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** Magashi has an additional form in ''Episode 3'' too! [[spoiler: Only this time, it's the "defective" Magashi clone that gets it. In Subplot 4 of Chapter 8, Magashi is the vessel for Dark Falz.]]
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* PlayingWithFire: Renvolt Magashi, who not only loves the [[FlamingSword Two-Headed Ragnus twin saber set]], but is ''capable of using fire-elemental [=TECHNICs=] while wielding them''. (Not only is it fire, it's [[IncrediblyLamePun rapid fire]] to boot!)
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After the [[SleeperHit unexpected success]] of Sega's MMORPG, ''PhantasyStarOnline'', the company was eager to try and follow up with a more developed successor.
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After the [[SleeperHit unexpected success]] of Sega's MMORPG, ''PhantasyStarOnline'', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', the company was eager to try and follow up with a more developed successor.
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* ContinuityPorn: The ''Transcending Space and Time'' Side Mission in ''Infinity'', bar none. Following [[PhantasyStarOnline Rico]] down into the ruins, fighting Olga Flow-- it's like a canon fanfic.
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* ContinuityPorn: The ''Transcending Space and Time'' Side Mission in ''Infinity'', bar none. Following [[PhantasyStarOnline [[VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline Rico]] down into the ruins, fighting Olga Flow-- it's like a canon fanfic.
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A CAST is fully mechanical
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'''''Phantasy Star Universe''''' [[SpiritualSuccessor is that successor]]. ''Universe'' takes place in the Gurhal System; a solar system composed of three planets and five races. Several hundred years ago, [[MasterOfNone Humans]] created three races in their likeness to develop the worlds: [[{{Cyborg}} CASTs]] for working with computers, [[SpaceElves Newmen]] to study [[{{Magitek}} TECHNICs]], and [[BoisterousBruiser Beasts]] for working in harsh conditions. Eventually their creations became societies in and of themselves, and have taken over control of the planets of [[CityPlanet Parum]], [[{{Wutai}} Neudaiz]] and [[JungleJapes Maotoob]] respectively. There have been a slew of expansions released as stand-alone games, which are all covered on this page due to their content and placement in a shared timeline.
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'''''Phantasy Star Universe''''' [[SpiritualSuccessor is that successor]]. ''Universe'' takes place in the Gurhal System; a solar system composed of three planets and five races. Several hundred years ago, [[MasterOfNone Humans]] created three races in their likeness to develop the worlds: [[{{Cyborg}} [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots CASTs]] for working with computers, [[SpaceElves Newmen]] to study [[{{Magitek}} TECHNICs]], and [[BoisterousBruiser Beasts]] for working in harsh conditions. Eventually their creations became societies in and of themselves, and have taken over control of the planets of [[CityPlanet Parum]], [[{{Wutai}} Neudaiz]] and [[JungleJapes Maotoob]] respectively. There have been a slew of expansions released as stand-alone games, which are all covered on this page due to their content and placement in a shared timeline.
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RE:Cancellation: Wrong trope. RE:Old Save Bonus: Misinformation (nothing special happens in the story of PSP 2 for importing).
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* {{Cancellation}}: ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' can no longer be played online (officially), as all servers for both have been shut down. The games ''do'' have single player modes, but those modes miss out on a lot of the content and missions only available through online play.
* LostForever: ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' can no longer be played online (officially), as all servers for both have been shut down. The games ''do'' have single player modes, but those modes miss out on a lot of the content and missions only available through online play.
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* MaleGaze: The player's first impression of Chelsea in ''Portable 2''.
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* MaleGaze: The player's first impression of Chelsea in ''Portable 2''.2'', who stares at her chest while waking up from unconciousness.
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* OldSaveBonus: Between ''Portable'' and ''Portable 2''; if you completed the story of ''Portable'' and imported your character to ''Portable 2'', you'll get an extra title: [[spoiler: ''Former Guardian'']]. Characters in the story will also recognize that [[spoiler: you were once part of the GUARDIANS]] (but they won't mention what you did in ''Portable''--not even [[spoiler: Vivienne]]).
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* OldSaveBonus: Between ''Portable'' and ''Portable 2''; if you completed the story of ''Portable'' and imported your character to ''Portable 2'', you'll get an extra title: [[spoiler: ''Former Guardian'']]. Characters in title ("Former/Veteran Guardian"), a special saber called "Exam", and a Visual Module based on the class imported. There are no story will changes for doing this however. [[spoiler:The only minor change is Vivienne's reaction to seeing the player in her (''optional'') side mission, which only amounts to a ''couple'' of different lines and responses specific to an imported player. The game otherwise never acknowledges your character's imported status, despite the player meeting other ''[=PSP1=]'' partner characters who should also recognize that [[spoiler: you were once part of the GUARDIANS]] (but they won't mention what you did in ''Portable''--not even [[spoiler: Vivienne]]).them.]]
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* OnTheNext: In ''Universe,'' each chapter of its Story Mode behaves like an anime show would, with opening and ending sequences (complete with theme song!). Just like at the end of any anime show episde, a narrator (or the characters themselves) provides a teaser for the next Story Mode chapter set to snippets of future cutscenes.
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* OnTheNext: In ''Universe,'' each chapter of its Story Mode behaves like an anime show would, with opening and ending sequences (complete with theme song!). Just like at the end of any anime show episde, episode, a narrator (or the characters themselves) provides a teaser for the next Story Mode chapter set to snippets of future cutscenes.
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* [[spoiler: RogueProtagonist: Ethan becomes a literal example in ''Ambitions of the Illuminus.'']]
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* [[spoiler: RogueProtagonist: Ethan [[spoiler:Ethan becomes a literal example in ''Ambitions of the Illuminus.'']]
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** As a not Phantasy Star-related expy, Ethan is a [[RedHeadedHero Red Headed]] WideEyedIdealist whose shirt is white with colored sleeves: a dead ringer for [[FateStayNight Shirou Emiya]].
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** As a not Phantasy Star-related expy, Ethan is a [[RedHeadedHero Red Headed]] WideEyedIdealist whose shirt is white with colored sleeves: a dead ringer for [[FateStayNight [[VisualNovel/FateStayNight Shirou Emiya]].
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** ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' has expanded the number of {{Shout Out}}s to include series not even related to Sega; {{Vocaloid}}, [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]], and FateStayNight items are obtainable in the game--and that ''includes'' Saber's {{Excalibur}} and Rei's Longinus, as well as all three Children's Plugsuits.
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** ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' has expanded the number of {{Shout Out}}s to include series not even related to Sega; {{Vocaloid}}, [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]], and FateStayNight VisualNovel/FateStayNight items are obtainable in the game--and that ''includes'' Saber's {{Excalibur}} and Rei's Longinus, as well as all three Children's Plugsuits.
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The [[WordOfGod final]] instalment of the ''Universe'' series came in the expansion '''''Portable 2 Infinity''''' for the PSP. This expansion added on several new missions and a new race called "Dewmans": mutated humans who have gained supernatural powers from exposure to the [=SEED=] virus. Its new story focuses on one such Dewman, Nagisa, as she searches for some [[MacGuffin mysterious fragments]] for a shadowy figure known as Wainal.
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The [[WordOfGod final]] instalment of the ''Universe'' series came in the expansion '''''Portable 2 Infinity''''' for the PSP. This expansion added on several new missions and a new race called "Dewmans": "Deumans": mutated humans who have gained supernatural powers from exposure to the [=SEED=] virus. Its new story focuses on one such Dewman, Deuman, Nagisa, as she searches for some [[MacGuffin mysterious fragments]] for a shadowy figure known as Wainal.
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The [[WordOfGod final]] instalment of the ''Universe'' series came in the expansion '''''Portable 2 Infinity''''' for the PSP. This expansion added on several new missions and a new race called "Dewmans": mutated humans who have been infected by the remnants of the [=SEED=] virus. Its new story focuses on one such Dewman, Nagisa, as she searches for some [[MacGuffin mysterious fragments]] for a shadowy figure known as Wainal.
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The [[WordOfGod final]] instalment of the ''Universe'' series came in the expansion '''''Portable 2 Infinity''''' for the PSP. This expansion added on several new missions and a new race called "Dewmans": mutated humans who have been infected by the remnants of gained supernatural powers from exposure to the [=SEED=] virus. Its new story focuses on one such Dewman, Nagisa, as she searches for some [[MacGuffin mysterious fragments]] for a shadowy figure known as Wainal.
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Moving to trivia.
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* BadExportForYou: The Japanese version of ''Phantasy Star Portable'' allowed one to transfer their character from ''PSU'' ... but this feature was removed from the localized version. Downloadable missions were also only released in Japan, leaving some weapons unobtainable in the localized versions.
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* TheOtherDarrin: Many of the voice actors from ''Portable 1'' do not return for ''Portable 2,'' with Lou being a prime example.
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* ScrewedByTheNetwork: The developers did practically everything to kill the original PS2/PC servers for Phantasy Star Universe, which eventually shut down in late 2010. Patches were released late (or never at all), game elements were withheld, and funding was cut repeatedly.
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* UrbanLegendOfZelda: There has been rumors of a black beast Nanoblast form that wields twin axes existing in the game ... Then a black beast nanoblast form actually ''appeared'' in ''Phantasy Star Portable 2.'' While it doesn't have two axes, it does have a large blade on each arm.
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* FirstEpisodeRessurection: Near the beginning of ''Portable 2'', the PlayerCharacter [[TakingTheBullet takes a hit for Emilia]] and wakes up seemingly unscathed, though Mika later reveals that they did die, and she rebuilt their body.
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* FirstEpisodeRessurection: FirstEpisodeResurrection: Near the beginning of ''Portable 2'', the PlayerCharacter [[TakingTheBullet takes a hit for Emilia]] and wakes up seemingly unscathed, though Mika later reveals that they did die, and she rebuilt their body.
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* FirstEpisodeRessurection: Near the beginning of ''Portable 2'', the PlayerCharacter [[TakingTheBullet takes a hit for Emilia]] and wakes up seemingly unscathed, though Mika later reveals that they did die, and she rebuilt their body.
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* TheGhost: Exaggerated with the Illuminus, an entire ''organization'' that plays this role during Epsiode 2. Even as the main antagonist of Episode 2, none of its members make any on-screen appearances. Some members make on-screen appearances in ''Portable'' and Episode 3, but the number that do can still be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: Exaggerated with the Illuminus, an entire ''organization'' that plays this role during Epsiode 2. Even as the main antagonist of Episode 2, none of its members make any on-screen appearances. Some members make on-screen appearances show their faces in ''Portable'' and Episode 3, but the number that do can still be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is an entire ''organization'' that serves as this during Epsiode 2. Even as the main antagonistic organization of Episode 2, none of its members make any on-screen appearances. Even after Episode 3, the number of Illuminus members that make an appearance can be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is Exaggerated with the Illuminus, an entire ''organization'' that serves as plays this role during Epsiode 2. Even as the main antagonistic organization antagonist of Episode 2, none of its members make any on-screen appearances. Even after Some members make on-screen appearances in ''Portable'' and Episode 3, but the number of Illuminus members that make an appearance do can still be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is an entire ''organization'' that serves as this. None of its members make any on-screen appearances during Episode 2. Even after Episode 3, the number of Illuminus members that make an appearance can be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is an entire ''organization'' that serves as this. None this during Epsiode 2. Even as the main antagonistic organization of Episode 2, none of its members make any on-screen appearances during Episode 2.appearances. Even after Episode 3, the number of Illuminus members that make an appearance can be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is an entire ''organization''' that serves as this, since none of its members make any on-screen appearances during Episode 2. Even after Episode 3, the number of known Illuminus members can be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is an entire ''organization''' ''organization'' that serves as this, since none this. None of its members make any on-screen appearances during Episode 2. Even after Episode 3, the number of known Illuminus members that make an appearance can be counted on one hand.
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* TheGhost: The Illuminus is an entire ''organization''' that serves as this, since none of its members make any on-screen appearances during Episode 2. Even after Episode 3, the number of known Illuminus members can be counted on one hand.
* TheUnfavorite: [[spoiler:Karen. Oh dear god, Karen. So much that her father goes as far as to kill her to prolong her sister's life.]]
* TheVirus: The SEED-Virus.
* TheUnfavorite: [[spoiler:Karen. Oh dear god, Karen. So much that her father goes as far as to kill her to prolong her sister's life.]]
* TheVirus: The SEED-Virus.
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* TheVirus: The SEED-Virus.
* TheUnfavorite: [[spoiler:Karen. Oh dear god, Karen. So much that her father goes as far as to kill her to prolong her sister's life.]]
* TheUnfavorite: [[spoiler:Karen. Oh dear god, Karen. So much that her father goes as far as to kill her to prolong her sister's life.]]
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Moving to Trivia/ tab
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* [[HeyItsThatVoice Hey, It's That Voice!]]: While Karen is voiced in the Japanese version by Creator/RieTanaka, in the English version she's voiced by the [[Series/PowerRangersTimeForce Pink Ranger]].
** Magashi is voiced by ''NorioWakamoto'' in the Japanese version.
*** And Shizuru Shu by ''JunFukuyama''!
** Magashi is voiced by ''NorioWakamoto'' in the Japanese version.
*** And Shizuru Shu by ''JunFukuyama''!
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Naemspace
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* [[HeyItsThatVoice Hey, It's That Voice!]]: While Karen is voiced in the Japanese version by RieTanaka, in the English version she's voiced by the [[Series/PowerRangersTimeForce Pink Ranger]].
