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The Phantasy Star series is one which has garnered fans from
around the globe for many years. Providing the inspiration for
Final Fantasy’s online outing and still holding a rather secure
fanbase, Phantasy Star Universe has some big-boots to fill.
Keeping the traditions of the series
intact, Phantasy Star Universe plays in Real-Time and retains
its triple-hit Timed Combo-System. Promising a forty-hour adventure
playable online with up to six friends, the system seems quite dated
when faced with the ever-increasing competition. The Host acts as
the story-lead and other players joining will bring their characters
either back through the story in jump straight-in ahead of schedule,
depending on their current progress.
The demonstration available was
limited to two playable Levels – both of which featured astronomical
 Loading
Delays both before and during play, an issue that is promised to be
rectified before release. The A.I. team-mates used when offline show
some spark and the Weapon System is encouragable; offering the
player a quick-select between two weapons at any point by simply
accessing a Weapon Wheel; enchanted weapons offer their additional
abilities through holding the R1 Button whilst pressing the correct
attack.
The animation was smooth and the
draw-distance was impressive for a PlayStation2 release, however the
dated gameplay, lack-lustre online support and late arrival of the
title are only going to harm its target sell-through. |
