The History of RPGs Ep. 10 | Phantasy Star II Analysis (1989)

[@cireza_]

The gameplay loop might not be up to today's standards, but I greatly enjoyed it. The goal in Phantasy Star II is to plan your expeditions to the dungeons, you never visit one entirely on your first attempt. Explore as much as possible, learn your way around the place, go back to town. Which weapons and equipment will give me an advantage ? I need to think carefully, because unlike in other RPGs, in PSII I cannot afford everything, max my entire team and call it day. No, I have to choose between an expensive sword or a shotgun. With this new weapon in hand, how deeper can I go in the dungeon ? I plan my next expedition... Later on, I have to include the characters in my thought process : which character will be the most useful ? Is the dungeon full of robots ? I should take Cain. Is the dungeon very long ? I should take Amy etc... Also, the game offers the choice in which I can tackle the dungeons at two moments. Finally, the game was sold with a booklet with all the dungeon maps, and the game was meant to be played with it in my opinion.

[@brandonevans9342]

you did a fantastic job explaining this game and the philosophical quandaries it presents. wow. thank you

[@Hollowpunch]

These videos deserve way more views.

[@emilyapricot1313]

Thank you for covering, in depth, the story and setting that made this game stand out. So many people just dismiss it because of its look and dungeons. As for me, it was the first 16 bit JRPG I played from beginning to end. This life achievement paved the way for me to feel confident taking on many others.

[@1ofthewizards330]

Phantasy Star is my favorite RPG series from the early Sega console days. I was one of those 11 year olds with a crush on Nei and was aghast when she is killed. For me this death hit harder than the other memorable playable character death of Tellah in Final Fantasy 4 from this similar period. Nei was a longtime trusted member of the party, was central to the story, and was cute, so her death was more impactful. I was blown away at the point where you wipe out all the monsters in the world only to have them replaced by killer robots. By today's standards Phantasy Star 2 would be a grindy slog, but for the time it was the best sci-fi RPG around.

[@MultiChestRockwell]

I think you can equate the hardcore grinding to the message they tried to convey of how an easy life can cause people to grow weak. You can only succeed in this game if you are willing to take some pain and persevere. This is even more relevant 20 years later where games basically hold your hand(MotherBrain) for the most part. People used to this modern kind of gaming would find Phantasy Star 2 the same way the towns people in this game feel about things when they finally go bad and now actually have to fight to survive. This game really is a beautiful example of the link between art and life and how they inspire one another. That said I think this was an excellent analysis of the game and as a long time fan of the series I think all your points were fair.

[@kinorai]

thank you thank you thank you! finally found someone that could explain what phantasy star meant philosophically! this is by far the best Science fiction piece in my life!! the quadrilogy is a perfect space opera!

[@enderspider15]

I was getting tired of watching playthroughs and thought I'd look for someone who did reviews and documentaries. Stumbled across this channel and I can honestly say it does not disappoint. Subscribed!

[@RPGFort]

This is such a deep dive into one of my favourite games. Please come back and do more videos!

[@NightFlyStudio]

Hell, I never thought about Phantasy Star II like this. I just played it. You've really done some great analysis and explanation of the rhetoric of the game. Well done!

[@marieevebeaudoin3654]

Even if the game graphics make me weirded a bit with how much it aged badly,is it still worth playing today,got it when sega forever was released

[@indorilnorevar9225]

this game was a true masterpiece , ahead of its time just the story and music make it incredible, those who disagree don't remember console rpgs of the 80's, which were so dumb and limited (even ff1 was so simple and a cliché) in Ps2, there is no princess to save, a dragon to defeat or 'such a bad guy threatening the world because he's so evil' many complain about the grinding and complex dungeons but it makes it longer even more challenging, and beating the game and discovering the final truth was such a reward you have to understand that some players are really poor and can't afford to buy a new game each month, and having a long and diificult game was exactly what i wanted when i was young

[@radaf4429]

This game is straight fucking garbage

[@_ruck]

This was your best episode yet. As a viewer I can really tell you're upping the level of production quality and consistency. Love this series.