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* [[HeyItsThatVoice Hey, It's That Voice!]]: While Karen is voiced in the Japanese version by RieTanaka, Creator/RieTanaka, in the English version she's voiced by the [[Series/PowerRangersTimeForce Pink Ranger]].
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** Laia Martinez has also gained notoriety for being one.
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** You can turn even [[PlayerCharacter your own character]] into this. Running around on missions in bikini? No problem. Especially the {{Stripperiffic}} Magical Princess suit from ''Portable 2''. This costume was designed by [[ToLoveRu Kentaro Yabuki]], though, so that's to be expected.
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** You can turn even [[PlayerCharacter your own character]] into this. Running around on missions in bikini? bikini or even in a ''bath towel''? No problem. Especially the {{Stripperiffic}} Magical Princess suit from ''Portable 2''. This costume was designed by [[ToLoveRu Kentaro Yabuki]], though, so that's to be expected.
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* OldSaveBonus: Between ''Portable'' and ''Portable 2''; if you completed the story of ''Portable'' and imported your character to ''Portable 2'', you'll get an extra title: ''Former Guardian.'' Characters in the story will also recognize that you were once part of the GUARDIANS (but they won't mention what you did in ''Portable''--not even Vivienne).
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* OldSaveBonus: Between ''Portable'' and ''Portable 2''; if you completed the story of ''Portable'' and imported your character to ''Portable 2'', you'll get an extra title: [[spoiler: ''Former Guardian.'' Guardian'']]. Characters in the story will also recognize that [[spoiler: you were once part of the GUARDIANS GUARDIANS]] (but they won't mention what you did in ''Portable''--not even Vivienne).[[spoiler: Vivienne]]).
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** You can turn even [[PlayerCharacter your own character]] into this. Running around on missions in bikini? No problem. Especially the {{Stripperiffic}} Magical Princess suit from ''Portable 2''. This costume was designed by [[ToLoveRu Kentaro Yabuki]], though, so that's to be expected.
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* WhiteHairedPrettyBoy: Hyuga and Shizuru. [[spoiler:The latter acts as a traditional evil case at first but it is due to DemonicPossession. He turns out to be a nice person once freed from [[BigBad Kumhan]]'s control.]]
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* WhiteHairedPrettyBoy: WhiteHairBlackHeart: Hyuga and Shizuru. [[spoiler:The latter acts as a traditional evil case at first but it is due to DemonicPossession. He turns out to be a nice person once freed from [[BigBad Kumhan]]'s control.]]
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* ClipItsWings: In at least the first PlaystationPortable spinoff, one of the bosses can be knocked to the ground by hitting its wings enough times. You can hit it with melee weapons, and then the wings grow back and you repeat until you beat it.
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* CharacterLevel: Like with HyperspaceArsenal, ''Universe''[[JustifiedTrope justifies]] this common RPG game mechanic by way of [[MinovskyPhysics photons]] and technology based on them. Photon reactors (used in all weapons and armor) use [[LifeEnergy spiritual energy]] to function. A person with a strong spirit can cause more damage with VendorTrash weapons than a rookie can with an InfinityPlusOneSword. [[ExperiencePoints And the best way]] [[LevelGrinding to get stronger is ...]] Bonus points in ''Infinity'', where you can literally make it an InfinityPlusOneSword by grinding the weapon, using an Extend Code, and then using an Infinity Extend Code then grinding it once.
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* CharacterLevel: Like with HyperspaceArsenal, ''Universe''[[JustifiedTrope ''Universe'' [[JustifiedTrope justifies]] this common RPG game mechanic by way of [[MinovskyPhysics photons]] and technology based on them. Photon reactors (used in all weapons and armor) use [[LifeEnergy spiritual energy]] to function. A person with a strong spirit can cause more damage with VendorTrash weapons than a rookie can with an InfinityPlusOneSword. [[ExperiencePoints And the best way]] [[LevelGrinding to get stronger is ...]] Bonus points in ''Infinity'', where you can literally make it an InfinityPlusOneSword by grinding the weapon, using an Extend Code, and then using an Infinity Extend Code then grinding it once.
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* TheBigGuy: Any Beast, large or small, can temporarly transform into a massive version of themselves with SuperStrength to match through a technique called "nanoblasting." Canon-wise, Leogini Santosa Berafort is the ''literal'' Big Guy of the cast (of the GentleGiant variety). Tonnio Rhima, on the other hand, blends CuteBruiser with BoisterousBruiser.
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* TheBigGuy: Any Beast, large or small, can temporarly temporarily transform into a massive version of themselves with SuperStrength to match through a technique called "nanoblasting." Canon-wise, Leogini Santosa Berafort is the ''literal'' Big Guy of the cast (of the GentleGiant variety). Tonnio Rhima, on the other hand, blends CuteBruiser with BoisterousBruiser.
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* CharacterLevel: Like with HyperspaceArsenal, ''Universe'' attempts to [[JustifiedTrope justify]] this common RPG game mechanic by way of [[MinovskyPhysics photons]] and technology based on them. Photon reactors (used in all weapons and armor) use [[LifeEnergy spiritual energy]] to function. A person with a strong spirit can cause more damage with VendorTrash weapons than a rookie can with an InfinityPlusOneSword. [[ExperiencePoints And the best way]] [[LevelGrinding to get stronger is ...]] Bonus points in ''Infinity'', where you can literally make it an InfinityPlusOneSword by grinding the weapon, using an Extend Code, and then using an Infinity Extend Code then grinding it once.
to:
* CharacterLevel: Like with HyperspaceArsenal, ''Universe'' attempts to [[JustifiedTrope justify]] ''Universe''[[JustifiedTrope justifies]] this common RPG game mechanic by way of [[MinovskyPhysics photons]] and technology based on them. Photon reactors (used in all weapons and armor) use [[LifeEnergy spiritual energy]] to function. A person with a strong spirit can cause more damage with VendorTrash weapons than a rookie can with an InfinityPlusOneSword. [[ExperiencePoints And the best way]] [[LevelGrinding to get stronger is ...]] Bonus points in ''Infinity'', where you can literally make it an InfinityPlusOneSword by grinding the weapon, using an Extend Code, and then using an Infinity Extend Code then grinding it once.
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* CloningBlues: In quite a few ways. The most significant one is the existence of "Copy-[=CASTs=]": machines that are created with the mind and appearance of a real person but none of the rights granted to [=CASTs=]. Magashi is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Illuminus mastermind Howser]], although the original Magashi eventually develops his own personality and becomes a kind of BloodKnight. [[spoiler:Vivianne]] is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Helga]], created to act as [[spoiler:an unwitting Illuminus spy within the GUARDIANS]]. In a non-Copy-CAST example, [[spoiler:the Helga in Phantasy Star Portable is a clone of the original. Because the clone was created from SEED cells, her original personality has been corrupted to serve the needs of Howser and the SEED]].
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* CloningBlues: In quite a few ways. The most significant one is the existence of "Copy-[=CASTs=]": machines that are created with the mind and appearance of a real person but none of the rights granted to [=CASTs=]. Magashi is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Illuminus mastermind Howser]], Howzer]], although the original Magashi eventually develops his own personality and becomes a kind of BloodKnight. [[spoiler:Vivianne]] is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Helga]], created to act as [[spoiler:an unwitting Illuminus spy within the GUARDIANS]]. In a non-Copy-CAST example, [[spoiler:the Helga in Phantasy Star Portable is a clone of the original. Because the clone was created from SEED cells, her original personality has been corrupted to serve the needs of Howser Howzer and the SEED]].
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* CopyAndPasteEnvironments: A common feature of all post-millenial Phantasy Star games. PSU had about as many environments starting out as PSO did with all its expansions, with additional variations depending on whether or not the area was infected by the SEED. ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' added more, but many of these are reskins of ''Episode 1'' areas (Justified or not).
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* CopyAndPasteEnvironments: A common feature of all post-millenial post-millennial Phantasy Star games. PSU had about as many environments starting out as PSO did with all its expansions, with additional variations depending on whether or not the area was infected by the SEED. ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' added more, but many of these are reskins of ''Episode 1'' areas (Justified or not).
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** Helga Neumann, whose command over SEED-forms, personality, [[spoiler: relationship with Vivienne]], and last name are all references (Neumann = Numan) to Neifirst from ''End of the Lost Age'' (PSII).
to:
** Helga Neumann, whose command over SEED-forms, personality, [[spoiler: relationship with Vivienne]], and last name (which is very similar to "numan") are all references (Neumann = Numan) to Neifirst Neifirst, the original numan from ''End of the Lost Age'' (PSII).
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* {{Cancellation}}: ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' can no longer be played online (officially), as all servers for both have been shut down. The games ''do'' have single player modes, but ...
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* {{Cancellation}}: ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' can no longer be played online (officially), as all servers for both have been shut down. The games ''do'' have single player modes, but ...but those modes miss out on a lot of the content and missions only available through online play.
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* {{Cancellation}}: ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' can no longer be played online (officially), as all servers for both have been shut down. The games ''do'' have single player modes, but ...
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** ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' has expanded the number of {{Shout Out}}s to include series not even related to Sega; {{Vocaloid}}, [[NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]], and FateStayNight items are obtainable in the game--and that ''includes'' Saber's {{Excalibur}} and Rei's Longinus, as well as all three Children's Plugsuits.
to:
** ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' has expanded the number of {{Shout Out}}s to include series not even related to Sega; {{Vocaloid}}, [[NeonGenesisEvangelion [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]], and FateStayNight items are obtainable in the game--and that ''includes'' Saber's {{Excalibur}} and Rei's Longinus, as well as all three Children's Plugsuits.
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** Chelsea from Portable 2 also has a large rack, but she also has [[EverythingSoundsSexierInFrench a french accent in the english dub]] and a [[AbsoluteCleavage dress who shows lots of cleavage]].
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** Chelsea from Portable 2 also has a large rack, but she also has [[EverythingSoundsSexierInFrench a french accent in the english dub]] and a [[AbsoluteCleavage dress who shows lots of cleavage]]. cleavage]].
*** Chelsea's VA in the Japanese version is clearly using an accent, possibly with similar connotations but specced for the home audience. Also, Chelsea very noticeably drops said accent during her side mission when you get to learn about her past.
*** Chelsea's VA in the Japanese version is clearly using an accent, possibly with similar connotations but specced for the home audience. Also, Chelsea very noticeably drops said accent during her side mission when you get to learn about her past.
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*** And Shizuru Shu by ''JunFukuyama''!
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[[quoteright:330:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/phantasy_star_universe.jpg]]
[-[[caption-width-right:330:It's a brand new universe.]]-]
After the [[SleeperHit unexpected success]] of Sega's MMORPG, ''PhantasyStarOnline'', the company was eager to try and follow up with a more developed successor.
'''''Phantasy Star Universe''''' [[SpiritualSuccessor is that successor]]. ''Universe'' takes place in the Gurhal System; a solar system composed of three planets and five races. Several hundred years ago, [[MasterOfNone Humans]] created three races in their likeness to develop the worlds: [[{{Cyborg}} CASTs]] for working with computers, [[SpaceElves Newmen]] to study [[{{Magitek}} TECHNICs]], and [[BoisterousBruiser Beasts]] for working in harsh conditions. Eventually their creations became societies in and of themselves, and have taken over control of the planets of [[CityPlanet Parum]], [[{{Wutai}} Neudaiz]] and [[JungleJapes Maotoob]] respectively. There have been a slew of expansions released as stand-alone games, which are all covered on this page due to their content and placement in a shared timeline.
The series started with '''''Universe''''' for [= PC =], Xbox360 and PS2 in 2006, roughly six years after ''Online''. On the centennial anniversary of a peace treaty ending a brutal centuries-long war between the races, the Gurhal System is attacked by mysterious alien lifeforms known as the [[EldritchAbomination SEED]]. The [= SEED =] [[TheCorruption fall and infect the worlds]], corrupting wildlife and people alike. Caught in the middle of this chaos is the PlayerCharacter [[IdiotHero Ethan Waber]], who is convinced to follow in his DisappearedDad's footsteps and join the [[LawEnforcementInc GUARDIANS]]. But it's not simple, as the Gurhal System isn't as squeaky clean as its inhabitants would have you believe, and various organizations seek to use the [= SEED =] crisis to advance their own agendas.
A year later, an expansion pack '''''Ambition of the Illuminus''''' was released. This time it took the form of a stand-alone game that replaced Ethan with a [[FeaturelessProtagonist player-made character]] as the main character. While the first half of this expansion ("Episode 2") could be played either offline or online, the second half ("Episode 3") could only be played on the online Network Mode.
''Episode 2'' is set after the events of Universe and features the PlayerCharacter as a [=GUARDIANS=] rookie fresh out of boot camp and under the critical eye of their instructor, Laia Martinez. Ethan Waber is [[RogueProtagonist on the lam]] after (supposedly) attempting to assassinate the president of the [=GUARDIANS=]. The story concerns Laia's attempts to track him down and unravel a sinister conspiracy created by the secret human-supremacy organization known as the ''Illuminus''.
''Episode 3'' directly continues the storyline of ''Episode 2''. Having been promoted to Instructor, the PlayerCharacter is given the responsibility of tutoring Lumia Waber, Ethan's little sister and new [=GUARDIANS=] recruit. However, the Illuminus/SEED conspiracy is reaching its final stages, and Lumia finds herself a target of their plot.
