The VC Advantage: Planet Motavia Travel Guide

by JC Fletcher { Apr 9th 2008 at 8:00PM }

People who bought Phantasy Star II upon its original Genesis release knew what they were getting into immediately upon opening the box. This Phantasy Star II Hint Book was the first warning that the game was brutally hard (well, that and the Phantasy Star name, which was equally foreboding for Master System gamers). The 110-page Hint Book, clad in ALARM YELLOW (actually kind of a subdued yellow) was players' official notice that Phantasy Star II was the kind of game that you needed a hint book for.

We didn't have GameFAQs back then -- if a dungeon was complicated, we usually got lost; if a boss was challenging, we usually died. Sega's thoughtful inclusion of a hint book provided a nice alternative to assured failure: possible success -- with a side of failure.

We've excerpted the hint book for your perusal. Check it out if you just downloaded the Virtual Console version of Phantasy Star II and want help getting started, or if you'd just like to see the state-of-the-art in strategy guides circa 1990. If that's not enough (and it isn't), check Phantasy-Star.net for more transcribed information from the book!

Gallery: Phantasy Star II Hint Book

Tags: genesis, hint-book, phantasy-star-ii, sega, strategy-guide, vcadvantage

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mr.ESC @ Apr 9th 2008 8:54PM

That game was good but I liked PSIV alot more,it was just awesome.It was included in the Sega Genesis Collection I bought for my PSP.

Mr.ESC @ Apr 9th 2008 8:55PM

Sega should develop a new Vectorman.A FPS Vectorman using the Wiimote would be sweet.

hvnlysoldr @ Apr 10th 2008 12:47AM

What like Metroid Prime with 3D morph mode vehicular forms similar in function to the Morph Ball? Because that's part of the Vectorman formula.

Silverlotus @ Apr 10th 2008 8:35AM

I loved this game when it came out, and I still love it. As much of as I am a fan of the Final Fantasy series, the Phantasy Star series (minus the online games) will always hold first place in my heart. Uhh... next to the Ultima series.

And, yes, the hint book was a good clue that it was a hard game. Although, I think it gave too much away.