How Phantasy Star Universe: Clementine Compares to the Console Experience
September 18, 2025
I decided that I wanted to see what a new game experience was like on Phantasy Star Universe: Clementine, the private server on PC, versus Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus for the PlayStation 2. I downloaded Clementine from the official website, created an account, and opened the game through Wine on my Debian system. I had recently posted an article about starting a new game in the PlayStation 2 version's story mode. Unfortunately, Clementine does not offer a story mode, so I jumped online to recreate Aremythion. From the character select screen alone, it was clear that the graphics were much better. I chose to make him similar to his PlayStation 2 counterpart.
The first major difference I noticed was the lack of English voice acting. Everything is in the original Japanese, and much of the text is also in Japanese. Clementine's wiki offers mods for audio and visual enhancements, but by default you are simply dropped in with no clear direction. Talking to the NPC by the elevator on the first floor provides a quick run-through that essentially serves as the text version of the story mode tutorial. There is also a "getting started" guide on the wiki, but since I have played before, I skipped it. Even so, I noticed some improvements that were not present the last time I played.
My human character starts with the same equipment as his PlayStation 2 counterpart. My first stop was the fifth floor to check with Mina at the special mission counter. Story missions are unavailable, but Clementine features other options such as daily missions. The daily CLEM Camp, available once you reach level 10, helps boost levels quickly. There is also a daily raffle system where completing missions earns you a token that can be exchanged for an item. The goal is really to grind, level your character, and enjoy the same core loop familiar from Phantasy Star Online and Universe. The last time I played, I found the game fairly easy, and I admittedly didn't dive too deeply into equipment and stats.
I started leveling in the Unsafe Passage mission at the Linear Line Platform. I set a password to play solo for now. The gameplay feels smooth, and the atmosphere is still incredible. The aesthetic and music remain top notch. I do miss the sense of purpose that comes with the single-player campaign on the PlayStation 2, but the gameplay itself is strong. For those seeking fun combat and community, I would highly recommend this version. For a stronger sense of accomplishment and story-driven engagement, the console versions are the better choice.
My next stop was the Aurorey Viewing Plaza Area to take on the Fight for Food mission. During this run, my Tornado Break photon art for the Sword leveled up enough to unlock a second attack. As photon arts grow, they evolve and become more powerful. From what I understand, many items have also been added from other Phantasy Star Universe titles, such as Phantasy Star Portable. After defeating the SEED "plant" monster (SEED-Vitace), I entered Aurorey Viewing Plaza, did some shopping at the vendor, and then returned to Clyez City through the Transfer Terminal Area.
From past experience, most players gather on the fifth floor and at the Guardian Hub in Clyez City. These areas are usually more active during events and weekends, while weekdays tend to have lower populations even at night. I traveled to Holtes City on planet Parum, but I still needed a few more levels before moving on from Linear Line missions. Instead, I walked around and did some window shopping. At Cubic Design, I looked at outfits I might buy in the future, though I would need to grind more for the meseta. Mildly defeated, I returned to Clyez City to check out my room.
Rooms function much like they do on the consoles, but Clementine offers more customization. I didn't have a name ready for my partner machine, so I skipped using its services this session. Players can also open personal shops using Open Shop remodeling tickets, and other remodeling tickets allow you to change the layout and appearance of your room. Clementine often holds regular events. I missed out on the Sonic Resort Blast event during the summer, but there are also seasonal events for holidays.
I can't really say one version is better than the other. The console experience is best if you want story, though much of it was lost when SEGA's official servers shut down years ago. The Clementine experience focuses more on community and gameplay, with the chance to meet new people and enjoy the cooperative grind. Team Clementine is also actively developing another private server project, Starlight, for the original Phantasy Star Online 2. If you see me online in Clementine, don't hesitate to say hi.
+ Aremythion +
Joining the Fight Against the SEED on PlayStation 2
September 13, 2025
The first time I played Phantasy Star Universe (PSU) was the demo on the Xbox 360. Recently, I played the private server Clementine on PC. The only issue with Clementine is that it feels less like an adventure and more like a grind with no story. It throws you in with the feeling of "Great! What do I do now?" I know we lost a lot of the story when the official SEGA servers shut down back in the day. Because of this, I decided to load up PSU: Ambition of the Illuminus on PlayStation 2 (PS2) to play through the single-player campaign. I have not played the original PSU yet, but I plan to in the future to experience its story.
