovering drug addicts. The boss battles looked like the only well though out part of the game. Might i also comment that the weapons take time to load in your hands.
Sound- 4/10 The sound in phantasy star uiniverse may have more variety than the previous phantasy star games, but this is by no means a good thing. By that i mean the less than believable voice acting. The actors seem like they have put no effort into it. Whenever someone screams, it's not loud enough. Whenever someone acts happy, it's very hard to believe them and so on. The sound of the weapons has been somewhat degraded as well.
Gameplay- 6/10 The gameplay furtunately has improved over the last game, you no longer have to target one enemy at a time with the flimsy targeting system and there is free camera movement. This does little however to stop the tedium that comes with repeatedly pressing the square button. Overall, the gameplay is improved, but give me some comboes or a reason to keep swinging away.
Value- 2/10 This is where the game takes a big flop. The dreaded monthly fee is back again. But you might say "you don't have to play online"! Well if you want to enjoy the game you will. Heres the big one though; there is no longer offline multiplayer support! That means you can no longer gather up 3 of your friends and go on an adventure for less than 40$! This is like taking away the heart of the game! And what wonderous mode do we get back instead? Story mode. And yes, it is as awful as you think. If you have 10$ to spend per month, just get world of warcraft. Anyone else hoping for offline fun, stay away.