Inspired by (read: completely and totally ripped off from) Maxx's My Stuff page at The Phantasy Star Pages, here is a listing of my Phantasy Star collection. I do not plan on selling any of this stuff, so please don't bother asking.
American Video Games
Phantasy Star for the Sega Master System
(Complete with cartridge, box, and manual)
Bought back in early 1989 for around $70. Ironically enough, it was purchased at the same Toys "R" Us I later spent two and a half years working at in Rockford, Illinois.
Phantasy Star II for the Sega Genesis
(Complete with cartridge, box, manual, fold-out map and technique guide, and Hint Book)
I don't remember when, exactly, this game first hit American soil (Late '89? Early 1990?), but I purchased it for around $70 at Kohl's department store in Machesney Park Mall, Machesney Park, Illinois, upon its first release.
Phantasy Star III for the Sega Genesis
(Complete with cartridge, box, manual, fold-out map, and insert ad for the PSIII Hint Book)
Purchased on July 16, 1991 (at 8:20 PM) for $79.68 (including tax) at Babbage's at Cherry Vale Mall in Cherry Valley, Illinois.
Phantasy Star IV for the Sega Genesis
(Complete with cartridge, box, manual, and insert ad for the PSIV Hint Book)
Purchased in the summer of 1996 at Media Play in Rockford, Illinois for about $40. It was my first Phantasy Star purchase in five years, made aproximately one month after discovering Maxx's The Phantasy Star Pages.
Smash Pack for the PC featuring Phantasy Star II
(Complete with CD-ROM, box, and manual.)
This title was released by Sega on Thursday, February 18, 1999, and I bought it five days later on Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at Media Play in Rockford, Illinois (the same store I bought Phantasy Star IV at) for $19.99.
Phantasy Star Online for the Sega Dreamcast
(Complete with disc, box, manual, and Sonic Adventure 2 demo)
Purchased on the day of its release, January 31, 2001, at the same Media Play in Rockford, Illinois where I got my Phantasy Star IV almost five years earlier. Along with a Dreamcast system to play it on and a VMU to save it on, the charge to my debit card was $239.03 after Illinois state sales tax.
Phantasy Star Online Version 2 for the Sega Dreamcast
(Complete with disc, box, and manual)
Officially released on Tuesday, September 25, 2001, PSOv2 did not arrive in Rockford until Friday, September 28. That's the day I bought my copy after four days of searching at Best Buy for $42.49, including Illinois state sales tax.
Phantasy Star Online Episode I and II for the Microsoft Xbox
(Complete with disc, box, and manual)
Purchased in September of 2003, along with an Xbox Live Starter Kit, for $54.98 including shipping.
Japanese Video Games
Phantasy Star for the Japanese Sega Mark III
(Complete with cartridge, box, and manual)
This is the one that started it all, the first game ever released to the world with the name "Phantasy Star" on it. I acquired my copy in March 2001 for an indeterminate ammount. It's not in mint condition but it is in good condition, it's complete, and did I mention it's the first Phantasy Star game ever released?
Phantasy Star for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive
(Complete with cartridge, box, and manual)
In October of 1998, I found myself in the right situation at the right time and I acquired this, one of the holy grails of Phantasy Star collecting. It is a cherished part of my collection.
Phantasy Star II for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive
(Complete with cartridge, box, manual, and map)
I acquired this item in August 2000 after my brother picked it up for me in Tokyo for $20. (He found it in the bargain bin in front of a video game store.) Oddly, a copy of the Japanese Phantasy Star IV fold-out map was also inside the box.
Phantasy Star III for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive
(Complete with cartridge, box, manual, and fold-out map/technique guide)
Obtained in May of 1999 for a cost of $51 (which is less than I paid for my Genesis PSIII upon its initial release).
Phantasy Star IV for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive
(Complete with cartridge, box, manual, and map)
I obtained this in October 1998 for a cost of $44. It even came with the original warranty card and poster advertising other Mega Drive games. Wow!
Sega Games Can Volume 1 for the Japanese Mega CD
(Complete with disc, metal "disc can," and box.)
Eight text adventure games -- one for each of the PCs in Phantasy Star II -- were released on Sega's dial-up service for use with the Mega Drive telemodem in Japan. Later, four of the eight games, along with several other games from the telemodem service, were released by Sega on this Mega CD, Sega Games Can Volume 1. This Mega CD contains the adventures of Eusis, Amia, Huey, and Shilka, and it came into my possession in April of 1999.
