Phantasy Star was one of those surprise hits for Sega back in the 8-Bit and 16-Bit days of gaming. The first Phantasy Star was released on the Sega Master System and then on the Sega Genesis we got part 2, 3, and finally 4. I am not counting the Phantasy Star Online games here as they were quite a departure from the style of the earlier games. Well, now we can count Phantasy Star Tabletop Roleplaying to the EXTREMELY short list of PS games. Unfortunately, that and a bit of artwork is most of what we must go on here.
I am going off the artwork that Skydawn Game Studios has released, namely what is being presented as the cover of the box. We have Dark Falz holding the majority of the background like a true bad guy (fans may remember him being revealed in Phantasy Star IV). Alis is front and center, she was the star of the first Phantasy Star, to her right we have a male that I believe is Chaz from Phantasy Star IV. To her left we have a hooded figure I cannot place in the series.
Other than this cover, there is not a lot to go on with Phantasy Star Tabletop Roleplaying. The name is certainly “80s Sega” with its slightly out of touch with traditional naming of things. So Skydawn Game Studios has that going for them.
Skydawn Game Studios does give a bit of insight as to what to expect. They claim this will feature “generation-spanning storylines” and a “versatile combat system.”
Phantasy Star III was the only generational entry in the franchise, and while I enjoyed it, I can certainly see why many had a problem with it. Space travel has been a part of the Phantasy Star universe since the beginning but we have not been able to experience any space combat so that is a brand-new area for fans of the franchise (unless Sega explored this in later entries beyond the 8 and 16-Bit entries).
Skydawn Game Studios promises streamlined rules and options for character development, sci-fi weapons and gear, and more.
Sadly, other than some pieces of artwork that span the 8 and 16-Bit games, there is not much available beyond that.Phantasy Star Tabletop Roleplaying is currently available for $69.95 as a pre-order with the product shipping in 2025. If you pre-order you will receive a PDF of the game book when you order ships.
I just don’t see this being a hit with so little available and such a high price tag. It will be interesting to see how Phantasy Star Tabletop Roleplaying fares though.
