• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 2, 2004
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
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  1. 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 older series of PSO.
  2. 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 *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 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
  3. AndyE.
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    I liked it and it's more than challenging after the ARKZ attack the Piooner 2!
  4. [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.
  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 just mashing on the attack button. Plus, the animated cut scenes are beautiful and really give the characters depth.
  6. 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 manga type cutscenes from the older PS series.
  7. 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 the gameplay. This game is enjoyable.
  8. Jul 18, 2023
    10
    Amazing game. Those burned out on action hack and slash that seems more and more the rage over stopping and thinking, this fun card adaption of pso is the way to enjoy a slower pace with a well thought out system, while still being emerged in the fantastic atmosphere of PSO 1&2, including the music and the dreamy landscapes people and pioneer ship in deep space.

Awards & Rankings

45
33
#33 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. A very good game, but I just am not too much into the card scene. I am sure all of you who loves this type of game will love it.
  2. The AI itself makes a formidable opponent. While not perfect (it has problems using defense cards properly), it certainly will challenge you in many ways.
  3. 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]