I played the Sega Ages version of the game on the Nintendo Switch.
Phantasy Star is a relatively simple JRPG that combines a science fiction setting with multiple planets and first person dungeon exploration. This game can be completed without reading the manual, but I would advise against it as there are some game design choices that can leave you with an unbeatable game if you don't pick up an item out of a chest when the game asks you.
The single save state that you're allowed in the Sega Ages version is night, but I wish that the implementation was better. The UI does not give any good feedback as to when you save or load the save state. You just have to remember that exiting via the Home button or Pausing will save the state, and that continuing from the main Sega Ages start screen (not the ROM start screen) will load the last save state automatically.
The added dungeon auto mapper and party HP/MP display added to this version are incredibly useful and I would likely not have enjoyed the game as much without those.
The story is interesting. The characters are neat looking. Props for being one of the earliest female protagonist-lead JRPGs. I wish that the game had given us a little more insight into the motivations of the villains. The sprite work is good. The music slaps, but I do wish there had been a little more variety.
Fun overall. Would recommend playing it once just to see the origins of the franchise.
Phantasy Star is a relatively simple JRPG that combines a science fiction setting with multiple planets and first person dungeon exploration. This game can be completed without reading the manual, but I would advise against it as there are some game design choices that can leave you with an unbeatable game if you don't pick up an item out of a chest when the game asks you.
The single save state that you're allowed in the Sega Ages version is night, but I wish that the implementation was better. The UI does not give any good feedback as to when you save or load the save state. You just have to remember that exiting via the Home button or Pausing will save the state, and that continuing from the main Sega Ages start screen (not the ROM start screen) will load the last save state automatically.
The added dungeon auto mapper and party HP/MP display added to this version are incredibly useful and I would likely not have enjoyed the game as much without those.
The story is interesting. The characters are neat looking. Props for being one of the earliest female protagonist-lead JRPGs. I wish that the game had given us a little more insight into the motivations of the villains. The sprite work is good. The music slaps, but I do wish there had been a little more variety.
Fun overall. Would recommend playing it once just to see the origins of the franchise.