Phantasy Star
Overview
Phantasy Star is a series of console role-playing video games and other supplementary media. The franchise was created by Sega, a Japanese multinational video game developer and publisher. The series debuted in 1987 on the Master System with Phantasy Star, and continues into the present with Phantasy Star Online 2 and other extensions of the Phantasy Star Online sub-series. Each of the games in the series features a science fantasy setting featuring a cross-genre combination of magic and technology.
Gameplay
The Phantasy Star games are traditional role-playing games with turn-based battles, with some exceptions. The original series is noted for its innovation in graphics, particularly its detailed overhead exploration and pseudo-3D (dungeon crawling) monster-battle scenes. The Phantasy Star games belong to the sub-genre of role-playing video games called Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), which are characterized by their emphasis on storytelling and character development.
Setting and Story
The original Phantasy Star series takes place in the Algol Star System, which consists of four planets: Palma, a fertile agricultural world; Motavia, a desert planet; Dezoris, an ice planet; and Rykros, a mysterious planet that reveals itself only once every thousand years. The series' storyline usually revolves around a group of adventurers who band together to fight against evil.
Characters
The Phantasy Star series is known for its strong character development and its representation of women. The first game is notable for its female protagonist, Alis Landale, a departure from the male heroes that dominated the genre at the time. Other significant characters in the series include Rolf, the protagonist of Phantasy Star II, and Chaz Ashley, the protagonist of Phantasy Star IV.
Reception
The Phantasy Star series has generally been well received by critics. The original Phantasy Star was awarded the Best Game of the Year in 1988 by Electronic Gaming Monthly. The series is often cited for its high quality of graphics, gameplay, and story.
Legacy
The Phantasy Star series has had a significant impact on the role-playing genre. The series introduced several innovative features that have since become standard in the genre, including an epic, dramatic, character-driven storyline; a strong emphasis on character development; and a unique setting that blends science fiction and fantasy elements.