Phantasy Star IV... necessary to play the other games first?

[racketboy]

I'm sorry, but I can't stand any Destructoid podcast.
Sure some of the 1UP guys can get a tad annoying, but at least most of them are knowledgeable and know how to speak properly.
Jeremy Parish, Scott Sharky, and Mielke all know their stuff and know how to present it well.

[Flak Beard]

I'm sorry, but I can't stand any Destructoid podcast.
Sure some of the 1UP guys can get a tad annoying, but at least most of them are knowledgeable and know how to speak properly.
Jeremy Parish, Scott Sharky, and Mielke all know their stuff and know how to present it well.

I haven't listened to any other Destructoid podcasts myself, but I like Retro Force just because it's a fun podcast and Dyson is pretty entertaining. I agree the 1up guys are more informed, it's just they always have to bring one ridiculous person on like Shane or Kathleen and it just kills it for me.

I'm running out of good podcasts to listen to! My favorite podcast used to be the Gamespot Hot Spot, but ever since Jeff Gerstman left, I haven't listened to a single one. That guy was the best game journalist out there, and he got fired just for being honest. Seems like you have to either be an ass kisser or cater to fanboys to get anywhere in today's game journalism.

[Flak Beard]

Ok I got around to starting Phantasy Star IV last night, and so far I'm enjoying it. The battle system is WAY more balanced, it feels challenging but not cheap. I remember just selecting "fight" in PSII on the first battle, and then my party was wiped out a minute later. Quite discouraging. I like how in PSIV each person and monster gets on command per turn as opposed to the way it's done in PSII. Another thing that I got a kick out of was, I equipped Alys with two boomerang weapons and it's entirely badass to watch her fight!

Also, on the Sega Genesis Collection you can save in dungeons using the SGC's save feature which is a plus.