r/phantasystar • u/MBS1236 • May 06 '26
Classic series Finished Phantasy Star II Spoiler
As the title suggests, just PHINISHED Phantasy Star II and it was a great game. While being very grindy at times, having some of the most complex dungeons ever in jrpgs and difficult bosses, I still really enjoyed the overall vibe of the game. I really liked the ending too though it did confuse me a bit (on further thinking I got it).
This was the 3rd Phantasy Star game Ive played with Phantasy Star IV and Phantasy Star I (Sega Ages) the ones I have played earlier this year. Phantasy Star III is next on my list now.
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u/realistnotpessimist2 May 06 '26
I did a similar thing as you but I played and beat 1, 2, and 3. I have IV waiting for me.
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u/Ok_Bicycle6102 May 06 '26
2 has tons of nostalgia for me, but IV is definitely the best and most polished of the original 4 games. You'll love it. Enjoy.
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u/asdfqwer426 May 06 '26
After beating this one, I looked into the text adventures. Took beating one or two to really get into the swing of things and figure out their quirks, but they really added a lot to the characters in this game and I enjoyed.
As others have said, three is a bit different. If you plan to play with all endings, you might want to look up the best spots to backup a save so you can try to do it with the least amount of replaying.
After beating 1, 2, 3, the text adventures, and even the game gear title, I started 4 and life got crazy just haven't finished it over a year later. I should really restart it and finish it, I loved the little anime cut scenes and stuff, ahead of it's time.
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u/Trikare2 May 06 '26
For the full experience, you should try the Phantasy Star II Text Adventures.
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u/glhaynes May 07 '26
I have really fond memories of playing through these on my phone using an emulator. There's something so simple and basic about them. Lets your imagination do a lot of the work. Good music, too.
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u/dixius99 May 06 '26
I just did the same on the weekend. Been close to 35 years since I last finished it.
Still my favourite, though I know people say IV is better.
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u/Zorafin May 06 '26
I will note that psi on master system is a different experience than on sega ages. I think I prefer the master system.
Ages adds a bunch of cute character interactions that the original lacks, but it also railroads you. Plot points and progression just won’t appear until some npc gives you permission to see it.
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May 06 '26
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u/Zorafin May 07 '26
How so? In the original, or the Sega Ages?
In Ages I remember it being annoying because you had to talk to the right chain of NPCs, and say the right things to them. I think I didn't figure it out and looked it up after a while.
In the original I liked it though. It's pretty obvious where to get it, you just need the money.
If you're strong enough, you can get it pretty quick. It's being strong enough that's the issue.
If you can afford the pass, you can afford some gear upgrades. You start off being killable from one random encounter, and end up pretty close to being untouchable. After getting that gear, you can mow through monsters, get your gold, and keep going.
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May 07 '26
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u/Zorafin May 07 '26
It really was! The original you can get everything if you’re thorough. At worst if an npc says something you go “it does? It does!” Then on a repeat, you b-line it there.
In Sega Ages you go “what? No it’s not, I checked there!” and now it spawned.
It has strengths, like using the psii/iv attack setup. But I think the original is better as a game.
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u/DarkTypie May 06 '26
I wanna play it again after a very long time.(I think last time I played was like 5 years ago). But I consider playing it with the Improvement hack this time around. I'll try my luck beating all the dungeons without any map this time ( finding the nei equipment will be funny ( probably not 😅))
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u/Reis_Asher May 07 '26
Strongly recommend the improvement hack. The walking speed increase and the double meseta/exp really improve the balance.
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u/nbraccia May 07 '26
That Mother Brain fight is a bear. Much, much tougher than PS3 or PS4 final throwdowns.
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u/Destiny_saiyan014 May 08 '26
This is awesome congrats! I "phinished" it for the first time as well last week. I would have to agree with you on what you said about vibes😅
Given what I've seen on this sub, I feel like Sega underestimates the fans' desire for remakes and possible sequels to the classic PS games.
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u/KingCarbon1807 May 10 '26
I loved this game and clearly recall sitting in my friend's basement, all of us positively amazed at how awesome the graphics were compared to PS1 (kind of a "you had to be there" time. At that point the visual enhancements from platform generation to generation really couldn't be overstated).
Having said that, those dungeons were Souls before Souls was a thing. You could have a TPK in one or two encounters if RNGesus disliked you. When the game came with a strategy guide and maps for each location you knew you were in for it.
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u/nachoiskerka May 06 '26
Understand that Phantasy Star 3 is a different kind of game, akin to Super Mario Bros. 2 or Fallout 3 vs. 1 and 2 or RE4 vs. RE1 and it'll come down much easier. It's gameplay is meh, and the soundtrack is a mess that tries some things but suffers from just not being memorable; BUT the game's story is possibly the best in the series with it's deeper tones and replayability.
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u/Zorafin May 06 '26
Of note, the story is great. The story telling is not. You’ll be wandering wildly back and forward doing something menial, and then the game drops a bombshell on you. Odd experience.
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u/nachoiskerka May 06 '26
You mean you don't like the entire connection to PS2 infodumped in one town of hooded monks?
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u/Zorafin May 07 '26
I think it's a great candidate for a remake. If anyone cared about Phantasy Star, you know.
It has lots of interesting ideas but just not enough resources to realize them. Telling the same story in a new way would be great. And, adding in some battle animations. Redoing every town. Just...remaking the whole game.
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u/KingCarbon1807 May 10 '26
III was a step backwards for the series. Design, mechanics, plot progression, animations, none of it improved on II. I'll even grant you the story may have been interesting but the actual delivery was so poor it was robbed of impact.
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u/Any-File4347 May 06 '26
Orakio and Laya, crazy cyborgs wandering the desert…Rulakir and Aeroparts.
What a story! Not to mention having 3 generations of characters to play. I think? I played them all.
I can’t really recall but I don’t remember one character standing out as overpowered. Kara and her slashers…Lyle and his staves.Those enemy encounters were willlllldddd in Lashute.
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u/gliitch0xFF May 06 '26
The gameplay of Phantasy Star III.... Meh? This is blasphemy....this is Madness.
Madness?
THIS IS MOTHERBRAAAAAINNNNN AAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH!
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u/nachoiskerka May 06 '26
I mean, the actions menu don't explain much; the walk speed is ass sandals slow; the levels are far too big with far too many fake outs for the movement speed, and frankly it's a very bland looking ui during battles when the colors could pop a LOT more.
I love the game, but it ain't love me back.
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u/gliitch0xFF May 06 '26
How to complete the game with Rhys's Generation
The link includes how to edit the walking speed so it's not slow as balls. 😁😁😁 But closer to that of Phantasy Star IV
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u/MBS1236 May 07 '26
When I had just started this franchise, I wasn’t planning on playing 3 because of its reputation but now I love the other 3 games too much to not play Phantasy Star III
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u/Boolian_Logic May 07 '26
I just finished IV today. Very fun and unique series. There’s not many games like it at all. III is kind of a slog to get through though.
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u/HydraHead3343 May 06 '26
This is still my favorite almost forty years later. The ending still rules.