In an effort to return to the original canon, Phantasy Star Zero takes place in the Algol Star System, where the original four games were based. 200 years after a cataclysmic event known as the “Great Blank,” humanity has formed small colonies in an attempt to discover what has wiped out nearly all life on the planet. There is also a race of androids known as “CASTs” that have recently been waking up after a hibernation period of a similar length. Another mysterious race lives on the moon, known as Newmans, who resemble elves. Their motives are unknown. All three races are playable in new class combinations that were previously unavailable in the series.

As far as objectionable content, the truth behind the global cataclysm may offend some. In order to avoid spoilers, it will not be gone into in this review, but it does involve spirituality. Also, mild sexual humor involves the Newman character Sarisa and a boss in the Ozette Wetlands, Octo Diablo. Most quests involving that area usually feature Sarisa and the boss putting its tentacles where they don’t belong. Magic use by characters is handled in the form of “techniques” learned from disks rather than through sorcery. Most supernatural abilities can be reconciled with technological breakthroughs rather than by way of occult origins. Overall, the game is pretty mild. Violence is blood-free, with enemies disappearing in purple clouds of smoke, even though there is a lot of combat. Also, there are no humanoid enemies. There are beasts, native creatures, machines, and alien spawn. Because of this, the ESRB most likely reduced the rating on this title.

Phantasy Star Zero is a strong title for the Nintendo DS. In a return to original canon, Sega keeps the action RPG format that made its series revival successful. An interesting hybrid of sorts, it was advertised as a true sequel to Phantasy Star Online in terms of game play and style and for the most part, it delivers. With three difficulty settings (two are unlocked through level cap and quest progression), players will have plenty of challenges to face online and offline. It is difficult to get a party together outside of free play mode, though rewarding if one can do so. With little objectionable content, Phantasy Star Zero is a good title for fans old and new to enjoy.

» By Dave Herbert, Plain Games. Published 1/10/2010 9:36:23 PM.