Phantasy Star Gaiden is a handheld RPG, released only in Japan for the Game Gear in 1992. The game was developed by Japan System Supply and is a short, non-linear spin-off from the main Phantasy Star series. A fan translation patch makes the game playable to non Japanese-speakers.

In this game you begin with two young characters in your party – Alec and Mina – who are on a quest to rescue Alec’s father who has been kidnapped by bandits. After speaking with the village elder, you are then allowed to explore the scrolling overworld, which is infested with monsters. Battles happen randomly as you walk around and the combat is turn-based. The encounter rate is quite high, too.

The aim of the game is to explore various caves and towns to piece-together the story, and to fight battles with increasingly more challenging enemies. Every battle won awards Experience Points and Mesetas (money), plus the occasional useful item. And, as you progress, and buy better equipment, your reach into the world increases. Take the wrong turn into a ‘no-go’ area, however, with enemies above your current pay grade, and it could be curtains for your party. So you have to be careful as you go. The game does have three individual save slots, which will bail you out if you are wiped-out.

Although there’s nothing new (to the genre) in Phantasy Star Gaiden, I did still very much enjoy playing it. It’s simple, but compelling, and the jolly graphics and sound give a lift. I’ve had the main theme tune playing around in my head for the past couple of weeks! 🙂

More: Phantasy Star Gaiden on Wikipedia