I could reminisce about my time spent in Phantasy Star Online but I think that’s a story many have told. Its impact is undeniable as one of the first successful online console games that had a strong community. Though for many years, I viewed the game as obsolete.
What made me undervalue Phantasy Star Online is that its sequels improved upon most of the game’s core mechanics. The Phantasy Star Universe series captured PSO’s spirit while adopting a faster and flashier style. Phantasy Star 0 took a more conservative route by keeping the original’s pacing and building new mechanics on top of it. Both possible routes of evolution had been covered, so I couldn’t see a reason why someone would go back.
After revisiting Phantasy Star Online about a year ago, I found the reason; it’s the rhythm.
The three hit combo system isn’t the fundamental basis of PSO’s combat. It IS the combat. No matter how laid back or tough the situation is, it all comes down to those three timed button presses. From level 1 to 200, it’s 1-2-3, 1-2-3. In some ways, it’s therapeutic. It reminds me of people who just like to drive a car to clear their mind. You just fall into the rhythm and keep moving.
I think the simplicity was important as it gave players time to communicate, without an overbearing battle system.
Realizing that simplicity has made me regain some respect for it. And since there are plenty of ways to still play online today, you can still attack and chat to your hearts content.
