Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2004
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution Image
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

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  • Summary: A strangely powerful Photon-like substance found on Planet Ragol has spurred a raging battle between the Hunters and a rebel team called the Arkz. The prized matter known as "The Germ" has unique replicating powers and can be sealed in small playing-card-sized packets. WarriorsA strangely powerful Photon-like substance found on Planet Ragol has spurred a raging battle between the Hunters and a rebel team called the Arkz. The prized matter known as "The Germ" has unique replicating powers and can be sealed in small playing-card-sized packets. Warriors carrying a deck of the sought-after cards can then bring unprecedented amounts of destructive weapons and creatures into battle. Fight with the Hero Hunters or on the rebels' Dark Side and stack your decks accordingly. You'll compose several powerful decks from nearly 500 cards featuring fighting moves, weapons, and PSO creatures. … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    87
    Somehow, developer Sonic Team managed to meld everything great about the previous PSOs (aesthetic beauty, and engaging online community, and the never-ending quest for better equipment) with a simple, addictive card game. [Apr 2004, p.128]
  2. Nintendophiles
    85
    If you want your games to be more accessible and action-oriented, then you'd be better off sticking with "Episode 1 & 2"...If you're looking for a new challenge, or you just want a solid and surprisingly deep strategy-RPG experience, Episode 3 is for you.
  3. Game Informer
    80
    Though the visual and audio aspects of PSO III leave something to be desired, the concept and level of variability at its core (not to mention that it's one of these elusive online-enabled GameCube titles) is enough to make it a highly enjoyable and surprisingly addictive game. [Apr 2004, p.101]
  4. GameSpy
    75
    Every element of it is solid but unexceptional. Card battling is done far better by PS2's "Culdcept"; story is done better by a host of other RPGs. In fact, the only area where I think it'd be truly difficult to compete with PSO III is music -- this soundtrack is almost too good for the game.
  5. GamePro
    70
    Unfortunately, the focus on strategy has placed the RPG elements firmly in the back seat, and the story feels out of place and intrudes rudely on the pleasure of card battling. PSOEIII's attempt to infuse a decent card game with a rich plot only confuses matters.
  6. G4 TV
    60
    In the end, the cards were a good idea, but the dice wreck the curve by robbing the game of strategy. No matter how well you plan ahead, a bad roll of the dice can cripple you, sometimes for the rest of the match.
  7. Computer and Video Games
    0
    This is a craply-plotted sci-fi novel meets a game of chess meets Industrial Light & Magic meets Yu-Gi-Oh!. Fanboys: silence.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. AndyE.
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    I liked it and it's more than challenging after the ARKZ attack the Piooner 2!
  2. [Anonymous]
    Feb 8, 2004
    10
    Phantasy Star is an amazing RPG series. This new game should please all fans, young and old alike. PSO 3 is nothing short of a work of art.
  4. Para
    Mar 3, 2004
    10
    Absolutely fun! It is easy to understand and with the addiction of obtaining stronger cards will keep you playing. Brings back memories of Absolutely fun! It is easy to understand and with the addiction of obtaining stronger cards will keep you playing. Brings back memories of manga type cutscenes from the older PS series.… Expand
  5. Dr.Ransom
    Mar 10, 2004
    9
    Don't let the cards discourage you, it's a great new addition to the gameplay. Now you actually have to think to win instead of Don't let the cards discourage you, it's a great new addition to the gameplay. Now you actually have to think to win instead of just mashing on the attack button. Plus, the animated cut scenes are beautiful and really give the characters depth.… Expand
  6. GamecubeLover
    Jul 25, 2016
    9
    Not as good as episode 1 and 2 but this game is enjoyable no matter what. Sure there is a lot of minor flaws but doesn't really effect theNot as good as episode 1 and 2 but this game is enjoyable no matter what. Sure there is a lot of minor flaws but doesn't really effect the gameplay. This game is enjoyable.… Expand
  7. ClelJ.
    May 19, 2004
    9
    this game is one of the best, when I first got it I thought I'd wasted my money but after giving it a chance I play it more then the this game is one of the best, when I first got it I thought I'd wasted my money but after giving it a chance I play it more then the older series of PSO.… Expand
  8. AnthonyM.
    Mar 8, 2004
    8
    The reviews have certainly mixed, which is understandable. The contrast between EP I&II and EP III is great. Some of the reviews, though The reviews have certainly mixed, which is understandable. The contrast between EP I&II and EP III is great. Some of the reviews, though *cough*GamePro*cough* look too much at the lack of RPG like its predecessors. They should take the advice like what Games Domain and EGM suggest: players should not look at this as a spiritual sequel, but as a fresh new game. The card system itself is well done, and the strategy is easy to learn but still in-depth. People should really give this game a shot.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best GameCube Game of 2004
34
#34 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004