Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus

Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus combined both existing chapters of Sonic Team's online action RPG on a single disc and added new content for GameCube players. In the sci-fi series' space setting, players create their own character from one of several races and classes and set out with a party of fellow players to clear dangerous planets full of monsters and treasure, with each race offering a different approach to combat and support abilities, letting players build varied teams to suit their preferred playstyle.

The game combines fast melee and ranged combat with the gradual collection of better gear and weapons, which at the time was one of the genre's early pioneers on consoles. The Plus version also added new difficulty levels, additional areas, and balance adjustments that responded to player feedback from the previous releases on Dreamcast and PC. Collecting rare gear and competing for the best loot became the main focus of long-term play even after completing the main story.

Thanks to its support for both online and local multiplayer, Phantasy Star Online became one of the few titles to offer a full cooperative experience on GameCube comparable to contemporary PC MMOs, and it built a loyal community of players who shared their progress and rare finds while facing the game's toughest missions together. For many GameCube owners, this was their first real experience with online console gaming, even though it required purchasing a network adapter separately.

Why play it: For cooperative online action that had no equal on GameCube in 2003.