Platform: Gamecube

Genre: Role-Playing

Publisher: SEGA

Developer: Sonic Team

ETA: October 2003

Review: Final Fantasy X (Playstation 2)

Review: Lost Kingdoms (Gamecube)

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Phantasy Star Online III: C.A.R.D. Revolution

It looks like Phantasy Star fans are going to have to wait a spell longer to see a new, wholly single-player game from the popular RPG series. Sonic Team has chosen to bring a new installment to PSO instead, but taking it in a slightly different direction this time with a card-based battle system as players continue to explore the planet Ragol.

With most RPGs, collecting is a big part of the experience, as players try to track down all manner of items, weapons, and armor, so to an extent a card-based game should fit right in with this mentality as players in PSO III try to get their hands on as many cards as they can to ensure powerful, diversified decks. Players will not only be able to play the game online, but also offline with a maximum of four players who can then choose to play as Hunters or as the enemies of the game, Arks. What’s particularly interesting is that players’ parties actually take the field in PSO III, it isn’t just a screen showing a bunch of cards with everyone sifting through their collections figuring out what they’ll unload next. It’ll be interesting to see just how geographic tactical consideration is implemented into the game.

Features:

- Play online and interact with Hunters from PSO Episode I & II in the lobby

- Engage in offline team battles for up to four people, where players are divided into friends and enemies

- Choose from either the Item Deck or the Enemy Deck, depending upon whether you will fight as a member of the Hunters or the Arks (enemies)

- Collect an enormous number of weapons, gear, and items to create an original deck with your character

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- Use Action and Assist cards to compose a powerful deck, supported by Hunters and Items or Bosses and Enemies

- Position your characters on the battle field and move them as the battle unfolds to take advantage of your opponent’s weaknesses

- The next chapter in the PSO universe continues the story of PSO Episodes I & II

All that in mind, the one question I have is how players will keep their cards a secret from one another when playing each other offline when they could be divided into two teams meant to compete. Of course the other question is how will Sonic Team and Sega deal with the inevitable cheating that will come, or at least be attempted, but less scrupulous players as time wears on. It was bad enough with players unethically suping up their gear in PSO I & II, so you just know that with the concept of card collecting being in PSO III cheating to get good cards will be too much for some to ignore. Whatever the case, expect this game to hit shelves toward the end of October this year.

Mr. Nash

August 17, 2003