The PK 27 -- Game No. 14

The thought of Sega's Phantasy Star II, first sequel (of many) to a game that began the company's hallmark role-playing game franchise, elicits fond memories from yours truly, and while I'll concede that the majority of games listed on the PK 27 involve nostalgia of some kind, this game is a bit different for me. In contrast to the games mentioned previously, which could -conceivably- be played again with moderate enthusiasm, Phantasy Star II is not a game I'd like to engage once more. To cut to the chase, it hasn't aged well whatsoever. By modern standards, its battle system was clunky, the graphics mediocre, the music grating, and the system for character advancement was, at best, tedious (at worst, infuriating to the point that you'd spit venom at the television screen upon encountering the same enemy sprite for the ten-thousandth time of the evening). On the other hand, the game was produced twenty years ago, and perhaps more so than any other genre, RPGs are a progressive beast; and for all my lamentation, it's a fine addition to the ever-evolving canon of the breed.

These are the things I remember most about Phantasy Star II:

1. The once-novel approach of placing the game in a science-fiction setting. At a time in which 'high fantasy' dominated the digital landscape, the Phantasy Star series was a refreshing break from the mold.

2. Nei. There will always be a soft spot in my heart for genetically-engineered humanoids (also known as numans) with lavender hair and enormous ears. (Label me a sentimentalist.) At a time when it was unheard of to kill off major characters irrevocably in RPGs, Phantasy Star II took a leap and allowed its most endearing personality to meet her demise in a spectacular, yet ultimately futile, gesture of selfless heroism.*

3. The true villains, presented at the conclusion of the game, aren't what a kid would expect, but exactly what an older kid would.

4. The strategy guide included with the game was such a (cover your eyes, mom) fucking piece of spoiler-laden bullshit. Honestly, all of the major plot points were explained with minimal warning to unsuspecting readers. Given that Phantasy Star II was quite the difficult game, a player would, obviously, benefit from the maps provided on any given page, but upon turning the page, bamn!, crucial events were revealed before you were ready to avert your eyes. (What were you thinking, guys?)

5. The artwork on the cover of the North American release (as shown at the top of this post) wasn't exactly terrible, but...


Ask me about great RPGs, and Phantasy Star II will enter into the conversation. Just don't ask me to play through it again, and we're cool.


* A Dustland Fairytale, circa 1989.