will PS:Z help my thirst for PS:P2?

[GreyWolf360]

im asking for the PS:P>PSZ biasy opinions for a reason..

[Lyra]

PSZ is fairly similar to PSO and PSP2 is more like PSU.
PSP would also be more like PSU and you can import your character into PSP2.

[Pillan]

I bought and played PSZ for the couple weeks after the demo and before the Japanese release of PSP2. PSZ felt like a huge step backwards before even PSO:BB from the lack of a weapon, tech, and item pallet. The lack of a control stick doesn't help either.

To me, the only reason to play PSZ is the nostalgia factor from PSO. However, I preferred the battle system and customization of PSU/PSP. Everything from PSZ that you'd want in PSU is in PSP2 anyway.

[GreyWolf360]

Everything from PSZ that you'd want in PSU is in PSP2 anyway.

yea...i'm quite certain the second PSP2 drops im gonna drop everything else(COD:MW2 included) and get to grinding...i saw a few videos of character creations, gameplay...but the style doesnt really suit me at all..thats pretty much my problem with the DS alltogether...but yet i do love everything Phantasy Star...so i thought there may be a gem behind the lack of the 'grown up' look

[Pillan]

If you go to the PSZ section right next door, you'll probably find a lot of people who felt alienated by PSU and will swear by PSZ. So it may be in your best interest to shop around for a second opinion. However, I'd suggest investing in a way to play good-ol' PSO if you really want nostalgia.

And you could always join the group of us who didn't want to wait for the lack of support on the US version. The Japanese version isn't hard to get if you have a PSP and $70.

[IceBurner]

I would have felt PSZero had finally surpassed PSO in gameplay if it weren't for a few unfortunate flaws.

Since the game pushes the DS to its limits, the menus are rather unresponsive, and there's no actual shortcut menu. Due to this, it's rather impossible to switch weapons quickly enough to react to a situation.

You also have no way to cast all techniques quickly; you're limited to what fits on the action palette. In PSO, between the action palette, quick menu, and casting from the main menu, every technique in the game quickly was at my fingertips.

The game also uses different hitstun mechanics from PSO which severely disadvantages melee attackers in higher difficulties. I'm not fond of this change in any way, shape or form, as it's no longer possible to skillfully manage enemies unless they're already weaker than your character--in which case, who needs skill to begin with?

Aside from this, story mode was a pleasure, and normal through most of hard was still very enjoyable. I'm glad I got the game, but it didn't wind up having very long legs. Unfortunately it's also impossible for it to be patched to address its eventual shortcomings, so that's all I'll ever get out of it.

On the plus, side, PSZero has beautiful art design, and I love its maps far more than anything from the PSU line of games and their ultra-generic "snap together" stage pieces. Also, dynamic music for the freaking win; they NEVER should have abandoned it.

[GreyWolf360]

....hmm...well o well..back to PS:P for me...

[Blaze1233]

Phantays star Zero is a more 2-D adventure and has some classic weps but PHantasy star portable takes the glory because of the PSZ being so.........noobish in a way...but i still love the game

[kongajinken]

I thought PSZ was a step backwards from PSO. The more I played PSZ the more I wanted to just fire up PSO. PSP2 on the otherhand does a lot of things right that I didn't like about PSO.

1. Battle system is much more fluid unlike PSO/PSZ where it almost felt robotic.

2. Being able to get abilities/skills is always something I enjoy and PSP2 lets me mix and match.

3. Being able to level up a force and not having to create an alt if you decide you want to go ranger which would require you to have to start from the begining.

4. This applies to PSZ only but the action palette is while not quite as good as PSO , PSP2's action palette beats PSZ by leaps and bounds.

5. Character custimization is above that of PSO and puts PSZ to absolute shame.

6. Having the ability to choose what weapon types you want to use. While some may call it imbalanced or too generic I love being able to use any weapon I get and not have to wonder if my current race/class combo can use the weapon or not.

[BahnKnakyu]

In one word?

No.

[D1ABOLIK]

PSZ is fairly similar to PSO and PSP2 is more like PSU.
PSP would also be more like PSU and you can import your character into PSP2.

Are you saying you can import your PSP characters into PSP 2? If so that just made my day. I love Sega sometimes.

[BahnKnakyu]

Are you saying you can import your PSP characters into PSP 2? If so that just made my day. I love Sega sometimes.

You can, but their level, progress, money, etc won't be imported. Just the look.

[D1ABOLIK]

You can, but their level, progress, money, etc won't be imported. Just the look.

Kinda pointless than isnt it? Oh well.

[Boxblaster]

Kinda pointless than isnt it? Oh well.

You get a nifty item when you do so.

[D1ABOLIK]

You get a nifty item when you do so.

I can understand why they have the restrictions, other wise it would just kill the challenge if you could start story mode with a level 100 character. What is this nifty item you speak of though?