Phantasy Star II (1989)

by Christopher March 21, 1989

written by Christopher March 21, 1989 5 minutes read

Summary

A trailblazer in the RPG genre, Phantasy Star II is celebrated for its compelling story, challenging gameplay, and as a testament to the depth possible in video game storytelling.

Release Year: 1989
Genres: Role-playing (RPG)
Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Sega R&D 2
Publishers: Sega, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Tec Toy

Introduction

A defining RPG for the Sega Genesis, influencing countless games in the genre.

Synopsis

The game takes place 1,000 years after the events of its predecessor and follows the journey of a government agent named Rolf and his friends. They are on a mission to discover why the protector of the planet Mota, Mother Brain, has started malfunctioning.

The story opens on a young man named Rolf who’s being plagued by nightmares. Rolf, an agent with the central government in Paseo, the capital city of the planet Mota, is given the task of retrieving the data recorder from the Biosystems Lab, in order to learn why the lab has created such dangerous creatures.

Analysis of the data recorder shows that the Biosystems Lab has been receiving excess energy from Climatrol, and that this energy is responsible for the mutations. Rolf and his party travel to Climatrol to investigate the energy spikes, and discover the being responsible. A tough battle ensues, ending in tragedy.

The building is rocked by explosions, and begins spewing water into the central lake. Returning quickly to Paseo, Rolf is sent to open the four dams surrounding the central lake to avoid a catastrophic flood. Unfortunately, due to the damage caused to Climatrol, Mother Brain has declared Rolf a criminal, and sent out an army of robots to capture him.

As Rolf unlocks the last of the four dams, he is captured and taken to the artificial prison-satellite called Gaira. Aboard Gaira, a mysterious malfunction in the navigation system puts the satellite on a collision course with the Algo system’s first planet, Palm.

Characters

Rolf, Nei, and other companions each bringing unique abilities to the adventure.

Gameplay

Features turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and third-person battles, with a focus on strategic planning and character-specific equipment.

Conclusion

Phantasy Star II’s legacy as a pioneering RPG endures, with its challenging gameplay and compelling story captivating players even decades after its release.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.