[@alexsummers6645]

Excellent analysis. One of my favorite Genesis series👍

[@brandonevans9342]

phantasy star 1 changed my life.

[@rickylucas6503]

Just started watching your videos and it has got me back into JRPGs. Keep in mind I'm a simple country boy who doesn't have time to play video games due to work and family time. If my daughter ever gets into gaming, I would love to introduce her to the Dragon Quest series and onward. I enjoy these videos and look forward to more in the future.

[@SkeIIum]

I mean the dependence and helplessness is not an aspect of having all your needs cared for, it's an aspect of having a society where this is expected. Having a utopia where you're motivated to personal betterment ala Star Trek is where it's at.

[@mr.gentleman2358]

I understand where you're coming from, but historically that society has never existed. Meanwhile, history is rife with examples of people becoming decadent upon having good times. Man seems liable to fall into this because of his nature.

[@winwinwe]

I've always loved your videos, Mr. Gentleman. You do an incredible job of placing these games in historical context and explaining what made these games unique at the time and unique now. It's damn cool.

[@andrewwood2556]

Are you going to create more of these History videos? They're great, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you have for Phantasy Star III and IV.

[@siceastwood2714]

Wow... just wow Your Rpg analysis series is just of overwhelmingly quality. This must have been so damn much work! You made every video entertaining and interesting. Just wanna congratulate for this amazing content!

[@Trepidity]

"Changed the lives of many." Very true. My favorite game is PSO for dreamcast. mainly because of how it was a continuation of PSII. People say it isn't but the beginning of PSO is the end of PSII.

[@Meanpooh]

The most expensive game I ever bought for my Genesis back in the day and have never regretted it. Great video!

[@theanglerfish9852]

I still can't find a word to describe such an analysis. Kudos for you. (That is my favorite game of all time).

[@xRocketzFighterx]

I've never given the old phantasy star games a proper chance I feel so spoilt when i first played then went for future titles from phantasy star online and onward. Right now I'm tackling the Dragon Quest franchise since I've just 100%'d the 3ds port. I really love your videos where you go into so much detail about the game, its history and its legacy it has left.

[@Revz8bit]

Whenever I revisit this series I play part 1, 2 and 3 for about an hr each and then just do a playthrough of 4 :). In my opinion, only part 4 aged well.

[@gavinlucas9761]

I have played Phantasy Star 1 through 4 multiple times and I thought they where ahead as opposed to other RPG's made during 1987 to 1990 since most of them where DQ clones.

[@solank7620]

I have fond memories of this game as a kid, and I loved the visuals and setting. But I remember the dungeons being extremely stressful. Even though IIRC, a map book came with the game. I remember being upset by Nei’s death (I wasn’t by Aeris’, maybe because I was much younger and it was more out of nowhere), and shocked by the ending.

[@Quartered_Rodent]

loved watching this i never got to finish phantasy star II because of how complex the dungeon mazes were... i was 10 years old without the map that the game supposedly was to be included (used copy) but watching all this it brought me back to the magic which was this game and for that and all your laser guided analysis i really appreciated it all. Thanks for taking the time in making this video.

[@haaruYuuji]

WOW. This is absolute golden content, you deserve way more views, man. Great job. ♥

[@mission-toast]

I wouldn't describe any of the shortcomings of the game as being "fatal." You also failed to mention that the original release came with its own miniature strategy guide that mitigated much of the frustration with the dungeons. It's an epic RPG from start to finish that has stayed with me all of these years later, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Too bad Phantasy Star III wasn't a direct sequel.

[@brandon_leeroy135]

Incredibly underrated channel. This is such great content.

[@kwazhims3lf]

first impressions are king.. this is the first time i've seen your channel fan of the game, its really nostalgic to me. really liked the video i enjoyed hearing your perspective on the story. it was enlightening. great job

[@En_Pissant]

I so wish phantasy star had been an ongoing rival series to final fantasy. I would’ve loved to see a Phantasy Star contemporary to the PlayStation era FFs. The decline of Sega was a sad thing.

