This Japanese Xbox title is one of the best on the system. With amazing single/multiplayer, this is a must own for $20.
User Rating: 9.2 | Phantom Dust XBOX
First off, and probably the most important thing to realize, is that this game is only 20 dollars. That is an amazing deal, for any game. The only other great budget title that wasn't sports related was on PS2 and that was Katamari Damacy. This is a more mature themed game, and very cool. It is obvious to see its Japanese origin, like Katamari Damacy, - which received its in the zany Japanese culture - Phantom Dust has a very anime feel, along the lines of a Shin Megami game. The basic premise of Phantom Dust is that the world is in shambles. Everything is destroyed. The only thing that remained the same is the sky. A lot of aspects of this game seem very Matrix-like. For starters the main character(s) were found in this emergency metal pods, and can do amazing time warping things. They start off with amnesia, like many other premises do, and they like all other of the Visions clan, only remember a pyramid. This Visions clan believes that if they can get to this pyramid, that they can uncover the truth behind their amnesia. They all have these amazing abilities to turn their will into energy, and the whole plot just meshes together very well. The script is very well written, and the game overall just has a very good theme to it. Gameplay (9/10) - Laggy at times, but the overall battle systems, control response, and creativity make this game an instant classic. This game is very easy to get into because it is mission based instead of adventure based, so you can stop after any mission. Some minor picky things also brought the score down. It is hard to select who you want to talk to when in a group of large people when out of missions, feet amazingly seep into the ground on mission intros, but the game redeems itself by playing very nicely on XBL. The concept is really good, and the strategy aspect really adds a nice effect on an already attempted genre. Graphics (9/10) - Not the best on the system, but certainly some of the coolest. Besides having amazing Final Fantasy X rivalling FMV sequences, the environments are great. Character models weren't too incredibly impressive, the graphic effects, lighting, and environmental damage was super cool. Just about everything was damageable, and the way you fell into the ground, knock enemies into walls, or just kick the crap out of enemies really intensifies the game. Sound (9/10) - Dolby 5.1 Surround is great, the soundtrack was great, the voice acting was great, but some of the attacks were kind of weak. Everything else was booming, exciting, intense, and wild. The sound is a great part of game. Don't forget custom soundtrack. Value (10/10) - Addicting single player, addicting multiplayer, system link, XBL, voice, scoreboards. Everything in this game is great. If you look on the back of this box, you'll notice something immediately... every feature in this game is checked. From downloadable content, to 480p support, this game is just GREAT!! Amazing budget title, amazing game. Somehow find 20 dollars, its worth it. 
