While Sega’s Master System (SMS) console was arguably more powerful than the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), it was a moot point as Nintendo locked down third parties and retailers. For the most part, gamers never really gave the Master System a chance, hell living through this era, I knew of one mom and pop hardware store that sold the SMS locally. Meanwhile, the NES was available EVERYWHERE from retail stores to pawn shops to even being available in arcades as a ticket redemption prize. Sega had much more success with their Genesis console and one title they released for it, Phantasy Star II was one that caught my eye. Thanks to a fan, Phantasy Star II is getting a port to the Sega Master System.
Looking Amazing for a Work in Progress
The first thing that strikes me about Phantasy Star II for the Sega Master System is just how close it looks to the 16-Bit Sega Genesis original. I am sure, if we ran them side by side, differences would be more readily apparent. Who has time for that?
The game is a work in progress, currently Demo Version 0.1 according to the YouTube video, embedded below.
The description states a lot of stuff is not in the game yet. What is there includes the intro, title screen, and opening town. There are also some battle scenes to check out.
Sound and Graphics to Bring a Tear to Your Eye
Seeing this run on the 8-Bit SMS is mind boggling for me. I remember seeing SMS games in gaming publications of the time and thinking they looked good, obviously had more colors than the NES, but they didn’t have recognizable titles.
It would have been pointless for Sega to have attempted porting Phantasy Star II for the SMS back then considering how poorly it sold. I am surprised they brought over the first Phantasy Star game.
Definitely a fan project worth watching if you are a fan of role-playing games or a fan of Phantasy Star II.
