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.

An enjoyable experience
Phantasy Star Zero is an impressive little game on the DS. It has offline story mode (with anime cutscenes) and an online modewhere you can play with up to 3 other people.

its your standard action RPG fare, level up, get better and rarer equipment, and get addicted. If you're a fan of PSO or PSU, Phantasy Star in general, or just looking for a fun game on the DS, this is worth having a look.

Unplayable
The game would have been nice if the online section really existed.
But It's just annoying : You can play with people, but you can't communicate with them. What's the point ? Thanks to nintendo stupidity for having spoiled this game, by making other players becoming NPCs!

Good, but not great
Phantasy Star Zero definitely is one of the best looking games for the DS, and, at least in my opinion; the DS game with the most replay value.
Even though the game's far from perfect, it's a really good first try for a portable PSO; nevertheless if SEGA is going to do a V2 or something like that, I'm hoping is a DSi-only game, or even better a Wiiware game

PSO - Portable
As a fan of the original Phantasy Star Online, being able to play it again, but without having to drag around my TV makes it fun again. Being fluent in Japanese is a great help in order to play through this game, but outside of that, playing multiplayer with English speaking friends and users is still possible.

The style might be a bit more childish compared to the original PSO universe, but it still has the same PSO recipe that appeals to it's fans.

Back to old school PSO
If you're a fan of PSO (and probably still playing it!), you won't fail to enjoy this title. The collecting angle is somewhat hindered by the Japanese text, especially if, like me, you enjoy the whole mythology retold via the item descriptions.

I have played every version of PSO and, if you're considering this game, it's highly likely you're already a fan.

If you're new to PSO, then I can't say for certain if you'll take to the series this late on.

I love it, but it isn't for everybody.

Back to basics
If you loved PSO but didn't like PSU then this game is for you. Character customisation is really disappointing, but the game really shines. Well worth playing, even by yourself.

only online matters
It's made for mmorpg, it's only mmorpg that has any attraction point. The story mode is, put in general words, lame and everything but refreshing. The worlds a poorly animated, the weapons are rarely really useful and in anyway your npc's drain focus on battling out of you.

The only mode, well, is nice. It's fun to battle together, though the monsters and levels are the same: average. An average game for average expectations, I dare to say.

Great Game
This is possibly one of the best DS games i've played. The multiplayer wi-fi works pretty perfect but occasionally lags. The game is pretty heavy in Japanese language but you can find guides on the internet to translate all your items. This is definitely a must-buy for any DS user or Phantasy Star fan.