After another year-long hiatus, a new expansion entitled '''''Phantasy Star Portable''''' was released for the PSP. Set between the events of ''Universe'' and ''Episode 2'', the PlayerCharacter (not the same one from ''Episode 2'' or ''Episode 3'') is a recent [=GUARDIANS=] graduate who finds themselves partnered with a new SuperPrototype CAST called Vivienne. Together you are tasked with investigating the remnants of SEED activity after the events of ''Universe'', and a mysterious terrorist called Helga Neumann who seems to be directly tied to the attacks.
Eventually ''Portable'' recieved a sequel called '''''Portable 2'''''. Set three years after ''Portable'', the Gurhal System's resources have been devastated after the fight with the [=SEED=]. With no choice but to colonise other worlds, the four planets band together to research [[HyperSpace subspace travel]] derived from LostTechnology. The PlayerCharacter (who [[OldSaveBonus can be the same one]] from ''Portable'') is a mercenary who gets hired by the [[PrivateMilitaryContractors paramilitary company]] "Little Wing". Together with their partner, the [[ReluctantHero reluctant and lazy Emilia]], they discover a dark secret behind the subspace technology that stretches back to the Gurhal System's [[AbusivePrecursors very origins]].
The [[WordOfGod final]] instalment of the ''Universe'' series came in the expansion '''''Portable 2 Infinity''''' for the PSP. This expansion added on several new missions and a new race called "Dewmans": mutated humans who have been infected by the remnants of the [=SEED=] virus. Its new story focuses on one such Dewman, Nagisa, as she searches for some [[MacGuffin mysterious fragments]] for a shadowy figure known as Wainal.
With ''Infinity'', Sega has begun focusing on a more literal successor to ''Online'' in ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2''. See PhantasyStar for the original tetralogy. Also check out ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarZero'', another SpiritualSuccessor that came out during ''Universe'''s run.
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[[AC: The PhantasyStarUniverse sub-series includes:]]
* ''Phantasy Star Universe''
* ''Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus''
* ''Phantasy Star Portable''
* ''Phantasy Star Portable 2''
* ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity''
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!!''Phantasy Star Universe'' provides examples of:
* AbusivePrecursors: The Ancients. [[spoiler:All except [[BenevolentPrecursors Mika]] want to use their creations as vessels so they can return to the physical realm, and are willing to destroy the minds and souls within those bodies to do so.]]
* ActionGirl: Karen and Laia.
* ALighterShadeOfGrey: The GUARDIANS Security Corporation is, essentially, a mercenary company with more morals than the standard. On one hand, they have limited police powers and high-minded ideals, but they often overlook legally questionable actions by their own employees (such as using black market weapons or [[EnemyMine receiving aid from outlaws]]).
* TheAtoner: The A-Photon researchers, especially Kanal Tomrain, [[strike: Dr. Dorson]] [[spoiler: Warren Darren]], and Kou Taragi of ''Episode 1'', who were [[spoiler: responsible for the Mellvore explosion]] and seek to redeem themselves by [[spoiler: discovering the true purpose of the Confinement System towers]].
** Kanal Tomrain is ''especially'' an Atoner after the events of ''Episode 2'', since [[spoiler: the Illuminus capture him and force him to help complete an A-Photon bomb called the Sochee]].
* AllThereInTheManual: ''Shadow of the Arkguard,'' a moving comic which takes place a month after ''Episode 1'' and alongside ''Episode 2'' that fills in details not found in any of the games.
* AndYourRewardIsClothes: In the Story Mode for ''Illuminus'', completing one of the ''Episode 2'' story missions unlocked more clothing options (as well as other items). This had to be done only once with a character; all other characters in the save file would earn the reward as well, whether or not they had progressed at all.
* BadExportForYou: The Japanese version of ''Phantasy Star Portable'' allowed one to transfer their character from ''PSU'' ... but this feature was removed from the localized version. Downloadable missions were also only released in Japan, leaving some weapons unobtainable in the localized versions.
* BeachEpisode: Episode 2 Chapter 4 in ''Portable 2 Infinity''.
* BecomingTheMask: [[spoiler: Orson was originally [[TheMole an Illuminus Spy]], before Dallgun convinced him to betray them]].
* {{BFG}}: Many of the [=SUVs=] come in the form of massive guns ...
** GatlingGood: ... some with [[MoreDakka lots of Dakka.]]
** Chelsea from Portable 2 is notable for carrying massive bazookas. And also large firearms.
* {{BFS}}: Plenty of big blades to choose from, ''including'' the swords used by [[HumongousMecha the ancient Stateria]]. If that weren't enough, two of the [=SUVs=] usable by [=CASTs=] are massive {{Laser Blade}}s ''the size of a Stateria themselves.''
** ChainsawGood: ''PSO'''s Chain Sawd makes a comeback. And it's as big as ever.
* BigBad: Howzer for the entire series.
** Magashi in both games.
** Helga in ''Phantasy Star Portable.''
** In ''Portable 2'', [[spoiler:Shizuru, who is controlled by Kumhan the Sun King,]] takes over.
* TheBigGuy: Any Beast, large or small, can temporarly transform into a massive version of themselves with SuperStrength to match through a technique called "nanoblasting." Canon-wise, Leogini Santosa Berafort is the ''literal'' Big Guy of the cast (of the GentleGiant variety). Tonnio Rhima, on the other hand, blends CuteBruiser with BoisterousBruiser.
* BigNo: Ethan gets one when [[spoiler: Orson dies]].
* BittersweetEnding: ''Phantasy Star Portable:'' [[spoiler: Vivienne seals Helga inside of the SEED Hive, preventing the SEED invasion, and escapes with the player's character before the AMF assault on said Hive. However, they are both then discharged from the GUARDIANS.]] Thing is, [[spoiler:this is supposed to be the ''good'' ending]] ...
* BossRush: Mission 10-2 in ''Portable 2''.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Any CAST infected by the [[spoiler: modified]] SEED-Virus will become this, most notably [[spoiler: Headmaster Nav and Curtz]].
** In fact, [[spoiler: ''every CAST in the Alliance Military'' gets infected due to Helga corrupting Mother Brain, taking advantage of a top-secret command and control protocol embedded into AMF [=CASTs=].]]
** In Portable 2. [[spoiler: Many of the people who Shizuru so much as looks at. Also, Shizuru himself.]]
* BreakTheCutie: An Episode 3 subplot does this to [[spoiler:Lumia, starting with her witnessing Helga killing Professor Tomrain with her unable to do anything. This treatment continues onward with her being kidnapped by Helga and later learning of Howzer (seemingly) killing the Player Character, who came to rescue her. [[BatmanGambit All to fill her with enough negative energy for her to serve as the catalyst for Dark Falz]].]]
* BrilliantButLazy: Emilia could be the poster child for this trope at the beginning of ''Phantasy Star Portable 2''.
* BrokenHero: [[spoiler:Kraz, who became [[DrowningMySorrows a glorified drunk]] as a result of the murder of his wife and son.]]
* CameraCentering
* CameraLockOn
* CharacterLevel: Like with HyperspaceArsenal, ''Universe'' attempts to [[JustifiedTrope justify]] this common RPG game mechanic by way of [[MinovskyPhysics photons]] and technology based on them. Photon reactors (used in all weapons and armor) use [[LifeEnergy spiritual energy]] to function. A person with a strong spirit can cause more damage with VendorTrash weapons than a rookie can with an InfinityPlusOneSword. [[ExperiencePoints And the best way]] [[LevelGrinding to get stronger is ...]] Bonus points in ''Infinity'', where you can literally make it an InfinityPlusOneSword by grinding the weapon, using an Extend Code, and then using an Infinity Extend Code then grinding it once.
* [[ChekhovsGun Chekhov's Gun]]: Part of the game's [[JustifiedTrope justification]] for having [[HyperspaceArsenal nanotransformers]]; [[spoiler: nanotransformers use A-Photons, the energies of which attract the SEED. At the same time, the ancient Confinement System towers are massive nanotransformers used to banish the SEED to a pocket dimension]].
* CloningBlues: In quite a few ways. The most significant one is the existence of "Copy-[=CASTs=]": machines that are created with the mind and appearance of a real person but none of the rights granted to [=CASTs=]. Magashi is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Illuminus mastermind Howser]], although the original Magashi eventually develops his own personality and becomes a kind of BloodKnight. [[spoiler:Vivianne]] is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Helga]], created to act as [[spoiler:an unwitting Illuminus spy within the GUARDIANS]]. In a non-Copy-CAST example, [[spoiler:the Helga in Phantasy Star Portable is a clone of the original. Because the clone was created from SEED cells, her original personality has been corrupted to serve the needs of Howser and the SEED]].
* ColorCodedMultiplayer: ''PSU'', like ''PSO'', color-codes the speech bubbles of the party with a similarly colored icon next to their name. Given that ''PSU'' allowed for six-member parties instead of four, the red/yellow/green/blue icons included cyan and magenta.
* ContinuityPorn: The ''Transcending Space and Time'' Side Mission in ''Infinity'', bar none. Following [[PhantasyStarOnline Rico]] down into the ruins, fighting Olga Flow-- it's like a canon fanfic.
* ContinuitySnarl: [[spoiler:Vivienne's fate]] in ''Portable.'' ''Shadow of the Arkguard'' implies that [[spoiler: the ''bad'' ending]] is canon while an ''Episode 3'' subplot implies that it is [[spoiler:the ''normal'' ending]]. However, a side story mission in ''Portable 2'' implies that [[spoiler: the good ending is canon as you meet up with her.]]
* CopyAndPasteEnvironments: A common feature of all post-millenial Phantasy Star games. PSU had about as many environments starting out as PSO did with all its expansions, with additional variations depending on whether or not the area was infected by the SEED. ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' added more, but many of these are reskins of ''Episode 1'' areas (Justified or not).
* TheCorruption: Any non-CAST (Human, Newman, or Beast) exposed to the [[spoiler: modified]] SEED-Virus will transform into a SEED-form. Most notably [[spoiler: Hyuga in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'']], which was foreshadowed by [[spoiler: Kou Taragi's transformatin into a SEED-form towards the end of ''Episode 1'']].
* CrapsaccharineWorld: At first blush, the Gurhal System looked like an idyllic place before the SEED Invasion. Then you start learning about the various flavors of FantasticRacism an the CycleOfHatred that has been stewing for decades, [[spoiler: that the races Humans designed were originally meant to be subservient, and that there are dark otherworldly forces seeking to lay waste to all life well before the SEED's arrival]]. The overall plot of the series tends to flip the state in the world back and forth between this and AWorldHalfFull.
* CuteMonsterGirl: Newmans don't qualify as much any more as their monstrous heritage has been played down, but Beasts sure do make up for that.
* DaddyHadAGoodReasonForAbandoningYou: [[spoiler:Ethan and Lumia's father, Orson, faked his death in order to keep his family safe from Illuminus.]]
* DefectorFromDecadence: Mika [[spoiler:is the only Ancient who goes against Kumhan's plan to use their creations as vessels. Kumhan also states that during the time of the Ancients, Mika was the only one who openly opposed his tyrannical rule.]]
* DemonicPossession: [[spoiler:Vivienne]] does this to [[spoiler:Lou... Twice.]]
* DeusExMachina: Episode 3, [[spoiler: Ethan and Karen, trapped within the exploding [=HIVE=], are rescued by a spirit barrier thanks to Mirei.]]
* DirtyOldMan: Lucaim Nav, headmaster of the GUARDIANS Academy. Loves pinching the butts of his female students ... for training purposes, no less!
** DoubleEntendre: Just about ''everything'' Nav says in combat [[FreudWasRight can be taken the wrong way]].
* DownerEnding, in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'': [[spoiler: Due to the [[BrainwashedAndCrazy infected AMF [=CASTs=]]] attacking the GUARDIANS Colony en masse (with one ship making a kamikaze run), the colony begins deorbiting onto Parum. The best scenario at this point is reaching the main control room that would release the residential area from the colony. In the end, the residential area is safe, but the rest of the colony along with [[HeroicSacrifice President Dallgun, who stayed behind to initiate part of the activation needed to release the residential area]], crashes into Parum, killing thousands of people]] ... and this was the ''best case scenario''.
* DrillSergeantNasty: [[spoiler: Much to anyone's surprise, the pleasant and peppy Chelsea Enchante. Once an infamous drill instructor in the AMF, she changed her figure and speech post career. Even a platoon commander is still scared witless amongst the mention of her name.]]
* DyingAsYourself: [[spoiler: Kou Taragi's death in ''Episode 1'', after he succumbs to the modified SEED-Virus and is killed.]]
* EliteMook / EvilMakeover: A LOT of the enemies that originated from Phantasy Star Online that appear in this series, especially Portable 2, have gotten really big upgrades and have gotten harder and smarter as well:
** The Booma line will feign death sometimes, like the Rappies did before when you beat them.
** The Sharks can guard and side-step alongside lunging forward.
** Ill Gills have one of the best upgrades. They can combat-roll, charge faster, and even run after you to perform a powerful scythe combo. Don't take your eyes off them...
** Sand Rappies are another majorly upgraded enemy. They've always been little crit-scoring demons in ''PSO: Episode 4''. Now they get a running lunge, and four consecutive pecks in a row while dealing damage that belies their size.
