[PSP] Phantasy Star Portable Review 13

xLostCauzex · 08-21-2008, 04:37 PM

Game Title : Phantasy Star Portable
Requested By: itzzspencer

Firmware Required : CFW/OFW
Release Date: 07/31/08 JP
Developer: Alfa System

Game Description : Many people have been wondering is it worth it to import Phantasy Star Portable or should they wait for the English translated. Keep in mind that I don't speak nor can I read Japanese and yet I was able to clear 3 missions in Multi Mode and 1 Mission in Story Mode. The Game is very straightforward and just takes intuition when it comes to choosing the right option. For those who lack intuition, just jump to Youtube and look for a guide. Phantasy Star Portable is a perfect combination of Phantasy Star Online and Universe. Instead, portable is more fast paced because of the birds eye view and selectable iconic shops, instead of roaming around. There are 2 Modes to play from, Multi Mode and Story Mode. They both have the same aspects but of course Story Mode supplies a Story and Multi Mode supplies Many Missions. The game has Downloadable Content and you are able to import your Phantasy Star Universe character from your PC or PS2. Story Mode has many endings depending on your actions during dialog. The customization of your character is surprisingly broad and endless. There are 4 Species to choose from including Human, Cast, Newman and Beast. Each fall under the class category of Hunter, Ranger or Force. The graphics of the game is also phenomenal.

Storyline: After finishing his studies, the protagonist (player created character) is paired up with a cast (android) named Vivian on his missions. Vivian is a prototype made my GRM corporations, her functions such as information analysis abilities far outreach other models. Together the two of them set off to investigate on the guard machinery berserk cases that happend around the colony and realized that a woman, Helga is behind them. To make matters more complicated, SEEDs that were left behind since the last installment is discovered. But no matter how complicated things are, nothing can stop the rookie guardian and his android partner from finding out the truth and stopping the evil plans.
(Play-Asia: Story Source)

Number Of Players : 4
Genre : Action RPG
Retail Price : $48.90 USD (Play-asia.com)

Graphics out of 10 : 10/10
- The Graphics are Phenomenal from the Field to the characters. The Boss scenes are also stunning.
Sound out of 10 : 10/10
- The characters have full voice and text bubbles. You also have voice during battle which you can customize when you create your character. The BGM is great and holds true to the Phantasy Star Universe.
Controls out of 10 : 9/10
- My only problem is the lock on system of the game. When you hold L you are able to strafe left and right, but it also helps you to lock on. The problem is that when you lock on and shoot at the same time its very hard to maneuver. When you do hold L you also seem to be shooting a little bit off instead of totally locking on to the target. I only took off one point because its only a small problem, not really impacting.
Gameplay out of 10 : 10/10
- Game play is great. You go into the quest menu, accept a quest and go out and kill monsters. In the end of the stage there are bosses and the quests even have a difficulty class. So when you reach a certain level you can redo the quest again to test your character's limit. You can customize your weapons with Photon power and level up the Photon Power. You can upgrade your weapons and level up your class. In the field, to further your progression you must defeat monsters and obtain security cards which unlock the next passage. The bosses can be challenging and you need quick hands to be able to maneuver and recharge your PP of your weapon while your healing. You have slots in which you can put weapons into so you can choose those weapons during play. Items can be added to the item slots also. Your equipment has slots and you can add Armor Add ons to boost your armor. The Story has many endings depending on your choices during dialog.

Overall out of 10 : 9.8/10 S-
- In conclusion, If you want the story then just wait. But if your into the fantastic Gameplay and fun, import the game.

Video:

+ YouTube Video

Screen Shots

Canada2113 · 08-21-2008, 04:45 PM

Looks awesome, is there an official USA release date yet?

Karufah · 08-21-2008, 04:48 PM

is it playable if you don't know a word jpn ? because I read another review and it also said this game is great so I was thinking about importing this game but I am afraid of not understanding a word ^^

xLostCauzex · 08-21-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada2113

Looks awesome, is there an official USA release date yet?

Nope, Its not even announced yet. The game JUST came out when Soul Calibur 4 was released in stores. So when the date is announced I'll post it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karufah

is it playable if you don't know a word jpn ? because I read another review and it also said this game is great so I was thinking about importing this game but I am afraid of not understanding a word ^^

its playable if you familiarize yourself with the game and its options. You can just check out the DEMO guides on Youtube if you'd like. They describle the functions and everything.

I don't speak or read japanese and I still play the game.

Karufah · 08-21-2008, 04:57 PM

sounds good, I am pretty sure I'll buy this game, looks awesome, thanks for the review

itzzspencer · 08-21-2008, 05:04 PM

omg lostcauze thanks for doing my request!

im glad to read that the game is phenomenal! now i am confident in getting this game now! owe it all to you! dont ever leave pspmod

xLostCauzex · 08-21-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itzzspencer

omg lostcauze thanks for doing my request!

im glad to read that the game is phenomenal! now i am confident in getting this game now! owe it all to you! dont ever leave pspmod

lol thanks dude. Glad you liked it.

Slay3r420 · 08-21-2008, 06:59 PM

Good review, and the game looks great and all but i havent came around to getting it due to the fact its in jap....

Karufah · 08-21-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itzzspencer

omg lostcauze thanks for doing my request!

im glad to read that the game is phenomenal! now i am confident in getting this game now! owe it all to you! dont ever leave pspmod

we will never leave pspmod, actually I am quite new here

but still, i love this site ^^

Bewood · 08-21-2008, 10:56 PM

Great review, I will probably go buy it when i get the money.

You described everything great, and i enjoyed it, so thanks!

Btw karufah you've been here months after me and have almost as many posts as me

Mugen_NeS · 08-21-2008, 11:00 PM

Another awesome review, most certainly going to pick this one up.

Switchblades · 08-21-2008, 11:18 PM

Might as well wait for an English patch or a US release. The world implodes if I don't get storyline >_>"

xLostCauzex · 08-21-2008, 11:25 PM

I heard that the English Patch would be done around September, But of course im not completely sure.

Switchblades · 08-21-2008, 11:46 PM

I've beaten the demo and I'm skeptical about ordering the full from play-asia. I don't want to waste another 10 hours to get back up to my current level. Can the data from the demo be transferred directly to the full version?

xLostCauzex · 08-21-2008, 11:51 PM

Theres an Option to Import Your Demo Saved File Into The Full Game, So yes.