The more I think about EP 3, the more I think it's kind of a scam, or at least not worthy of a stand alone release. This seems to me like an add on to the PSO game. Like lobby soccer was. It's like, here hunters, here is something to do while you have some down time. It's like playing poker or bridge or something during your lunch break before you go back down into the coal mines again.
I just don't know... and yes, all that said, I will probably get it because it's a PSO game. blablabla...
I would MUCH rather see them put out another version of PSO. There's a whole planet down there! We can't have seen the entire thing yet. Think of all the various life forms that are on this planet for crying out loud. Ragol has to be packed with all sorts of wild stuff.

I believe that Ep. III was born in the same thought as this Ep. I & II plus that Dark Epyon recently mentioned.

In an attempt to earn any moneys possible, Sonic Team is attempting to sell any and all PSO related ideas to the general population while the PSO name is still in good standing with said population.

If this thinking continues at Sonic Team, i believe we will be seeing more of these features (because, truely these are just features that should be added to an existing game and/or a future release, instead of being packaged as a stand alone release) until such time as Sonic Team reveals plans on devoting their time to making a full fleged sequel to the Phantasy Star Online franchise.

well, there is the possibility that episode III is nothing more than the interlude that gives ST time to make the next official PS; not another addition, but a new adventure.. =.

Well it is more so a game then lobby soccer. Lobby soccer doesn't even work properly. If lobby soccer actually wasn't so damn laggy I could actually see people playing it.

As for the card game, i've seen people with cards levels in the 25~30 range and have battled a total of 300+ times. Considering the max card level is 300 and the fact that there is supposedly some depth in the gameplay it should be more then something as cheap as "red & blue" sides you generally find in Pokemon games(cough*it's the same damn game with a few new 0's and 1's to find). Most people playing the trial version with those many wins still yearn for more card action. I can see this as being less of a new "plus version" and more of a "dude, yugi-oh is sweet. Lets make a card game". Despite that it seems to be something more then expected, yet less then expected for some gamers. Strategy card games(well made ones) are pretty deep and absorbing.

I think the main issue is that PSOer's are action/rpg gamers at heart. So a card game is off the mark for the usual audience, even if the game is actually good. For that reason most gamers will probably skip over it simply because it just doesn't appeal to them. I for one like strat card games, but after playing MTG I can't get into something that isn't as deep as it or I will become bored quickly. So I will take a "wait and see" approach as I learn more about the cards themselves and what they do.

Most of us are familiar with how the card game works(assuming you looked at PSOW's ep3 info recently), but even that alone can't sum up how deep the gameplay will be. For example MTG basics are really quite simple, yet it are the cards that give the game depth(they vary quite a bit). So I simply await for more info about the cards and what they do. That will decide if I do or don't pick up EP3.

Good point. I *might* give it a try but MTG never really appealed to me although I still have a couple of binders full of cards...uhhh. You are right, it is the cards that really give the game depth and from what I read the gameplay is simple and turn based. There are phases of the turn then the action phase. I may wait to see what unfolds.

I'll buy it if for no other reason than to get a look at the horde of new artwork that will be in the game. The pics I've seen of the cards look astounding. On top of that, I'll want to experience all the new plot in the game. Supposedly this version will finish the Pioneer story line. And on top of that, the latest info revals that each NPC character in the game has their own sub-plot complete with cut scenes. It'll be like having an official PSO manga along with the game. ^-^

*is happy*

Must... see... cut scenes.... o.o;;;