** Astarks are now burly punching beasts that can also spew poison breath AND roll up into a ball to charge at you.
** Dark Belras are not only powerful punchers and can shoot their arms out forward with the strength of their Ultimate counterpart, Indi Belras, but they can now sprint after you as well.
** Even the PSO Dragon boss is more of a challenge this time around. Gone are the days were you can make it drop to the ground and bash on its body and head; it can breath damaging fire, charge and lunge at players, and any spots it leaves when it burrows are now erupting volcanoes.
* ExactEavesdropping: ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'': [[spoiler:Emilia overhears Kraz talking to Lumia and the player character about taking her off the team (Though, his reason is to protect her from the BigBad). Causing her to [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere run away]] and work on her own.]]
* {{Expy}}: A number of characters in the ''Universe'' games are {{Shout Out}}s to previous Phantasy Star games, as well as some other Sega titles:
** Fulyen Curtz, whose [[TheStoic stoic nature]] and first name are nods to the Wrens from ''Generations of Doom'' (PSIII) and ''End of the Millenium'' (PSIV). (Only, Wren wasn't nearly as much of a JerkAss.)
** Hal, the news anchor from Gurhal Channel 5 who bears [[TheCameo more than a striking resemblance]] to Ulala from SpaceChannel5. (Heck, she's got a [=SC5=] song as her own personal theme!)
** Helga Neumann, whose command over SEED-forms, personality, [[spoiler: relationship with Vivienne]], and last name are all references (Neumann = Numan) to Neifirst from ''End of the Lost Age'' (PSII).
** Izuma Rutsu, whose appearance and last name are references to Lutz from ''PhantasyStar'' as well as ''[[PhantasyStar PSII]]'' and ''[[PhantasyStar PSIV]]'' (Lutz was renamed to Noah in the American release of PSI).
** Alfort Tylor, whose nature as a [[SpacePirates honorable space pirate]] is a reference to Tyler from ''End of the Lost Age.'' His ship, the Landeel, is ''also'' named after Tyler's ship.
** ''The Gurhal System Itself.'' Parum is an Expy of Palma, Moatoob is an Expy of Motavia, and Neudaiz is an Expy of Dezoris (putting aside the fact that most of its water is ''not'' ice, its name can be read as "New Dezo"). To top that off, ''Episode 3'' revealed that [[spoiler: there's even an Expy of ''Rykros'', named exactly the same and with the same "hidden" nature as Algol's Rykros]].
** As a not Phantasy Star-related expy, Ethan is a [[RedHeadedHero Red Headed]] WideEyedIdealist whose shirt is white with colored sleeves: a dead ringer for [[FateStayNight Shirou Emiya]].
* ExtremeOmnivore: Partner Machines will eat just about ''anything'' you feed them.
** BigEater: Partner Machines can be fed one hundred items before they are "full" ... for half a day. May we remind you that a single item can be anything from edible restoratives to massive room decorations like stone columns?
* EyepatchOfPower: All of the Dewmans have this. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] as it serves as a PowerLimiter.
* FantasticRacism: Multiple flavors of this exist, thanks to the events of the {{Backstory}}. Humans created [=CASTs=], Newmans, and Beasts centuries ago, but civil wars broke out along racial lines that lasted for five hundred years. These wars ended when [=CASTs=] usurped control of the human nations and brokered a peace treaty and alliance that left the human race on the bottom of the social ladder.
** On Parum, CAST Supremacy runs rampant, which is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin. CAST Supremacists view the other races, ''especially'' humans, as inferior beings. Social mores on Parum prevent humans from speaking with [=CASTs=] unless spoken to, and [=CASTs=] can have humans arrested very easily. CAST Supremacists despise the GUARDIANS and its culture of racial equality; they are also ''very'' anti-religious, and have more than a few harsh words for the faithful.
** Then there's the Human Fundamentalist groups, of which the Illuminus is the most prominent. While their ultimate goal is to restore systemwide human rights, they believe that the other races must be made subservient once again. The Illuminus in particular will do whatever it takes, [[spoiler: to the point of using a virus to commit genocide on the other races]].
** Newmans are more subtle in their racism. In ''Episode 1'', Ethan encounters a young Newman girl who has been taught by her parents to hold Newmans over Humans for multiple reasons ... and in ''Episode 3'', [[spoiler: Light Master Rutsu's views about the superiority of the Newman race come out in an encounter with Ethan Waber and the player's character. It takes a WhatTheHellHero speech by Karen before Rutsu gets off the high horse]].
* FeedTheMole: Nav does this in ''Phantasy Star Portable'' when he "leaks" information to [[spoiler: Vivienne.]]
* FieldPromotion: [[spoiler: After her adopted father President Dallgun's [[HeroicSacrifice Heroic Sacrifice]], Laia becomes the new President of the GUARDIANS at his dying wish.]]
* FinalBossNewDimension: The final form of [[spoiler:Dulk Fakis]] and [[spoiler:Dark Falz]] suddenly transport you into a place in space in the center of the Gurhal System. It's explicitly referred to as an alternate dimension in Episode 3.
* FissionMailed: The final chapter in Episode three, depending on the subplot, [[spoiler:Howzer seemingly kills the player character after trapping him.]]
* FiveRaces: As of ''Infinity'', we have an ensemble of them, unconnected from Tolkien as they are. Bonus points for being able to assign them to the FiveManBand:
** TheHero: Humans (natch)
** TheLancer: Dewmans
** TheBigGuy: Beasts
** TheSmartGuy: Casts
** TheChick: Newmans
* FreudianExcuse: Emilia's hatred of the GUARDIANS is understandable [[spoiler:when you find out that she was used as a tool by their scientists and was left to die.]]
** As is Kraz's drinking problem. [[spoiler: He lost his wife and child, turning him into the drunk that he is.]]
* FungusHumongous: Habirao District becomes a land full of these in ''Illuminus''.
* GenerationXerox: Played with somewhat as [[spoiler: a "defective"]] Magashi hints that his obsession with defeating Ethan is passed down from Howzer's jealousy towards Orson.
* GeniusDitz: Maya, who developed a vaccine to the SEED-Virus.
* GetAHoldOfYourselfMan:
** In Episode 3, Ethan verbally does this to Laia to convince her to take up the role as President of the GUARDIANS.
** Done twice in ''Portable 2''. First, Emilia does this to [[spoiler:Lumia in the VR simulation when she begins to take the mission too seriously.]] Later, [[spoiler: She would receive the same treatment from Kraz after she ran away believing that no one really cared about her.]]
* GirlishPigtails: Lumia [[spoiler:until Portable 2.]]
* GrandTheftMe: The objective of BigBad in Phantasy Star Portable 2 is [[spoiler:to do this on ''galactic'' scale in order to revive the ancient civilization and become its absolute ruler again]].
* HappilyEverAfter: The Ending of Phantasy Star Portable 2, which is more likely than not guaranteed to cheer everyone up after some of the downer endings of the previous games in the "Universe Sub-Series"!
* HeroesPreferSwords: As an NPC and in promotional art, Ethan's always depicted with some kind of sword--he'll often be shown using a [[SwordAndGun one-handed saber and pistol]] or a two-handed blade.
** All player characters, by default, start out with a basic saber and pistol. In the Story Mode for ''Illuminus,'' Human characters also get a basic two-handed sword.
* HeroicBSOD: At the start of ''Episode 3'', Laia has revealed to have gone into one after the events in ''Ambitions of Illuminus''.
* HeroicMime: The player's character in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' on and in ''Phantasy Star Portable''. [[LampshadeHanging Constantly lampshaded]] in the latter.
** In ''Episode 3'', your character still doesn't talk ''visibly,'' but you are given options for dialogue that characters will react to as if you had said something.
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler: President Dallgun]] in ''Ambition of the Illuminus''. Possibly [[spoiler: Vivienne]] in ''Phantasy Star Portable''.
* HeroWithBadPublicity: The GUARDIANS as of ''Episode 3''.
* [[HeyItsThatVoice Hey, It's That Voice!]]: While Karen is voiced in the Japanese version by RieTanaka, in the English version she's voiced by the [[Series/PowerRangersTimeForce Pink Ranger]].
** Magashi is voiced by ''NorioWakamoto'' in the Japanese version.
* HijackedByGanon: [[spoiler:Guess who's back from [[PhantasyStar the original series]] as the final boss of ''Portable 2''?]]
* HopelessBossFight: Against [[spoiler: Ethan and Liina, Nav in the last chapter of ''Episode 2''.]]
* HyperspaceArsenal: [[JustifiedTrope The story thoroughly justifies its usage here]]; Gurhal extensively uses storage technology called 'nanotransers', which attaches to the body and projects the stored weapons/armour/clothes/items as needed. [[spoiler:Also a very important ChekhovsGun.]]
** One humorous moment features the device that ''gives'' characters their hyperspace arsenal being stolen from the main character - leaving him in the middle of a city wearing only his underwear.
* IdiotHero: Ethan, in ''Episode 1''.
* ImprobableAge: Many canon and player-made GUARDIANS are rather young. People can join the GUARDIANS as young as fourteen, and the player can make a character that looks (and sounds) even younger than that. CASTs and small beasts can look young without actually being young, but it doesn't explain the humans or newmans.
** The young recruitment age could potentially be justified in that the younger members probably aren't supposed to be doing much until they've been around for a few years (and the age has historical precedent with apprenticeships and such), but of course plot circumstances lead to everyone being needed no matter what. It gets worse when these members are promoted and taken along crucial missions despite being young and inexperienced.
** Hyuga [[spoiler: becomes the head of GRM at the age of seventeen.]] This is justified in that [[spoiler:almost everyone else in the company was arrested, and he ended up inheriting control.]]
** Emilia from Phantasy Star Portable 2 is a deconstruction of this trope. She is [[spoiler:a genius prodigy at 16, but has been used by the GUARDIANS for that very reason for years. This led to her having crushingly low self-esteem as she was treated more as a component in a machine than as an actual person.]]
* InformedAbility: Some of the weapon descriptions are a little too ... boastful. The De Ragan Slayer's description claims that it can "strike down a De Ragan in a single blow" (which ''might'' be possible if the wielder sufficiently outleveled the De Ragan). The legend behind the Ely Sion, however, states that it has the power to cleave even ''planets'' in two. Better watch where you swing ...
** SortingAlgorithmOfWeaponEffectiveness: Many of the common B, A, and even S-rank weapons list themselves as "high-end" or "limited run" for "advanced users." When they were first available, this seemed true as they were rare and highly expensive--but as higher-end content was made available and these weapons turned into VendorTrash ...
* JerkAss: CAST Supremists fall under this. Most notably Curtz and AMF soldiers, who get better later on [[spoiler: after Ethan saves Curtz's life in ''Episode 1'']].
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Kraz treats Emilia like crap most of the time like (IE: throw a present she bought for him with her bonus gained in a previous chapter) but he cares about her such as [[spoiler: keeping the present he throws for her birthday.]]
* JokeItem: Frying pans, parasols, roses, toy hammers, guitars, magazines... [[LethalJokeItem some of which are lethal.]]
* JustifiedTutorial: Karen teaches Ethan how to form parties in ''Episode 1'', which is treated as an in-universe system for assembling Guardians for a mission.
* KlingonPromotion: [[spoiler: Howzer kills the leader of the Illuminus, Randolph Luntz, during the events of ''Episode 3'' and takes over the organization.]]
* KillSat: The Paradi Cataract [=SUV=] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin rains icy beams of divine punishment]] on a [=CAST's=] foes. The description for the [=SUV's=] armor unit mentions that this weapon is an ''out-of-date military satellite.''
** Then there's the JokeItem [[ParodyName Ascension Gift]], which ''also'' calls in a bombardment from an orbiting satellite ... fat rappies, mushrooms, toilets, and a [[FantasyZone Opa Opa]] that drops its [[ShoutOut signature anvils]] [[AnvilOnHead on the heads of enemies]].
* LethalChef: Maya Shidow. We first get a [[IncrediblyLamePun taste]] of this trope in ''Episode 1,'' where it's revealed that she has been heading a research project to develop rations with a shelf-life for a century. Then in Online Mode, we find out about the synthesis boards she created that tries (and fails) to make a home-made cake ...
* LovableRogue: Tylor, who makes it a point not to hurt or rob from the poor.
* MaleGaze: The player's first impression of Chelsea in ''Portable 2''.
* ManBehindTheMan: Howzer, especially after he [[spoiler: kills the leader of the Illuminus, Randolph Luntz]]. Also, [[spoiler:Kumhan behind Shizuru]] in Phantasy Star Portable 2.
* ManchurianAgent: [[spoiler:Vivienne]].
* {{Masquerade}}: [[spoiler: After Mirei's death, Karen decides to take up her mantle as the Divine Maiden. One ending in Episode 3 reveals that she admitted the truth about Mirei as she retires as the Divine Maiden.]]
* {{Meganekko}}: Maya
* MinovskyPhysics: Photons work ''very'' differently in the ''Universe'' games than in the real world. Information about how they work, and how [[AppliedPhlebotinum Photon and A-Photon based technology]] utilize them, is found scattered throughout dialogue in the games [[AllThereInTheManual and elsewhere]].
* TheMole: [[spoiler:Vivienne]] is revealed to be one in ''Phantasy Star Portable'', [[spoiler:though she didn't know at the time]]. [[spoiler:Ethan]] also becomes one in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' [[spoiler:to track down his missing dad]].
