Would I like PSO2 if I really like PSO Ep 1 & 2?

[J'accuse]

As the title says, I grew up playing Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 on the GameCube. I only ever played offline only, but i still found it a great game.

Is PSO2 comparable to the old game? I'd imagine the game play should have advanced since then.

[Kilniath]

I'd say personally if you're wanting something more akin to PSO EP1&2 then playing PSO2 'classic' (i.e. the original before NGS) should definitely give you that PSO-but-evolved feel.

Classic PSO2 is probably my favourite in the series, you've got the typical lobby->field matchmaking, running areas and fighting bosses as well as specific quests that are more leaned towards gear / exp.

Unfortunately you'll have to play a bit of NGS to unlock the ability to play PSO2 classic, but it's not too difficult to get through the prolouge - and you may end up liking NGS as well. NGS feels completely different however, it's a good game, but not a good Phantasy Star.

You might also get some mileage out of the PSO and PSU servers, which still have plenty of players for the more traditional Phantasy Star feel :D

[Ikagura]

In my opinion PS Portable 2 (Infinity) is the only game that felt the closest to PSO next to PS Zero.

[RX-3DR]

The original PSO2 many years ago had some resemblance to PSO's pace of the game but the gameplay in PSO2 has moved in such an extreme direction away from it. The gameplay has moved towards very directed progression with combat being about spamming things as fast as you can, a very heavy focus on flying around chasing down weakpoints and is very reactive. It may look similar when you're playing some of the older quests but that's about it.

It really depends what your perspective on "advanced" means. PSO2 used to build on top of the previous game but they jumped the shark many years ago. NGS tried to dial it back down but they have been slowly pulling towards what PSO2 ended up as. So what you have left is PSO2 which has some aesthetics of PSO but a completely different gameplay, and NGS which used to be a little grounded when it started without the aesthetics.

[Ikagura]

Originally posted by RX-3DR:

The original PSO2 many years ago had some resemblance to PSO's pace of the game but the gameplay in PSO2 has moved in such an extreme direction away from it. The gameplay has moved towards very directed progression with combat being about spamming things as fast as you can, a very heavy focus on flying around chasing down weakpoints and is very reactive. It may look similar when you're playing some of the older quests but that's about it.

It really depends what your perspective on "advanced" means. PSO2 used to build on top of the previous game but they jumped the shark many years ago. NGS tried to dial it back down but they have been slowly pulling towards what PSO2 ended up as. So what you have left is PSO2 which has some aesthetics of PSO but a completely different gameplay, and NGS which used to be a little grounded when it started without the aesthetics.

When PSO2 was new it was PSU with extra moves (such as jumping).

[Harmless Kitty]

PSO2 is dress up simulator

[J'accuse]

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I think I'll give it a shot.