The true successor to "Phantasy Star Online" is here, and I had to drag myself away from it to write a review
Story: Phantasy Star Zero takes place 200 years after a war called "The Great Blank" tore through the people of Earth. You will create a character from one of 3 races: Humans, CAST, or Newmans and band together with some memorable friends to help do quests for your city as you discover the true cause of the war. Depending on what race you choose, characters while speak to you differently and it's definitely worth trying all 3 races (since their are 3 save slots). Depending on your skill level you can expect to finish the main story 11 to 15 hours
Gameplay: When you begin "Phantasy Star Zero" you can choose from 14 character classes spanning 3 different races-so you will definitely find a race that fits your preferred fighting style. Hunters use bladed weapons (from sabers to claws) Rangers used ranged weapon (from handguns to laser cannons), and Force use magical canes, staffs, and throwing blades. Their are hundreds of different weapons, 16 different types of weapons (each with different and flashy charge attacks). I just can't get into talking about all the gameplay mechanics so I'll end it by saying it all works together to create a solid experience.
Graphics: I've never seen better 3-D modeling on the Nintendo DS. Every weapon has its own unique and detailed model (although armor does not change its appearance). Protective robots that float above your shoulders can be evolved and personalized (some even give your character different types of wings). The backgrounds in the levels are pre-rendered but they are beautiful and very large.
Sound: Aside from 2 or 3 enemies that make primitive noises, the sound and music in this game are brilliant. The resemble the original Phantasy Star Online in that they have orchestrated music that rises and calms with enemy encounters and every massive boss has their own theme as well (my favorite is "Humilias" the giant samurai robot's theme).
Online Play: One main motivation for playing this game for hours and hours to come is the incentive too kick some a** with teammates online. When you are playing with random people online, the communication is limited to set phrases. When you play with friends, you can communicate using a "picto-chat" style of drawing (which also lets you save up to 20 drawings for quick use). I'm pleased to say that lag is nearly non-existent!
Replay Value: Phantasy Star Zero feels like that DS game in which you can always find something to do. With a huge variety of must have weapons, several character classes you can easily replay this game over and over again, or continue to improve your character. Their is a very large quantity of rewarding achievements and rare weapons to collect-so you are constantly being rewarded. YOU WILL GET YOUR MONEY's WORTH.
Story: 8.0
Graphics 9.5 (based on the full potential of the Nintendo DS)
Gameplay: 9.0
Sound: 8.0
Online Play : 8.5 (based on the full potential of the Nintendo DS)
Replay Value:9.0
Fun Factor: 8.9
Overall: 9.0
Last words: This game goes on the list of "must-have" hand-held Action RPG's. It's challenging , varied, and rewarding enough to keep it in the DS for a long time!