A copy and past review from people who dont seem to have actually played the game.

While its unique multiplayer gameplay raises the bar for the Dreamcast’s online capabilities, Phantasy Star Online is nothing more than a watered-down role-playing game that will disappoint both RPG enthusiasts and fans of the Phantasy Star series. While PSO may triumph in originality, it lacks depth—especially as an RPG. The story is extremely basic without any character development, and if it wasn’t for the ability to level up, the game would be in the hack-n-slash, beat-em-up genre. Additionally, you can’t attack while moving even though combat is in real-time. The game also has some draw-in, and, because the controls are a little loose, targeting specific enemies can become a chore.

Don’t expect Phantasy Star Online to be an epic RPG or an inspirational continuation of the famed series. Instead, it’s an intelligent online rumpus meant to create teamwork among Dreamcast owners without archaeology.

GRAPHICS 4.0 PSO is filled with lush environments inhabited by gangs of odd-looking creatures. Smoothly animated characters are clothed in colorful garb, while the visual effects, like magic spells and explosions, dazzle the eyes. But there’s still draw-in, and level layouts are too linear.

SOUND 4.0 The game has a simple soundtrack consisting of pleasant tunes and minimal sound effects. Enemies, however, hardly make any noise, and there are no voice-overs.

CONTROLS 3.5 Communicating online with your teammates is a cinch. During battle, however, you can’t attack while moving, and targeting specific enemies can become tedious due to the loose controls.

FUN FACTOR 3.5 Although PSO contains basic RPG elements, don’t count on a deep story and non-linear gameplay. It’s straightforward, hack-n-slash combat online or off. But you must jump online, however, to get the full experience of what the Dreamcast is capable of doing