Nintendo GameCube enters a whole new gaming universe with the arrival of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II.
The award-winning online adventure that caused a storm on Sega Dreamcast comes to Nintendo's home console with even more features. It's also the first game to take advantage of the Nintendo GameCube broadband and modem adaptors (released at the same time). Best of all, this is actually three games in one. Episode I is a combination of all the content from the original PSO and PSO ver.2, while Episode II is a brand new adventure exclusive to Nintendo GameCube.
If you're unfamiliar with the epic, spare-time-sapping experience that is Phantasy Star Online, here's a quick history lesson. With their home world on the brink of destruction, a population is forced to colonize another planet, Ragol. After an apparent accident destroyed the first transport ship, it's up to the Hunter's Guild to solve the mystery that cost millions of lives. That's where you come in.
With this background scenario set up, you're free to create the character who will become your online self as you explore Ragol. There are an almost infinite amount of character combinations. Will you be a gun-toting soldier, a magic-wielding mystic or a powerful android? Do you want dark hair or light? Short or tall? The choice is yours. Once your character is created, you are then free to do whatever you choose. Take part in missions, go shopping for supplies, or simply chat to fellow gamers - this is role-playing at its purest.
PSO can be played offline, all the way to the end of the game if you wish. Plus this GCN version features a split screen mode for up to four players to take part on one console. But the appeal of Phantasy Star Online is the feeling you get from fighting alongside characters controlled by real people. But it's not all gung-ho. Talking to characters is half the fun and, because you'll often be playing with people from other countries, Sega has solved the language barrier with the use of special emoticons (or smileys) for quick universal communication.
Of course, if you're a PSO veteran then all this will be familiar territory. But Episode II is a never-before-seen adventure. Featuring all-new quests, creatures, weapons and rare items; this Nintendo-exclusive game boasts even more breathtaking graphics. And if you tire of planet-side combat, you can team up for a quick game of Lobby Ball (a futuristic form of soccer). You can also download new quests and maps to keep you coming back for more. Quite simply, you ain't seen nothing like this before.
Something else you've never seen is what Phantasy Star Online does for your Game Boy Advance. You'll be able to connect your GBA to Nintendo GameCube, go into the PSO world and access special downloads for your handheld. Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II is accessible enough for non RPG-ers to get to grips with, and is a great introduction to the world of playing online. And if you're a battle-hardened PSO veteran then this new GCN version will bring all those fond memories flooding back - and give you many new ones too.
This description was provided by the publisher.
What you need to know
This content is sold by Nintendo of Europe AG. The payment will be made with Nintendo eShop funds usable through the Nintendo Account used to complete the purchase.
This content is sold by Nintendo of Europe AG, payable with Nintendo eShop funds usable through your Nintendo Account. The Nintendo Account Agreement applies to the purchase of this content.
This content may be purchased by users who have registered a Nintendo Account and accepted the respective legal terms. To be able to purchase content for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems, a Nintendo Network ID is also required and your funds usable through the Nintendo Account must be merged with the funds tied to your Nintendo Network ID. If the funds have not yet been merged, you will have the option to do so during the purchase process. To start the purchasing process, it is necessary to sign in with the Nintendo Account and the Nintendo Network ID. After signing in it will be possible to review the details and complete the purchase.
To be able to purchase content for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems, your funds usable through the Nintendo Account must be merged with the funds tied to your Nintendo Network ID. If the funds have not yet been merged, you will have the option to do so during the purchase process. You will be able to review the details and complete the purchase on the next screen.
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After your payment has been processed, the content will be downloaded to the applicable system linked to the respective Nintendo Account, or respective Nintendo Network ID in the case of Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family systems. This system must be updated to the latest system software and connected to the internet with automatic downloads enabled, and it must have enough storage to complete the download. Depending on the system/console/hardware model you own and your use of it, an additional storage device may be required to download software from Nintendo eShop. Please visit our Support section for more information.
In the case of games that use cloud streaming technology, only the free launcher application can be downloaded.
Please make sure you have enough storage to complete the download.
After your payment has been processed, the content will be downloaded to the applicable system linked to your Nintendo Account, or your Nintendo Network ID in the case of Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems. This system must be updated to the latest system software and connected to the internet with automatic downloads enabled, and it must have enough storage to complete the download. Depending on the system/console/hardware model you own and your use of it, an additional storage device may be required to download software from Nintendo eShop. Please visit our Support section for more information.
In the case of games that use cloud streaming technology, only the free launcher application can be downloaded.
Please make sure you have enough storage to complete the download.
The details of the offer are displayed based on the country settings of your Nintendo Account.
The Nintendo Account Agreement applies to the purchase of this content.
The use of an unauthorised device or software that enables technical modification of the Nintendo console or software may render this game unplayable.
This product contains technological protection measures.
Content not playable before the release date: {{releaseDate}} . For pre-orders, payments will be taken automatically starting from 7 days before the release date. If you pre-order less than 7 days before the release date, payment will be taken immediately upon purchase.
