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 (Chu-chu 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 network RPG.

   Despite failing to surmount several flaws almost inherent with the genre, PSO slammed onto the scene with assloads of fanfare. 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 game has won no less than fifteen different awards and has spread its domain to encompass four different hardware platforms. While its success in Japan continues to outweigh its popularity in Western countries, where PC MMORPG's are firmly in control, the PSO games maintain a cult following and the series has become Sonic Team's most successful license since Sonic the Hedgehog.

Written by Jared "Green Gibbon!" Matte. Hosting provided by Emulation Zone and Emulation World.