Sega's Phantasy Star Online was first released on the Dreamcast over a year ago, and later this year Sega will release Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II for the GameCube. "Episode I" will consist of all of the content from the original Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Online ver.2, and "Episode II" will contain a new full-length adventure exclusive to the GameCube.

Those who have already played a Dreamcast version of PSO have a good idea of what to expect from this new edition. Although Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II offers new character classes, weapons, items, enemies, and a split-screen multiplayer mode, this is essentially the same game in a slightly prettier package.

The version of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II playable at E3 made use of a combination controller/keyboard made by ASCII. The controller was small and light enough to remain comfortable, but the keyboard's small size made typing more difficult than it should be. The game was connected online using the GameCube modem, which seemed to work well with no lag time. The split-screen multiplayer setup also worked well and was a nice change of pace from playing the game online.

Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II will be the GameCube's first online game, and fans of the series should feel right at home when it hits this fall.