Episode 16 - Phantasy Star IV Review Now UP!

This is one of my favorite games ever and I hold it close to my heart whenever a discussion about RPGs comes up. I'm kind of in Brent's boat here... I am probably biased to the game because it was one of my first RPGs I ever played (like Brent and his ff7).

Just the quick hits here:
Story was 5 stars for me. I couldn't get enough of the story. Every plot point made me want to do nothing other than find out what happens next. I was so upset when a certain main character died! (trying not to spoil). Seth's surprise. The final boss changing time after time... was all done so well. The characters were diverse and had enough back story to all of them to keep me concerned about what happened to them. (Chaz was a little b**ch though, lol).

Art was 5 stars for me as well. The comic book stylized cut scenes were fantastic to behold every single time it happened. I had no issues with the over world maps like some of you did. The enemy art was spot on as well. I could tell immediately looking at ANY enemy how much trouble I was in for. Boss art was also fantastic. I also enjoyed the battle animations. Rika slashing the enemies with both her claws always comes to mind as nicely done.

Gameplay: This is where i can't give 5 stars. The amount of meseta needed to purchase certain items that wound up being horrible or weaker than your current gear was laughable. No way to check which items were good to have before buying them made this process so obnoxious every time you wanted to go to a store and get new gear. The air castle was one hell of a tough challenge (and long one at that). The hunter's guild missions were a super fun delight to accomplish all of them.

Replay: I have played through this game start to finish approx 4 times now. I'm not exactly sure of the right number. I enjoyed learning new combo moves (not just triblaster!!! i'm looking at you brent!) and also forced myself to use different characters when I could. My very first play through I used Raja in my final 5 team to take down the final boss, but on later play throughs I gave the others a try as well.

Music gets 4 out of 5 from me. The opening scene alone (title screen with the back story, not IN game yet) was a track i loved SO MUCH that i actually have it on my itunes. Gets me every time. I think overall the music was fantastic as well as the SFX and such... it's just there were a few areas that had music i could do without. I didnt hate it as much as Nick did but it wasn't pleasing to my ears either. Also, i wish the Dews/healing sound FX were more different from each other as well.

Hello Nick. I have played MANY games

I have emailed Brent a while ago and expressed interest in being a guest sometime. Diablo 2, PSO, Titan Quest, Chrono Trigger, Fire Emblem (Radiant Dawn), are some that I am superbly intimate with. I think you guys do a great show and I would enjoy being a guest on one of your episodes