Editing Phantasy Star Online

{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Phantasy Star Online
| image = Phantasy_Star_Online_cover_art_jp.png
| developer = [[Sonic Team]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| director = [[Takao Miyoshi]]
| producer = [[Yuji Naka]]
| series = ''[[Phantasy Star]]''
| artist = Satoshi Sakai
| programmer = Akio Setsumasa
| writer = Akinori Nishiyama
| composer = Hideaki Kobayashi<br />Fumie Kumatani
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|December 21, 2000}}|'''Dreamcast'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 21, 2000|NA|January 30, 2001|EU|February 15, 2001<ref>{{cite web |title=Phantasy Star Online sur Dreamcast |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/dreamcast-dcast/00004010-phantasy-star-online.htm |website=Jeuxvideo.com |language=fr |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714164907/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/dreamcast-dcast/00004010-phantasy-star-online.htm |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>}}''Ver.2''{{vgrelease|JP|June 7, 2001|NA|September 25, 2001|EU|March 1, 2002<ref>{{cite web |title=Phantasy Star Online Ver.2 sur Dreamcast |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/dreamcast-dcast/00005565-phantasy-star-online-ver-2.htm |website=Jeuxvideo.com |language=fr |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714164758/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/dreamcast-dcast/00005565-phantasy-star-online-ver-2.htm |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>}}'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 20, 2001}}'''GameCube'''{{vgrelease|JP|September 12, 2002<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:１．『ファンタシースターオンライン』とは |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0209/01_01/index.html |website=Nintendo |language=ja |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818115830/http://www.nintendo.co.jp//nom/0209/01_01/index.html |archive-date=August 18, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>|NA|October 30, 2002<ref name=gxrel>{{cite web|title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II|url=http://www.ign.com/games/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-and-ii|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714165017/http://www.ign.com/games/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-and-ii|archive-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>|EU|March 7, 2003}}'''Xbox'''{{vgrelease|JP|January 16, 2003<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox版『PSOエピソード1&2』に新たなオンラインクエスト2種類が追加！ - 電撃オンライン |url=http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2003/12/15/1c57d7a1b5b2dada01b33c6f5c7b12fd.html |website=Dengeki Online |date=December 15, 2003 |language=ja |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714164601/http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2003/12/15/1c57d7a1b5b2dada01b33c6f5c7b12fd.html |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>|NA|April 15, 2003<ref>{{cite web |title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II - Xbox - GameSpy |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii/ |website=GameSpy |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616214611/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii/ |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>|EU|May 23, 2003<ref>{{cite web |title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I&II sur Xbox |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/xbox/00010713-phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii.htm |website=Jeuxvideo.com |language=fr |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714164904/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/xbox/00010713-phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii.htm |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>}}}}
| genre = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[Dreamcast]]<br>[[Windows]]<br>[[GameCube]]<br>[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
| caption = Japanese Dreamcast cover art
}}
'''''Phantasy Star Online''''' is an online [[role-playing video game|role-playing game]] (RPG) developed by [[Sonic Team]] and published by [[Sega]] in 2000 for the [[Dreamcast]]. It was the first successful [[Online game|online]] RPG for [[Video game console|game consoles]]; players adventure with up to three others over the internet to complete quests, collect items and fight enemies in real-time [[Action role-playing game|action RPG]] combat. The story is unrelated to previous games in the [[Phantasy Star|''Phantasy Star'' series]].

Before ''Phantasy Star Online'', online gaming was limited to western PC games, particularly RPGs such as [[Diablo (video game)|''Diablo'']], ''[[Ultima Online]]'', and ''[[EverQuest]]''. Believing online play was the future, Sega chairman [[Isao Okawa]] instructed [[Sonic Team]] to develop an online game for the Dreamcast, produced by [[Yuji Naka]]. Sonic Team's experiments led to the development of ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'', the first online Dreamcast game. Using what they learned from the project, and taking significant inspiration from ''Diablo'', Sonic Team built ''Phantasy Star Online''. As Japanese [[internet service provider]]s charged for [[Dial-up Internet access|dial-up access]] per minute, and high-speed connections were not yet widely available, Okawa personally paid for free internet access bundled with Japanese Dreamcasts.

''Phantasy Star Online'' was highly anticipated and launched to positive reviews and commercial success; critics praised the online gameplay as addictive but criticized the single-player mode. It received the [[Japan Game Awards|Japan Game Award]] for "Game of the Year" and is recognized as a landmark console game, influencing multiplayer [[dungeon crawl]]ers, as well as the ''[[Monster Hunter]]'' series.

''Phantasy Star Online'' was ported to [[Windows]] and rereleased on the Dreamcast as ''Ver. 2'' with expanded content. Following Sega's exit from the console business in 2001, the game was ported to [[GameCube]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] as ''Episode I & II'', featuring new characters, environments and other features. ''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution|Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution]]'', released for GameCube in 2003, was a turn-based card game. The online series continued with ''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006) and ''[[Phantasy Star Online 2]]'' (2012). Sega decommissioned the last official servers in 2010; ''Phantasy Star Online'' is still played on [[Server emulator|private servers]].

==Gameplay==
[[File:Phantasy_Star_Online_screenshot.png|thumb|left|A player battling enemies in the forests of Ragol with three other players]]
''Phantasy Star Online'' is an [[action role-playing game]] primarily played with other players cooperatively over the internet. Players take on the role of adventurers sent to explore Ragol, an uncharted planet.<ref name=":403" /> To create their character, they choose between a handful of races and classes, which define their abilities and statistics; for example, some types are better with "techniques" ([[Magic (gaming)|magic spells]]) while others are more skilled with ranged or melee weapons.<ref name=":38">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-review/1900-2680252/|title=Phantasy Star Online Review|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=January 30, 2001|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-review/1900-2680252/|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref>

Players can play either online or offline. Online, players are brought to a lobby where they can chat and organize teams of up to four.<ref name=":39">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-hands-on/1100-2675449/|title=Phantasy Star Online Hands-On|last=Stahl|first=Ben|date=May 17, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143446/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-hands-on/1100-2675449/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 9, 2018}}</ref>{{Efn|The high player population in this part of the game has led some sources to label the game as a [[MMORPG|massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG)]]. However, other sources have explained that the main portions of the game are not massively multiplayer, only the lobbies.<ref name=":6"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fahs|first=Travis|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast?page=5|title=IGN Presents the History of Dreamcast|date=September 9, 2010|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717032240/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast?page=5|archive-date=July 17, 2015}}</ref>}} Team members can communicate by typing using a physical or onscreen keyboard,<ref name=":38" /> even when in different environments.<ref name=":39" /> Preset phrases are automatically translated between languages, and custom [[emoticon]]s are also supported.<ref name=":38" /> Players can also exchange "guild cards" to exchange private messages and see when the other is online.<ref name=":38" />

After organizing a team, players are transported to their own [[Instance dungeon|instance]] of the hub spaceship ''Pioneer 2'', where they can buy and sell items, store money and items, heal, and browse quests.<ref name=":39" /> At any time, they can transport to Ragol, where combat and exploration take place.<ref name=":39" /> The four environments '''''–''''' forests, caves, mines, or ruins<ref name=":39" /> '''''–''''' comprise winding passages and large areas where enemies spawn.<ref name=":39" /> Players fight enemies in real time, using weapons and techniques and collecting items.<ref name= ":21" /> Attacks can be [[Combo (video gaming)|chained]] for more accuracy and speed.<ref name=engadget/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Sonic Team |title=Phantasy Star Online: Episode I &II Plus ''instruction manual'' |date=2002 |publisher=Sega |location=North America |pages=37}}</ref> Typically, all the monsters in a room must be defeated to advance.<ref name=":38" /> Each environment ends in a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss battle]], which rewards the team with a large sum of [[experience point]]s.<ref name=":39" /> Quests, taken on ''Pioneer 2,'' task players with specific challenges; once completed, the team returns to ''Pioneer 2'' to collect their reward.<ref name=":39" /> Higher difficulties reward players with more experience points and better items. Some items can be used to feed the player's mag, a small creature that follows the player character and aids them in battle.<ref name=":39" />

==Plot==
The story of ''Phantasy Star Online'' is unrelated to the original ''Phantasy Star'' series,<ref name= ":39" /> and is less substantial.<ref name=":403" /> Threatened by the imminent destruction of their home planet, thousands of refugees arrive at planet Ragol aboard the spaceship ''Pioneer 2.'' As they establish contact with colonists sent ahead on ''Pioneer 1'', an enormous explosion shakes the planet. Adventurers from ''Pioneer 2'' land to investigate the explosion and search for Rico Tyrell, daughter of the head of ''Pioneer 2''. They discover the planet overrun by monsters, and follow messages left by Rico leading to an ancient evil, Dark Falz.

==Development==
By the late 1990s, the popularity of [[Online game|online gaming]] on personal computers had grown substantially in the west, but was almost nonexistent in Japan, where [[Video game console|consoles]] were more popular. Sega chairman [[Isao Okawa]] believed the internet was the future of gaming and wanted a flagship online game for Sega's [[Dreamcast]] console. None of Sega's development studios wanted the project, as they were occupied with their own ventures, such as ''[[Jet Set Radio]]'' (2000) and the ''[[Sakura Wars]]'' series.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamestm.co.uk/uncategorised/behind-the-scenes-phantasy-star-online/|title=Behind The Scenes: Phantasy Star Online|date=February 16, 2011|website=gamesTM|access-date=May 24, 2018|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728060111/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/uncategorised/behind-the-scenes-phantasy-star-online/|archive-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref> Okawa gave the responsibility to [[Sonic Team]], led by [[Yuji Naka]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7">{{cite magazine|date=Christmas 2000|title=Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cc/Edge_UK_092.pdf|magazine=Edge|issue=92|pages=3, 50–56}}</ref> Sonic Team was not particularly receptive to the decision, but continued with development.<ref name=":0" /> After Okawa became ill, Naka sent reports to the hospital to update him on progress.<ref name=":0" />

=== Concept ===
[[File:Yuji_Naka_-_Magic_-_Monaco_-_2015-03-21-_P1030036_(cropped_again).jpg|alt=A photograph of the game's producer, Yuki Naka, in 2015|thumb|Producer [[Yuji Naka]] in 2015]]Sonic Team began experimenting with the Dreamcast's network capabilities after completing ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' in 1998.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yuji-naka-interview/1100-2681879/|title=Yuji Naka Interview|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=February 5, 2001|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 27, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726174507/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/yuji-naka-interview/1100-2681879/|archive-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref> They saw the creation of an online game for Japan, a nation of console gamers, as a serious challenge, akin to creating a new genre.<ref name=":0" /> Much of their time was spent learning the basic elements of online gaming; they wanted to make sure the network functionality worked before developing the gameplay, setting, and story.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega.com:80/segascream/developers/post_interviews.jhtml?article=int_yujinaka|title=Interviews: Yuji Naka, Creator of Sonic and Phantasy Star Online|last=Cellucci|first=Mark|date=2001|website=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021208112249/http://www.sega.com/segascream/developers/post_interviews.jhtml?article=int_yujinaka|archive-date=December 8, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their network experiments became ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'', released in 1999 as the first online game for the Dreamcast.<ref name=":13" /><ref name="chuchustore2">{{cite web |last=White |first=Matt |date=March 7, 2000 |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2000/03/08/chu-chu-rockets-to-stores |title=Chu Chu Rockets To Stores |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=May 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last1=Justice|first1=Brandon|last2=Gantayat|first2=Anoop|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/12/igndc-talks-shop-with-sonic-team|title=IGNDC Talks Shop with Sonic Team|date=February 11, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085121/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/12/igndc-talks-shop-with-sonic-team|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/yuji-naka-prope-interview-feb-2009-p2.asp|title=He's Back: Yuji Naka Prope Interview (Page 2)|last=Doree|first=Adam|date=February 4, 2009|website=Kikizo Archives|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825195028/http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/yuji-naka-prope-interview-feb-2009-p2.asp|archive-date=August 25, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref> Sonic Team used the lessons learned from ''ChuChu Rocket!'' to implement network technology in the larger project.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":15" />

Because of the lack of Japanese online games, and the developers' experience with the genre, Naka looked to western games for inspiration,<ref name=":0" /> and studied three online RPGs popular at the time: [[Diablo (video game)|''Diablo'']] (1996), ''[[Ultima Online]]'' (1997), and ''[[EverQuest]]'' (1999).<ref name=":0" /> ''Diablo'' in particular impressed him on a gameplay and technical level; he enjoyed how smooth the graphics and action were despite requiring significant system memory.<ref name=":13" /> ''Diablo'' was a 2D game, however, and Sonic Team wanted to develop a 3D game with the same degree of smoothness and gameplay. This concerned Naka, as he did not want his game to use the cheap and bland graphics associated with online games.<ref name=":0" />

Naka decided against creating a [[Massively multiplayer online game|massively multiplayer]] game similar to ''Ultima Online'' and ''EverQuest'', which would handle many players simultaneously in a persistent world; the necessary servers would have required two years of programming, and the Dreamcast did not have a [[hard disk drive]] to support continuous online patches. Naka was also more interested in working on new projects instead of continuously updating the same game for years, and doubted Sonic Team would be able to keep the game interesting.<ref name=":6">{{cite magazine|last=Reyes|first=Francesca|date=February 2001|title=Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ec/ODCM_US_11.pdf|magazine=Official Dreamcast Magazine|issue=11|pages=36–41|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ec/ODCM_US_11.pdf|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> The team therefore adopted ''Diablo'' as their main inspiration, determined to outclass it.<ref name=":0" />

=== Art and setting ===
Sonic Team built a science fiction-fantasy game under the working title ''Third World''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /> The art style was "comic-like" at first, but became more realistic. One of artist Satoshi Sakai's early concept drawings of a dragon reminded Naka of Sega's ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' series, which had been dormant since ''[[Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium|Phantasy Star IV]]'' (1993) for the Genesis.<ref name=":0" /> Naka had been the main programmer on [[Phantasy Star (video game)|''Phantasy Star'']] (1987) and ''[[Phantasy Star II]]'' (1989).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last1=Justice|first1=Brandon|last2=Chau|first2=Anthony|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/02/interview-with-sega-legend-yuji-naka|title=Interview With SEGA Legend, Yuji Naka|date=February 1, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220201437/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/02/interview-with-sega-legend-yuji-naka|archive-date=December 20, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref> He had always wanted to develop a multiplayer ''Phantasy Star'' game, but previous hardware did not allow for it.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/02/igndc-interviews-sonic-teams-yuji-naka|title=IGNDC Interviews Sonic Team's Yuji Naka|last=IGN Staff|date=October 1, 1999|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220201837/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/02/igndc-interviews-sonic-teams-yuji-naka|archive-date=December 20, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref>

With the ''Phantasy Star'' series chosen as the setting, Sonic Team continued developing the gameplay and story. The team was given freedom not to adhere strictly to elements from earlier ''Phantasy Star'' games.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /> The game would not continue the story from the previous ''Phantasy Star'' games, something that made Naka feel liberated.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /> Since few of the ''Phantasy Star IV'' staff still worked at Sega, the art team felt little obligation to adhere to the previous games' style, retaining only the science fiction look and some enemy and item names. Naka and Sakai believed factors such as the change in graphical fidelity and genre were enough to differentiate  it from previous ''Phantasy Star'' games.<ref name=":0" />

=== Music ===
The soundtrack was composed by Hideaki Kobayashi using a [[Roland JV-2080]] synthesizer, with live orchestration on some tracks, including the theme song. Kobayashi composed [[ambient music]] for calm scenes, and incorporated more rhythm and melody for battles. He composed short four-[[Bar (music)|bar]] melodies that are sequenced depending on gameplay; for example, when an enemy appears, the system plays music associated with that enemy. The process was a drain on the Dreamcast hardware, and gained the nickname "the crasher" among staff for how often it would [[Crash (computing)|crash]] the game during development.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mielke|first=James|date=2020-08-09|title=Phantasy Star Online's music has defined the series for 20 years|url=https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/8/9/21357456/composing-phantasy-star-online-music-20-years-hideaki-kobayashi|access-date=2020-08-23|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref>

=== Online functionality ===
Sonic Team had conceived their 1998 [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]] game ''[[Burning Rangers]]'' as an online game for four players, but abandoned the idea due to insurmountable network problems.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|last=Mielke|first=James|date=2020-08-02|title=Phantasy Star Online's director talks Diablo influences, cut features, and Christmas Nights|url=https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/8/2/21348946/phantasy-star-online-director-diablo-cut-features-christmas-nights|access-date=2020-08-23|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> They used the ''ChuChu Rocket!'' networking system as a template for the online functions for ''Phantasy Star Online''.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":15" /> This presented new challenges, as the new network would connect players between different countries.<ref name=":13" /> Sonic Team ran experiments with different [[internet service provider]]s, [[Modem|dial-up modems]], [[cable modem]]s, and other networking configurations to ensure the game would work for all players.<ref name=":2" /> In Japan, Sonic Team gave [[Software release life cycle|beta versions]] to 10,000 users who pre-ordered the game, so they could work with a variety of equipment and internet services to eliminate problems.<ref name=":2" /> They wanted to run a worldwide test but did not have time.<ref name=":2" /> 90% of the testers were able to play online.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/21/pso-broadband|title=PSO = Broadband|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=December 20, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142451/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/21/pso-broadband|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Despite technical success, Sega was concerned that the high cost of internet access in Japan would be prohibitive for gamers and reduce sales.<ref name=":1" /> Japanese internet service providers charged per-minute fees for [[Dial-up Internet access|dial-up access]], and high-speed options such as [[broadband]] were not yet widely available. To combat this, chairman Okawa personally paid for free internet access for one year to be bundled with each Dreamcast.<ref name=":0" />

One of the biggest challenges was bridging the [[language barrier]] between global players.<ref name=":3" /> Sonic Team felt that developing a universal language system would be the largest barrier to a global gaming network.<ref name=":13" /> The team started by developing the word select system, which allows players to select predefined expressions to be translated to other players.<ref name=":7" /> The system had about 2000 words near the end of development, and Naka found it difficult to add more words to satisfy all player needs.<ref name=":6" /> Sonic Team built support for five languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German, and French.<ref name=":8">{{cite magazine|last=Fischer|first=Blake|date=November 2000|title=Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d1/NextGeneration_US_71.pdf|magazine=Next Generation|volume=2|issue=11|pages=23–25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143151/https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d1/NextGeneration_US_71.pdf|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> They omitted Italian and Portuguese due to time constraints. Korean was also considered because of the internet boom in Korea at the time.<ref name=":6" /> Japanese and English were easier to implement because the only concern is the word location in the sentence, whereas Spanish and French have [[grammatical gender]]. The language system had to be fully redesigned at least once.<ref name=":6" />

Each server could accommodate one thousand players.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/amazing-new-phantasy-star-online-screens|title=Amazing New Phantasy Star Online Screens!|last=Williamson|first=Colin|date=March 23, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612151545/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/amazing-new-phantasy-star-online-screens|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Sega initially prepared 20 network servers to accommodate 20,000 online users for game's launch, with room to add more servers as necessary.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-network-details/1100-2643220/|title=PSO Network Details|last=GameSpot Staff|date=October 20, 2000|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> This was increased to support up to 36,000 players right before launch.<ref name=":16" /> Sonic Team partnered with [[Swatch]] to use [[Swatch Internet Time|Swatch Internet time]] (or "beat time") as a universal clock for the game.<ref name=":13" /> The clock was implemented so players could coordinate with those in other countries on when to play online.<ref name=":19" /> The clock system divides each 24 hours into 1000 beats, with one beat equaling one minute and 26.4 seconds.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/24/phantasy-star-online-faq-frequently-asked-questions-updated|title=Phantasy Star Online F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) Updated!|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=July 24, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/24/phantasy-star-online-faq-frequently-asked-questions-updated|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{cite magazine|date=February 2001|title=Insight: Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6a/Hyper_AU_088.pdf|magazine=Hyper|issue=88|pages=26–27|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142512/https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6a/Hyper_AU_088.pdf|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> The time was maintained directly on the server and not based on the user's clock on their system.<ref name=":13" /> Sonic Team decided not to add jumping to keep the levels simple and simplify the network code.<ref name=":02"/>

Naka joked that future gamers would laugh at the word "Online" in the title, as he believed that online gaming would become standard; it was included as the concept was new and so important to communicate.<ref name=":13" />

=== End of production ===
''Phantasy Star Online'' was planned for release in March 2000, but was delayed so more features could be added.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":2" /> The team planned 18 character types, and had male and female sketches for each, but settled on nine.<ref name=":2" /> A [[player versus player|player-versus-player]] mode was included in beta versions given to journalists, but this was omitted in the final version because it distracted players from the cooperative focus and introduced game balance issues;<ref name=":2" /> additionally, as the console-playing audience was younger than the PC audience, Naka did not want to evoke competitive behavior.<ref name=":13" /> The development team had more ideas for features to implement as development came to a close, with Naka wishing he had six additional months to add more features.<ref name=":6" /> ''Phantasy Star Online'' took two years to develop.<ref name=":3" /> Naka found it difficult to make a networked game for consoles, and developed an appreciation for Microsoft for supporting online games so well.<ref name=":13" />

== Promotion ==
{{quote box
| quote = "As one of the most anticipated games for RPG fans and Dreamcast owners alike, Sonic Team's ''Phantasy Star Online'' represents what could be the pinnacle of current next-generation gaming, roleplaying or otherwise."
| source = — [[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US magazine)|''Official Dreamcast Magazine'' (US)]], December 2000<ref name=":9" />
| align = right
| width = 25%
}}Sega unveiled ''Phantasy Star Online'' at the 1999 [[Tokyo Game Show]] with a gameplay demonstration.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-unveiled/1100-2542033/|title=Phantasy Star Online Unveiled|last=GameSpot Staff|date=April 26, 2000|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-unveiled/1100-2542033/|archive-date=June 25, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Naka called it the "[[Killer application|killer app]]" for the Dreamcast as it used all aspects of the system, most importantly the modem.<ref name=":6" />

As the first online RPG for consoles, ''Phantasy Star Online'' was highly anticipated.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{cite magazine|date=December 2000|title=Phantasy Star|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/0/00/ODCM_US_09.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Official Dreamcast Magazine|issue=9|pages=56|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113507/https://retrocdn.net/images/0/00/ODCM_US_09.pdf|archive-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{cite magazine|date=February 2001|title=Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/48/VideoGamer_UK_04.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Video Gamer|issue=4|pages=94–95|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/https://retrocdn.net/images/4/48/VideoGamer_UK_04.pdf|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> Journalists saw it as the next evolutionary step in console-based role-playing games.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":21">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-hands-on/1100-2652589/|title=Phantasy Star Online Hands-On|last=Stahl|first=Ben|date=May 17, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161155/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-hands-on/1100-2652589/|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> Francesca Reyes of ''[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US magazine)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]]'' proposed that it would be an "industry-changing title", a landmark in the history of console gaming.<ref name=":6" /> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' wrote that the Dreamcast was quickly becoming the platform for innovative games, and wrote that ''Phantasy Star Online'' was "arguably the most revolutionary - not the mention most ambitious - console game ever".<ref name=":11">{{cite magazine|date=October 2000|title=Access All Games: Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/8f/CVG_UK_227.pdf|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=227|pages=6–7|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/https://retrocdn.net/images/8/8f/CVG_UK_227.pdf|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]'' believed it would "change the way we think of RPGs" and could possibly be "the most exciting console RPG ever created".<ref name=":21" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hands-onphantasy-star-online/1100-2652287/|title=Hands-OnPhantasy Star Online|last=Lopez|first=Miguel|date=November 10, 2000|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161155/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hands-onphantasy-star-online/1100-2652287/|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' wrote that the multiplayer mechanics "would lay the foundations for a new era of console gaming".<ref name=":7" /> ''Video Gamer'' called it the "Dreamcast's most ambitious project yet".<ref name=":12" /> Some journalists had concerns about the viability of the online modes, and saw the single-player option as a fail-safe should it not function correctly.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":12" />

To promote the game, Sega bought a star on the [[International Star Registry]] and named it "Ragol".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 2001|title=Star Maker|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/9f/ODM_UK_18.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK)|issue=18|pages=21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713072423/https://retrocdn.net/images/9/9f/ODM_UK_18.pdf|archive-date=July 13, 2018}}</ref> The first 100,000 people to pre-order the game in Japan received ''Phantasy Star Online'' branded [[dog tag]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/16/got-your-phantasy-star-online-dog-tag|title=Got Your Phantasy Star Online Dog Tag?|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=November 15, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> A limited edition in Japan including a branded memory card was canceled and the memory card sold separately on Sega's website.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-launch-details/1100-2633685/|title=PSO Launch Details|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=September 26, 2000|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-limited-edition-cancelled/1100-2646152/|title=Phantasy Star Online Limited Edition Cancelled|last=Sato|first=Yukiyoshi Ike|date=May 17, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Early copies of the game included a demo for ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-includes-sonic-2-demo/1100-2642227/|title=PSO Includes Sonic 2 Demo|last=Sato|first=Yukiyoshi Ike|date=May 17, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161151/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-includes-sonic-2-demo/1100-2642227/|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref>

== Launch ==
[[File:Dreamcast-Console-Set.jpg|thumb|right|''Phantasy Star Online'' was first released for the Dreamcast.]]''Phantasy Star Online'' was released in Japan on December 21, 2000.<ref name=":22" /> The language could be changed to English or any of the other supported chat languages, making it "import-friendly".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/22/play-phantasy-star-online-in-english-now|title=Play Phantasy Star Online in English Now!|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=December 21, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/22/play-phantasy-star-online-in-english-now|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Naka had hoped for a simultaneous global release, but the western release was delayed for beta testing and marketing reasons.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":22" /> While subscriptions would be free in North America,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/29/sega-re-confirms-free-play-for-phantasy-star-online-in-america|title=Sega Re-Confirms Free Play for Phantasy Star Online in America|last=Justice|first=Brandon|date=November 28, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> in Japan the game included a 30-day free trial, after which Japanese players were required to purchase 30-day or 90-day subscriptions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/14/sega-of-japan-to-charge-fee-for-pso|title=Sega of Japan to Charge Fee for PSO|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=November 13, 2000|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141459/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/14/sega-of-japan-to-charge-fee-for-pso|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Immediately after the Japanese release, Sonic Team began maintaining the overworked servers and investigated network problems in [[Hiroshima]] and [[Okayama]].<ref name=":0" />

Sonic Team hoped that ''Phantasy Star Online'' would be successful in Japan; international sales were seen as a bonus.<ref name=":0" /> In North America, which Naka believed would be the biggest market, ''Phantasy Star Online'' was released on January 30, 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameSpot: Dreamcast News: Phantasy Star Online ships |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2680381,00.html |access-date=2023-04-23 |archive-date=October 4, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011004193803/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2680381,00.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-02-01 |title=EBWorld.com - Dreamcast |url=http://www.ebworld.com/ebx/categories/homepages/dreamcast.asp |access-date=2023-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010201164400/http://www.ebworld.com/ebx/categories/homepages/dreamcast.asp |archive-date=February 1, 2001 }}</ref> It sold 75,000 copies there on the first day and was the bestselling game that week.<ref name=":23">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-comments-on-phantasy-star-online-2/1100-2686200/|title=Sega comments on Phantasy Star Online 2|last=GameSpot Staff|date=May 17, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161155/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-comments-on-phantasy-star-online-2/1100-2686200/|archive-date=June 25, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcast-makes-a-statement/1100-2686193/|title=Dreamcast makes a statement|last=GameSpot Staff|date=February 21, 2001|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Sega's North American online gaming service [[SegaNet]] was not required for online play.<ref name=":19" /> While the Japanese version supported the [[Dreamcast Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter|modem and broadband adapters]],<ref name=":16" /> the North American release did not support the broadband adapter, but ''IGN'' explained how to use it by swapping discs with an import copy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/03/phantasy-star-online-compatibility-with-broadband-adapter|title=Phantasy Star Online Compatibility with Broadband Adapter|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=February 2, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612150005/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/03/phantasy-star-online-compatibility-with-broadband-adapter|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref>

''Phantasy Star Online'' sold 500,000 copies in Japan and one million worldwide, meeting Sega's expectations almost exactly.<ref name=":4" /> Naka had hoped to sell more, but believed the servers may not have carried the load.<ref name=":0" /> Before its western launch, nearly 100,000 players had registered.<ref name=":3" /> By April 2001, over 235,000 players had registered worldwide: 130,000 in Japan, 70,000 in North America, and 35,000 in Europe.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/13/pso-fan-cup-event-in-japan|title=PSO Fan Cup Event in Japan|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=March 12, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/06/phantasy-star-online-is-hot|title=Phantasy Star Online is Hot|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=April 6, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612151342/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/06/phantasy-star-online-is-hot|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref>  By May, over 270,000 had registered.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/22/chatting-with-sega-developers|title=Chatting With SEGA Developers|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=May 22, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208185309/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/22/chatting-with-sega-developers|archive-date=December 8, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> The peak number of users connected simultaneously was 26,000.<ref name=":18" />

''Phantasy Star Online'' suffered problems common with other online games, with players cheating and selling rare items online.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/09/bid-for-your-phantasy-star-online-items-today|title=Bid For Your Phantasy Star Online Items Today!|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=February 8, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Several weeks after launch, Japanese players began [[Exploit (computer security)|exploiting bugs]] to duplicate items, enhance their stats, and kill other players.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/20/sega-scream-stop-the-cheating-in-phantasy-star-online|title=SEGA Scream: Stop The Cheating in Phantasy Star Online|last=IGN Staff|date=April 20, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/06/phantasy-star-online-cheaters-days-are-numbered|title=Phantasy Star Online Cheaters' Days Are Numbered|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=March 5, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141958/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/06/phantasy-star-online-cheaters-days-are-numbered|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> Sonic Team announced they would ban players found cheating or disrupting other players, starting in May 2001.<ref name=":24" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/10/sonic-team-takes-action|title=Sonic Team Takes Action|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=May 10, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141509/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/10/sonic-team-takes-action|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> According to ''IGN,'' cheating was prevalent because ''Phantasy Star Online'' used a [[peer-to-peer]] communication system. [[Blizzard Entertainment]] had similar problems with ''Diablo'', but after moving to a [[Client–server model|client-server]] system for ''[[Diablo II]]'', cheating became more difficult.<ref name=":20" />

Sonic Team added more quests for players to download, translated into the five languages used in the game.<ref name=":2" /> In Japan, a special "Fan Cup" quest was held from March 23 to April 6, developed with the game magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''. In the event, over 70,000 players<ref name=":18" /> competed for the fastest time; the winner received a cash prize and a rare game item.<ref name=":17" /> As he had with ''ChuChu Rocket!,'' Naka played online<ref name=":6" /> and was happy to see American and Japanese players playing together using the communication system.<ref name=":2" />

== Later releases ==
=== ''Ver. 2'' ===
In April 2001, Sega announced ''Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2,'' an updated version of the original game with new content and improved features,<ref name=":27">{{cite magazine|last=Adams|first=Gary|date=March 28, 2002|title=Phantasy Star Online Ver.2|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2f/DreamcastMagazine_UK_33.pdf|magazine=Dreamcast Magazine (UK)|issue=33|pages=4–9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143138/https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2f/DreamcastMagazine_UK_33.pdf|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":25">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/04/phantasy-star-online-version-2-official-page-launches|title=Phantasy Star Online Version 2 Official Page Launches!|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=April 4, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/13/gamejam-sega-shows-off-phantasy-star-online-v2|title=GameJam: Sega Shows off Phantasy Star Online v.2.|last=IGN Staff|date=April 13, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> including an increased [[Experience point#Level-based progression|level]] cap (to 200),<ref name=":26" /> a new difficulty mode for players over level 80,<ref name=":27" /> a battle mode that pits players in one-on-one or team battles, a soccer minigame with balls shaped like characters from ''ChuChu Rocket!,''<ref name=":27" /> new weapons and monsters, gameplay balance alterations, day and night effects, an improved user interface, and two new areas exclusive to online quests. ''Ver. 2'' also adds a challenge mode, which places teams in a stage with starting equipment and stats; if a teammate dies, the mission ends.<ref name=":27" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":28" /><ref name=":26" /><ref name=":31" /> Players could import their character from the original game or create a new one;<ref name=":26">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega.com:80/games/dreamcast/post_dreamcastgame.jhtml?PRODID=770|title=Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2|date=2001|website=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011024001755/http://www.sega.com/games/dreamcast/post_dreamcastgame.jhtml?PRODID=770|archive-date=October 24, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> characters registered for ''Ver. 2'' could not be used in the original game. Any illegal items were also deleted during the upgrade.<ref name=":31">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/09/phantasy-star-online-version-2-igninsider-first-impressions-dc|title=Phantasy Star Online Version 2 - IGNinsider First Impressions (DC)|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=June 9, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140404/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/09/phantasy-star-online-version-2-igninsider-first-impressions-dc|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref>

Sonic Team worked a tough schedule to develop ''Ver. 2'' in under six months,<ref name=":0" /> releasing it on June 7, 2001, in Japan and September 25, 2001, in North America.<ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/07/12/phantasy-star-onlines-new-look|title=Phantasy Star Online's New Look|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=July 12, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144204/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/07/12/phantasy-star-onlines-new-look|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Unlike the original North American release, ''Ver. 2'' required subscription fees to play.<ref name=":19" /> Three months of unlimited gameplay could be purchased at a time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/16/pay-to-play-pso-ver-2-for-gamecube|title=Pay-to-Play PSO Ver. 2 for GameCube?|last=IGN Staff|date=July 16, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> The game still had no dependencies on SegaNet, however.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/23/seganet-sets-flat-rate|title=SegaNet Sets Flat Rate|last=IGN Staff|date=October 23, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> In Europe, DreamKey 3.0 was required.<ref name=":27" /> ''Ver. 2'' was ported to [[Windows]] in Japan and released on December 20, 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-demo-available/1100-2833620/|title=Phantasy Star Online demo available|last=Walker|first=Trey|date=December 18, 2001|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108204805/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-demo-available/1100-2833620/|archive-date=November 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sega.jp/search/result.php?page=6&pf=11|title=検索結果 {{!}} セガ 製品情報サイト|date=March 3, 2017|website=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303233023/http://sega.jp/search/result.php?page=6&pf=11|archive-date=March 3, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=May 28, 2018|language=ja}}</ref>

=== ''Episode I & II'' ===
[[File:GameCube online setup.png|thumb|right|[[ASCII Corporation]] produced a unique GameCube controller with a keyboard to help players communicate in ''Phantasy Star Online''.]]On January 31, 2001, following years of losses, Sega announced it would discontinue the Dreamcast and restructure as a third-party developer.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=Steven L.|author-link=Steven L. Kent|title=[[The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World]]|year=2001|publisher=Prima Publishing|location=Roseville, California|isbn=0-7615-3643-4|pages=588–589}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-drastic-restructuring/1100-2680518/|title=Sega announces drastic restructuring|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=January 31, 2001|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510200945/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-drastic-restructuring/1100-2680518/|archive-date=May 10, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> In May, Sega announced an expanded GameCube port of ''Phantasy Star Online'', which became ''Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/15/pre-e3-sega-announces-10-gamecube-titles-in-development|title=Pre-E3: Sega Announces 10 GameCube Titles in Development!|last=IGN Staff|date=May 15, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 30, 2018}}</ref> Sega chose the GameCube because it had similar architecture to the Dreamcast<ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 2001|title=Phantasy Star Online|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=145|pages=66}}</ref> and supported dial-up, which Sega believed was important despite the approach of broadband internet.<ref name=":5" /> Sonic Team created a GameCube demo of ''Phantasy Star Online'' within a month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/17/e3-pso-version-2-direct-feed|title=E3: PSO Version 2 Direct Feed!|last=IGN Staff|date=May 17, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 30, 2018}}</ref>

To make the game more viable for Nintendo's family-oriented consumers, Sonic Team added a [[Split screen (computer graphics)|split-screen multiplayer]] mode.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0209/01_04/|title=４．『ファンタシースターオンライン エピソード１＆２』開発スタッフインタビュー PAGE１|date=September 2002|website=Nintendo|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306165923/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0209/01_04/|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=2018-07-14|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Since the GameCube had no [[Out of the box (feature)|out-of-the-box]] network capabilities, Nintendo developed a modem and broadband adapter and sold them separately.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/nintendo-jumps-online|title=Nintendo Jumps Online|last=IGN Staff|date=May 13, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224013921/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/nintendo-jumps-online|archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref> The servers were maintained by Sega.<ref name=":34">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-explains-its-online-stance/1100-2865449/|title=Nintendo explains its online stance|last=Satterfield|first=Shane|date=May 14, 2002|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143655/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-explains-its-online-stance/1100-2865449/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> GameCube players could not play with Dreamcast players.<ref name=":34" />

''Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II'' comprises two "episodes": Episode I is a port of ''Ver 2'' with improved graphics, whereas Episode II comprises entirely new content, which Naka described as a true sequel.<ref name=":30">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-team-qanda/1100-2882013/|title=Sonic Team Q&A|author=Gamespot Staff|date=February 18, 2004|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141314/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-team-qanda/1100-2882013/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":29">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/28/history-of-phantasy-star?page=3|title=History of Phantasy Star|date=January 28, 2004|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref> The game adds characters, environments, quests, a split-screen mode, and updated graphics and interfaces.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/03/29/new-pso-details|title=New PSO Details|last=IGN Staff|date=March 29, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> Some quests reward players with minigames based on Sonic Team games [[Puyo Pop (video game)|''Puyo Pop'']] and ''[[Nights into Dreams]],'' which can be played on a [[Game Boy Advance]] connected to the GameCube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-nights-on-the-gba|title=E3 2002: Nights on the GBA|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=May 22, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728080528/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-nights-on-the-gba|archive-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/13/nights-pso-quest|title=Nights PSO Quest|last=IGN Staff|date=December 13, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/13/nights-pso-quest|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> A [[Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Chao]] resembling [[Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Tails]], a character from the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' games, can be imported into ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' and ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]''.<ref name=":30" />

Sonic Team ran a beta trial for some players who had pre-ordered ''Episode I & II,'' starting on May 31, 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-episode-i-and-ii-beta-test-begins-in-japan/1100-2868407/|title=PSO Episode I & II beta test begins in Japan|last=Sato|first=Yukiyoshi Ike|date=May 17, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/29/gaming-in-japan-2|title=Gaming in Japan|last=IGN Staff|date=May 29, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> The game sold 70,000 copies within the first month in Japan, and by October had sold over 100,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/03/hands-on-gamecube-broadband|title=Hands-on: GameCube Broadband|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=October 3, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120170342/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/03/hands-on-gamecube-broadband|archive-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/25/graphs-weekly-gcn-sales-in-japan|title=Graphs: Weekly GCN Sales in Japan|last=IGN Staff|date=October 25, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140729/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/25/graphs-weekly-gcn-sales-in-japan|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> It was released in North America in October, and in Europe on March 7, 2003.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/european-phantasy-star-online-pricing/1100-2911086/|title=European Phantasy Star Online pricing|last=Calvert|first=Justin|date=February 18, 2003|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118153615/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/european-phantasy-star-online-pricing/1100-2911086/|archive-date=November 18, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-ships-for-gc/1100-2896027/|title=Phantasy Star Online ships for GC|last=Parker|first=Sam|date=October 29, 2002|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref> Like ''Ver. 2'', ''Episode I & II'' required a paid monthly subscription.<ref name=":32" /><ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-pricing/1100-2882211/|title=Phantasy Star Online pricing|last=Parker|first=Sam|date=October 2, 2002|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143504/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-pricing/1100-2882211/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> [[ASCII Corporation]] developed a keyboard controller for the game,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/12/tgs-2001-best-peripheral-ever|title=TGS 2001: Best Peripheral Ever!|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=October 12, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144208/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/12/tgs-2001-best-peripheral-ever|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> released only in Japan, though plans were announced for a keyboard controller to be released in America.  Some players resorted to importing the controller from Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/30/pso-diary-volume-1|title=PSO Diary: Volume 1|last=Mirabella III|first=Fran|date=October 30, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145822/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/30/pso-diary-volume-1|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/10/pso-keyboard-to-us|title=PSO Keyboard to U.S.?|last=IGN Staff|date=October 10, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=May 31, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202210556/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/10/pso-keyboard-to-us|archive-date=February 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-episode-i-and-ii-impressions/1100-2896260/|title=PSO Episode I & II impressions|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|date=October 30, 2002|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref>  An enhanced version of the game, ''Episode I & II'' ''Plus,'' was released for the GameCube later.  This version included many quests originally distributed exclusively online, a new challenge mode, and new items.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/02/new-phantasy-star-online-game-for-japan|title=New Phantasy Star Online Game for Japan|last=IGN Staff|date=September 2, 2003|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144046/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/02/new-phantasy-star-online-game-for-japan|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref>

''Episode I & II'' was ported to [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] on April 15, 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/16/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii-2?page=4|title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II|last=Mirabella III|first=Fran|date=April 16, 2003|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|page=4|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> Servers were hosted through [[Xbox Live]] and did not interface with the GameCube or Dreamcast servers.<ref name=":30"/> Because of its Xbox Live foundation, the Xbox version supports voice chat but did not connect players across regions.<ref name=":29" /><ref name=":35">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-announces-phantasy-star-online-details/1100-2909988/|title=Microsoft announces Phantasy Star Online details|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=January 31, 2003|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143632/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-announces-phantasy-star-online-details/1100-2909988/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> The game required an Xbox Live account to play online or offline; as the game was packaged with Xbox Live in Japan, to localize the game quickly, Microsoft did not remove the limitation. In addition to Xbox Live fees, Sega charged players an extra subscription fee to play online.<ref name=":35" />

=== ''Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution'' ===
{{Main|Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution}}In 2003, Sega announced ''Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution''. The game is a sequel to the story presented in ''Episode I & II'', but replaces the action RPG gameplay with a [[turn-based strategy]] card game;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/28/phantasy-star-online-episode-iii-card-revolution|title=Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution|last=IGN Staff|date=April 28, 2003|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref> after developing ''Episode I & II'', Sonic Team thought that players may want a new experience. Players of ''Episode I & II'' and ''Episode III'' can chat and interact in common lobbies, but cannot enter game instances together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/interviews/yuji-naka/|title=An Interview with Yuji Naka|last1=Almaci|first1=Hasan Ali|last2=Kemps|first2=Heidi|date=June 15, 2004|website=The Next Level|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115045159/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/interviews/yuji-naka/|archive-date=November 15, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref> The online servers for the game shut down at the same time as the GameCube Servers for ''Episode I & II''.<ref name=":37" />

=== ''Blue Burst'' ===
A new version for Windows, ''Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst'', was released in Japan on July 15, 2004, following an open beta that began on May 22.<ref name=":36">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-blue-burst-shipping-in-july/1100-6099219/|title=Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst shipping in July|last=Niizumi|first=Hirohiko|date=May 25, 2004|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140404/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-blue-burst-shipping-in-july/1100-6099219/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PSO BB OFFICIAL SITE|url=http://psobb.jp/info-ob2.html#start|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602220808/http://psobb.jp/info-ob2.html#start|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-06-02|access-date=2021-02-07}}</ref> It is a port of ''Episode I & II'' with another episode of new content.<ref name=":40">{{Cite news|date=May 11, 2005|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sega-announces-free-download-of-phantasy-star-online-blue-burst|title=SEGA Announces Free Download Of Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst|website=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=June 9, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":41" /> It features enhancements including a system allowing players to communicate across different servers;<ref name=":41">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/13/phantasy-star-online-blue-burst|title=Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst|last=IGN Staff|date=April 13, 2004|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140601/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/13/phantasy-star-online-blue-burst|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> the most significant change is that the game is online-only, with user data stored on the servers, reducing cheating.<ref name=":36" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/100000-sign-up-for-phantasy-star-online-blue-burst-beta/1100-6100630/|title=100,000 sign up for Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst beta|last=Niizumi|first=Hirohiko|date=June 14, 2004|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106090925/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/100000-sign-up-for-phantasy-star-online-blue-burst-beta/1100-6100630/|archive-date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> In January 2005, ''Blue Burst'' was released in China, Sega's first online game there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-breaking-into-chinese-online-game-world/1100-6116722/|title=Sega breaking into Chinese online game world|last=Niizumi|first=Hirohiko|date=January 20, 2005|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106094013/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-breaking-into-chinese-online-game-world/1100-6116722/|archive-date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> It was released in beta in North America in May 2005, and fully in June.<ref name=":40" />

=== Server closure ===
The North American Dreamcast servers operated until September 30, 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-offline/1100-6074200/|title=Phantasy Star Offline|last=GameSpot Staff|date=August 28, 2003|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118023255/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-offline/1100-6074200/|archive-date=January 18, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref> The North American and Japanese GameCube servers as well as the Japanese Dreamcast servers were shut down on March 30, 2007, following a month of free service.<ref name=":37">{{Cite web|url=http://tails04.sonicteam.com/cgi-bin/pso/info/info.cgi|title=お知らせ|date=2007-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915054541/http://tails04.sonicteam.com/cgi-bin/pso/info/info.cgi|access-date=2019-07-14|archive-date=September 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pso.dricas.ne.jp:80/pso_dricas.html|date=2007-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227044300/http://pso.dricas.ne.jp/pso_dricas.html|access-date=2019-07-15|archive-date=December 27, 2007|title=wPSO xONLINE SUPPORT HP|url-status=live}}</ref> The Japanese Xbox servers were shut down on January 31, 2007,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2007/12/sega-shuts-down/|title=Sega Shuts Down Phantasy Star Online in Japan|last=Arendt|first=Susan|date=2007-12-26|magazine=Wired|access-date=2019-07-14|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> and the North American servers followed on April 22, a week earlier than the announced date of April 30.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pso-world.com/content.php?1752-us-xbox-server-shutdown|title=PSO-World.com - US XBox Server Shutdown|website=www.pso-world.com|access-date=2019-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pso-world.com/content.php?1742-us-xbox-server-closure-notice|title=PSO-World.com - US XBox Server Closure Notice|website=www.pso-world.com|access-date=2019-07-15}}</ref> The North American and European ''Blue Burst'' servers were shut down following a free period lasting from January 12, 2008, until the server's closing on March 31, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pso-world.com/content.php?1722-servers-now-under-free-period|title=PSO-World.com - Servers Now Under "Free" Period|website=www.pso-world.com|access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pso-world.com/content.php?1740-pso-bb-server-shutdown|title=PSO-World.com - PSO BB Server Shutdown|website=www.pso-world.com|access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref> This was followed by the shutdown of the Japanese ''Blue Burst'' servers on December 27, 2010, the last official Sega servers.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psobb.jp/index.html|title=PHANTASY STAR ONLINE Blue Burst|website=psobb.jp|access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref> Hobbyists have developed [[Server emulator|private servers]], and so the game retains a [[cult following]] and can still be played online for all platforms.<ref name="engadget">{{Cite news|last=Olivetti|first=Justin|date=February 7, 2012|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-player/|title=The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players|website=Engadget|access-date=July 14, 2018|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019145138/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-player/|archive-date=October 19, 2015}}</ref><ref name=":43" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2016/03/09/100s-of-people-are-still-playing-segas-phantasy-star-online-and-you-can-too/#7205cd105ed8|title=Hundreds Of People Are Still Playing SEGA's 'Phantasy Star Online' And You Can Too|last=Evangelho|first=Jason|website=Forbes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512064041/http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2016/03/09/100s-of-people-are-still-playing-segas-phantasy-star-online-and-you-can-too/#7205cd105ed8|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Fenlon|first=Wes|date=April 14, 2017|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/phantasy-star-online-will-never-die-how-the-nicest-fans-in-gaming-keep-a-16-year-old-mmo-alive/|title=Phantasy Star Online will never die: how the nicest fans in gaming keep a 16-year-old MMO alive|website=PC Gamer|access-date=July 14, 2018|language=EN-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000017/http://www.pcgamer.com/phantasy-star-online-will-never-die-how-the-nicest-fans-in-gaming-keep-a-16-year-old-mmo-alive/|archive-date=January 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Insignia - Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II |url=https://insignia.live/games/4d53004a |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=insignia.live |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|title = Reception (original Dreamcast version)
|MC = 89/100<ref name=metacritic>{{cite web | work = Metacritic | publisher = CBS Interactive | title = Phantasy Star Online Reviews| url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/phantasy-star-online/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast | access-date = June 20, 2012 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120812015123/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/phantasy-star-online | archive-date = August 12, 2012 }}</ref>
|CVG={{rating|5|5}}<ref name=":373"/>
| rev1       = ''Consoles +''
| rev1Score  = 91%<ref name=":383"/>
| rev2      = ''Dreamcast Magazine'' (JP)
| rev2Score  = 10/10{{efn|Three individual reviewers gave a perfect 10 score.}}<ref name=":413"/>
|Edge = 9/10<ref name=":393"/>
|rev3 = ''Dream Planet''
|rev3Score = 96%<ref name=":432"/>
|IGN = 9.3/10<ref name=":403"/>
|GSpot = 8.2/10<ref name=":422"/>
|GSpy = 9.5/10<ref name=":442"/>
|GameRev = B+<ref name=":452"/>
| NGen = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=Reyes|first=Francesca|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|volume=4|issue=4|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=April 2001|pages=80–81}}</ref>
}}

''Phantasy Star Online'' received "generally favorable" reviews per ratings aggregator [[Metacritic]].<ref name=metacritic/> ''Dreamcast Magazine'' (Japan) wrote that the cooperative play was an interesting shift from a trend in multiplayer games being mostly competitive.<ref name=":413">{{cite magazine|date=December 29, 2000|title=Dreamcast Soft Review: ファンタシースターオンライン|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/14/DCM_JP_20001229_2000-41ex.pdf|magazine=Dreamcast Magazine (JP)|pages=20|language=ja}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' agreed, writing that the variety of gameplay experiences shared with other players kept the game fresh.<ref name=":393">{{cite magazine|date=February 2001|title=Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2d/Edge_UK_095.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Edge|issue=95|pages=70–71|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714060203/https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2d/Edge_UK_095.pdf|archive-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref> Spanish magazine ''Dream Planet'' and ''[[GameSpot]]'' praised how the players can take on different roles in the teams, such as a supporting healer or ranged attacker.<ref name=":432">{{cite magazine|date=March 2001|title=Phantasy Star Online: Lluvia de estrellas|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d3/Dreamplanet_ES_14.pdf|magazine=Dream Planet|language=es|issue=14|pages=34–39}}</ref><ref name=":422">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-review/1900-2680252/|title=Phantasy Star Online Review|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=January 30, 2001|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161150/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-review/1900-2680252/|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' commended the extensive amount of equipment and items for eliciting friendly competition to collect them.<ref name=":403">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/01/phantasy-star-online-2|title=Phantasy Star Online|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=January 31, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617234630/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/01/phantasy-star-online-2|archive-date=June 17, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref> The chat system was also praised for making communication easy, especially between players speaking different languages.<ref name=":383">{{cite magazine|date=February 2001|title=Test Dreamcast: Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/14/ConsolesPlus_FR_109.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Consoles +|language=fr|issue=109|pages=74–77|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714060203/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/14/ConsolesPlus_FR_109.pdf|archive-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":422" /><ref name=":452">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/dreamcast/phantasy_star_online|title=Phantasy Star Online - Dreamcast|last=Gee|first=Brian|date=2001|website=Game Revolution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060522160141/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/dreamcast/phantasy_star_online|archive-date=May 22, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref>

Critics agreed that the single-player mode was boring compared to the addictive online multiplayer.<ref name=":403" /><ref name=":373">{{cite magazine|last=Skittrell|first=Lee|date=March 2001|title=Reviews: Phantasy Star Online|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ee/CVG_UK_232.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=232|pages=78–81|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714060203/https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ee/CVG_UK_232.pdf|archive-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":383" /><ref name=":393" /> ''GameSpot'' and ''[[GameSpy]]'' wrote that it lacked life and became tedious and repetitive when played alone,<ref name=":422" /><ref name=":442">{{Cite web|url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com:80/games/reviews/phantasystaronline/|title=Phantasy Star Online|date=2001|website=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011202082335/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/phantasystaronline/|archive-date=December 2, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ''GameSpot'' advised players not to try the game unless they were planning to play online.<ref name=":422" /> Other common complaints included poor camera control,<ref name=":403" /><ref name=":422" /><ref name=":442" /> the lack of map and quest variety,<ref name=":413" /><ref name=":393" /><ref name=":422" /> and poor storyline.<ref name=":403" /><ref name=":373" /><ref name=":452" /> Despite the concerns, critics agreed that the fun had in online multiplayer overshadowed these problems.<ref name=":413" /><ref name=":393" /><ref name=":422" /><ref name=":442" /> ''Edge'' wrote that the changes in gameplay experiences with different players replaced the variety that normally be expected in the quest design.<ref name=":393" /> Critics also praised the freedom for players to design and equip characters and develop their own playing style.<ref name=":403" /><ref name=":373" /><ref name=":442" /> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' wrote that "''PSO'' marks a step in a new direction for console adventures and there's so much right with the game that to even mention these faults doesn't quite feel in the spirit of what ''PSO'' represents".<ref name=":373" />

Reviewing ''Ver. 2'', ''Dreamcast Magazine'' (UK) felt that it would renew interest in the game for those that enjoyed it, but would not convert new players.<ref name=":462">{{cite magazine|last=Adams|first=Gary|date=March 2002|title=Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2f/DreamcastMagazine_UK_33.pdf|magazine=Dreamcast Magazine (UK)|issue=33|pages=4–9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143138/https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2f/DreamcastMagazine_UK_33.pdf|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' and ''IGN'' agreed, saying that the core gameplay remained the same, but the new features may be worthwhile for dedicated players, even with the new subscription costs.<ref name=":472">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/03/phantasy-star-online-version-2|title=Phantasy Star Online Version 2|last=Chau|first=Anthony|date=October 3, 2001|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428141631/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/03/phantasy-star-online-version-2|archive-date=April 28, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":482">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-version-2-review/1900-2814692/|title=Phantasy Star Online Version 2 Review|last=Torres|first=Ricardo|date=September 25, 2001|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211111103/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-version-2-review/1900-2814692/|archive-date=February 11, 2016}}</ref> Reviewing ''Episode I & II,'' critics praised the split-screen mode, Game Boy Advance downloads, graphics improvements, and gameplay tweaks.<ref name=":492">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/26827.shtml|title=Review: Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II|date=October 29, 2002|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615022110/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/26827.shtml|archive-date=June 15, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":502">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november02/psogcn/|title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II (GCN)|last=Turner|first=Benjamin|date=November 10, 2002|website=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021116202316/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november02/psogcn/|archive-date=November 16, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":512">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/01/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii|title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II|last=III|first=Fran Mirabella|date=November 1, 2002|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en-US|access-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201061607/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/01/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-ii|archive-date=December 1, 2017}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' wrote that the new material in ''Episode II'' was not significant enough for veteran players to return, and criticized some practical issues with how split-screen multiplayer was handled.<ref name=":522">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-and-ii/1900-2896605/|title=Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Review|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|date=November 4, 2002|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703093307/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phantasy-star-online-episode-i-and-ii/1900-2896605/|archive-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' criticized the cost for a network adapter, subscription fees, and the "almost obligatory" keyboard.<ref name=":532">{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net:80/article.php?article_id=4551|title=Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II|date=February 4, 2003|website=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030817090046/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=4551|archive-date=August 17, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> Several critics complained about the lack of a keyboard available in the Americas.<ref name=":502" /><ref name=":512" /><ref name=":522" />

''GameSpot'' named ''Phantasy Star Online'' the best Dreamcast game and eighth-best [[console game]] of 2001. It was a nominee for the publication's "Best Role-Playing Game" prize among console games, but lost to ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''.<ref name=bestworst2001>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803185618/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst Video Games of 2001 | author=''GameSpot VG'' Staff | date=February 23, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> During the [[5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Phantasy Star Online'' for the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|Massive Multiplayer/Persistent World]]" award, which was ultimately given to ''[[Dark Age of Camelot]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2002&idGameAwardType=72 |title=2002 Awards Category Details Massive Multiplayer/Persistent World |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=26 July 2023}}</ref> ''Episode I & II'' was a runner-up for ''GameSpot''{{'}}s 2002 "Best Role-Playing Game on GameCube" award, which ultimately went to ''[[Animal Crossing (video game)|Animal Crossing]]''.<ref name=bestworst2002>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207155400/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst of 2002 | author=''GameSpot'' Staff | date=December 30, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=February 7, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[File:KEN00140 (37230358692) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Promotion for ''[[Phantasy Star Online 2]]'' at [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2017]]
As the first online role-playing game for home consoles,<ref name=":3" /> ''Phantasy Star Online'' is considered a landmark game.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="1up_essential_pso">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3178082|title=The Decade That Was: Essential Newcomers: Phantasy Star Online|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=February 2010|website=1UP.com|publisher=Ziff Davis|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531190704/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3178082|archive-date=May 31, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=September 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/15-games-time?pager.offset=2|title=15 Games Ahead of Their Time|last=Furfari|first=Paul|website=1UP.com|publisher=Ziff Davis|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020060625/http://www.1up.com/features/15-games-time?pager.offset=2|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref> It won several awards, including [[Japan Game Awards|Japan Game Award]] for "Game of the Year", awarded three days after the death of Sega chairman Okawa, over the likes of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]'', and ''[[Gunparade March|Kōkidō Gensō Gunparade March]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=第5回 日本ゲーム大賞|url=https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2000/|access-date=2021-09-02|website=awards.cesa.or.jp}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> ''[[VentureBeat]]'' dubbed it "one of the most important games in console gaming evolution".<ref name=":43">{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/12/22/phantasy-star-online-one-of-the-most-important-games-in-console-gaming-evolution-is-now-15/|title=Phantasy Star Online, one of the most important games in console gaming evolution, is 15|date=December 22, 2015|website=VentureBeat|access-date=July 14, 2018|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225164353/https://venturebeat.com/2015/12/22/phantasy-star-online-one-of-the-most-important-games-in-console-gaming-evolution-is-now-15/|archive-date=December 25, 2017}}</ref> ''IGN'' named it one of the best RPGs of all time for being the first online experience for many gamers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/top/rpgs/23|title=#23: Phantasy Star Online|year=2012|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124222104/http://www.ign.com/top/rpgs/23|archive-date=November 24, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref>

''[[1UP.com]]'' called ''Phantasy Star Online'' one of the most revolutionary games of the 2000s, crediting it for creating "an entire pantheon of multiplayer [[dungeon crawl]]ers that continue to dominate the Japanese sales charts" and making "both online gaming and the concept of fee-based services a reality for consoles".<ref name="1up_essential_pso" /> Hiroshi Matsuyama, president of [[CyberConnect2]] and developer of the ''[[.hack (video game series)|.hack]]'' series, cited the game as an influence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/403/403483p2.html|title=E3 2003: .hack Interview|author=IGNPS2|date=May 16, 2003|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629133752/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/403/403483p2.html|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=live|access-date=July 1, 2010}}</ref> It is also believed to be a major influence on [[Capcom]]'s ''[[Monster Hunter]]'' series.<ref name=":0" />

According to ''[[GamesTM]]'', the ''Phantasy Star'' series has struggled to live up to the legacy of ''Phantasy Star Online''. Sega has been slow to localize ''Phantasy Star'' games, and the PSP entries in the series did not capture the attention of the west. Concurrently, ''Monster Hunter'' had a similar formula to ''Phantasy Star Online'' and became successful.<ref name=":0" /> Later ''Phantasy Star'' games, such as ''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006), share similar gameplay with ''Phantasy Star Online'' but failed to reach the same critical and commercial success in the West. In Japan, ''Phantasy Star Universe'' became the best selling game in the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mielke |first=James |date=2020-08-02 |title=Phantasy Star Online's director talks Diablo influences, cut features, and Christmas Nights |url=https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/8/2/21348946/phantasy-star-online-director-diablo-cut-features-christmas-nights |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Phantasy Star Online 2]]'' was released in Japan in 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-2s-western-release-still-dela/1100-6422138/|title=Phantasy Star Online 2's Western Release "Still Delayed," But It Is Still Coming|last=Pereira|first=Chris|date=September 5, 2014|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004092004/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phantasy-star-online-2s-western-release-still-dela/1100-6422138/|archive-date=October 4, 2017}}</ref> and localized for the west in 2020.<ref name="Polygon E3 2019 announcement">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/9/18658947/phantasy-star-online-2-e3-2019-release-date|title=Sega's finally bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 to the West in 2020|last1=McWhertor|first1=Michael|date=9 June 2019|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|language=en|access-date=10 June 2019}}</ref> ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' made over 900 million dollars since its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-06 |title=Phantasy Star Online 2 has made over $900 million in sales since 2012 |url=https://www.nintendo.destructoid.com/phantasy-star-online-2-has-made-over-900-million-in-sales-since-2012/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Destructoid - Nintendo |language=en-US |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016091125/https://www.nintendo.destructoid.com/phantasy-star-online-2-has-made-over-900-million-in-sales-since-2012/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20010203142600/http://www.sonicteam.com:80/pso/index2.html}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20040411170013/http://www.sonicteam.com/pso/}} 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040401161321/http://pso.dricas.ne.jp/pso_dricas.html Dreamcast ''Phantasy Star Online'' homepage] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Phantasy Star series}}
{{Sonic Team}}
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