* MsFanservice: Maya, who has the largest breast size in the game (larger than the maximum size for a player's character, in fact!). Her normal method of getting past men is to shamelessly flirt with them--it even worked on Fullyen Curtz, who was a staunch [[FantasticRacism CAST Supremacist]] at the time.
** Chelsea from Portable 2 also has a large rack, but she also has [[EverythingSoundsSexierInFrench a french accent in the english dub]] and a [[AbsoluteCleavage dress who shows lots of cleavage]].
* MyLittlePanzer: Gurhalian toy manufacturers have a thing for making [[http://psupedia.info/Al_Tip their toys]] [[http://psupedia.info/Real_Hand_Gun_G just a]] [[http://psupedia.info/Hand_Spear little]] [[http://psupedia.info/Papillon_Dance too]] [[http://psupedia.info/Watergun powerful]]. There's also weapons that [[http://psupedia.info/Ank_Bico deliberately]] [[http://psupedia.info/Sig_R resemble]] [[http://psupedia.info/Robopitch_Grenade/C toys]].
* NeverMyFault: Happens twice in ''Episode 3'':
** First [[spoiler:the refugees, most notably Pipi Vol,]] blame the GUARDIANS for [[spoiler:the [[ColonyDrop GUARDIANS Colony crash-landing on Parum.]]]]
** Then Tylor, [[spoiler:leader of the New Rogues]], blames the GUARDIANS for [[spoiler:the SEED-infected Beast massacre]] in ''Ambition of the Illuminus.''
* NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished: ''Portable's'' ''good'' ending. [[spoiler:"Hey thanks for saving the world, rookie! But since your partner was an (''unwilling'') patsy for Helga's scheme, we have to discharge her and declare her a traitor to the galaxy. And since you refused to abandon her, we have to do the same to you. Sorry!"]]
* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: [[spoiler: In an alternate ending to Ambition's End (Episode 3, Chapter 5), ''Lumia'' of all people unleashes a ''literal'' explosion of anger on Howzer.]]
* NotQuiteDead: [[spoiler:Magashi]], ''three'' times [[spoiler: and even more than ''that'' when you discover that there's a whole ''army'' of him]]!
** [[spoiler: Ethan and Lumia's father, Orson, is revealed to be alive]] in ''Episode 3''.
** The same could be said about [[spoiler: Helga, who was thought to be dead after ''Phantasy Star Portable'']], since [[spoiler: she shows up in ''Episode 3'']].
** [[spoiler:Howzer]] also applies to this as well, as [[spoiler:he appears in the final chapter.]]
* NuclearWeaponsTaboo: While the Illuminus' A-Photon bombs have the visual effect of nuclear weapons, they're actually a lot ''worse'' than nukes because of [[EldritchAbomination what A-Photon energies attract]] when used in great enough quantities ...
** On top of this, nuclear energy and weapons are mentioned in the UniverseBible as having been used prior to the development of photon-based technology, thus [[AvertedTrope avoiding]] the "don't mention nukes" aspect of the taboo.
* OlderThanTheyLook: Small Beasts, most notably Tonnio and Liina, that are full-grown tend to look like children. Emilia looks to be in her early teens, yet in the game she's 17.
* OldSaveBonus: Between ''Portable'' and ''Portable 2''; if you completed the story of ''Portable'' and imported your character to ''Portable 2'', you'll get an extra title: ''Former Guardian.'' Characters in the story will also recognize that you were once part of the GUARDIANS (but they won't mention what you did in ''Portable''--not even Vivienne).
%% Let's not get into Wild Mass Guessing claiming that an player character imported from PSP is not the character you play with. If you really want to debate that theory, do it on the WMG page.
* OnTheNext: In ''Universe,'' each chapter of its Story Mode behaves like an anime show would, with opening and ending sequences (complete with theme song!). Just like at the end of any anime show episde, a narrator (or the characters themselves) provides a teaser for the next Story Mode chapter set to snippets of future cutscenes.
** In ''Ambition of the Illuminus,'' as well as the online Story Missions for both games, this was changed from voiceovers to text, and the staff roll sequence was dropped (except for at the very end of each story arc). The opening sequence and theme song still plays at the opening of each chapter's Story Mission, however.
* OneWingedAngel: Magashi in ''Episodes 1'' and ''2'', and Helga in ''Phantasy Star Portable'' both transform into more powerful SEED-forms. [[spoiler: They both transform even further into Dulk Fakis, who ''also'' has a second form]].
* [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Our De Ragans Are Different]]
* OurWerewolvesAreDifferent: Beasts.
* TheOtherDarrin: Many of the voice actors from ''Portable 1'' do not return for ''Portable 2,'' with Lou being a prime example.
* ParentalAbandonment: Karen's mother was killed by Tengohgs [[spoiler: while rescuing her from her father, who [[MoralEventHorizon wanted to kill her to transfer her power to Mirei]]]].
** Ethan and Lumia also apply, as before the series begin, they've lost their mother and father[[spoiler:, who is revealed to be NotQuiteDead]].
* PlayingWithFire: Renvolt Magashi, who not only loves the [[FlamingSword Two-Headed Ragnus twin saber set]], but is ''capable of using fire-elemental [=TECHNICs=] while wielding them''. (Not only is it fire, it's [[IncrediblyLamePun rapid fire]] to boot!)
* PleaseWakeUp: Emilia does this [[spoiler: to the player character after he/she [[TakingTheBullet pushes her out of the way of a fatal attack and ends up taking it in her place.]]]]
* PlotlineDeath: [[spoiler:Mirei, Kou Taragi, and Warren Darren]]. Can also happen to [[spoiler: Orson Waber and Magashi]].
* {{Precursors}}: The Ancients. Interesting in that [[spoiler:they turn out to essentially be humans themselves, who ended up destroying themselves because [[HumansAreBastards humans just can't get along]]]].
* PrivateMilitaryContractors: The GUARDIANS Security Corporation, which was granted limited police powers by the Gurhal system's government. ''Portable 2'' introduces another company, Little Wing, which just so happens to be the subsidiary of Skyclad, a company best known in Gurhal for clothing and resorts.
* PunyEarthlings: Since HumansAreAverage, they are often overshadowed by the more specialized races.
* QuirkyMinibossSquad: The Vol Brothers.
* RealMenWearPink: Kraz wears a pink BadassLongcoat.
* RealTimeWeaponChange
* RedemptionDemotion: Somewhat averted as [[spoiler:Ethan only seems to have done a FaceHeelTurn]]. As a Rogue, [[spoiler:Ethan]] uses two S-Rank weapons (Crea Doubles and Blackheart), but when [[spoiler:he]] becomes a GUARDIAN again, he trades in his Blackheart for the A-Rank [=DB's=] Sword. He also downgrades his sword and wand.
** [[spoiler:Magashi]] is a straighter example as after [[spoiler:Emilia "upgrades" him. He trades in his Two-Headed Ragnus for regular ground-element GRM twin sabers.]]
* RobotGirl: Female [=CASTs=], who are called [=CASEALs=].
* [[spoiler: RogueProtagonist: Ethan becomes a literal example in ''Ambitions of the Illuminus.'']]
* SadisticChoice: Howzer invokes this twice. First, in ''[[AllThereInTheManual Shadow of the Arkguard]]'', when he [[spoiler:forces Ethan to kill Dallgun in exchange for his captive father.]] Then, [[spoiler: in Episode 3, he uses Karen as a hostage to force Ethan and the Player Character to merge with [[SendInTheClones SEED!Helga]].]]
* ScrewedByTheNetwork: The developers did practically everything to kill the original PS2/PC servers for Phantasy Star Universe, which eventually shut down in late 2010. Patches were released late (or never at all), game elements were withheld, and funding was cut repeatedly.
* ScunthorpeProblem: The swear filter in ''Phantasy Star Universe''--even more so in the XBox360 version--is a very good reason why swear filters should ''always'' be optional in games (or never implemented at all).
** [[http://www.pso-world.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113561&highlight=censor The PS2/PC versions weren't much better]]. Notably, 'fuck' and 'fuker' were censored, but not 'fucker'.
* SendInTheClones: Renvolt Magashi is actually [[spoiler:a Copy CAST of Howzer]] ... and [[spoiler:there's more than one of him]].
** [[spoiler: Helga]] is also revealed to be a clone [[spoiler: made from [=SEED=] cells.]] And, like Magashi, [[spoiler:there's more than one of her]].
* SheIsAllGrownUp: Lumia in [=PSP2=], [[http://phantasystar.sega.jp/psp2/world/character/lumia/ apparently]].
* ShootTheShaggyDog: Part two of Chapter 9 in ''Ambition of the Illuminus.''
* ShoutOut: So, so many! On top of [[{{Expy}} the Expies]], like ''Phantasy Star Online'', ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Portable'' make a number of references to older ''Phantasy Star'' games as well as other Sega titles.
** A number of common weapons in ''Episode 1'' had references to common ''Phantasy Star Online'' weapons, as well as some rare weapons (such as the Yasminkov 0002, which is a ShoutOut to ''PSO's'' Yasminkov weapons).
** ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' and ''Phantasy Star Portable'' included a whole slew of ''PSO'' weapons. ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' included a flood of ''PSO'' rares, including certain Mags, armors, and even more weapons.
** Maya Shidow's deadly Homemade Cake is a reference to ''[[PhantasyStar PSII]]''--specifically, the cakes that Motavians offer in the Roron garbage dump.
** A notable rare Shout Out to ''[[PhantasyStar PSIII]]'': ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' brought us a new kind of line shield, the ''Rabol Orakio'', named for one of the characters in ''Generations of Doom.'' (In true Sega fashion, though, the name was transliterated to Rabol ''Orachio'' when it appeared stateside.)
** The Naura Cake Shop makes yet ''another'' appearance, based directly off of the ''PSO'' incarnation. In a ''virtual reality simulation of Ragol'', no less.
** The Opa Opa from FantasyZone sometimes appears to drop weights on the heads of enemies when [=CASTs=] use the Ancension Gift [=SUV=]. It also appears in ''Portable'' as a ranged combat support machine.
** ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' has expanded the number of {{Shout Out}}s to include series not even related to Sega; {{Vocaloid}}, [[NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]], and FateStayNight items are obtainable in the game--and that ''includes'' Saber's {{Excalibur}} and Rei's Longinus, as well as all three Children's Plugsuits.
** ''Infinity'' managed to throw in some {{Vocaloid}} fashions and even a few item for GurrenLagann.
* SpaceElves: Newmans are often disparagingly referred to as such by the player base due to the {{Flanderization}} they've suffered as a race ever since the original tetralogy. They most closely fit the Type II (Enlightened Mystic Race) flavor, although they're really more [[{{Wutai}} Space Japanese]] than anything.
* SpaceStation: Gurhal is implied to have many of these, but the only ones visitable are the GUARDIANS Colony ([[CaptainObvious of course]]) and the [=HIVEs=] ([[WombLevel space stations consumed by the SEED]]). ''Portable 2'' introduces Clad-6, home of Little Wing, as the ''only'' lobby and explorable location outside of missions.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Ethan's father: Orson or Olson? Take your pick.
* SpotlightStealingSquad: Laia in ''Ambition of the Illuminus''. Though she's actually a well-rounded character, the fact remains that the Story Mode of ''Ambition'' is all about her. Your character is nothing more than a background extra.
** Subverted in Episode 3. While a good amount of focus is placed on Lumia becoming a full-fledged Guardian, your character is no longer just a background extra. The player character can now make decisions that can impact the story and which ending you receive, leading up to [[spoiler:becoming the new commander of the GUARDIANS Mobile Defense Force. ...Too bad it's implied that you stepped down and gave the position to Orson.]]
* TheStoic: Lou. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] as she was programed not to show emotion for the sake of her missions.
* StrangeBedfellows: At the final part of "The Magashi Plan" side-story mission, the player character, Lou and [[spoiler: a "defective" Magashi]] must fight off a wave of SEED unleashed by [[spoiler: Helga]].
* {{Stripperiffic}}: [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] by the usage of Line Shields for personal armor (see TronLines below). Indeed, it seems very much as if the cultural reaction to having armor that is functional with any piece of clothing was for acceptable fashion to grow ever skimpier ...
** ShirtlessScene: Feel like going commando as far as possible? Grab yourself a swimsuit or a speedo! Some of the other clothes also qualify, such as the Vigor Coat (which isn't much of one).
* SwordAndGun: Can be done with any one-handed weapon in the game.
* TeenGenius: [[spoiler:Emilia! Mostly dormant at first due to [[TraumaInducedAmnesia repressed memories.]]]]
* TheBadGuyWins: [[spoiler: The ending to ''Episode 2''.]] It gets better, though.
* ThisLoserIsYou: Emilia [[spoiler: at first.]]
* TokenMiniMoe: Lumia.
* TomatoInTheMirror: [[spoiler: Vivienne, who finds out she is a Copy-CAST based on Helga to be used as an [[TheMole Illuminus Spy]].]]
* TookALevelInBadass: Lumia in ''Portable 2.'' [[spoiler:In Chapter 6, she pulls a BigDamnHeroes moment when she saves the party from a large group of native creatures with a Fire TECHNIC. Even Emilia mentions this during her aforementioned GetAHoldOfYourselfMan.]] She's no longer the load she was in ''Episode 3.''
* TronLines: Line Shields project their protective fields as glowing lines on a characters' clothing, and the designs in which they are woven are a major aspect of fashion in the setting.
