Phantasy Star Online
By: Super Vantendo

When that modem comes out for Gamecube, what game do you want to play? Nintendo is secretly developing many secret online titles but there is one we are sure of. Phantasy Star Online Sega's online RPG hit from Dreamcast is coming to Gamecube June 17, 2002 along side the release of the online modem. It is rated T (teen). The game is realy Phantasy Star Online Version 2 but Sega droped the Ver. 2 part of the title. So don't be desived by thinking this isn't version 2.

Sega has yet to announce weather the Dreamcast version will be compatible with the Gamecube version. (For goodness sakes, make them compatiable!) But know a press release and other news from E3 did indicate the same, "Sega is striving to the realization of global network entertainment." Besides, Yuji Naka himself has hinted that the Gamecube is the console of choice for Sonic Team fans.

As the story goes, a race of people are faced with the oncoming destruction of their home planet. A large-scale evacuation plan; the Pioneer Project; was established to find a new home planet. Unmanned space probes were sent into deep space and eventually found a suitable host planet, called Ragol. An intersteallar ship - the Pioneer 1 was sent to establish a colony. Upon arrival the colonists began building their new home. Seven years later Pioneer 2 reaches the planet and opens a communications link with the people on the planet's surface. But then, a huge explosion rips through the terrestrial building and all communication is lost.

It's your job to investigate. You chose one of nine characters. Three are human, three newman and three andriod. There are also three classes to select from: hunter, ranger and force, each of which have their own strengths and weaknesses. There are two more characters but who they are we don't know yet. You can alter your character as much as you want. You can customise their color, hair, costume, skin, face and build as you see fit. There is six areas; the forest, caves, mines, ruins, sanctuary and spaceship. This game is all about teamwork.

The first game wasn't so hot when it was played offline, thankfully the Gamecube version will improve upon this aspect. It features a four-player split-screen mode so you and three of your friends can explore Ragol together. Not only can four players play both online and offline, but you can also fight in a head-to-head battle should your more murderous rage get the best of you. Got any annoying friends? Invite 'em over.

New modes that will be carried across from the Dreamcast version are a 12-player football game in which you defeat you opponents by kicking a soccer ball (or a Chu Chu) into a goal and a new battle system allowing players to kill each other. The game is played from a third-person view and requires you to use items such as armor, tools and weapons to get through the various missions.

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