[@gbarrancos1]

Thanks for such quality review! Loved on how deep you went on bringing out the impact of this title and the whole philosophy out of it. The overall vibe, world construction and story of Phantasy Star 2 is very unique and yet to be matched. If only the team had more time to polish game mechanics to enhance its "gaming flow" (less grinding, more balanced dungeon designs etc) this could stand side-by-side with top video game classics. I've heard there's a modernised fan developed PS2 patch which improves dialogs and balances overall gameplay by reducing grind and removing useless items for example. Maybe it's worth checking out :)

[@mbe102]

Ugh, these are always so fantastic to watch dude. Thank you so much for the hard work and effort you put in, and I am absolutely stoked for the next title in the series!

[@aceous99]

Old Japan shunned technology of the Meiji era (going from Samarai/peasants caste and swords to merchants and gunpowder) and their abandonment of the Shinto religion. This game is kinda expressing that I think.

[@azuretigers5562]

Best documentary on Phantasy Star 2 yet !! Thanks !!

[@anticomuna]

Your videos are excellent. You deserve more views.

[@arduiscane]

I am a huge fan of PS2 and really loved the soundtrack, the unique blending of genres, and the desperate storyline and felt alone in this recognition until your video, this was great. I also agreed with just how painful the game is to play without speed ffw from emulation. Thanks for all the hard work you did the curate and document the past here.

[@SnesRulez]

A very good Analysis, I've beaten this game yesterday and even though I enjoyed a lot of the story, the huge dungeons and cryptic stuff turned me off at start. I've used HCBailly's videos as a guide to get through the huge dungeons since I kept getting lost and learned a lot of tricks which I could've discovered only by testing all the spells and equipments at random. I don't have the patience or the time anymore for this sort of stuff, so I don't regret using a guide for this game, and I heavily reccomend it to today gamers

[@Wildbane]

I love this history series and your interpretations please do more

[@Prodmullefc]

I gotta say this series is getting me real interested in two series that I've never picked up Y's and Phantasy Star. Been playing RPGs my whole life ever since I got exposed to them with Final Fantsy "2" (a.k.a. 4) and never really touched either of these series. Your videos make them seem so interesting.

[@patrickmcathey7081]

I look forward to seeing the rest of the games. Well done.

[@b85870]

Mr G ur videos are str8 fire u speak very passionately about each title and each vid is in depth af because of your dq 1 thru 3 vids i finally tried the seris and omfg im dumb i shoulda been playin dq my whole life #29years later lols keep the great content up breh ty

[@FirstNameLastName-kt3zn]

Great Video! Your RPG analyses are very insightful.

[@izauCabra]

Great video. I wish you had mentioned the role the strategy guide played in this game. The game shipped with the guide included, the game is not meant to be played blind. If you're playing this many years later it's worth finding the PDF of the guide and playing that way. Each dungeon is meant to be a puzzle where you use the maps and clues in the guide to find a solution. I was incredibly proud when I finally reached the end of this game, and the journey felt much more "earmed" than any other RPG.

[@acelogan5591]

Fantasy Star 2 is the best Scenario EVER made! Great video mr Gentelman congratulations !!!

[@Clandestinemonkey]

This is a great take on the game. Most synopses of this game miss out on how the mechanics tell the story.

[@pvprock]

I hope you consider doing a history of shining force 1 and 2!

[@parisamonazahian5987]

This was in my recommendations and I am glad it was. Really loved the video and I have since watched way more videos. Can't wait for more videos in this series.

[@ElricSowrd]

13:29- Man, this is dark. 14:22- This is before Galuf and Aerith Gainbough from Final Fantasy. 37:18- Which game is this?

[@marieevebeaudoin3654]

For a 1989 rpg this is really impressive..got it when the sega forever was launched on ios,even if the graphics did not aged that well..sadly

[@Epsilonsama]

Phantasy Star II is in a way a Master System game developed on the Genesis. Other than the bigger color palette and better sound chip the game looks pretty similar to the first one and even then the first one had more impressive dungeons. But PSII uses Genesis color palette to create a dystopian world that would have looked too cartoony on the Master System more limited palette.

