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.
- It features engaging gameplay with fast-paced combat and a good story, appealing to long-time fans of the Phantasy Star series.
- The graphics, weapon variety, and large-scale battles are impressive, making it a visually appealing experience.
- The lack of English subtitles and translations makes it difficult for non-Japanese speakers to fully enjoy the game.
- The quest system can be repetitive and tedious, with a lot of menu navigation between battles.
- Some players found the boss battles boring and lacking in variety, leading to a loss of interest over time.
- story12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story is noted to be more focused compared to its predecessor, but the lack of English language support makes it difficult for players to fully engage with or understand the narrative. While the main objectives and side missions are clear, the intricate details and quality of the story remain elusive without a guide or knowledge of Japanese. Overall, players appreciate the gameplay and the potential depth of the story, but the language barrier significantly hampers their experience.
“Very cool game! The gameplay is awesome if you want a really good Japanese game to play on 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 game does seem more story-focused, but not speaking the language, I can't comment on the quality of the story.”
“I really wish I understood Japanese because the combat (or rather, what I can figure out) is so nice, and there's obviously a story to be told, but there aren't even English subtitles to be found.”
“There's next to no English in the game, and the few words present are only enough to tell you the special objectives within the mission (like 'kill/capture/avoid' gigantes).”
“The game does seem more story-focused, but not speaking the language, I can't comment on the quality of said story.”
“The quest system is set up so most quests are repeatable, which means after each battle you'll walk around and go through 30 menus pressing 'OK', making sure nothing new is stocked for about five to ten minutes between each five-minute battle phase.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been criticized for its limited presence, only playing during battles or at the base, which disappointed fans who expected a more immersive soundtrack. Many players express nostalgia for the superior music of previous titles, particularly highlighting the standout soundtrack of "PSO."
“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.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised for their impressive quality, enhancing the experience of epic battles and diverse weapon types.
“The graphics, weapon types, and gargantuan battles are absolutely stunning.”
“The visuals are breathtaking, making every battle feel epic.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics enhances the overall gaming experience.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the detailed character design and find the character development easy to follow, enhancing their overall enjoyment of the game.
“I love the game! It's easy to follow, and the character design is really detailed. That's truly awesome! I would recommend this to anyone who plays video games.”
“The character development is incredibly engaging, making each character feel unique and relatable.”
“I appreciate how the characters evolve throughout the game, with their backstories and motivations adding depth to the overall experience.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of Phantasy Star Online 2, featuring similar combat mechanics, but introduces unique elements such as the ability to capture bosses and summon them in battle after filling a gauge, akin to Phantasy Star Portable 2.
“If you've played Phantasy Star Online 2, you'll find a nearly identical game in terms of combat mechanics, but with some differences, such as bosses that can be captured and summoned in battle once you've filled up a gauge (think Phantasy Star Portable 2).”
“If you've played Phantasy Star Online 2, you'll find a nearly identical game in terms of combat mechanics, but with a few differences, such as bosses that can be captured and summoned in battle once you've filled up a gauge (think Phantasy Star Portable 2).”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks the depth needed to keep players engaged for long periods.”
“The controls are clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to execute basic actions during combat.”
