Phantasy Star (Master System, 1988)

My review can not do this game justice...

This game really had it all; strategy, music, interesting enemy's, logical increases in experience and defense, a story, humor, even great graphics for an 8-bit system. The graphics of this game could be considered SUPERIOR over its peers back in the day.

This is a long game. Can not win it in a single day. I would guess a gamer needs a week while a game reviewer may need only 20 hours. A guy like me will need a couple months to finish this game, (took me six months to win BUT hey I was busy working and stuff).
The music is upbeat and not irritating like the music can be in so many other 8-bit and even 16-bit games.

ABOUT THE GAME: You are Alis and it is your goal to defeat Lassic, a once good king who has turned evil. You are joined by 3 friends; Myau, Odin and Noah, (you must find them and supply them with weapons & armor and use and protect them). You explore several dungeons, towns, villages, shops, castles on three different planets to find clues on how to defeat Lassic. You must gain experience, learn spells, upgrade weapons/armor and find special items to do this.

The character names above differ from the original Japanese names and were created for the English translation of the game. Master System cartridges work in any Master system regardless of region so if you come across a Japanese cartridge from 1987, then you have an original. The game requires a lot of reading of "clues" so if you play a Japanese language cartridge on your Master System, then you'll either need to know how to read Japanese or hire a kid who does.

A lot of thought went into this game. Some of the dungeons are very vast, you'll need to map some of these to find your way (CHEAT - maps are everywhere on the Internet - die hard fans have very detailed web sites dedicated to this game). Some of the special circumstances in the game are very creative and just solidify the story.

The cartridge has a battery back up (CR2032) to save up to four different games. Back up your game often.

There are a few good games for the Sega Master System, but Phantasy Star is one of the only MUST HAVE games. One of the greatest games on ANY Sega home video game console and, arguably, one of the BEST RPG's to hit U.S. consoles, ever.

BOTTOM LINE
This game is the reason you need a Sega Master System. Anyone who plays RPG's should brush up on this historical game. Anyone who collects Sega stuff should not toot his/her horn too loudly unless this is in the collection. It is a must have and a must play!

Excellent condition. Really love the game. I love how this game cartridge has lasted over the years and love the game saves.

This is, in my opinion, the best game on the Sega Master System. While Nintendo had Dragon Warrior, Final Fantasy and Zelda for there RPG games, Sega Master System had Phantasy Star. I can easily say that this game is the best 8 bit RPG ever made. In fact, it push the limits of what this console can do. The music and graphics are excellent for their time. It even had a strong story line with pictures of what the characters were doing and the game takes about 20+ hours to beat if it is your first time playing it. Most people probably buy a Master System just to play this game. It is worth it, but you will not find many other games of this Quality. The only other games that are a 9 out of 10 are Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Wonderboy III and Golden Axe Warrior. This game is truely a 10 out of 10. It is to bad the series didn't do alot better. The genesis 2,3 and 4 were OK and Phantasy Star Online was excellent and ahead of it's time, but the first is truely a classic. Pick up your copy today.
Thanks,
Master Mark S. Kanaar