Phantasy Star Zero was formally released in Europe and Australia over the last couple of days. Australian players can pick up the game for 70 Aussie Dollars. European players will have to pay 39,95 Euros for the game. If you are new to the game and need help getting started, be sure to check out the Phantasy Star Zero Item Database and Guides section. Stop by the Phantasy Star Zero forum if you have any questions or would like to arrange matchups with fellow PSO-World players.
The European version of Phantasy Star Zero was recently reviewed by Simon Bramble of the British-based Official Nintendo Magazine. The reviewer had mixed impressions of the game and gave it a 71/100 rating. He felt the offline mode suffered from repetitive gameplay, a troublesome camera, and questionable help from the NPCs. The online mode proved to be its saving grace:
"Online, the joy of loot collection is magnified. When you work together as a team to defeat a group of enemies and share the rewards, there's a rare feeling of having earned it. Online, the monotony of walking through randomly generated locales is lightened by being shown what your mate thinks your mum looks like. Online, you'll see the three-strike combat system working almost in rhythm, and very impressive it is too."
Credit goes to mid Knight for finding this review. You can share your feedback in this forum thread.
Vooks, an Australian Nintendo news site, is reporting that Sega has announced that Phantasy Star Zero will be released in Australia on February 11th. The game will cost $69.95. It scheduled to be released along-side Bleach: The 3rd Phantom. This news will be useful to our lone Australian forum member.
For the last couple of weeks, there has been a conspicuous lack of reviews for Phantasy Star Zero among the major North American video game sites. It appears this is starting to change as 1Up's Dustin Quillen has released his review for the game. Overall, he felt disappointed with the game and gave it a B- rating. He cited the game's "high-maintenance camera, imprecise controls, and lousy user interface" as flaws. Also, he felt the game's Phantasy Star Online-like gameplay mechanics gave it a dated feel. However, he still feels Phantasy Star Zero is a decent 3D Nintendo DS game.
So do you agree with the review? You can share your reactions in this forum thread. Credit goes to Kishiin for bringing us this news.
Just a reminder that the official soundtrack for Phantasy Star Zero is out there and available for ordering, though it looks like this one may remain a Japan-exclusive release for the time being. The soundtrack, consisting of a whopping four discs, includes 106 tracks worth of Phantasy Star goodness. If you're craving the sounds of Zero while you're not spending countless hours in the game (or maybe you just need something new to listen to while playing your other favorite Phantasy Star games), head on over to PlayAsia, where they are currently offering 10% off for a limited time. Thanks to Cranberry for the news tip!
Phantasy Star Zero has been officially released in North America! Depending on where you live, you maybe able to find a copy at your local Gamestop. Other major retailers are expected to receive their copies by the end of the week. If you are lucky enough to pick up a copy, be sure to share your experiences and thoughts in our Phantasy Star Zero forum. Do not forget to check out PSO-World's new Phantasy Star Zero content section.
Phantasy Star Zero was formally sent out for shipping earlier today. According to numerous reports, most Gamestop stores and other retailers expect to have it in-store on November 11th. In the meantime, be sure to check our Phantasy Star Zero forum and stay tuned to PSO-World for the latest Phantasy Star Zero news.
PSO-World.com staffer HUnewearl_Meira and his family attended the Phantasy Star Zero Community Day Event at Sega Headquarters on November 4th. Attached to this news story is his report on the evening's activities. This includes his experiences playing the English version of Phantasy Star Zero and meeting with Satoshi Sakai. Be sure to click on the "Read More" link to read his report. You can discuss this event in this forum thread.
Unlike Phantasy Star Portable, there exists an English strategy guide for Phantasy Star Zero. Â The BradyGames guide is shipping this week (a week prior to the game itself) and retails for $17.99. There are, of course, retailers offering it for less.
Usually, there is no more merchandising for Phantasy Star in the west beyond the games, so this book definitely deserves a mention. Â Just as a reminder, we will have expanded information on the game ourselves in the near future. Until then, 144 full-color pages may have to sate the current desire for (organized) English reference material.
If you've went ahead and obtained the guide, please post your thoughts in the comments section below or in this forum thread.