* TheVirus: The SEED-Virus.
* TheUnfavorite: [[spoiler:Karen. Oh dear god, Karen. So much that her father goes as far as to kill her to prolong her sister's life.]]
* TooSlow: In your battle with Howzer, he occasionally shouts, [[SonicTheHedgehog "You're too slow!"]]
* TwoPartTrilogy: Episode 1 is mostly self-contained, but Episode 2 introduces lots of new things that are left unresolved until Episode 3.
* UrbanLegendOfZelda: There has been rumors of a black beast Nanoblast form that wields twin axes existing in the game ... Then a black beast nanoblast form actually ''appeared'' in ''Phantasy Star Portable 2.'' While it doesn't have two axes, it does have a large blade on each arm.
* [[VictoriousChildhoodFriend Victorious Childhood Friend]]: At the end of episode 3, [[spoiler: Tonnio is this to Liina. They get married between episode 3 and ''Portable 2''.]]
* VirtualPaperDoll: ''Universe'' did not do well at this at first. In the original game, the options available for character customisation were limited at best and the (offline) prices for new clothes- even for something as simple as a T-shirt!- were [[MoneySink extortionate]]. Fortunately, the series got a ''lot'' better as time went by, with each new game offering a wealth of new appearance options and clothes.
* VitriolicBestBuds: Ethan and Hyuga. Hyuga has even stated that they were more rivals than friends.
* VocalEvolution: With some voices in ''Phantasy Star Portable'', when compared to those in the original PSU, you'd swear that they have new voice actors.
* [[WellDoneSonGuy Well Done Daughter Guy]]: Kraz is this to Emilia.
* {{Wetware CPU}}: [[spoiler:Emilia]] was turned into one by the GUARDIANS. [[spoiler:This led to a great deal of angst when she was treated more as a component in a machine than as an actual person]].
* WhatIsThisThingYouCallLove: Of a sort: at the end of ''Infinity'', Yut is [[spoiler:booted from his village until he returns with a wife.]] The only problem is that [[ChasteHero he has no idea what a wife is.]]
* WhatMeasureIsANonHuman: [=Copy-CASTs=] apparently do not share the same rights as regular [=CASTs=] (Or any other race for that matter) as they're just machines [[spoiler: as Vivienne finds out from Lou.]]
* WhatTheHellHero: In ''Episode 3'', Laia calls out Tylor on his decision to seal and abandon his allies in a SEED-infected mine.
** Earlier in Episode 3, Pipi Vol berates the GUARDIANS about their ineffectiveness and willingness to abandon their friends. Although she does accuse the GUARDIANS of something they didn't do ([[spoiler:[[ColonyDrop dropping G Colony on Parum]]]]), the rest of her accusations ring true given events that took place in Episodes 1 and 1.5 (''Portable'').
* WhiteHairedPrettyBoy: Hyuga and Shizuru. [[spoiler:The latter acts as a traditional evil case at first but it is due to DemonicPossession. He turns out to be a nice person once freed from [[BigBad Kumhan]]'s control.]]
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Karen is afraid of Tengohgs, [[spoiler: who are the cause of her mother's death]].
* {{Wutai}}: The ''entire planet'' of Neudaiz. Every aspect of the lives of Newmans--cities, culture, clothing, language, weapons--is like an idealized aspect of Japan.
* WombLevel: The HIVEs.
* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: Vivienne and Helga.
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[-[[caption-width-right:330:It's a brand new universe.]]-]
After the [[SleeperHit unexpected success]] of Sega's MMORPG, ''PhantasyStarOnline'', the company was eager to try and follow up with a more developed successor.
'''''Phantasy Star Universe''''' [[SpiritualSuccessor is that successor]]. ''Universe'' takes place in the Gurhal System; a solar system composed of three planets and five races. Several hundred years ago, [[MasterOfNone Humans]] created three races in their likeness to develop the worlds: [[{{Cyborg}} CASTs]] for working with computers, [[SpaceElves Newmen]] to study [[{{Magitek}} TECHNICs]], and [[BoisterousBruiser Beasts]] for working in harsh conditions. Eventually their creations became societies in and of themselves, and have taken over control of the planets of [[CityPlanet Parum]], [[{{Wutai}} Neudaiz]] and [[JungleJapes Maotoob]] respectively. There have been a slew of expansions released as stand-alone games, which are all covered on this page due to their content and placement in a shared timeline.
The series started with '''''Universe''''' for [= PC =], Xbox360 and PS2 in 2006, roughly six years after ''Online''. On the centennial anniversary of a peace treaty ending a brutal centuries-long war between the races, the Gurhal System is attacked by mysterious alien lifeforms known as the [[EldritchAbomination SEED]]. The [= SEED =] [[TheCorruption fall and infect the worlds]], corrupting wildlife and people alike. Caught in the middle of this chaos is the PlayerCharacter [[IdiotHero Ethan Waber]], who is convinced to follow in his DisappearedDad's footsteps and join the [[LawEnforcementInc GUARDIANS]]. But it's not simple, as the Gurhal System isn't as squeaky clean as its inhabitants would have you believe, and various organizations seek to use the [= SEED =] crisis to advance their own agendas.
A year later, an expansion pack '''''Ambition of the Illuminus''''' was released. This time it took the form of a stand-alone game that replaced Ethan with a [[FeaturelessProtagonist player-made character]] as the main character. While the first half of this expansion ("Episode 2") could be played either offline or online, the second half ("Episode 3") could only be played on the online Network Mode.
''Episode 2'' is set after the events of Universe and features the PlayerCharacter as a [=GUARDIANS=] rookie fresh out of boot camp and under the critical eye of their instructor, Laia Martinez. Ethan Waber is [[RogueProtagonist on the lam]] after (supposedly) attempting to assassinate the president of the [=GUARDIANS=]. The story concerns Laia's attempts to track him down and unravel a sinister conspiracy created by the secret human-supremacy organization known as the ''Illuminus''.
''Episode 3'' directly continues the storyline of ''Episode 2''. Having been promoted to Instructor, the PlayerCharacter is given the responsibility of tutoring Lumia Waber, Ethan's little sister and new [=GUARDIANS=] recruit. However, the Illuminus/SEED conspiracy is reaching its final stages, and Lumia finds herself a target of their plot.
After another year-long hiatus, a new expansion entitled '''''Phantasy Star Portable''''' was released for the PSP. Set between the events of ''Universe'' and ''Episode 2'', the PlayerCharacter (not the same one from ''Episode 2'' or ''Episode 3'') is a recent [=GUARDIANS=] graduate who finds themselves partnered with a new SuperPrototype CAST called Vivienne. Together you are tasked with investigating the remnants of SEED activity after the events of ''Universe'', and a mysterious terrorist called Helga Neumann who seems to be directly tied to the attacks.
Eventually ''Portable'' recieved a sequel called '''''Portable 2'''''. Set three years after ''Portable'', the Gurhal System's resources have been devastated after the fight with the [=SEED=]. With no choice but to colonise other worlds, the four planets band together to research [[HyperSpace subspace travel]] derived from LostTechnology. The PlayerCharacter (who [[OldSaveBonus can be the same one]] from ''Portable'') is a mercenary who gets hired by the [[PrivateMilitaryContractors paramilitary company]] "Little Wing". Together with their partner, the [[ReluctantHero reluctant and lazy Emilia]], they discover a dark secret behind the subspace technology that stretches back to the Gurhal System's [[AbusivePrecursors very origins]].
The [[WordOfGod final]] instalment of the ''Universe'' series came in the expansion '''''Portable 2 Infinity''''' for the PSP. This expansion added on several new missions and a new race called "Dewmans": mutated humans who have been infected by the remnants of the [=SEED=] virus. Its new story focuses on one such Dewman, Nagisa, as she searches for some [[MacGuffin mysterious fragments]] for a shadowy figure known as Wainal.
With ''Infinity'', Sega has begun focusing on a more literal successor to ''Online'' in ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2''. See PhantasyStar for the original tetralogy. Also check out ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarZero'', another SpiritualSuccessor that came out during ''Universe'''s run.
----
[[AC: The PhantasyStarUniverse sub-series includes:]]
* ''Phantasy Star Universe''
* ''Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus''
* ''Phantasy Star Portable''
* ''Phantasy Star Portable 2''
* ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity''
-----
!!''Phantasy Star Universe'' provides examples of:
* AbusivePrecursors: The Ancients. [[spoiler:All except [[BenevolentPrecursors Mika]] want to use their creations as vessels so they can return to the physical realm, and are willing to destroy the minds and souls within those bodies to do so.]]
* ActionGirl: Karen and Laia.
* ALighterShadeOfGrey: The GUARDIANS Security Corporation is, essentially, a mercenary company with more morals than the standard. On one hand, they have limited police powers and high-minded ideals, but they often overlook legally questionable actions by their own employees (such as using black market weapons or [[EnemyMine receiving aid from outlaws]]).
* TheAtoner: The A-Photon researchers, especially Kanal Tomrain, [[strike: Dr. Dorson]] [[spoiler: Warren Darren]], and Kou Taragi of ''Episode 1'', who were [[spoiler: responsible for the Mellvore explosion]] and seek to redeem themselves by [[spoiler: discovering the true purpose of the Confinement System towers]].
** Kanal Tomrain is ''especially'' an Atoner after the events of ''Episode 2'', since [[spoiler: the Illuminus capture him and force him to help complete an A-Photon bomb called the Sochee]].
* AllThereInTheManual: ''Shadow of the Arkguard,'' a moving comic which takes place a month after ''Episode 1'' and alongside ''Episode 2'' that fills in details not found in any of the games.
* AndYourRewardIsClothes: In the Story Mode for ''Illuminus'', completing one of the ''Episode 2'' story missions unlocked more clothing options (as well as other items). This had to be done only once with a character; all other characters in the save file would earn the reward as well, whether or not they had progressed at all.
* BadExportForYou: The Japanese version of ''Phantasy Star Portable'' allowed one to transfer their character from ''PSU'' ... but this feature was removed from the localized version. Downloadable missions were also only released in Japan, leaving some weapons unobtainable in the localized versions.
* BeachEpisode: Episode 2 Chapter 4 in ''Portable 2 Infinity''.
* BecomingTheMask: [[spoiler: Orson was originally [[TheMole an Illuminus Spy]], before Dallgun convinced him to betray them]].
* {{BFG}}: Many of the [=SUVs=] come in the form of massive guns ...
** GatlingGood: ... some with [[MoreDakka lots of Dakka.]]
** Chelsea from Portable 2 is notable for carrying massive bazookas. And also large firearms.
* {{BFS}}: Plenty of big blades to choose from, ''including'' the swords used by [[HumongousMecha the ancient Stateria]]. If that weren't enough, two of the [=SUVs=] usable by [=CASTs=] are massive {{Laser Blade}}s ''the size of a Stateria themselves.''
** ChainsawGood: ''PSO'''s Chain Sawd makes a comeback. And it's as big as ever.
* BigBad: Howzer for the entire series.
** Magashi in both games.
** Helga in ''Phantasy Star Portable.''
** In ''Portable 2'', [[spoiler:Shizuru, who is controlled by Kumhan the Sun King,]] takes over.
* TheBigGuy: Any Beast, large or small, can temporarly transform into a massive version of themselves with SuperStrength to match through a technique called "nanoblasting." Canon-wise, Leogini Santosa Berafort is the ''literal'' Big Guy of the cast (of the GentleGiant variety). Tonnio Rhima, on the other hand, blends CuteBruiser with BoisterousBruiser.
* BigNo: Ethan gets one when [[spoiler: Orson dies]].
* BittersweetEnding: ''Phantasy Star Portable:'' [[spoiler: Vivienne seals Helga inside of the SEED Hive, preventing the SEED invasion, and escapes with the player's character before the AMF assault on said Hive. However, they are both then discharged from the GUARDIANS.]] Thing is, [[spoiler:this is supposed to be the ''good'' ending]] ...
* BossRush: Mission 10-2 in ''Portable 2''.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Any CAST infected by the [[spoiler: modified]] SEED-Virus will become this, most notably [[spoiler: Headmaster Nav and Curtz]].
** In fact, [[spoiler: ''every CAST in the Alliance Military'' gets infected due to Helga corrupting Mother Brain, taking advantage of a top-secret command and control protocol embedded into AMF [=CASTs=].]]
** In Portable 2. [[spoiler: Many of the people who Shizuru so much as looks at. Also, Shizuru himself.]]
* BreakTheCutie: An Episode 3 subplot does this to [[spoiler:Lumia, starting with her witnessing Helga killing Professor Tomrain with her unable to do anything. This treatment continues onward with her being kidnapped by Helga and later learning of Howzer (seemingly) killing the Player Character, who came to rescue her. [[BatmanGambit All to fill her with enough negative energy for her to serve as the catalyst for Dark Falz]].]]
* BrilliantButLazy: Emilia could be the poster child for this trope at the beginning of ''Phantasy Star Portable 2''.
* BrokenHero: [[spoiler:Kraz, who became [[DrowningMySorrows a glorified drunk]] as a result of the murder of his wife and son.]]