Phantasy Star Collection for the Japanese Sega Saturn
(Complete with disc, box, manual, and three fold-out map/technique guides.)
Obtained for me by my brother during an August 1998 trip to Japan, at a store in Tokyo called The Loft, this is the Saturn title which collects all four Phantasy Star games into one, with the addition of original Japanese television commercials for the series and prototype artwork. Incidentially, I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Todd for obtaining this for me.
Phantasy Star Online Network Trial Edition for the Japanese Sega Dreamcast
(Complete with disc, box, and manual)
This is the "test" version of Phantasy Star Online that was released in Japan only to test the game servers before the game's worldwide release. In June of 2001, I absolutely stole this collector's item for a mere $21.
Phantasy Star Online for the Japanese Sega Dreamcast
(Complete with disc, box, and manual)
Rather than import a copy, I just sat back and waited until PSOv2 was unleashed in Japan, at which point in time I was sure Japanese PSOv1 would flood used video game stores. My gamble paid off, and in June of 2001 I acquired this used copy of the game along with a copy of the Japanese Phantasy Star Online Perfect Guide for just $31.
American Books
Phantasy Star III Hint Book
Purchased at the same Babbage's location where I bought PSIII, though at a later date in the summer of 1991.
Phantasy Star IV Official Player's Guide
I finally acquired this book in October of 1998 for $15.50. I know, buying a game's hint book two years after you've beaten the game is kind of strange, but that's why I'm a phanatic and proud of it.
Phantasy Star Online Perfect Guide
Purchased at Funcoland in Rockford, Illinois on March 3, 2001, for $14.99. A very good guide to the game, if a bit skimpy on info on the super rare items (by decree from Sega?), the book's best feature is the "Phantasy Star Memories" section at the rear, detailing all that was Phantasy Star prior to PSO's release. And at this time, I'd like to give a shout-out to the author of that section of the book -- and apparently, fellow Phantasy Star collector! -- Nick from Versus Books. Great job, man!
Japanese Books
Phantasy Star Official Production Compendium
I got this book in September of 1997 from the import bookstore at Yaohan Plaza in Arlington Heights, Illinois. They special ordered it for me, for a cost of $23.49. As stated above, I am not interested in selling any of my collection, but I will give you this information in order to help you find a copy of your own: the book's ISBN number is 4-89052-782-6, and the book's publisher is Soft Bank. I also highly recommend you check out Rebecca Capowski's Phantasy Star Compendium Translation.
The World of Phantasy Star
This incredible 130 page book is loaded with interviews with the Japanese creators of the Phantasy Star games. Judging by the pictures, it seems to be the "Why Phantasy Star rules" book I've always wanted to write myself. One of its most notable contents is a complete synopsis of the original scenario for PSII, featuring a warrior Noah awakening from cold-sleep to save Algo... instead of Rolf! (The translation of this scenario can be found at Rebecca Capowski's Website.) I acquired this book in April 2001 for $52.
Phantasy Star Collection Book
This is the companion piece for the Rock-Za Phantasy Star Collection music CDs, not the Sega Saturn video game. The book is almost all artwork, and that artwork is absolutely beautiful (including the portrait of Alis by Reiko Kodama that appears at the top of this page). I acquired this item along with the Phantasy Star Collection I and II CDs in March 2001 for an indeterminate amount.
SPEC (Sega Players Enjoy Club) Issue 7.5
This Summer 1991 edition of the old Japanese Sega fan club magazine came into my possession in March 2001. What is most notable about it is the front cover (Noah) and back cover (Alis) images are all-new artwork by Reiko Kodama herself, while the issue features some 20 pages of Phantasy Star manga, including the story "Phantasy Star Outside Saga" by Judy-Totoya.
Phantasy Star I Hint Book (Official Sega Version)
This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of my collection. This 114-page full-color book contains not only a complete walk-through, maps of all towns, and item and monster overviews, but it contains some very cool artwork of the Phantasy Star I gang I've never seen anywhere else before. Oh yeah, and the final 17 or so pages of the book are all about After Burner! I obtained this very, very cool item in March of 2001 for an indeterminate ammount.
