If you are a fan of the game Phantasy Star Online 2, you won't want to miss revisiting memories of the vast space world with the anime series that adapts the game's main story in Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle (ファンタシースターオンライン2 エピソード・オラクル), produced by Studio Gonzo and aired in 2019 with 25 episodes.
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
The story takes place in the distant future. Humanity has migrated to space and formed the Oracle spaceship fleet to explore new planets and fight mysterious creatures called Falspawn. The protagonist is Ash, a young man who has just graduated from ARKS (Artificial Relict to Keep Species) and must join a war he is not ready for, while also uncovering the truth hidden behind the battle.
The series follows the game's first story arc (Episodes 1-3), featuring key characters like Matoi, Affine, Shion, and Luther on their adventure. The anime leads viewers to mysteries about the origin of the Falspawn and the relationship between humans and Photons, a crucial energy in the universe.
Performance and Characters
The voice cast is led by talented voice actors such as Daisuke Ono (Ash), who conveys the protagonist's determination and confusion well; Satomi Sato (Matoi), who gives a gentle and mysterious voice; Hiro Shimono (Affine), adding humor; and Megumi Ogata (Shion/Shao) and Takahiro Sakurai (Luther), who make their characters memorable and multi-dimensional.
Each character shows clear development, especially Ash, who grows from an innocent boy into a brave warrior. However, because the story condenses the long game, some supporting characters have reduced roles.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Studio Gonzo produced this anime, with sharp visuals and vibrant colors. Space battle scenes and those on various planets are beautifully designed, especially the use of Photon light colors, a signature of the series.
The soundtrack by Kosuke Fujishima and Hideaki Kobayashi includes catchy opening and ending songs, as well as background music that fits the adventure atmosphere. The opening theme 'Destiny' sung by Miyavi feels grand, while the ending theme 'Timeless' by Aimer is beautiful and touching.
Editorial Analysis
Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle serves as a medium for game fans to experience the main story again in a more concise format. However, for those who haven't played the game, the series can be complex and requires close attention, as the story heavily references game-specific events and terminology.
The series' strength lies in creating a vast and mysterious world, along with philosophical themes about the existence of humans and alien life. However, the pacing sometimes feels rushed, making character relationships less deep than they could be.
Verdict
For fans of Phantasy Star Online 2, this series is a long-awaited treat. But if you're a newcomer wanting to know the world of PSO2, it's recommended to study the basics first or watch with full attention, because the story has charm and is worth watching.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Story based on the original game, sure to please fans
- +Beautiful visuals, exciting battle scenes
- +Great soundtrack, especially Aimer's ending theme
👎 Cons
- −Condensed story from the game can be hard to follow for newcomers
- −Some supporting characters have reduced roles, making them less significant
Top Cast
FAQ
It's quite difficult because the story directly references the game, with specific terms and complex events. It's recommended to have some background or do additional research.
It matches the main story of the game's Episodes 1-3, but with some cuts and adjustments for brevity.
There are 25 episodes, ending conclusively with the Episode Oracle story.
The previous series (Phantasy Star Online 2: The Animation) was a side story focusing on school life, while Episode Oracle directly tells the game's main story.
