Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution

Phantasy Star Online Episode III shuffles onto this mortal coil.

For almost two decades, the name Phantasy Star has been stamped onto some pretty decent RPGs; however, Sega's latest episode in the PS saga has very little in common with its ancient predecessors. While remaining faithful to the style of its older online brethren, Phantasy Star Online Episode III strays from the pack in one key area: it's a card game.

Hit the Deck!
PSOEIII's take on card battling is surprisingly simple: Two teams of up to two players each square off against one another, throwing down cards in turn until one team is "dead." However, the complications arise from the two factions (either Hero or Dark) that players can switch between and the incredible number of cards available to each. While the Hero side (Hunters) works with weapons and defensive items to uphold the will of the government, the Dark side (Arkz) conjures hideous creatures to smash the status quo. Players take turns hacking away at each other with swords or monsters across a variable-sized play field comprised of a bunch of squares, which adds a little strategy to the carnage.

Not in the Cards
Strategy is definitely the theme for PSOEIII. Outside of battles, players need to be aware of the composition of their deck and meticulously examine individual card interactions. Unfortunately, the focus on strategy has placed the RPG elements firmly in the back seat, and the story feels out of place and intrudes rudely on the pleasure of card battling. PSOEIII's attempt to infuse a decent card game with a rich plot only confuses matters. For example, every time your character is asked to accomplish a task, that task is really just an excuse for another card battle. Add to this a needlessly complicated interface system, and you're on a bullet train to Frustrationville. Still, setting these issues aside, PSOEIII is an incredibly addictive card-battling game with mighty fine graphics and excellent sound and music?just don't expect it to be about role-playing.

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