Phantasy Star I Adventure Book (Futabasha Game Book Series)
One of the coolest books I have the honor of owning... this is -- get this -- a Choose Your Own Adventure-style retelling of the story of Phantasy Star I. 287 black and white pages and numerous, completely original drawings make up this incredible find. I acquired it in April 2001 for an indeterminate amount.
Japanese Phantasy Star II Hint Book (Official Sega Version)
Sixty-four full-color pages make up the Japanese version of the official Sega PSII Hint Book. This one doesn't seem to have as many enemy images as the American book has, and most notably, it is completely devoid of a map of Noah, but has more strategy for the battle against Dark Force than the English book. Acquired for $25 in April 2001.
Phantasy Star II Adventure Book (Futabasha Game Book Series)
Just like the PSI and PSIII Futabasha Game Books, this is a Choose Your Own Adventure-style retelling of the PSII story. It's filled with the same great never-before-seen art as the other two Futabasha books. I acquired it in April 2001 for an indeterminate amount.
Japanese Phantasy Star III Hint Book (Official Sega Version)
I obtained this 84 page full-color book in March 2001 for $11. It measures 5" wide by 7" tall and the coolest part is the book opens with a 4-page manga retelling of the opening of Phantasy Star III, from the Devestation War to the abduction of Maia to Rhys's escape from the Landen dungeon. The walkthrough covers Rhys's quest only.
Phantasy Star III Attack Manual
Also from Sega, this is another Phantasy Star III Hint Book; this one almost seems to be an exact Japanese translation of the American Phantasy Star III Hint Book. The walkthrough section of the book is laid-out identically to the English Hint Book! However, this one only covers Rhys's quest and Ayn's quest. There is a "part two" companion book which I would assume covers Nial's quest and the third generations, but I don't have that one... yet. I acquired this in March of 2001 for about $7.
Phantasy Star III Adventure Book (Futabasha Game Book Series)
In March 2001 I obtained this 288 page black and white book for about $18. At first, I thought it was a Hint Book, but after I acquired other Futabasha Game Book Series titles, I realized it isn't a Hint Book at all... it's a choose your own adventure style book! It measures 4" wide and 6" tall and every major scene of the game is brought to life with a drawing! The artwork in this book is superb; I've never seen these pictures anywhere before.
Phantasy Star III Unofficial Character Book
This book, though not officially endorsed by Sega, was self-published by PSIII's chief character designer Toyo Ozaki in January of 1999 and I purchased mine directly from her in April of 1999. It is a beautiful 126 page book, in black and white, with color cover and a full-page, pinup-worthy color drawing of Rhys. My copy also came with several pieces of homemade Phantasy Star stationary. Much like the Official Production Compendium, no serious Phantasy Star fan should be without this book. My copy cost me just under $25, postage and all related costs included. Again, I am not interested in selling any of my collection, but you can find information on buying your own copy of the book from Toyo Ozaki's PS3 "Hikousiki" HP.
Japanese Phantasy Star IV Hint Book (Official Sega Version)
Unlike the American PSIV Hint Book, this 226 page book is in full color. It also stops its detailed walkthrough at Soldier's Temple -- after that, the Japanese player is on his own! The back of the book also features what appears to be the same Japanese Phantasy Star Timeline seen in the Phantasy Star Compendium Book. I acquired it for $21 in April 2001.
Japanese Phantasy Star Online Perfect Guide
With 271 pages and very small print, this book is loaded with Phantasy Star Online info, albeit all in Japanese. Of the PSO Hint Books I own, this one seems to have the most information on the various level variations, guild quests, and item frequency percentages. Acquired in June 2001 as part of a package deal with a copy of Japanese Phantasy Star Online for just $31.
Japanese Phantasy Star Online Hint Book (KG Books Version)
One of several Japanese Phantasy Star Online Hint Books, this one doesn't seem to have as much information as others, but then, I don't read Japanese, so I don't know for sure. Acquired in July 2001 for $12.
Phantasy Star Online: The Book of Hunters
This is the very popular book filled with Phantasy Star Online production sketches and artwork. Highlights include early designs for monsters and unused character classes, like HUmarl. Acquired July 2001 for $19.
Japanese Phantasy Star Online Novel
This book reminds me a lot of the Futabasha Game Book series books for PSI, PSII, and PSIII, except this one is not a "Choose Your Own Adventure" style story. It's 207 pages and I acquired it in July 2001 for $5.