[@gavinlucas9761]

Man! Not gonna Lie Phantasy Star 2 may just be the hardest due to how grind-heavy it is. so much so that during my first 2 playthroughs I was barely able to make it through the first half. But then I realize that there are only 3 bosses 2 of which were at the final Dungeon. and since I own all 4 games on the Genisis Collection on XBOX360. I used save states to avoid as many random encounters as much as possible and get whatever equipment I could find in dungeons. So I was able to sell my old equipment for more money to buy new Items. and I was able to find the magic equipment. And by that point, I was defeating harder enemies so I could get much more money and EX, and before I knew it, I finish the game in just under 17 hours! It's probably my least favorite out of the 4. but the method that I did during my 3rd playthrough made me really enjoy the game.

[@NolanRamler]

Great video and great analysis

[@DalgoFight]

My dear, you need to follow this series. No, really, I need it. Praise your work.

[@coconut4219]

Watched this video ages ago but I’ll go ahead and say this: this is probably my 2nd favorite video from you (after DQ3). You hit on themes of the story I didn’t even think about! You’re a great content creator and quite frankly an inspiration. Stay safe!

[@MrHolytrain]

Are you planning to take a look at the Megami Tensei or Shin Megami Tensei games at some point in the future? Recently played through SMT 1, and while it undoubtedly is dated, it was certainly a very interesting and fun experience. Especially for someone who's a fan of the later games in the series and its spinoffs.

[@SUswim]

awesome dude keep the series going!

[@MrNobo15]

Oh man. If you get to phantasy star 3, I can't wait to see what you have to say about it

[@armorvil]

I like PS3 because it's the first JRPG I played, but, like most people, he'd probably tear it apart.

[@ZerotakerZX]

Wow, I mean like wow. You just made to see PSII as even more brilliant game. I mean the fact that more scifiish first half of the game represents humanity leaving it's roots never struck my mind, but I guess it's a very sound theory.

[@retrosoul8770]

Awesome work, I look forward to your Phantasy Star IV take if you plan on doing it. Or perhaps the Shining Force games even, I love those too. I'm one of those folks who considers this game mostly unplayable today, I find the 4th game to be a vastly improved experience. My kudos to the channel.

[@mr.gentleman2358]

Indeed, i'm trying to get to them in due time. Hopefully I can get Phantasy Star III out within the next few months first.

[@traverstravers3978]

@@mr.gentleman2358 I'm looking forward to when you're able to make it through PS3. Despite not being made by the original team, I think that PS3 does its best to adopt the seriousness of the prequel into a different set of circumstances, and manages to throw a few twists of its own into the series continuum. I'm years late, but I wanted to dosh some solid praise your way for giving this series the depth of recognition it deserves.

[@mattsnider2667]

I love this game and just found your video and channel. Liked and subscribed, hope you're still making content today!

[@fiatlux8828]

Another great video. Good job 👏

[@Trepidity]

Bravo. Thank you.

[@hongdekong]

please do more RPG analyses!

[@n3r0n3]

great series! (I would have named it "History of JRPGs" but great work anyway)

[@youhearthatsnap5180]

8:28 I casually watch all sorts of phantasy star play throughs and explanations but I did NOT expect to have to pause this and have an existential crisis 😂

[@Epsilonsama]

Me personally the levels of bullshit in terms of gameplay accentuates the feeling of dread and loss the story strives for. When I finally beat the game after all the grinding, all the bullshit mazes, all the suffering that happened during the story gives the game a different feel from other RPGs. Back in the 80s people expected happy end after a hard game but this one said screw that. It's more surprising they made this in less than a year in 1989.

[@Th3ba1r0n]

One part I;m surprised you didn't show was where in the climatrol you go through an area near the first boss Nei first, where you talk to Motavian natives in a garbage disposal. It's a part where the motavian's are eating discarded trash and discussing what is and isn't combustable.

[@Esirre]

interesting that (originally the char's name) 'Rudger Steiner' is really close to Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher and esotericist who attempted to synthesize the scientific worldview and spirituality, how apropos

[@jeremycline9542]

In trying to understand why this game is underrated, the reason may be that they had to pare down on battle system background graphics; I feel that this alone turned people off, however wrongly.

