10 Pioneering Video Games That Were Way Ahead Of Their Time
1. Phantasy Star Online
When it comes to revolutionary games, there are very few that can claim to be as pioneering as Phantasy Star Online. Released in 2000, the game was a critical and commercial success, and represented SEGA’s first foray into online multiplayer, introducing an entire generation of console gamers to the world of online gaming.
In the game, players choose between three classes, teaming with other players in order to access various stages of the game – which are divided by difficulty, and unlocked as the player advances in rank. Besides multiplayer, a singleplayer mode is also included in which players advance through numerous stages, completing objective and defeating bosses in order to advance in the story, engaging in side-quests for NPC’s in order to gain advanced weaponry.
Released for the Dreamcast, Phantasy Star Online was tremendously ahead of its time, a dungeon-crawler responsible for introducing an entire generation to the world of massive-multiplayer online gaming.
Additionally, the game is credited with being a forerunner in regards to the RPG genre, implementing serious themes and a more mature subject matter, blending everything together under the umbrella of an epic narrative, as well as a more strategy orientated battle system.
--
Which video games weren't fully appreciated until many years after release? Let us know in the comments!