* CameraCentering
* CameraLockOn
* CharacterLevel: Like with HyperspaceArsenal, ''Universe'' attempts to [[JustifiedTrope justify]] this common RPG game mechanic by way of [[MinovskyPhysics photons]] and technology based on them. Photon reactors (used in all weapons and armor) use [[LifeEnergy spiritual energy]] to function. A person with a strong spirit can cause more damage with VendorTrash weapons than a rookie can with an InfinityPlusOneSword. [[ExperiencePoints And the best way]] [[LevelGrinding to get stronger is ...]] Bonus points in ''Infinity'', where you can literally make it an InfinityPlusOneSword by grinding the weapon, using an Extend Code, and then using an Infinity Extend Code then grinding it once.
* [[ChekhovsGun Chekhov's Gun]]: Part of the game's [[JustifiedTrope justification]] for having [[HyperspaceArsenal nanotransformers]]; [[spoiler: nanotransformers use A-Photons, the energies of which attract the SEED. At the same time, the ancient Confinement System towers are massive nanotransformers used to banish the SEED to a pocket dimension]].
* CloningBlues: In quite a few ways. The most significant one is the existence of "Copy-[=CASTs=]": machines that are created with the mind and appearance of a real person but none of the rights granted to [=CASTs=]. Magashi is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Illuminus mastermind Howser]], although the original Magashi eventually develops his own personality and becomes a kind of BloodKnight. [[spoiler:Vivianne]] is a Copy-CAST of [[spoiler:Helga]], created to act as [[spoiler:an unwitting Illuminus spy within the GUARDIANS]]. In a non-Copy-CAST example, [[spoiler:the Helga in Phantasy Star Portable is a clone of the original. Because the clone was created from SEED cells, her original personality has been corrupted to serve the needs of Howser and the SEED]].
* ColorCodedMultiplayer: ''PSU'', like ''PSO'', color-codes the speech bubbles of the party with a similarly colored icon next to their name. Given that ''PSU'' allowed for six-member parties instead of four, the red/yellow/green/blue icons included cyan and magenta.
* ContinuityPorn: The ''Transcending Space and Time'' Side Mission in ''Infinity'', bar none. Following [[PhantasyStarOnline Rico]] down into the ruins, fighting Olga Flow-- it's like a canon fanfic.
* ContinuitySnarl: [[spoiler:Vivienne's fate]] in ''Portable.'' ''Shadow of the Arkguard'' implies that [[spoiler: the ''bad'' ending]] is canon while an ''Episode 3'' subplot implies that it is [[spoiler:the ''normal'' ending]]. However, a side story mission in ''Portable 2'' implies that [[spoiler: the good ending is canon as you meet up with her.]]
* CopyAndPasteEnvironments: A common feature of all post-millenial Phantasy Star games. PSU had about as many environments starting out as PSO did with all its expansions, with additional variations depending on whether or not the area was infected by the SEED. ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' added more, but many of these are reskins of ''Episode 1'' areas (Justified or not).
* TheCorruption: Any non-CAST (Human, Newman, or Beast) exposed to the [[spoiler: modified]] SEED-Virus will transform into a SEED-form. Most notably [[spoiler: Hyuga in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'']], which was foreshadowed by [[spoiler: Kou Taragi's transformatin into a SEED-form towards the end of ''Episode 1'']].
* CrapsaccharineWorld: At first blush, the Gurhal System looked like an idyllic place before the SEED Invasion. Then you start learning about the various flavors of FantasticRacism an the CycleOfHatred that has been stewing for decades, [[spoiler: that the races Humans designed were originally meant to be subservient, and that there are dark otherworldly forces seeking to lay waste to all life well before the SEED's arrival]]. The overall plot of the series tends to flip the state in the world back and forth between this and AWorldHalfFull.
* CuteMonsterGirl: Newmans don't qualify as much any more as their monstrous heritage has been played down, but Beasts sure do make up for that.
* DaddyHadAGoodReasonForAbandoningYou: [[spoiler:Ethan and Lumia's father, Orson, faked his death in order to keep his family safe from Illuminus.]]
* DefectorFromDecadence: Mika [[spoiler:is the only Ancient who goes against Kumhan's plan to use their creations as vessels. Kumhan also states that during the time of the Ancients, Mika was the only one who openly opposed his tyrannical rule.]]
* DemonicPossession: [[spoiler:Vivienne]] does this to [[spoiler:Lou... Twice.]]
* DeusExMachina: Episode 3, [[spoiler: Ethan and Karen, trapped within the exploding [=HIVE=], are rescued by a spirit barrier thanks to Mirei.]]
* DirtyOldMan: Lucaim Nav, headmaster of the GUARDIANS Academy. Loves pinching the butts of his female students ... for training purposes, no less!
** DoubleEntendre: Just about ''everything'' Nav says in combat [[FreudWasRight can be taken the wrong way]].
* DownerEnding, in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'': [[spoiler: Due to the [[BrainwashedAndCrazy infected AMF [=CASTs=]]] attacking the GUARDIANS Colony en masse (with one ship making a kamikaze run), the colony begins deorbiting onto Parum. The best scenario at this point is reaching the main control room that would release the residential area from the colony. In the end, the residential area is safe, but the rest of the colony along with [[HeroicSacrifice President Dallgun, who stayed behind to initiate part of the activation needed to release the residential area]], crashes into Parum, killing thousands of people]] ... and this was the ''best case scenario''.
* DrillSergeantNasty: [[spoiler: Much to anyone's surprise, the pleasant and peppy Chelsea Enchante. Once an infamous drill instructor in the AMF, she changed her figure and speech post career. Even a platoon commander is still scared witless amongst the mention of her name.]]
* DyingAsYourself: [[spoiler: Kou Taragi's death in ''Episode 1'', after he succumbs to the modified SEED-Virus and is killed.]]
* EliteMook / EvilMakeover: A LOT of the enemies that originated from Phantasy Star Online that appear in this series, especially Portable 2, have gotten really big upgrades and have gotten harder and smarter as well:
** The Booma line will feign death sometimes, like the Rappies did before when you beat them.
** The Sharks can guard and side-step alongside lunging forward.
** Ill Gills have one of the best upgrades. They can combat-roll, charge faster, and even run after you to perform a powerful scythe combo. Don't take your eyes off them...
** Sand Rappies are another majorly upgraded enemy. They've always been little crit-scoring demons in ''PSO: Episode 4''. Now they get a running lunge, and four consecutive pecks in a row while dealing damage that belies their size.
** Astarks are now burly punching beasts that can also spew poison breath AND roll up into a ball to charge at you.
** Dark Belras are not only powerful punchers and can shoot their arms out forward with the strength of their Ultimate counterpart, Indi Belras, but they can now sprint after you as well.
** Even the PSO Dragon boss is more of a challenge this time around. Gone are the days were you can make it drop to the ground and bash on its body and head; it can breath damaging fire, charge and lunge at players, and any spots it leaves when it burrows are now erupting volcanoes.
* ExactEavesdropping: ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'': [[spoiler:Emilia overhears Kraz talking to Lumia and the player character about taking her off the team (Though, his reason is to protect her from the BigBad). Causing her to [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere run away]] and work on her own.]]
* {{Expy}}: A number of characters in the ''Universe'' games are {{Shout Out}}s to previous Phantasy Star games, as well as some other Sega titles:
** Fulyen Curtz, whose [[TheStoic stoic nature]] and first name are nods to the Wrens from ''Generations of Doom'' (PSIII) and ''End of the Millenium'' (PSIV). (Only, Wren wasn't nearly as much of a JerkAss.)
** Hal, the news anchor from Gurhal Channel 5 who bears [[TheCameo more than a striking resemblance]] to Ulala from SpaceChannel5. (Heck, she's got a [=SC5=] song as her own personal theme!)
** Helga Neumann, whose command over SEED-forms, personality, [[spoiler: relationship with Vivienne]], and last name are all references (Neumann = Numan) to Neifirst from ''End of the Lost Age'' (PSII).
** Izuma Rutsu, whose appearance and last name are references to Lutz from ''PhantasyStar'' as well as ''[[PhantasyStar PSII]]'' and ''[[PhantasyStar PSIV]]'' (Lutz was renamed to Noah in the American release of PSI).
** Alfort Tylor, whose nature as a [[SpacePirates honorable space pirate]] is a reference to Tyler from ''End of the Lost Age.'' His ship, the Landeel, is ''also'' named after Tyler's ship.
** ''The Gurhal System Itself.'' Parum is an Expy of Palma, Moatoob is an Expy of Motavia, and Neudaiz is an Expy of Dezoris (putting aside the fact that most of its water is ''not'' ice, its name can be read as "New Dezo"). To top that off, ''Episode 3'' revealed that [[spoiler: there's even an Expy of ''Rykros'', named exactly the same and with the same "hidden" nature as Algol's Rykros]].
** As a not Phantasy Star-related expy, Ethan is a [[RedHeadedHero Red Headed]] WideEyedIdealist whose shirt is white with colored sleeves: a dead ringer for [[FateStayNight Shirou Emiya]].
* ExtremeOmnivore: Partner Machines will eat just about ''anything'' you feed them.
** BigEater: Partner Machines can be fed one hundred items before they are "full" ... for half a day. May we remind you that a single item can be anything from edible restoratives to massive room decorations like stone columns?
* EyepatchOfPower: All of the Dewmans have this. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] as it serves as a PowerLimiter.
* FantasticRacism: Multiple flavors of this exist, thanks to the events of the {{Backstory}}. Humans created [=CASTs=], Newmans, and Beasts centuries ago, but civil wars broke out along racial lines that lasted for five hundred years. These wars ended when [=CASTs=] usurped control of the human nations and brokered a peace treaty and alliance that left the human race on the bottom of the social ladder.
** On Parum, CAST Supremacy runs rampant, which is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin. CAST Supremacists view the other races, ''especially'' humans, as inferior beings. Social mores on Parum prevent humans from speaking with [=CASTs=] unless spoken to, and [=CASTs=] can have humans arrested very easily. CAST Supremacists despise the GUARDIANS and its culture of racial equality; they are also ''very'' anti-religious, and have more than a few harsh words for the faithful.
** Then there's the Human Fundamentalist groups, of which the Illuminus is the most prominent. While their ultimate goal is to restore systemwide human rights, they believe that the other races must be made subservient once again. The Illuminus in particular will do whatever it takes, [[spoiler: to the point of using a virus to commit genocide on the other races]].
** Newmans are more subtle in their racism. In ''Episode 1'', Ethan encounters a young Newman girl who has been taught by her parents to hold Newmans over Humans for multiple reasons ... and in ''Episode 3'', [[spoiler: Light Master Rutsu's views about the superiority of the Newman race come out in an encounter with Ethan Waber and the player's character. It takes a WhatTheHellHero speech by Karen before Rutsu gets off the high horse]].
* FeedTheMole: Nav does this in ''Phantasy Star Portable'' when he "leaks" information to [[spoiler: Vivienne.]]
* FieldPromotion: [[spoiler: After her adopted father President Dallgun's [[HeroicSacrifice Heroic Sacrifice]], Laia becomes the new President of the GUARDIANS at his dying wish.]]
* FinalBossNewDimension: The final form of [[spoiler:Dulk Fakis]] and [[spoiler:Dark Falz]] suddenly transport you into a place in space in the center of the Gurhal System. It's explicitly referred to as an alternate dimension in Episode 3.
* FissionMailed: The final chapter in Episode three, depending on the subplot, [[spoiler:Howzer seemingly kills the player character after trapping him.]]
* FiveRaces: As of ''Infinity'', we have an ensemble of them, unconnected from Tolkien as they are. Bonus points for being able to assign them to the FiveManBand:
** TheHero: Humans (natch)
** TheLancer: Dewmans
** TheBigGuy: Beasts
** TheSmartGuy: Casts
** TheChick: Newmans
* FreudianExcuse: Emilia's hatred of the GUARDIANS is understandable [[spoiler:when you find out that she was used as a tool by their scientists and was left to die.]]
** As is Kraz's drinking problem. [[spoiler: He lost his wife and child, turning him into the drunk that he is.]]
* FungusHumongous: Habirao District becomes a land full of these in ''Illuminus''.
* GenerationXerox: Played with somewhat as [[spoiler: a "defective"]] Magashi hints that his obsession with defeating Ethan is passed down from Howzer's jealousy towards Orson.
* GeniusDitz: Maya, who developed a vaccine to the SEED-Virus.
* GetAHoldOfYourselfMan:
** In Episode 3, Ethan verbally does this to Laia to convince her to take up the role as President of the GUARDIANS.
** Done twice in ''Portable 2''. First, Emilia does this to [[spoiler:Lumia in the VR simulation when she begins to take the mission too seriously.]] Later, [[spoiler: She would receive the same treatment from Kraz after she ran away believing that no one really cared about her.]]
* GirlishPigtails: Lumia [[spoiler:until Portable 2.]]
* GrandTheftMe: The objective of BigBad in Phantasy Star Portable 2 is [[spoiler:to do this on ''galactic'' scale in order to revive the ancient civilization and become its absolute ruler again]].
* HappilyEverAfter: The Ending of Phantasy Star Portable 2, which is more likely than not guaranteed to cheer everyone up after some of the downer endings of the previous games in the "Universe Sub-Series"!
* HeroesPreferSwords: As an NPC and in promotional art, Ethan's always depicted with some kind of sword--he'll often be shown using a [[SwordAndGun one-handed saber and pistol]] or a two-handed blade.
** All player characters, by default, start out with a basic saber and pistol. In the Story Mode for ''Illuminus,'' Human characters also get a basic two-handed sword.
