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[Agent Unknown]

Where should I start? Never played a Phantasy Star game, not a lot of JRPG experience outside of Chrono Trigger and Earthbound. What is the best way to start with the core series? Just download Phantasy Star 1 for SMS VC? Or start with one of the Genesis games? Phantasy Star IV looks beautiful and I've had my eye on it since I saw previews for it in Gamefan way back in high school.

 

[Cyberpunknut]

Play 1, 2 and 4.

Play 3 after all of those if you're curious.

 

[DJIzana]

Play 1, 2 and 4.

Play 3 after all of those if you're curious.

Aye... after that, I highly recommend Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 for the Gamecube or Xbox or PSO Blue Burst for PC.

 

[Teeth]

Phantasy Star 1 is really old school, so prepare for some obtuse parts. It's totally playable, but a little awkward.

Phantasy Star 2 is a total slog but is pretty great. If you can find a version that speeds up your walking speed, make sure you play that version. Just getting from point A to B can take forever. Also, dungeons with 20 or 50 warp pads that you have to map out where they go so you can find your way around coupled with the molasses speed of your characters plus random battles is enough to break a person. Also, make sure you go back to your home every once in a while. And the second last boss is insanely difficult and level grinding is incredibly slow.

PS3 plays like an entirely different game from a different series.

PS4 is good, though the English translation is ass.

Play 1, 2 and 4.

Play 3 after all of those if you're curious.

Says the guy with the Wren avatar.

 

[MisterCTwo]

Play 1, 2 and 4.

Play 3 after all of those if you're curious.

Yep, this exactly. PS2 is one of my favorite RPGs of all time, but definitely don't skip PS1.

 

[BluePigGanon]

Since you say you don't have a lot of RPG experience, I'd suggest just trying PS4 first and see how that goes. 1 and 2 are very good but very old school, i.e. grindfests and obscure. PS4, though, has good pacing and is very accessible - and probably the best of the series to boot.

 

[Kirlia]

Says the guy with the Wren avatar.

That's PS4 Wren, though.

 

[baekshi]

Start with PSPand PSP2. Then onto PSN in 2 weeks.

 

[CDX]

not a lot of JRPG experience outside of Chrono Trigger and Earthbound.

...So Chrono Trigger and Earthbound are some of your very limited JRPG experience.

Those are some of the best 16 bit JRPGs

Phantasy Star 1 is really old school, so prepare for some obtuse parts. It's totally playable, but a little awkward.

Phantasy Star 2 is a total slog but is pretty great. If you can find a version that speeds up your walking speed, make sure you play that version. Just getting from point A to B can take forever. Also, dungeons with 20 or 50 warp pads that you have to map out where they go so you can find your way around coupled with the molasses speed of your characters plus random battles is enough to break a person. Also, make sure you go back to your home every once in a while. And the second last boss is insanely difficult and level grinding is incredibly slow.

PS3 plays like an entirely different game from a different series.

PS4 is good, though the English translation is ass.

Generally Agree with this.

1 is really oldschool

2 can be a slog at times

3 is very different from the rest

4 is IMO one of the great RPGs of the 16 bit generation.

Since you say you don't have a lot of RPG experience, I'd suggest just trying PS4 first and see how that goes. 1 and 2 are very good but very old school, i.e. grindfests and obscure. PS4, though, has good pacing and is very accessible - and probably the best of the series to boot.

Yep I agree.

Or OP, try the first two games, but if you're not getting into them, just skip to 4.

 

[Laevateinn]

I recommend starting with Phantasy Star 4, then playing through 1, 2 then 4 again.

Phantasy Star 4 is the most accessible and easiest to get into. If you're not properly prepared for super intense dungeons and old school RPG gameplay you might not enjoy Phantasy Star.

Four will get you acquainted with the lore and the gameplay but won't frustrate you. Then, when you play through the first 2 games you'll get a greater appreciation for the overall story arch. Playing the earlier games definitely helps for understanding the story of PS4 but it's not necessary and I don't think there's too many spoilers about the earlier games in 4 (although I can think of at least one).

 

[ATXAlchemy]

Where should I start? Never played a Phantasy Star game, not a lot of JRPG experience outside of Chrono Trigger and Earthbound. What is the best way to start with the core series? Just download Phantasy Star 1 for SMS VC? Or start with one of the Genesis games? Phantasy Star IV looks beautiful and I've had my eye on it since I saw previews for it in Gamefan way back in high school.

There is no core/mainline series

Their focus right now is Online 2 episodes (PSO2) and Phantasy Star Nova, which as they have already said will also be a series.

The Algol chapter (aka the "old series") is Phantasy Star 1~4 + its gaiden games.

The Raguol chapter is more known as the Phantasy Online games. (+Phantasy Star Zero on DS.)

Then we have the Gurhal chapter, which consists of Phantasy Star Universe and both PSP games.

