The appeal and evaluation of "Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode Oracle": Exploring new possibilities for online RPGs

Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode Oracle: A tale of adventure and friendship set in the far reaches of the universe

"Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle" is a TV anime series based on the popular Sega game "Phantasy Star Online 2." It aired on TOKYO MX and BS11 from October 7 to December 23, 2019, and featured a short but dense storyline across 12 episodes. Animation was produced by GONZO and directed by Masaki Tachibana. The series follows the adventures of the Arks as they explore an unknown planet and fight against lifeforms called Dargers.

story

In the year 238 of the New Light Era, the interplanetary airship fleet "Oracle" has advanced into outer space and traveled across the galaxy. Whenever a new unknown planet is discovered on "Oracle," the "ARKS" descend to it and continue their exploration and discovery. The ARKS is an organization founded to eradicate the lifeforms known as "Dargahs" that lurk on numerous stars, and their mission is to continue their journey until peace returns to the universe.

The protagonist of the story is a rookie ARKS named Ash. He has lost his memories from his childhood, and is trying to determine who he is as he fights as an ARKS. The story is filled with a variety of unique characters, including Affin, a fellow ARKS who went through the completion training with Ash, and Matoi, a girl with amnesia who was saved by Ash on the planet Naberius.

Many characters will appear and deepen the story, including the mysterious Shion who frequently appears before Ash, the mysterious Luther who relentlessly pursues her, and the straightforward but caring senior Arks Zeno. There will also be a battle with a powerful enemy called Dark Falz, and there will be many scenes where Ash and his friends' growth and friendship will be tested.

character

There are many attractive characters in "Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode Oracle". The main characters are introduced below.

Ash

Voice actor: Daisuke Ono

A rookie ARKS. He has lost his childhood memories and is trying to figure out who he is as he fights as an ARKS. His growth and adventures are at the heart of the story.

Affine

Voice actor: Hiro Shimono

A fellow Arks who went through the completion training with Ash. He calls Ash his "partner" and adores him as they are from the same hometown. He is a mysterious character who seems to be searching for something he lost ten years ago.

Matoi

Voice actor: Satomi Sato

A girl with amnesia who was rescued by Ash on the planet Naberius. Even though she hasn't regained her memories, she still wants to be of help to Ash and his friends. Her purity and strength add depth to the story.

Zion

Voice actor: Megumi Ogata

A mysterious being who frequently appears before Ash. Her true identity and purpose are key to the story.

Luther

Voice actor: Takahiro Sakurai

A mysterious man who relentlessly pursues Shion. His actions and goals add tension to the story.

Zeno

Voice actor: Ryohei Kimura

A straightforward but caring Arks who is a senior to Ash and his friends. He is childhood friends with Echo and has a bitter relationship with Gettemhart. His leadership and friendship support the story.

echo

Voice actor: Youko Hikasa

A childhood friend of Zeno's who became an ARKS with him. Her kindness and strength add color to the story.

Gettemhardt

Voice actor: Nobuo Tobita

A notorious young Arks man with great abilities but a violent temperament. He often clashes with Zeno. His presence adds tension to the story.

Melfonsina

Voice actor: Kana Hanazawa

A quiet girl who always stays by Gettemhardt's side, her mysterious presence adds depth to the story.

Patty

Voice actor: Kana Asumi

She is the older sister of "Patientia," who calls herself the number one information broker in ARKS. Although she is a twin sister of Tia, her personality is the complete opposite. She is a very talkative, cheerful, and noisy character.

Tear

Voice actor: Yuka Iguchi

She is the younger sister of "Patientia," who calls herself ARKS' number one informant. Patty is her twin sister, but the younger sister is calmer, more collected, and more mature than her older sister.

Lisa

Voice actor: Kana Hanazawa

Arks is a slightly eccentric woman who loves guns and finds joy in tormenting her opponents. Her actions add spice to the story.

Sarah

Voice actor: Kana Ueda

A woman who appears to be an Arks suddenly appears and gives Ash advice. Her presence adds mystery to the story.

Theodore

Voice actor: Nobuhiko Okamoto

A new Arks member at the same time as Ash and the others. He may not seem very reliable at first glance, but he is said to be a once-in-a-century talent. His growth will bring new developments to the story.

Uruk

Voice actor: Mariya Ise

A childhood friend of Theodore. Although she is not blessed with the talent for photons, she becomes a trainee aiming to become an ARKS. Her efforts and friendship add a touching touch to the story.

Jig

Voice actor: Fumihiko Tachiki

A famous swordsmith who has lost his passion for his work, he becomes interested in the mysterious weapon that Ash brings. His presence adds depth to the story.

Kuna

Voice actor: Eri Kitamura

She is an image artist for ARKS, and is immensely popular among ARKS. Her presence adds a touch of glamour to the story.

Regius

Voice actor: Yosuke Akimoto

He was one of the "Three Heroes" who played an active role in the Elder War 40 years ago, and is the leader of the Arks who holds the position of one of the "Sex-Pointed Balance." His presence adds depth to the story.

Maria

Voice actor: Mami Koyama

A mysterious female cast member who acts with Sarah for a certain purpose. Her presence adds mystery to the story.

Kasura

Voice actor: Hiroshi Kamiya

He is the third of the "Sexual Balance" and one of the three heroes. He is always nonchalant and elusive. His presence adds mystery to the story.

