Just can't get into the mood...
Compared with the original PSO experience on Dreamcast, I just cannot get into the mood of playing this game.

I am not sure why, perhaps it is the style of the art, perhaps it is the graphics, perhaps it is the mood of the game, or maybe perhaps Sonic Team is no longer the Sonic Team it once was that made PSO on Dreamcast.

The graphics of the game surely looks better than most games on the DS, but the "world" illustrated is just nothing like the one that was made on the original PSO.

I am bitterly disappointed with this game, because I was a real big fan of the original (I even bought the version on GameCube). The only upside is that I bought this when it was cheap so it didn't hurt my pocket too much.

Fun experience for the Phantasy Star Online fan
I got this game a while ago because after seeing how long Phantasy Star Portable's localization took, I didn't want to be left waiting with PS0 as well.

The game will be very accessible to anyone who played the original Phantasy Star Online or even Phantasy Star Universe. Gameplay and music in the game are very nice, and the in-game graphics aren't half bad for the DS either. The formula is generally the same explorative hack-and-slash in PSO, with beating up enemies and taking on storyline missions to earn Meseta and better equipment for your character. I agree that if you're unfamiliar with Japanese it can be a bit of a hurdle, but having familiarity with PSO or PSU/PSP as well as at least recognition of katakana can help out a lot as far as at least getting a handle on the gameplay (following the storyline and dialogue requires a decent knowledge of kanji, though).

The US release is fast approaching, so if the language barrier is a problem for you, you won't have to wait much longer. Overall, I can definitely recommend this as a solid buy for the RPG fan who's looking for a good single or multiplayer game for their DS.

great game
it's fun, but it'd help if i knew japanese

GREAT GAME
3D ACTIO GAME AND I'M VERY HAPPY WITH THAT GAME BUT STORYLINE IS SHORTER THAN ANOTHER GAME

only for the japanese speaker
Graphically it looks great for the DS and it's the closest to the original PSO on Dreamcast Sega has gotten yet. However, the Japanese region version of the game has no English at all, so unless you understand the language, wait for the English release coming soon. On a side note, the cover art and manual are great and in full color.