Dec 14, 4:03 pm
First of all, I’m sorry to anyone who has already had to endure Kitt and me blathering on about this in the recent Stuff podcast, but I really love Phantasy Star Universe. I borderline worship it. It all started a couple of weeks ago, when I popped its 360 disc into my console, gazed upon the Sonic Team logo, and first heard the theme tune. It was completely over the top, sang in Engrish, and was, to put it bluntly, crap. I loved it. Of course, a theme tune isn’t the only thing that can carry a game (although, peppering the song throughout the multi player and single player modes does help.) I’m really enjoying playing my way through the single player mode too. The characters are engaging, the story never drags or becomes predictable, and it wins points for numerous panty flashing and scary cleavage action. The multiplayer is brilliant too. Great character customisation, frequent updates, a wide variety of stages, and they’ve even sorted out random item distribution in-battle. No more dashing for the star atomizer whilst your best mate gets slaughtered by the end of level boss. Okay okay, it might not be the most amazing game ever. Plus you’re paying £6.99 a month for online play - something a lot of people will deem too expensive. However, I adored Phantasy Star Online on the Dreamcast (paid per minute, I did!), and, well, I’m horribly biased. Did I mention the theme tune was awesome?
Battle for freedom! It is a battle against the dark!
Of course, there are downsides to any addiction. My penance comes in the form of repetitive strain injury. Last night I needed my flatmate to cut up a chicken kiev for my dinner because my left arm hurt so much. It sort of feels like someone’s put a hot iron rod up my arm and wiggles it around a bit. Not fun. The only reason I’m able to write this blog at all is because I soaked my arm in the bath for an hour. So I think I’m going to have to give my newman a rest for a bit. Well, I say a bit... A day maybe. Or, y’know, a couple of hours. Okay, ten minutes. Did I mention the theme tune was awesome?
