Phantasy Star Nova
- December 27, 2014
- tri-Ace
- 40h median play time
Phantasy Star Nova is a fantasy hack and slash game set in the world of Phantasy Star Online 2, but with a heavier focus on single-player and 4-player co-op. Players explore Planet Machia, where Photon energy is useless, and must work together to defeat giant beasts known as Gigantes. The game includes improvements based on feedback from a battle demo, such as increased character movement speed and reduced input delay.
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Reviews
- The game is easy to play and navigate, even for those who don't understand Japanese, thanks to intuitive menus and helpful guides.
- The graphics and character design are impressive, and the gameplay is fast-paced and engaging, reminiscent of the best parts of the Phantasy Star series.
- It offers a good mix of PvE gameplay with a variety of missions and customization options, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
- The lack of English subtitles and localization makes it difficult for non-Japanese speakers to fully enjoy the story and quests.
- Some players find the game repetitive, with a limited variety of weapons and a quest system that can feel tedious.
- There are technical issues such as frame rate drops during boss battles and an unresponsive UI that can detract from the overall experience.
- story40 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as being more focused than previous titles, but the lack of English translation makes it difficult for players to fully engage with it. While the main narrative involves a character navigating a hostile planet and completing various missions, the language barrier necessitates the use of guides for understanding side quests and objectives. Overall, players appreciate the gameplay and character customization, but many feel that the story's quality is hard to assess without understanding Japanese.
“Very cool game! The gameplay is awesome, and if you want a really good Japanese game to play for the PS Vita, besides Fighting Climax, this is the game to get. It's a nice PvE gameplay base with a really good story. I highly recommend getting this game; it's awesome!”
“The storyline involves your avatar, and your avatar never speaks, which is good. It's not a false avatar like in Fire Emblem 3DS or Fable 3.”
“This game is a handheld version of Phantasy Star Online 2, but with brand new places, a new storyline, and you can play it offline.”
“The game does seem more story focused, but not speaking the language, I can't comment on the quality of said story.”
“Compared to other Phantasy Star games (PSP versions), the story isn't that great.”
“The quest system is set up so most quests are repeatable, so after each battle you'll walk around and go through 30 menus pressing OK, and making sure nothing new is stocked for about five to ten minutes between each five-minute battle phase.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of Phantasy Star Online 2, featuring fast-paced real-time combat with hybrid elements from both JRPGs and Monster Hunter games. Players can capture bosses to aid them in battle, and the game emphasizes fun and customizable combat mechanics, making it accessible even for those unfamiliar with the storyline. Overall, the gameplay is well-received for its engaging mechanics and enjoyable experience.
“This game definitely deserves its high score for fun gameplay, combat, and extensive customization options.”
“If you've played Phantasy Star Online 2, you'll find a nearly identical game as far as combat mechanics go, but with a couple of differences like bosses that can be captured and called upon in battle once you've filled up a gauge (think Phantasy Star Portable 2).”
“Gameplay, if you've never played Phantasy Star games before, is a JRPG with fast real-time combat, much like the Tales series, except it's more of a hybrid now, about half Monster Hunter genre and half JRPG.”
“The gameplay mechanics, such as weaponry and abilities, are much more like the updated Phantasy Star Online 2.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised, with many users noting that they are impressive for the PS Vita, resembling the quality of PS4 games. The anime-inspired art style is reminiscent of previous titles from the developer, contributing to the overall visual appeal. Additionally, the combination of stunning graphics and engaging gameplay enhances the experience of large-scale battles and weapon variety.
“The graphics, weapon types, and gargantuan battles and capturing are awesome.”
“Fast arrival and great graphics.”
“The controls are easy to use and understand, plus the graphics are top notch. It's like playing a PS4 game on the move, and the story is fantastic, plus all the DLC content is on the PS Vita disk/cart.”
“It has always had an anime-style art design in-game, similar to Star Ocean: The Last Hope; you can see the resemblance to Tri-Ace's previous game.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game received mixed reviews; while some players praised it as wonderful and integral to the gameplay and story, others found it disappointing due to its limited presence, only playing during battles or at the base.
“Wonderful music, gameplay, story, and characters.”
“The audio was such a huge letdown, with music only playing during battles or at the base. PSO has probably my all-time favorite soundtrack.”
- character development2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the detailed character design in the game, noting that it enhances the overall experience and makes the narrative easy to follow. This attention to character development contributes positively to the game's appeal, making it highly recommended for gamers.
“The character design is really detailed and that's really awesome. I would recommend this to anyone that plays video games.”
“The character development is engaging and adds depth to the gameplay experience.”
“I appreciate how the characters evolve throughout the game, making each interaction feel meaningful.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its clever use of situational comedy, particularly in the juxtaposition of the protagonist's awakening from cryo-sleep with the absurdity of the circumstances they find themselves in.
“It's funny because at the beginning of the story, you come out of cryo.”
“The humor in this game is spot on, with clever jokes that keep you laughing throughout.”
“I love how the characters have such witty banter; it adds a delightful layer to the gameplay.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has led to blurry textures for NPCs in town hubs to ensure smooth performance, a necessary compromise given the limitations of the Vita hardware, especially with the high number of NPCs present.
“NPCs have been given blurry textures in the town hub to ensure the game runs smoothly, which is understandable due to the Vita's limitations, especially with the large number of NPCs present.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players consistently highlight the game’s high replayability, indicating that it offers numerous opportunities for varied experiences and enjoyment upon multiple playthroughs.
“This game offers a tremendous amount of replay value.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes makes each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“I keep coming back for more because there are so many different paths to explore.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that the game suffers from grinding issues, which may have contributed to its poor sales. While the online version on the Vita is free, it presents its own set of grind-related challenges.
“The game is a bit flawed (probably why it didn't sell well) in the sense that you could save money and play the online version on the Vita for free, although that comes with other very grindy issues.”
“Grinding in this game feels endless and tedious, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the gameplay feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