The latest one, aka the current games, is the Oracle(?) chapter. It is PSO2 episodes and Phantasy Star Nova.
____________

If you own a Vita, and is on the fence about buying a PS Nova (in Japanese), PM me. Very Late Edit: My copy is coming in late dec. Can't give the discount code for DL ver unless you willing to wait. >_<

 

[Agent Unknown]

...So Chrono Trigger and Earthbound are some of your very limited JRPG experience.

Those are some of the best 16 bit JRPGs

I meant "very limited" as in those are the only two JRPGs I've ever played. Just using those as examples to convey a sense of, "These are the only JRPGs I've played and they've already kind of spoiled me because they're two of the greatest RPGs ever made" as context for suggestions on which PS games I might find more accessible than others.

Generally Agree with this.

1 is really oldschool

2 can be a slog at times

3 is very different from the rest

4 is IMO one of the great RPGs of the 16 bit generation.


Yep I agree.

Or OP, try the first two games, but if you're not getting into them, just skip to 4.

Thanks, I'm leaning towards trying 1 (I don't mind having to toughen up and do some grinding) or just skipping to IV.

 

[Laevateinn]

Thanks, I'm leaning towards trying 1 (I don't mind having to toughen up and do some grinding) or just skipping to IV.

One thing about the Phantasy Star games is I don't think grinding is completely necessary, especially in PS1. PS1 is entirely an 8-bit game which means the variation between stats and things like max HP are pretty low. You'll definitely have to grind somewhat, especially early on, but not as much as in a lot of RPGs where it seems like grinding is put in to make the game longer. If things aren't going your way, try modifying your tactics.

Also, PS1 has really neat first person dungeon crawling but it can get a bit overwhelming and you'll get easily lost. If you dive into PS1 (or 2), don't be ashamed to use an online map. If you don't want to use online maps/guides, keep grid paper handy. The dungeons in those two games are more labyrinthine than anything else I've encountered.

 

[Crusader]

Yeah, if you don't mind 80s JRPG conventions, definitely play them in order of development, though you can skip III; it's not that good. Phantasy Star IV works best when you can understand the significance of its references. It plays that shit hard.

Don't be squeamish about consulting FAQs or constantly saving either, especially in the case of PSI. Sega included a strategy guide with PSII for a good reason.

Wonderful games (and the first RPGs I ever played), acquired a taste as they may be. Since you have Earthbound under your belt, it won't be a humongous jump mind you. PSI and II are a little grindy early on, though.

If you DO mind 80s JRPG conventions, no shame in skipping straight to PSIV. Great modern-styled RPG with great characters and dat art. I love the manga cutscenes.

 

[Agent Unknown]

One thing about the Phantasy Star games is I don't think grinding is completely necessary, especially in PS1. PS1 is entirely an 8-bit game which means the variation between stats and things like max HP are pretty low. You'll definitely have to grind somewhat, especially early on, but not as much as in a lot of RPGs where it seems like grinding is put in to make the game longer. If things aren't going your way, try modifying your tactics.

Also, PS1 has really neat first person dungeon crawling but it can get a bit overwhelming and you'll get easily lost. If you dive into PS1 (or 2), don't be ashamed to use an online map. If you don't want to use online maps/guides, keep grid paper handy. The dungeons in those two games are more labyrinthine than anything else I've encountered.

Yeah, if you don't mind 80s JRPG conventions, definitely play them in order of development, though you can skip III; it's not that good. Phantasy Star IV works best when you can understand the significance of its references. It plays that shit hard.

Don't be squeamish about consulting FAQs or constantly saving either, especially in the case of PSI. Sega included a strategy guide with PSII for a good reason.

Wonderful games (and the first RPGs I ever played), acquired a taste as they may be. Since you have Earthbound under your belt, it won't be a humongous jump mind you. PSI and II are a little grindy early on, though.

If you DO mind 80s JRPG conventions, no shame in skipping straight to PSIV. Great modern-styled RPG with great characters and dat art. I love the manga cutscenes.

Thanks guys! Anyways, I grinded with Jeff to get the T-Rex bat early during my second EB playthrough this summer so I suppose I'm more than capable of whatever PS 1 throws at me. And I definitely have no issue using guides for maps at least.

edit: Does the Wii VC version of PS 2 have the aforementioned speed adjustment for traveling?

 

[Teeth]

Thanks, I'm leaning towards trying 1 (I don't mind having to toughen up and do some grinding) or just skipping to IV.

Just know that PS1 REQUIRES pen and paper mapping of the dungeons. No, seriously, you WILL have to map out stuff. It's first person grid based so it's not too bad to do, and the dungeons themselves are actually quite small compared to PC RPGs of that ilk. In fact, PS1 can be beaten in about 15 hours.

PS2 also will require mapping...but of a different variety. The 2D overhead dungeons use warp pads extensively, so you'll end up mapping stuff with spaghetti lines everywhere to tell where stuff leads until you pick the correct 7 warp pads in sequence out of 50 to get where you need to go. PS2 in America came with a strategy guide with maps for every dungeon (though they didn't tell which warp pads linked to each other, just the overall layout) and it's nearly a necessity in my mind unless you are a real fiend for tedium.