Clarice Clays

Voice actor: Aoi Yuki

She is one of the five members of the "Sexual Balance," a group of six people with unrivaled strength among the Arks, and one of the three heroes. Although she is a small girl, her power is immense. Her presence gives strength to the story.

Huey

Voice actor: Tetsuya Kakihara

Six from "Sexual Balance". He is a very passionate and hot-blooded man. He is always concerned about Clarice Clays. His presence adds heat to the story.

Xiao

Voice actor: Megumi Ogata

A boy who describes himself as Shion's younger brother. He appears before Ash, asking for his cooperation. His presence brings a new development to the story.

Io

Voice actor: Ayana Taketatsu

Ash's junior Arks. She calls Ash "senpai" and adores him. Her presence adds a new friendship to the story.

[Mask] (Persona)

voice actor:???

A mysterious masked figure with an unknown identity. His presence adds mystery to the story.

[Large Body] (Elder)

Voice actor: Nobuo Tobita

Dark Falz was sealed away forty years ago deep within the ruins of the planet Naberius. He is resurrected using Gettemhart's body as a vessel. His presence adds tension to the story.

[Twins] (Double)

Voice actor: Rie Kugimiya

One of the Dark Falz. The two of them are one [twins] (double). They seem innocent, but they are the most cruel. Their existence adds fear to the story.

[Young People] (The Apprentice)

Voice actor: Mariya Ise

One of the Dark Falz. He seems to be searching for something, and frequently attacks the planet Lilypa. His presence adds mystery to the story.

Previous [Young Person] (Apprentice)

Voice actor: Houko Kuwashima

Dark Falz lived in the year 228 of the New Light Era. He battled the second Claris Clays in the past in Naberius. His presence adds historical depth to the story.

staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode Oracle." Below are the main staff members:

original work

Sega Games

director

Masaki Tachibana

Series Composition

Hiroshi Ohnogi

Screenplay

Hiroshi Ohnogi, Shigeru Morita, and Fumio Asanuma

Character Design

Shinpei Koikawa

Sound Director

Eriko Kimura

music

Takashi Omama and Tatsuhiko Saiki

Animation Production

GONZO

3DCG Production

Felix Film

Production

PHANTASY STAR PARTNERS 2019

subtitle

"Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode Oracle" is a short series of 12 episodes, but each episode has an attractive subtitle. Below are the subtitles for each episode.

• Episode 1: I've been waiting for this day
• Episode 2: The Creepy Naberius
• Episode 3: Complete Arks
• Episode 4: The Vessel of Beginnings
• Episode 5: The Darker Assault
• Episode 6: The beginning of the end
• Episode 7: Dark Falz
• Episode 8: I'm no longer there
• Episode 9: Assassin and the Rampage Dragon
• Episode 10: The Final Goodbye
• Episode 11: Alteration
• Episode 12: Past and Future

Theme songs and music

The theme song and music of "Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode Oracle" are also attractive. The theme song and music are introduced below.

OP1

"Destiny"

Lyricist: Runblebee

Composer: Hideaki Kobayashi

Sung by: Aimee Blackschleger

ED1

"Timeless Fortune"

Lyricist: Shinichiro Yamashita

Composer: Michihiro Iwano

Vocals: Mika Arisaka

Evaluation and Impressions

"Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle" has been widely accepted not only by fans of the original game, but also by anime fans. Below are my reviews and impressions.

First of all, the story is short but densely packed. It depicts Ash's growth and adventures, as well as the friendships and conflicts of the characters surrounding him, and has the power to draw viewers in. In addition, the battle against Dark Falz and the mysterious presence of Sion and Luther add depth to the story.

As for the characters, many of them are unique and leave a strong impression on the viewers. In particular, Ash, Afin, and Matoi play a central role in the story and evoke sympathy from the viewers. In addition, senior Arks such as Xeno, Echo, and Gettemhart also add color to the story.

As for the staff, GONZO's high-quality animation under the direction of Masaki Tachibana is highly praised, along with character designer Shinpei Koikawa, sound director Eriko Kimura, and music composers Takashi Omama and Tatsuhiko Saiki.

As for the theme songs and music, the opening theme "Destiny" and the ending theme "Timeless Fortune" really add to the atmosphere of the story. The opening theme "Destiny" in particular has Aimee Blackschleger's powerful singing voice that really captures the hearts of viewers.

Recommendation

"Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original game, but also to anime fans. Here are the reasons why.

First of all, the story is fascinating. Ash's growth and adventures, as well as the friendships and conflicts of the characters surrounding him, are depicted, drawing the viewer in. In addition, the battle against Dark Falz and the mysterious presence of Sion and Luther add depth to the story.

Next, the characters are appealing. Many unique characters appear and leave a strong impression on viewers. In particular, Ash, Afin, and Matoi play a central role in the story and evoke sympathy from viewers. In addition, senior Arks such as Xeno, Echo, and Gettemhart also add color to the story.

Furthermore, the quality of the staff is high. GONZO's high-quality animation, under the direction of Masaki Tachibana, is highly regarded. Character designer Shinpei Koikawa, sound director Eriko Kimura, and music composers Takashi Omama and Tatsuhiko Saiki also made a great contribution.

Finally, the theme songs and music are attractive. The opening theme "Destiny" and the ending theme "Timeless Fortune" add to the atmosphere of the story. The opening theme "Destiny" in particular has Aimee Blackschleger's powerful singing voice that captures the hearts of viewers.

For these reasons, "Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original game, but also to anime fans. Please give it a watch.