Phantasy Star

Game Details:

Phantasy Star was first released in 1987 on SEGA's Master System platform. Developed by SEGA AM7, it was one of the pioneers to incorporate a science fiction background into a Japanese RPG. The game is set in the "Algol Star System" where the protagonist, Alis Landale, witnesses her brother being murdered by the tyrannical ruler Lassic and is determined to seek revenge. During her journey, she will meet companions such as the robot Wren, the beastman warrior Myau, and the warrior Odin, and together they will traverse three planets to uncover the conspiracy behind the universe.

The game was highly praised for its bold use of a female protagonist, non-linear map exploration, 3D maze perspective, and rich dialogue system. In the RPG works of that time, Phantasy Star was not only technically advanced but also surpassed similar games like Dragon Quest and the early Final Fantasy in terms of content depth and art performance. The game was later re-released multiple times and included in classic collections on multiple platforms, such as GBA, PS2, and Switch.

Editor's Recommendation:

If you are a fan of traditional RPGs, then Phantasy Star is definitely a work you shouldn't miss. It is not only the ancestor of Japanese sci-fi RPGs but also boldly uses a female protagonist. The rich plot, interstellar background, and diverse character and enemy settings made it stand out in its time. Especially in an era when the performance of 8-bit machines was limited, the game achieved a dynamic 3D maze effect, combined with grand soundtracks and a profound worldview, which established its position in the history of RPGs. Even looking back today, it is still amazing.

Game Guide:

I. Character Cultivation Suggestions

• The protagonist Alis is an all-around character, and it is recommended to focus on increasing attack power and HP.
• The beastman Myau has healing magic and is a core support character in early adventures.
• Odin has powerful physical output and is suitable for tanking Bosses.
• Noah (or Lutz) is a powerful mage with high magic clearing efficiency in the later stages.

II. Map and Dungeon Strategies

• The game uses a first-person perspective for dungeon exploration. It is recommended to hand-draw a map or use the map function in modern remakes.
• Many items and key information are hidden in hidden walls or NPCs, and exploring every corner is crucial.
• Some dungeons have traps or one-way teleports, pay attention to recording the path to avoid getting lost.

III. Economic and Combat Strategies

• Gold is tight in the early stages, it is recommended to prioritize upgrading armor to improve survivability.
• Monsters have a high drop frequency, it is recommended to repeatedly level up and accumulate funds near the city.
• Different enemies have different resistances to magic, and using attack magic reasonably can quickly clear enemies.

IV. Hidden Items and Easter Eggs

• There are multiple hidden equipment and secret passages in the game, such as the "Laconian Sword" which requires completing multiple side events to obtain.
• Some NPCs will provide "seemingly useless" hints, but they often correspond to hidden passages in the dungeon.

V. Version and Save Techniques

• In modern port versions (such as the Switch collection), you can use the quick save and rewind functions to effectively avoid accidental death or going the wrong way in the dungeon.
• It is recommended to play the original Japanese version and the official English version for comparison, to feel the differences in translation details.