[@x3nowildfir393]

Great Job!!! I love this game, it was the very first RPG that I had played and beat. I think after I played through it the first time I had played through it 3 or 4 times. I got so good after the first time that I could go through all of the dungeons without using the book that came with it.

[@utopua4all]

Great video. Would have been nice if you would have mentioned the music however.

[@reyntime1950]

Damn, that uzo island music was worth the journey.

[@Demonskunk]

Damn, I'm at the end. I hope there will be more, I've loved watching through these!

[@ericmikesell5026]

The real problem wasn't the big dungeons but the ultra high enemy encounter rate

[@bryanduke36]

Only thing I found anoying is the meseta grind. You have nothing for weapons grind to get 2 bars for Nei grind for 2 daggers grind for armor get to next town grind for these weapons rinse and repeat

[@freddyvidz]

You did a great job.

[@g.davidturnblom5751]

I just wanted to say that I've been very impressed with the quality of your content. Your delivery is pleasant and thought provoking, your analyses are fair and as free from bias as possible, and your attention to detail is impressive. Good work. I look forward to the future episodes of this series.

[@hanswurst3573]

So good Videos thanks for nice hours entertainment. Gettings from germany i love this oldskool games and i play all thuis games on my sega Dreamcast

[@satoau1]

a cogent analysis. the only thing i disagree with is on your conclusions regarding what you describe as downsides. i didn't find the walking slow. it was nearly slow, but just fast enough that it made the game immersive. places were a proper hike away rather than just over there, which gave the game a larger feel, like it was really a few years worth of work for the characters. the mp were just right imo. i find games where you win every battle by just trotting out your buffs and debuffs before throwing spells until the enemy is dead to be pointless. why even have weapons and armor? in ps2 tp are valuable, so you really do have to strategize - not on each battle but on your entire run. the dungeons too i think worked better because they were so labyrinthine. it made each one a serious undertaking, summitting a mountain rather than just climbing some stairs. and as for the bland colors i always thought that was the point, to juxtapose the lush natural overworld with the technological monstrosities below that the inhabitants were never meant to see, just as the more traditional dungeons of course are dark and slimy expanses beneath impressive castles. it would be weird if the mota dungeons were more vibrant. why would they be? even the grinding. although it approached the line, it never crossed it. conversely, games where you can just make it through a dungeon on the first try, and you can afford all the new gear at each new town are throwing away an important game mechanic by not even presenting any choices to the player. in ps2 you only have 1800 mst so will you buy a sword and a knife, or 2 knives and some boots? it's an element of strategy that's missing on most rpgs, relying on story alone, so that the actual playing experience is little more than going through the motions.

[@oliverhurt3418]

There is one major flaw that you failed to bring up, WHERE ARE THE F***ING BOSSES?! Seriously! There is a serious lack of bosses in this game, especially for an RPG! So many dungeons in this game where they could be placed right at the end of each, but no! For an RPG to hardly have any bosses, that is really anticlimactic, and it just makes the whole game even more disappointing. How could you not bring that up? I can understand if it was because of the rushed job the developers had to go through, but something like that should be worth a mention. And from what I’ve looked up, the remake doesn’t even add any! Why the f*** not?! Was the production time for that just as demanding too, or did it not occur the developers, despite how obvious it really was? Come on!

[@Popclone]

Great Review. BUT, this is your experience with PS2, from your voice I would guess you did not play this game when it came out, so, therefore all the negative dislikes you have for PS2 its because you played the game later in life where you and like many others this days have an infinite chooses of RPG's + ZERO.ZERO patience (being sarcastic), how many RPG's do you think we had in the 80-90's ? Grinding was not a problem, map was not a problem, everything about the game was very exciting. This game introduced me to RPG's and it was and will always be the best RPG memory that I have, beside PS4...which is #1. Your first experience its like your first love, you never forget, this applies to everyone as gamer, everyone has a favorite top game no matter if we all played "better" games later in life.

[@hyperdikbut]

Fantastic work. This is the best analysis of this game I've ever seen. You should keep the series going.

