Phantasy Star 1

[HornheaDD]

I never had a MasterSystem as a kid, so I'd never played the original Phantasy Star, I started through it a few days ago on my switch via the Sega Ages release. Not too far into it, I just barely got the 2nd companion, ChadBro or whatever his name is. I like PSII, never played much of III or IV and naturally have a softspot for PSO. So I decided to give it a go.

So far Im liking the game, but the Ages version has some QoL "improvements" like an automap feature, choosing which sound processor and more experience or money and whatnot. I did notice that a lot of text is drastically shortened like "Searc" or 'Stas' instead of Search of Status. Then somehow I came across this thread on a retranslation of the game that fixed all that, added a different font, allows selection of the sound processor and walk speed. Im liking it so far, but gotta say that FPS dungeons, while cool and surprisingly well animated considering the time are a bitch to work your way through, especially the ones with multiple floors. The AutoMap feature in the Ages version is super helpful, but the drawback is that the actual game screen is about half the size of what it would be on a standard version so I wasn't a fan.

Since I wasn't that far into the Ages version I just applied the retranslation patch to a ROM and have been playing it via MiSTer. Its fun and Im enjoying it, but damn - those FPS dungeons lol. Gonna have to find online maps so I dont lose my way/mind.

After all these years, I still remember this commercial for the SMS even though I never had one:

 

[Kid Panda]

I usually play through the game about once every 3 years since 1988, was a master system kid, I really like the Sega Ages version but I always end up going back to vanilla on a SMS. Just download maps and print them, it will make your life easier as you are going to be grinding a shit ton. And play it like it's meant to be played, don't turn on 2x speed or 2x anything. Game is shorter than you think it is.

 

[Neo Alec]

Yep, pretty much. FPS dungeons are impressive, but are a bitch.

I'm not really one for re-translations (I lived through the 80's, I can live with whatever messy official translation they did), so I would just stick with the Sega Ages release with the QoL improvements.

 

[pixeljunkie]

My favorite part of this is Stephen Dorff and Scott Grimes as kids in that commercial

 

[prof]

My favorite part of this is Stephen Dorff and Scott Grimes as kids in that commercial

Critters-era Grimes

 

[HornheaDD]

Wait, which one is Grimes? That redhead kid doesn't look like him to me. Im pretty sure it isnt him.

Though I have to admit my mind is pretty much blown to realize that is Stephen Dorff

 

[HornheaDD]

Yep, pretty much. FPS dungeons are impressive, but are a bitch.

I'm not really one for re-translations (I lived through the 80's, I can live with whatever messy official translation they did), so I would just stick with the Sega Ages release with the QoL improvements.

Yeah I can see your point but I have to admit this one reads a bit better so far, and info from NPCs is little more informative. The new font is pointless if you ask me, so I kept the original but they resized things so titles of things, people and places make more sense and are complete words.

Though there are some drawbacks. The "Cola" and "Hamburger" items are named something else that I assume is a direct translation from the Japanese names. I cant think of what they are at the moment, but they are wildly different. I just know what they are supposed to be because those are the only two things available at the store right now lol.

 

[Moob Butter]

I really really wanted to complete this game but I've never stuck with it through to the end. Think I've started it at least 3 times over the years.

Switch version sounds up my street through with improved maps.

Closest I got was playing it on PS3 Sega Ages. I remember getting the dude made out of stone free and probably played it 2/3 hours after that.

The game is fun but kinda nonsense without a guide. I seem to remember there is one point you have to visit the same person three times so they give you something to progress the story.

 

[HornheaDD]

lol damn that was early in the game, maybe an hour in. I know exactly what part, and yeah the three times guy. A. You have to get 200 meseta, then ask him 3 times and then he gives you a boarding pass to get to the ships.

 

[Moob Butter]

God umm... I was in the dessert maybe then I got lost or bored?

Been well over 10 years since I picked it up. Looking at the dungeon list, I'm pretty sure I killed Medusa so I guess I got a bit further than the very start

 

[prof]

Wait, which one is Grimes? That redhead kid doesn't look like him to me. Im pretty sure it isnt him.

Though I have to admit my mind is pretty much blown to realize that is Stephen Dorff

Nah, you right. After watching it, that isn't Grimes.