Japanese Phantasy Star Online Manga Doujinshi
132 pages of what looks to be fan-drawn, Phantasy Star Online-based manga. From what I can gather from the pictures, the comics seems to be overwhelmingly humorous, rather than "serious" stories. The three full-color, full-page pieces of art the book starts with are especially noteworthy. Obtained in June 2001 for $20. ISBN 4-87287-502-8.
Music CDs
Phantasy Star Collection I
This Japan-only release was from a company called Rock-Za and from what I know was available in Japan by mail order only. It is a 2-CD set; Disc 1 contains 14 minutes of music straight from Phantasy Star I (non-FM Sound version), 22 minutes of music from Phantasy Star II, and 28 minutes of music from Phantasy Star III. Disc 2 of the set features arranged versions of 12 tracks total from Phantasy Star I, Phantasy Star II, and Phantasy Star III. It is an incredible CD set, and in March of 2001, I finally obtained a real, CD copy of the Collection, almost five years after first obtaining a homemade cassette dub from a fellow phan.
Phantasy Star Collection II
Another Japan-only release from Rock-Za, this is a single CD containing 12 arranged versions of tracks from Phantasy Star IV. Another fantastic CD, it earned its prominent spot in my collection in March of 2001 for an indeterminate ammount.
Phantasy Star Memorial Drama CD and Fanbook
Released in 1995 in Japan, this is a story CD containing voice actors portraying Phantasy Star characters (Chaz, Rika, Rune, Wren, Demi, and more) in a post-PSIV story. Numans -- including Nei! -- also factor into the plot. This was a holy grail I searched a long time for, and I finally acquired one in May 2001 for $128.
Phantasy Star Online Original Soundtrack
Obtained in March 2001 for about $40 including shipping, this is the Japan-only release of, as the name implies, music directly from Phantasy Star Online. It contains almost every track from the game, as well as English lyric and orchestral versions of "The Whole New World" and "Can Still See the Light."
Phantasy Star Online Episode 1&2 Original Soundtrack
Obtained in December 2002 as a Christmas present, this is the Japan-only soundtrack of music from Phantasy Star Online Episode 2, as well as the tracks from Episode 1 that didn't make it onto the original soundtrack. The full title is "Phantasy Star Online: Songs of Ragol Odyssey -- Soundtrack Episode 1&2." What a mouthful!
Miscellaneous
Medusa's Tower Map
This is the first piece of Phantasy Star "merchandise" I ever obtained after the game's initial SMS release. It is a four-page black and white map of the entire dungeon, marked "Mapped by Bill Bruchert, Chicago" and it was mailed to my brother and I in the summer of '89 after a call to Sega's old 1-800 hint line for help on this dungeon. (Since then, I have learned that counselors commonly sent out dungeon maps and complete walkthroughs during this time.) I'm sure it is worth little to no meseta, but it still has much sentimental value, to me.
Phantasy Star IV Vidpro POP Card
You know how Toys "R" Us used to have (and some still do) those cards on the front of which was the video game's box front, and on the back of which was the game's box back? Well those are called POP (point of purchase) cards and they're manufactured by Vidpro down in Texas. When I worked at TRU, I was able to go through our stash of old, no longer needed Sega Genesis POP cards, and that's where I found this one.
Game Seal Special Sticker Sheets
These two sticker sheets from Japan are dated December 1991 and read "Presented by Akira Sat" and "(C) Fight & Magic." They contain numerous (fan art?) drawings of characters from various games, including Zelda, Final Fantasy, Shining in the Darkness, Lunar, Dragon Quest, and of course Phantasy Star. Noteable drawings from Phantasy Star include sketches of Nei, Noah, Rolf, Amy, Alis and Myau, Shir, and more. I obtained these in March 2001 for about $5 each. Click on the thumbnails to view larger images.
Phantasy Star Slumber Party Fan Artwork by Christine Ross
This was always one of my favorite pieces of fanart and so when Christine put it up for sale in August 2002, I leaped at the opportunity to own it, and help out Christine in the process. This picture is now a Phantasy Star Virtual Card, or you can view the full-size original.
Japanese Phantasy Star Online Promotional Poster
Measuring about 20" wide and 28" tall, this promotional poster advertises Phantasy Star Online's Japanese December 21, 2000 on-sale date and features the game's cover art. I obtained it in April 2001 for about $5.
Other Phanatics' Collections
Maxx's Collection | bds's Collection
Game Seal Special Sticker Sheets
