Having recently marathoned the game, it seems like a good time to do a review of Phantasy Star 0. I had gone in with no knowledge of what awaited me and was actually expecting a turn based RPG. Instead I received an Action RPG, It hooked me, however, perhaps because I do not recall playing another ARPG in quite a while.
The game retains the character customization mechanics from Phantasy Star Online, and indeed even has an online mode of its very own. Upon starting the game, you are prompted to choose what race you wish to be out of three possible types. Humans, an all-around average race, CASTs, a powerful race of androids, or Newmans, a nimble, although fragile race.
Once you have chosen your race, you are prompted to choose your character's gender. More than just looks, the genders actually have their own strengths as well; Males favour strength and durability while the females favour accuracy, evasion, and even techniques (Phantasy Star's "Magic" mechanic). Next up, you'll choose your class from a set of 3. Your choices are: Hunter, a class that utilizes weapons such as swords, daggers, and spears. Ranger, a long-ranged fighter that is most adept with guns and heavy artillery, however can also debuff enemies and utilize gunblades. Force, the game's equivalent to a spellcaster class, and the only class that can learn the strongest techniques.
I chose a female Force Newman, though each race provides a different perspective on the game's storyline. As a Newman, you awaken with no memory and are greeted by your commander. Upon learning that you have amnesia, he explains that something went wrong with your descent pod, and had crash landed. He proceeds to give you orders, which you head to a nearby town to carry out. While doing so, you meet another Newman who joins you and gets you to meet up with a new friend of hers; A human that had saved her life. Thus, you enter the first field on your first quest.
Overall, the game was pretty fun (but then, I likely wouldn't have marathoned it if it were not), with my only real complaint being that it was far too easy for my liking. I admittedly screwed up during the first couple of bosses and died, but after that I do not recall a single instance of death. That said, the low difficulty may actually draw in more players than it otherwise would, so I can't fault it too much for that.
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