Flashback to 1987: Yuji Naka is assigned as the lead programmer for an ambitious Mark III (Master System) project known as Phantasy Star. While it doesn't go a long way toward ensuring the Mark III's success against Nintendo's insurmountable Famicom (NES), Phantasy Star's revolutionary concepts change the face of console RPGs and attract a cult following of fans. In 1989, a Mega Drive sequel is developed: Yuji Naka not only assumes the responsibilities of lead programmer, but -- for the first time in his career -- producer. Phantasy Star II succeeds its predecessor to become the definitive title in the PS continuity, and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series. Despite the success, Yuji Naka had other plans: shortly after the completion of PSII, Naka became an integral member of Sega Consumer Department #3 (aka Sonic Team). While the Phantasy Star series continued, Naka's involvement in its direction had ended. Or it had, at least, until a decade later...

   Shortly after completing Sonic Adventure late in 1998, Sonic Team takes a surprising turn and decides to expand its horizons into new territory. Their first crack at both a coin-op and musical rhythm game (Samba de Amigo), a puzzle game of all things (ChuChu Rocket!), and the biggest of their new ventures: a network RPG. Network RPGs were already common in PC gaming, but this project would be a first for consoles. What better way to usher in this new genre than with a classic RPG series already noted for its pioneering lineage? Sonic Team reaches into its bag of tricks and pulls out Phantasy Star Online, the first original PS game in six years, and console gaming's first ever network RPG.

   Despite failing to surmount several flaws almost inherent in network RPGs, PSO slammed onto the gaming scene with a righteous bang. Legions of drooling PS fans as well as console gamers interested in their first network RPG convened to form one of the biggest player bases in online gaming history. The title has won no less than fifteen separate awards and has spread its horizons to include four different consoles. While Naka has stated that the possibility for expansions and/or upgrades is always there, he has no immediate plans for any full-fledged sequels. That's a little disappointing, because as cool as PSO is, the formula is becoming very dated very fast. But even if the series dies now, it has undeniably become Sonic Team's most successful game since the original Sonic the Hedgehog, and will forever have a spot in industry history as console gaming's first network RPG.