Starting story mode, you are sent directly to the character creation screen. Of course, Aremythion will be his name, with similar qualities to myself. After creating my GUARDIAN, I was treated to one of the most amazing opening FMVs from the 2000s. The music is outstanding and very Y2K in style. This is a different opening than the one in the original PSU before the expansion.
I went through the tutorial mission in Clyez City (GUARDIANS Colony) and met Hyuga Ryght. He explains the different floors and what each one contains. The first floor is the central table and your room. The second floor is the shopping mall. The third floor is another shopping mall, but with fewer combat-oriented shops. The fourth floor is the PPT Spaceport. The fifth floor is GUARDIANS Headquarters. Mina in Headquarters explains that the GUARDIANS are the largest private security company in the Gurhal System. She also explains that the SEED are currently invading the system. Special missions are received from Mina.
We then move on to the type select counter, which is PSU's class selection system. You can change your type at any time for a fee. You level up in that type by earning mission points from trials. From there, we head to the Spaceport to use the Linear Line for our first mission. Hyuga teaches how to create a party and introduces partner cards. Partner cards are similar to guild cards in Phantasy Star Online (PSO). I then join my first mission: SEED-Form Purge, which acts as the combat training section of the tutorial.
I am introduced to the action palette and how it works. The game starts you off with several different weapon types, as well as consumables to help you get started. I even had Sonic and Tails furniture for my room. Hyuga explains special combat mechanics such as exact attacks and exact counterattacks. The battle system is interesting and shows how much it evolved from PSO. Photon Arts are then explained in detail, including skills, bullets, and TECHNICs depending on your play style. These are stored on discs that you can learn from.
Trials are then explained, which are straightforward. They are simply the parameters for completing or failing the mission. Hyuga joins me in battle against the SEED while explaining the controls. After defeating all the enemies on the road, we return to the Spaceport to conclude the tutorial. The game recommends the story mission "The Masked Girl" as the next step before returning you to your room. Your room is a place to decorate, hang out, store items, save, synthesize items, and more.
The story takes place months after the offensive attack on the HIVE, even though the SEED threat still remains. The Alliance Military, along with some help, is searching for another HIVE in the system. Meanwhile, the GUARDIANS deal with the remaining SEED menace. Long before this, there was a war amongst the united races of the Gurhal System: Humans, CASTs, Newmans, and Beasts. Decades after the end of that war, the races had to unite to battle the SEED, a parasitic lifeform that spread corruption across the planets. The three planets of the Gurhal System are Parum, Neudaiz, and Moatoob. This is where our story begins.
Laia Martinez defeats a Dimmagolus and is instructed to train the GUARDIAN you created. You are sent with Laia to Mizuraki C.D. (Conservation District) on Neudaiz to investigate the SEED infection there. After arriving, you are introduced to Tonnio Rhima. Apparently, Ethan Waber is now a wanted man for allegedly trying to assassinate the president. I do not know the story prior to this expansion, so I cannot confirm what happened at the end of PSU. When entering the mission, you learn to use your goggles to scan the area for certain points related to the mission. In this case, I was searching for at least five infected plants. After finishing the trial, we encounter the titular masked girl. Soon after, the Vol Brothers appear, intent on taking the girl for themselves.
After defeating the Vol Brothers, and some quirky dialogue, we come across a rogue ship. On the way back to the GUARDIANS base, we find the masked girl's wrecked ship. Her memory slowly begins returning as fragments of what happened come back to her. A Zoal Goug then attacks, but after defeating it, the girl disappears. I ended my story mode playthrough at the lobby in Mizuraki C.D. Compared to Clementine's private server on PC, this version of the game feels much better to play. It is less broken, more organized, and offers a better sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, there is no available way to play the PS2 version online.
One thing I have to point out is the game's soundtrack. It is incredible. Not only is it one of the best of its era, but also one of the best in the Phantasy Star franchise. I will definitely enjoy listening to this music as I continue playing through the story and building my character.
