Phantasy Star Portable

» New single-player Story Mode and four-player ad-hoc cooperative mode
» Over 1500 items, weapons, shields, and armor to find and use
» Network data import from the PS2 and PC versions of the game - please note that you must have a Japanese PlaySEGA ID to utilize this feature.
» New mission downloads will be released periodically

Upon starting a new game, you'll create a character by choosing a Human, a Newman, a Cast (robot), or a Beast. Once your race is selected, move the cursor down to choose the sex. The option below that is for customizing your character's skin tone, face, eye color, eyebrows, ears, hairstyle, clothing, and other distinguishing features. The next option allows you to name the character and select a job class from Hunter or Ranger Force. The fifth and final option allows you to start the adventure.

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.

Relevant Link(s):
Phantasy Star Universe 8MB Memory Card

Region-Free
Japanese PSP games may be played on North American and European PSP handhelds. There is no region-coding on PSP game UMDs.

» Voice acting accompanies the dialogue in the game.

» Before embarking on the first mission, you'll have to recruit two party members from the Hunter's Guild. To do this, press the "START" button and a series of icons will appear across the top left portion of the screen. Highlight the fourth icon from the left and press the "O" button. Two characters will appear and they'll serve as your first pair of cohorts.

» Control is handled through the analog nub while the d-pad manipulates the camera. When chaining attacks together on a group of enemies, the action runs fast and fluid with no noticeable slowdown to mar the experience.

» We think it's fairly impressive that Phantasy Star Universe is on a portable handheld system. It's even more impressive when the game looks and plays faithfully to its big console brethren.