How to Play Phantasy Star II?

[cherrypopwizkid]

I'm not a very experienced RPG player. I've only beaten two my entire life, Pokemon Red which was a youthful obsession and pretty straight forward, and Grandia II which is to this day my favorite game of all time.

I have Phantasy Star II, and I've messed with it very very little not really getting even to the first plot arch or completing the first quest or anything. I want to really get into this game but I think I don't understand the flow very well. every game has a flow. When I first played Revenge of Shinobi I didn't like it cause I didn't get it at all. Once I figured out the flow though it became one of my faves. Still, in an RPG flow is all the more crucial for even getting started.

So what I'm looking for is general advice. I don't want to play this game with a walk through, I want to figure it all out on my own but I'd like to essentially know best practices for how to play.

Advice on how much one should be leveling vs. questing, best ways to manage characters and equipment, and just general advice. I know the manual was very comprehensive, which I don't have, and I'm also wondering if a map is going to be absolutely essential to enjoying this game. Any other advice is appreciated. I'm going to be going to my parents house in the country for a week soon and its pretty boring there so I thought that would be a perfect time to really get into Phantasy Star II.

Also how long is the game roughly?

[Firebrandx]

The problem with Phantasy Star II is you really do need a guide to play it. The game actually came prepackaged with a guide book because of this, complete with hand-drawn maps of each of the 'dungeons'. You WILL need those maps too, but you can find them on the internet anyway at various gaming sites.

The best advice I can give is always rack the money to fully buy all weapons and armor from each new town you make it to. Failure to do so will make progress extremely difficult. I was so anal with the racking in this game that I would spend hours and hours in the first couple of areas until I had enough money to equip everyone with a ceram knife. This also boosted my overall stats and spell abilities just in the level-ups I gained in the process.

Really the hardest part about Phantasy Start II is getting started and making it past the first quadrant of the map. It takes a lot of patience, but the game really starts to take off once you make it to the 3rd town. Still, the entire game can take a good while to finish. I think it took me a couple weeks my first time when it was brand new.

[TheFace]

I did the same thing as far as racking goes.

And you WILL need the maps. Even with them, you'll have a difficult time in some places.

Basically, I echo everything the above guy said. It's well worth it.

If you find it difficult to get in to, play PSIV first and then go back to II. Stylistically they're somewhat similar and IV's relative ease to get into may help once you go back to II.

[puddingdragon]

main thing i can say is dont try to rush it your going to have to train alot. and i would suggest using a guide and or a website the dungeons can get really hard at times.

[Deo]

* Always keep the guys with the highest defense out front and those with a lower defense in the back.
* When you first get Amy her attack really sucks so give her 2 shields and an item that casts a spell like Storm Gear.
* Foi spells do a little less damage than Tsu spells but use alot less TP.
* Swords are much better than dual knives.
* Robots are weak to projectiles and techniques.
* You can spam the A button to avoid random encounters.
* Use the Shu and Deban spells to raise your defense whenever you can.
* Always have someone carry a Escapipe and Telepipe.

[gamegenie]

I have this on 360. Only unlocked 10 of 200 achievements. I find it frustratingly hard.

Bought it by accident, mistakenly was thinking of Shining Force when I saw it listed.

[Deo]

Phantasy Star II Hintbook PDF. (http://thevga.org/The_Collection/Sega/Genesis_Game_List/Phantasy_Star_2/Download_Images/files/Phantasy%20Star%202%20Hint%20Guide.pdf)

[gamegenie]

Phantasy Star II Hintbook PDF. (http://thevga.org/The_Collection/Sega/Genesis_Game_List/Phantasy_Star_2/Download_Images/files/Phantasy%20Star%202%20Hint%20Guide.pdf)

kiss me. http://www.systemwars.com/forums/images/smilies/kissing.gif

[TheFace]

That's awesome. I lost mine long ago.

[old man]

This game is one hard mother. You definitely need a faq or hint book if your not really versed in RPGs. I actually made it to the last dungeon without any maps or anything before I just said "fuck it" and got on line and downloaded them. It's definitely an experience though, even if it is a such a dated game.

[zyo]

I don't agree with playing IV first, since it craps all over this game. You'll appreciate it more if you finish II first.

[ThugsRook]

grind, explore, grind, explore, grind, explore.

its a long game. dont expect to ever make it thru any of the dungeons in a single try.

[GohanX]

Phantasy Star 2 is the only RPG that I never felt bad about using a walkthrough on. You have to, even Sega realized that back in the day, hence the hintbook.

[cherrypopwizkid]

Its not so much that I would feel bad for using a walkthrough. although there are games that I realized weren't fun until I tried it without one (Legend of Zelda) its mostly a matter of convenience. The PDF hintbook is IMO fair game because it came with the game. Also I glanced at it and it doesn't give everything away, it seems quite literally to be a hint book and some maps. If you think about it you could justify it by saying on Mota Rolf should freaking have a map anyway. I mean christ he has lazer guns and stuff but no map??

My real issue is I hate glancing at a computer screen and back to the TV. Its a pain. I'll probably print the handbook and then use it as the title page suggest to.

[ThugsRook]

the game doesnt really need a walkthru, PS2 isnt nearly as "open" as PS1. the spoiler effect will be harsh if using a walkthru in PS2.

the dungeon maps...
yea, use the maps.
its just a waste of time not to.

:)

[cherrypopwizkid]

Hey guys, I started playing a bit earlier than I planned. I have to say...this game rocks. I'm surprised I didn't get into it before. Its definitely hard, its definitely a grind, I'm not even to the first dungeon yet. But its way more fun than Final Fantasy games. I actually WANT to play, rather than having to force myself. I kept thinking before...do I just hate RPGs? How could that be, I loved Grandia II so much. I think the problem was I kept trying to play square games, and I think thats what I don't like. This experience is only fun too I think thanks to you guys preemptive advice, so thanks everyone who posted here, and thanks for the hint book.... Now back to saving up a gajillion Mesta to equip these guys...

[Dark Sol]

Good luck. PS2 is helluva harder then the others :)

[CheapAssGamer]

Good thing this game is so long. I have a LONG wait before Pier Solar makes it though customs. The only thing I've had to cheat a bit on is what to do in the bottom of the monster lab level. I had no idea what I had to do. I finished the yellow dam last nite.

[QuickSciFi]

^Agreed with all the items listed above.

I plan to do a Phantasy Star marathon soon enough, so I'll be using the best source:

www.pscave.com


As for actual tips, the trick with RPGs is leveling up before braving new enemies, bosses or quests. It's like carpentry, really, measure twice, cut once. You'd be surprised how much longer it will take to beat otherwise. Good leveling is my favorite part.