RETROCANON
LIBRARYSEGAPHANTASY STAR

Phantasy Star

Sega

Phantasy Star began as Sega's science-fantasy answer to the early console RPG, mixing swords, spaceships, alien planets, and ancient evil. The first four games form the Algol saga, while the Online and Universe branches move into separate settings built around action RPG combat and multiplayer. Because the series is really several sub-series rather than one clean timeline, newcomers are better served by choosing a branch than by following chronology.

SINCE 1987 · 11 GAMES

▶ WHERE DO I START?
  1. 1980s

    Phantasy Star

    1987 · Master System

    A pioneering Master System RPG about Alis Landale crossing the Algol star system to overthrow a corrupt ruler.

    Start hereMainlineAlgol Saga

    6 releases & editions

  2. Phantasy Star II

    1989 · Genesis / Mega Drive

    A darker Genesis RPG set 1,000 years after the first game, with Rolf's party confronting Mother Brain.

    For fansMainlineAlgol Saga

    6 releases & editions

  3. 1990s
  4. 2000s

    Phantasy Star Online

    2000 · Dreamcast, PC, GameCube, Xbox

    A landmark Dreamcast online action RPG about teams exploring Ragol and uncovering the disaster of Pioneer 1.

    Start hereMainlineOnline

    7 releases & editions

  5. Phantasy Star Generation: 1

    2003 · PlayStation 2

    A PlayStation 2 remake of the first Phantasy Star with redrawn graphics and expanded dialogue.

    For fansMainlineRemakeAlgol SagaSega Ages Remakes

    2 releases & editions

  6. Phantasy Star Generation: 2

    2005 · PlayStation 2

    A PlayStation 2 remake of Phantasy Star II with revised presentation and extra character material.

    For fansMainlineRemakeAlgol SagaSega Ages Remakes

    2 releases & editions

  7. Phantasy Star Universe

    2006 · PlayStation 2, PC, Xbox 360

    A separate action RPG branch with both a story campaign and online missions across the Gurhal system.

    LaterMainlineUniverse

    6 releases & editions

  8. A PSP action RPG that compresses the Phantasy Star Universe style into portable missions.

    For fansSpin-offUniverse

    2 releases & editions

  9. 2010s

    Phantasy Star Online 2

    2012 · PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

    A free-to-play online action RPG where ARKS operatives fight across planets, later sharing space with New Genesis.

    Start hereMainlineOnline

    7 releases & editions