Summary

A classic JRPG that combines compelling narrative, strategic combat, and exploration in a rich sci-fi setting.

• Release Year: 1993
• Genres: Role-playing (RPG)
• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii
• Publishers: Sega

Introduction

‘Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium’ is a pivotal entry in the Phantasy Star series, blending classic JRPG elements with a rich narrative.

Synopsis

The game takes place 1,000 years after the events of Phantasy Star II. After an event called the Great Collapse, much of the once-thriving planet Motavia has been reduced to desert, and life has become progressively more difficult for the planet’s inhabitants.

The game introduces us to Chaz Ashley, a hunter who lives on a planet that was once green but is now a desert. He has to deal with the biomonster problem. Later, he has to stop Zio the magician who wants to destroy the world and restore the computer systems.

Phantasy Star IV kept many of the gameplay elements of the previous game, including turn-based battles, overhead exploration, and magic spells. It received mixed reviews upon its release, but has since been subject to much more positive retrospectives, and it is considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

The game was also released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2008, and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in 2021, and has also been included in various Sega emulated collections.

Phantasy Star IV is an archetypal role-playing video game, featuring the staples of exploration, NPC interaction, and turn-based combat. Like the previous games in the Phantasy Star series, individual characters each have their own statistics and equipment that determine the character’s performance in combat, improving their statistics by gaining experience levels (achieved through victory in combat).

Additionally, non-android characters have access to “Techniques” (i.e., magic spells), the use of which draw upon a character’s pool of “Technique Points” (TP), with new techniques being learned as a character gains levels. Phantasy Star IV has a number of features new to the series, including combination techniques, manga-style panel illustrations that accompany the narrative, and an expanded script.

Characters

– Chaz Ashley: The protagonist, a young Hunter. – Alys Brangwin: Chaz’s mentor, known for her skills and beauty.

Gameplay

Features turn-based combat, exploration of various planets, and puzzle-solving within dungeons.

Conclusion

A hallmark of the JRPG genre, offering an unforgettable adventure with strategic depth.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern