Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution (GameCube) Reader Review

Phantasy Star Online Episode III is a massive departure from the usual PS series. While PS has always been about RPGs, PSO3 takes it to the strategy card level.

The art is all hand-drawn and there are 400+ card images. The graphics resemble PSO12 from the dreamcast, but are fully functional.

Music can be dramatic, intense to fast-paced. There are many techno influences as well as strong movements in the themes.

Gameplay involves teams of either 1v1 or 2v2 battling it out. You can choose to play as an Ark or Hunter. Arkz summon creatures to attack their foes. Hunters equip gear to shoot, slash or blast their enemies.

The first phase is the dice phase where the first dice becomes your ATK dice and the other becomes the DEF dice. The next phase is the create phase where you summon or equip cards. The third phase is the move phase. The last phase is the action phase where you attack. The defender can use his DEF dice to play def cards.

Players alternate turns until the victory conditions are met which can be kill all, kill one, time limit or more.

There are 12 heroes to choose from each side as well as the 3 sub-classes, the hunter, the ranger and force. Certain cards are restricted to some classes.

There are over 400 cards to collect and 200 levels to reach. There is a story mode with 2 versions for each faction respectively. There is a free battle mode where you can play with your friends or with coms.

As advertised, you can take this game online by purchasing a hunter's license. You will also need a gamecube modem. Keyboards are recommended.

PSO3 has two diverse styles of strategic card battling as well as 3 sub-classes that further deepen the gameplay. Multiplayer gives options for cooperative as well as competitive play.