[@richardgrayson432]

Fantastic video dude

[@benjiiiiiiiii]

Interesting! I bought the iOS port several years ago, but couldn't get very far do to the combat and dungeons. The first 3/4 of this video did a great job of highlighting the compelling parts, and I thought maybe I should give it another go with a fuller appreciation of the world, though the last quarter made it clear that it's just probably not a game I'll enjoy enough to get through. Nevertheless, excellent video!

[@FoxEyes]

Phantasy star 2 and castlevania Simons quest both could have been classics amongst classics if the developers would have just tested the game along development instead of speeding their way towards deadlines.

[@jasonhealy8117]

Is the next episode going to be on Mother 1 (Earthbound Beginnings)?

[@jus4000kicks]

Awesome! Quite a bit of depth for this game. It seems like you understand the heart, strengths and weaknesses of this game. I played and beat this game because I was introduced to Phantasy Star by The Happy Console Gamer. It's just as you said - This game has good concepts and quite good animations and variety of monsters + quite an array of weapon. The story though interesting is one that requires you to pay attention to all the details that can be easily missed since they happen so fast. It was probably amazing for its time but not so much even after 2 to 3 years later due to better story games and games with better graphics overall. Can't wait for Final Fantasy III, Dragon Quest IV, and particularly Final Fantasy IV.

[@andrewdean3560]

Automated bless spells machinations, that'd be a neat dome colony retailer r&d gig to innovate/corner market for when it hadn't been done yet

[@deathdoor]

Dude... these videos are good, really good, but I'm conflicted...I was thinking about playing the games, but then I watched your videos, which made me appreciate and want to play them even more, but you already spoiled everything...I'm lost.

[@captaincruise8796]

Seems like Chrono Trigger drew some inspiration from here.

[@kirillchernov6092]

This shit lit keep it coming

[@JohnSmithAprilMay]

liking the series so far. any plans to cover north american-style RPGs like Wizardry or Fallout?

[@mr.gentleman2358]

I hope to at some point. It's a problem of time and money right now, really. I'm doing one branch (Japanese made RPGs) because it's more convenient to do. I'm a big Fallout and Deus Ex fan, so i'd love to cover 80s RPGs that led up those games such as Ultima, Ultima Underworld, and Wasteland.

[@SaitohYatate]

By destroying the Mother Brain, Rolf and co. practically "doomed" the people of Algol to start from scratch. Well, at least that will force them to work to survive. The ending was also great, especially for the time the game was made; it challenged players to come up with their own outcomes to the fight against the Earthlings. My interpretation was that - after slaughtering those bastard earthmen - the player would be treated to a close-up of Rolf lighting a cigarette and saying something along the lines of "Welcome to the Human Race".

[@JEFFALITY]

The Cloning Technician is a He actually. It's more appherent in the PS2 version and he also explains how Cloning works more specifically. Fascinating actually.

[@MrERLoner]

They referred to him as the clone clown in the manual IIRC

[@docwhiskey996]

I love after Darum offs himself you just stroll on by.

[@WandererFromYs]

You missed a bunch of ports at the end. Phantasy Star 2 is also part of the Saturn Phantasy Star Collection, The Sega Ages Phantasy Star Collection on PlayStation 2. The Sega Genesis collection on PS2 and PSP. The Sega Smash Pack on Dreamcast, and it has a iOS/Android release.

[@andrewdean3560]

sci-fi genre's contrast is fantasy genre, and both exist observationaly in game because it balances out reality, i can make peace with that oneness.

[@AlexJaneway]

I loved this game, but the grinding was so much, particularly if you found you needed another different character. You'll be leveling them from 1st along the rest of you party.

[@briancross2561]

Ugh waiting for episode 11!!

[@DSan-kl2yc]

I want to love this game. And this video almost makes me want to play it... Again. I tried it and it's hard. Harder than playing the first game. It's interesting to hear about the maps. I don't mind the junk on screen but the early mazes were harder than 1's still the later ones.

[@Marc_Araujo]

You just gotta grind...right from the get-go.