Phantasy Star Online 2: The Animation (2016/Sentai Blu-ray set)

Picture: C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C Episodes: B+

Itsuki Tachibana is a student who recently transferred to Sega Academy a high tech model school, where the Phantasy Star Online 2 game is the current rave and trend. And to his surprise, the school president (and school idol) Rina Izumi suddenly recruits Itsuki to be her vice president to explore if Phantasy Star Online 2 is effecting student body and social media, but there are secrets to this game and those who play it... as Itsuki learns more about the game that it may not just be a mere game in Phantasy Star Online 2: The Animation (2016).

Itsuki Tachibana is recruited to test out the social impact on students and how it effects their social life and studies to prove that the popular video game does not effect their grades. Turns out Itsuki has a natural aptitude towards the game and quickly gets hooked into the role playing virtual world, but he soon learns it is not just a game but a testing ground, Phantasy Star Online is REAL. It is true purpose is to test people who can use Photons and battle 'Darkers'. That it is truly a test to see who can go beyond the game.

Based on the popular game Sega created a few years ago, Phantasy Star Online 2 combines with anime and makes fun of the video game/online role playing world, but like all fantasy players and anime about the virtual world, they dive into the story of what happens if the virtual world becomes real. Which is which? This is a well done series.

The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image transfers may be new, but tends to be too oversimplified to meet the look of the game instead of expanding its look for HD, while the DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) Japanese 2.0 Stereo lossless mix does have some Pro-Logic-like surrounds to get more out of the soundtrack, but the overall sound mixes on each show tend to be a bit underwhelming. Extras includes clean opening and closing animations, Japanese commentary and trailers.

Episodes this time are...

The RPG That Starts With "Nice to Meet You" - Itsuki transfers to a new school and immediately he is recruited by Izumi to play Phantasy Star Online 2.

The Isolated Warrior - As Itsuki learns how to play Phantasy Star Online 2, a new mysterious girl transfers to the school, Suzuki.

Role-play - Itsuki learn about multi players ...and they are totally different than their characters in real life.

Phantasy Star Offline - Itsuki and Izumi attend a Phantasy Star Online 2 convention.

Aika - Itsuki tries to learn more about the mysterious Suzuki, why does she follow him? And why she also has a 'character' in Phantasy Star Online 2.

PSO2 Forbidden - Itsuki and the Student Council attend a training camp ...at the hot springs!

Disappearance - Strange things are happening in Phantasy Star Online 2, people are disappearing in the virtual world ...and in real world.

Turning Point - As Itsuki investigates the cases of missing people, his character suddenly evolves beyond the game.

Discharge Notice - Itsuki discovers that Suzuki and Darkers come from another world ...and he has the rare ability to move between both worlds. That Phantasy Star Online 2 is NOT a game, but a testing ground to find warriors to fight the Darkers.

Vessel - Itsuki continues to fight in the Phantasy Star Online, but when Izumi awakens she is taken by the Darkers.

Dark Falz - Izumi is turned to the darkside, can Itsuki rescue her?

The RPG That Overcomes Boundaries - As he Dark Falz awakens to its final form, it is Itsuki's last chance to rescue her. Can Itsuki and his friends stop the Darkers?

- Ricky Chiang