 

[Dremark]

Start with the first one and play them in order. Give 3 a shot but if you're not digging it, it's disconnected enough from the rest of the series you can pass in it.

 

[Nocturno999]

Play 1, 2 and 4.

Play 3 after all of those if you're curious.

I agree with this suggestion.

 

[huxley00]

One is too hard imo....play it a bit to appreciate it, but I wouldn't recommend finishing it. A lot of grinding is required as well. Play through 2 and 4 as well. Three is ok, a bit short but not bad.

If you can only play one, play 4. It's short and very high quality.

 

[Agent Unknown]

Just know that PS1 REQUIRES pen and paper mapping of the dungeons. No, seriously, you WILL have to map out stuff. It's first person grid based so it's not too bad to do, and the dungeons themselves are actually quite small compared to PC RPGs of that ilk. In fact, PS1 can be beaten in about 15 hours.

PS2 also will require mapping...but of a different variety. The 2D overhead dungeons use warp pads extensively, so you'll end up mapping stuff with spaghetti lines everywhere to tell where stuff leads until you pick the correct 7 warp pads in sequence out of 50 to get where you need to go. PS2 in America came with a strategy guide with maps for every dungeon (though they didn't tell which warp pads linked to each other, just the overall layout) and it's nearly a necessity in my mind unless you are a real fiend for tedium.

Wow, old school handwritten mapping just like the old days. I think I'd be up to the task but thanks for the warning.

 

[Laevateinn]

Thanks guys! Anyways, I grinded with Jeff to get the T-Rex bat early during my second EB playthrough this summer so I suppose I'm more than capable of whatever PS 1 throws at me. And I definitely have no issue using guides for maps at least.

edit: Does the Wii VC version of PS 2 have the aforementioned speed adjustment for traveling?

The Wii VC version is straight up emulation of the Genesis game. If you want the speed adjustment, you'll need the PS2 Phantasy Star collection which was only released in Japan. I think it's on Japanese PSN on the PS3 though. Don't worry about it being Japanese, it includes the North American versions as well as the Japanese ones.

 

[SkyOdin]

My brother played through the entire original series for the first time last year, so I think you are in for a treat. The games are still pretty fun, in my opinion. I don't think they are too heavy on grinding, other than needing to grind a bit early on in Phantasy Star 1 and 2. Once you get past the opening bump, the rest of each game goes pretty smoothly.

I'd actually suggest you give Phantasy Star 3 a try, even though it is noticeably rough around the edges. While it has some really lousy execution, it does have a few good ideas and fun parts. While not as important as PS 1 and 2, Phantasy Star 4 still has a few call-backs to 3 as well.

But definitely play Phantasy Star 4. That game is good. It's just at its best if you are familiar with the piles of references to earlier games that it is making.

 

[KainXVIII]

Also try using hacks (easy mode for example) and retranslations, some of this games are really oldschool (in bad way)
http://www.romhacking.net/?page=games&genre=&platform=&title=phantasy&perpage=20&gamesearch=Go

 

[SkyOdin]

Okay, my brother told me to give you a warning: you will hate the map designer of Phantasy Star 2 by the time you are done with it. PS 2 has probably the worst dungeons of any game I have ever seen, thanks to its terrible screen scrolling and lousy map layouts. I strongly recommend looking up maps online to help you navigate.

 

[Kirlia]

Okay, my brother told me to give you a warning: you will hate the map designer of Phantasy Star 2 by the time you are done with it. PS 2 has probably the worst dungeons of any game I have ever seen, thanks to its terrible screen scrolling and lousy map layouts. I strongly recommend looking up maps online to help you navigate.

I have to agree with this. The series is still worth your time, though, especially 4.

 

[SuperChoco]

Okay, my brother told me to give you a warning: you will hate the map designer of Phantasy Star 2 by the time you are done with it. PS 2 has probably the worst dungeons of any game I have ever seen, thanks to its terrible screen scrolling and lousy map layouts. I strongly recommend looking up maps online to help you navigate.

This!

Also, I'd recommend having a list of the techs ready. The game doesn't list what they do and how much TP they cost.

 

[Kirlia]

This!

Also, I'd recommend having a list of the techs ready. The game doesn't list what they do and how much TP they cost.

In PS2, when you learn a new technique, the game doesn't even tell you what it is; you have to look it up in the menu after the battle is over.

 

[Agent Unknown]

Okay, my brother told me to give you a warning: you will hate the map designer of Phantasy Star 2 by the time you are done with it. PS 2 has probably the worst dungeons of any game I have ever seen, thanks to its terrible screen scrolling and lousy map layouts. I strongly recommend looking up maps online to help you navigate.

Cool, thanks for the heads up!

 

[bjork]

Okay, my brother told me to give you a warning: you will hate the map designer of Phantasy Star 2 by the time you are done with it. PS 2 has probably the worst dungeons of any game I have ever seen, thanks to its terrible screen scrolling and lousy map layouts. I strongly recommend looking up maps online to help you navigate.

No shame in doing this, either. The original release came with a hint book and a world map, too.