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View topic - The state of Phantasy Star in 2022

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  • Joined: 15 Aug 2019
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  • Location: Lancashire UK
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The state of Phantasy Star in 2022
Post Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 7:19 am
I've tried playing Phantasy Star a few times now on my SMS but never get very far. I also notice some of the translation issues I've read about. I heard from friends the Ni****do Switch version is much more polished and less "grindy" if that's the right word but I also see threads on SMS Power about tweaks being made to the ROM for improvements.

So my question is, in 2022 what is the best way to experience Phantasy Star to the casual gamer?

Thanks,
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  • Joined: 21 Aug 2012
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  • Location: Berlin, Germany
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 4:41 pm
I used a guide book form the 90s to play through Phantasy Star, it´s called Gamer´s Tips & Tricks. But it´s in german, though. Maybe you find a good guide book in english with some maps for full enjoyment.
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  • Joined: 23 Aug 2009
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 6:56 pm
On original hardware, here is a great place to start: https://github.com/maxim-zhao/psrp
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 8:46 pm
Going over that changelog, good thing the 12/20/2020 version had some "tyop corrections". :D
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Post Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2022 8:23 pm
Thanks everyone 👍
Will checkout the guides I think.
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  • Joined: 04 Apr 2020
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Post Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:47 am
The Switch version makes life so much better. This version was the first one I actually finished. Auto mapping & the option to increase gold and experience drops made it pretty enjoyable for me. The bestiary is a nice touch as well; it caused me to go back out and locate the few rare enemies I didn't see in my basic playthrough. The auto mapping also encouraged me to uncover every space in the dungeons, and helped me with a late-game dungeon I wouldn't have figured out on my own. You can also freely switch between PSG and FM sound.

10/10 port, would recommend along with anything else in the Sega Ages line.
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  • Joined: 24 Jun 1999
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Post Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:03 pm
Agreed, the Switch version with the automapping and "easier" version makes it maybe more enjoyable nowadays.
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Post Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2022 7:41 am
Agree with two previous posts.
I never finished the original version, no matter how many times I try. Always got lost in the dungeons that has more than one floor.
Meanwhile I always finish dungeons on Sword of Vermilion easily. Why? The difference between them is ... automapping.

Switch version of Phantasy Star has automapping, kinda like Sword of Vermilion (but you don't have to find map first) so for me it's the best way to play the game.

Picture comparisons ...

Swod of Vermilion :



SEGA Ages Phantasy Star (Switch) :

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Post Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2022 12:17 pm
Thanks buddy, how long did it take you to finish?

Oxwah wrote
The Switch version makes life so much better. This version was the first one I actually finished. Auto mapping & the option to increase gold and experience drops made it pretty enjoyable for me. The bestiary is a nice touch as well; it caused me to go back out and locate the few rare enemies I didn't see in my basic playthrough. The auto mapping also encouraged me to uncover every space in the dungeons, and helped me with a late-game dungeon I wouldn't have figured out on my own. You can also freely switch between PSG and FM sound.

10/10 port, would recommend along with anything else in the Sega Ages line.
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Post Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2022 12:19 pm
Thanks for sharing, it looks ideal on the Switch!! Think I'll check it out. How long do you reckon to complete?


bertodecosta wrote
Agree with two previous posts.
I never finished the original version, no matter how many times I try. Always got lost in the dungeons that has more than one floor.
Meanwhile I always finish dungeons on Sword of Vermilion easily. Why? The difference between them is ... automapping.

Switch version of Phantasy Star has automapping, kinda like Sword of Vermilion (but you don't have to find map first) so for me it's the best way to play the game.

Picture comparisons ...

Swod of Vermilion :



SEGA Ages Phantasy Star (Switch) :

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Post Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2022 8:17 pm
8BitBoy wrote
Thanks buddy, how long did it take you to finish?


Unfortunately the Switch doesn't get too specific with playtime, so all I can say is 15-20 hours to do my first 100% playthrough.
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Post Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:20 am
Yeah, with the "easy" option I remember finishing it in one week end.

Ha ha Sword of Vermillion. I remember saving back then (30 years ago) almost at the end of the game, wearing with the cursed armor, but very far from any village: I was condemned to die no matter what, so i had to start the game all over again.
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Post Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2022 5:15 pm
Is the PS2 Generation 1 version considered blasphemy onto lord?
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 12:15 pm
darkfalzx wrote
Is the PS2 Generation 1 version considered blasphemy onto lord?


No, I remember liking it..
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 6:57 pm
I've heard that playing it feels like a budget game, as it was (about $25 on release).
(it being rumored that they wanted to get PS4 done as well in that line, so they could bundle and release them together as per Sony of America's anti-2D policies, but that didn't happen)
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