* HeroicBSOD: At the start of ''Episode 3'', Laia has revealed to have gone into one after the events in ''Ambitions of Illuminus''.
* HeroicMime: The player's character in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' on and in ''Phantasy Star Portable''. [[LampshadeHanging Constantly lampshaded]] in the latter.
** In ''Episode 3'', your character still doesn't talk ''visibly,'' but you are given options for dialogue that characters will react to as if you had said something.
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler: President Dallgun]] in ''Ambition of the Illuminus''. Possibly [[spoiler: Vivienne]] in ''Phantasy Star Portable''.
* HeroWithBadPublicity: The GUARDIANS as of ''Episode 3''.
* [[HeyItsThatVoice Hey, It's That Voice!]]: While Karen is voiced in the Japanese version by RieTanaka, in the English version she's voiced by the [[Series/PowerRangersTimeForce Pink Ranger]].
** Magashi is voiced by ''NorioWakamoto'' in the Japanese version.
* HijackedByGanon: [[spoiler:Guess who's back from [[PhantasyStar the original series]] as the final boss of ''Portable 2''?]]
* HopelessBossFight: Against [[spoiler: Ethan and Liina, Nav in the last chapter of ''Episode 2''.]]
* HyperspaceArsenal: [[JustifiedTrope The story thoroughly justifies its usage here]]; Gurhal extensively uses storage technology called 'nanotransers', which attaches to the body and projects the stored weapons/armour/clothes/items as needed. [[spoiler:Also a very important ChekhovsGun.]]
** One humorous moment features the device that ''gives'' characters their hyperspace arsenal being stolen from the main character - leaving him in the middle of a city wearing only his underwear.
* IdiotHero: Ethan, in ''Episode 1''.
* ImprobableAge: Many canon and player-made GUARDIANS are rather young. People can join the GUARDIANS as young as fourteen, and the player can make a character that looks (and sounds) even younger than that. CASTs and small beasts can look young without actually being young, but it doesn't explain the humans or newmans.
** The young recruitment age could potentially be justified in that the younger members probably aren't supposed to be doing much until they've been around for a few years (and the age has historical precedent with apprenticeships and such), but of course plot circumstances lead to everyone being needed no matter what. It gets worse when these members are promoted and taken along crucial missions despite being young and inexperienced.
** Hyuga [[spoiler: becomes the head of GRM at the age of seventeen.]] This is justified in that [[spoiler:almost everyone else in the company was arrested, and he ended up inheriting control.]]
** Emilia from Phantasy Star Portable 2 is a deconstruction of this trope. She is [[spoiler:a genius prodigy at 16, but has been used by the GUARDIANS for that very reason for years. This led to her having crushingly low self-esteem as she was treated more as a component in a machine than as an actual person.]]
* InformedAbility: Some of the weapon descriptions are a little too ... boastful. The De Ragan Slayer's description claims that it can "strike down a De Ragan in a single blow" (which ''might'' be possible if the wielder sufficiently outleveled the De Ragan). The legend behind the Ely Sion, however, states that it has the power to cleave even ''planets'' in two. Better watch where you swing ...
** SortingAlgorithmOfWeaponEffectiveness: Many of the common B, A, and even S-rank weapons list themselves as "high-end" or "limited run" for "advanced users." When they were first available, this seemed true as they were rare and highly expensive--but as higher-end content was made available and these weapons turned into VendorTrash ...
* JerkAss: CAST Supremists fall under this. Most notably Curtz and AMF soldiers, who get better later on [[spoiler: after Ethan saves Curtz's life in ''Episode 1'']].
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Kraz treats Emilia like crap most of the time like (IE: throw a present she bought for him with her bonus gained in a previous chapter) but he cares about her such as [[spoiler: keeping the present he throws for her birthday.]]
* JokeItem: Frying pans, parasols, roses, toy hammers, guitars, magazines... [[LethalJokeItem some of which are lethal.]]
* JustifiedTutorial: Karen teaches Ethan how to form parties in ''Episode 1'', which is treated as an in-universe system for assembling Guardians for a mission.
* KlingonPromotion: [[spoiler: Howzer kills the leader of the Illuminus, Randolph Luntz, during the events of ''Episode 3'' and takes over the organization.]]
* KillSat: The Paradi Cataract [=SUV=] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin rains icy beams of divine punishment]] on a [=CAST's=] foes. The description for the [=SUV's=] armor unit mentions that this weapon is an ''out-of-date military satellite.''
** Then there's the JokeItem [[ParodyName Ascension Gift]], which ''also'' calls in a bombardment from an orbiting satellite ... fat rappies, mushrooms, toilets, and a [[FantasyZone Opa Opa]] that drops its [[ShoutOut signature anvils]] [[AnvilOnHead on the heads of enemies]].
* LethalChef: Maya Shidow. We first get a [[IncrediblyLamePun taste]] of this trope in ''Episode 1,'' where it's revealed that she has been heading a research project to develop rations with a shelf-life for a century. Then in Online Mode, we find out about the synthesis boards she created that tries (and fails) to make a home-made cake ...
* LovableRogue: Tylor, who makes it a point not to hurt or rob from the poor.
* MaleGaze: The player's first impression of Chelsea in ''Portable 2''.
* ManBehindTheMan: Howzer, especially after he [[spoiler: kills the leader of the Illuminus, Randolph Luntz]]. Also, [[spoiler:Kumhan behind Shizuru]] in Phantasy Star Portable 2.
* ManchurianAgent: [[spoiler:Vivienne]].
* {{Masquerade}}: [[spoiler: After Mirei's death, Karen decides to take up her mantle as the Divine Maiden. One ending in Episode 3 reveals that she admitted the truth about Mirei as she retires as the Divine Maiden.]]
* {{Meganekko}}: Maya
* MinovskyPhysics: Photons work ''very'' differently in the ''Universe'' games than in the real world. Information about how they work, and how [[AppliedPhlebotinum Photon and A-Photon based technology]] utilize them, is found scattered throughout dialogue in the games [[AllThereInTheManual and elsewhere]].
* TheMole: [[spoiler:Vivienne]] is revealed to be one in ''Phantasy Star Portable'', [[spoiler:though she didn't know at the time]]. [[spoiler:Ethan]] also becomes one in ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' [[spoiler:to track down his missing dad]].
* MsFanservice: Maya, who has the largest breast size in the game (larger than the maximum size for a player's character, in fact!). Her normal method of getting past men is to shamelessly flirt with them--it even worked on Fullyen Curtz, who was a staunch [[FantasticRacism CAST Supremacist]] at the time.
** Chelsea from Portable 2 also has a large rack, but she also has [[EverythingSoundsSexierInFrench a french accent in the english dub]] and a [[AbsoluteCleavage dress who shows lots of cleavage]].
* MyLittlePanzer: Gurhalian toy manufacturers have a thing for making [[http://psupedia.info/Al_Tip their toys]] [[http://psupedia.info/Real_Hand_Gun_G just a]] [[http://psupedia.info/Hand_Spear little]] [[http://psupedia.info/Papillon_Dance too]] [[http://psupedia.info/Watergun powerful]]. There's also weapons that [[http://psupedia.info/Ank_Bico deliberately]] [[http://psupedia.info/Sig_R resemble]] [[http://psupedia.info/Robopitch_Grenade/C toys]].
* NeverMyFault: Happens twice in ''Episode 3'':
** First [[spoiler:the refugees, most notably Pipi Vol,]] blame the GUARDIANS for [[spoiler:the [[ColonyDrop GUARDIANS Colony crash-landing on Parum.]]]]
** Then Tylor, [[spoiler:leader of the New Rogues]], blames the GUARDIANS for [[spoiler:the SEED-infected Beast massacre]] in ''Ambition of the Illuminus.''
* NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished: ''Portable's'' ''good'' ending. [[spoiler:"Hey thanks for saving the world, rookie! But since your partner was an (''unwilling'') patsy for Helga's scheme, we have to discharge her and declare her a traitor to the galaxy. And since you refused to abandon her, we have to do the same to you. Sorry!"]]
* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: [[spoiler: In an alternate ending to Ambition's End (Episode 3, Chapter 5), ''Lumia'' of all people unleashes a ''literal'' explosion of anger on Howzer.]]
* NotQuiteDead: [[spoiler:Magashi]], ''three'' times [[spoiler: and even more than ''that'' when you discover that there's a whole ''army'' of him]]!
** [[spoiler: Ethan and Lumia's father, Orson, is revealed to be alive]] in ''Episode 3''.
** The same could be said about [[spoiler: Helga, who was thought to be dead after ''Phantasy Star Portable'']], since [[spoiler: she shows up in ''Episode 3'']].
** [[spoiler:Howzer]] also applies to this as well, as [[spoiler:he appears in the final chapter.]]
* NuclearWeaponsTaboo: While the Illuminus' A-Photon bombs have the visual effect of nuclear weapons, they're actually a lot ''worse'' than nukes because of [[EldritchAbomination what A-Photon energies attract]] when used in great enough quantities ...
** On top of this, nuclear energy and weapons are mentioned in the UniverseBible as having been used prior to the development of photon-based technology, thus [[AvertedTrope avoiding]] the "don't mention nukes" aspect of the taboo.
* OlderThanTheyLook: Small Beasts, most notably Tonnio and Liina, that are full-grown tend to look like children. Emilia looks to be in her early teens, yet in the game she's 17.
* OldSaveBonus: Between ''Portable'' and ''Portable 2''; if you completed the story of ''Portable'' and imported your character to ''Portable 2'', you'll get an extra title: ''Former Guardian.'' Characters in the story will also recognize that you were once part of the GUARDIANS (but they won't mention what you did in ''Portable''--not even Vivienne).
%% Let's not get into Wild Mass Guessing claiming that an player character imported from PSP is not the character you play with. If you really want to debate that theory, do it on the WMG page.
* OnTheNext: In ''Universe,'' each chapter of its Story Mode behaves like an anime show would, with opening and ending sequences (complete with theme song!). Just like at the end of any anime show episde, a narrator (or the characters themselves) provides a teaser for the next Story Mode chapter set to snippets of future cutscenes.
** In ''Ambition of the Illuminus,'' as well as the online Story Missions for both games, this was changed from voiceovers to text, and the staff roll sequence was dropped (except for at the very end of each story arc). The opening sequence and theme song still plays at the opening of each chapter's Story Mission, however.
* OneWingedAngel: Magashi in ''Episodes 1'' and ''2'', and Helga in ''Phantasy Star Portable'' both transform into more powerful SEED-forms. [[spoiler: They both transform even further into Dulk Fakis, who ''also'' has a second form]].
* [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Our De Ragans Are Different]]
* OurWerewolvesAreDifferent: Beasts.
* TheOtherDarrin: Many of the voice actors from ''Portable 1'' do not return for ''Portable 2,'' with Lou being a prime example.
* ParentalAbandonment: Karen's mother was killed by Tengohgs [[spoiler: while rescuing her from her father, who [[MoralEventHorizon wanted to kill her to transfer her power to Mirei]]]].
** Ethan and Lumia also apply, as before the series begin, they've lost their mother and father[[spoiler:, who is revealed to be NotQuiteDead]].
* PlayingWithFire: Renvolt Magashi, who not only loves the [[FlamingSword Two-Headed Ragnus twin saber set]], but is ''capable of using fire-elemental [=TECHNICs=] while wielding them''. (Not only is it fire, it's [[IncrediblyLamePun rapid fire]] to boot!)
* PleaseWakeUp: Emilia does this [[spoiler: to the player character after he/she [[TakingTheBullet pushes her out of the way of a fatal attack and ends up taking it in her place.]]]]
* PlotlineDeath: [[spoiler:Mirei, Kou Taragi, and Warren Darren]]. Can also happen to [[spoiler: Orson Waber and Magashi]].
* {{Precursors}}: The Ancients. Interesting in that [[spoiler:they turn out to essentially be humans themselves, who ended up destroying themselves because [[HumansAreBastards humans just can't get along]]]].
* PrivateMilitaryContractors: The GUARDIANS Security Corporation, which was granted limited police powers by the Gurhal system's government. ''Portable 2'' introduces another company, Little Wing, which just so happens to be the subsidiary of Skyclad, a company best known in Gurhal for clothing and resorts.
* PunyEarthlings: Since HumansAreAverage, they are often overshadowed by the more specialized races.
* QuirkyMinibossSquad: The Vol Brothers.
* RealMenWearPink: Kraz wears a pink BadassLongcoat.
* RealTimeWeaponChange
* RedemptionDemotion: Somewhat averted as [[spoiler:Ethan only seems to have done a FaceHeelTurn]]. As a Rogue, [[spoiler:Ethan]] uses two S-Rank weapons (Crea Doubles and Blackheart), but when [[spoiler:he]] becomes a GUARDIAN again, he trades in his Blackheart for the A-Rank [=DB's=] Sword. He also downgrades his sword and wand.
** [[spoiler:Magashi]] is a straighter example as after [[spoiler:Emilia "upgrades" him. He trades in his Two-Headed Ragnus for regular ground-element GRM twin sabers.]]
* RobotGirl: Female [=CASTs=], who are called [=CASEALs=].
* [[spoiler: RogueProtagonist: Ethan becomes a literal example in ''Ambitions of the Illuminus.'']]
* SadisticChoice: Howzer invokes this twice. First, in ''[[AllThereInTheManual Shadow of the Arkguard]]'', when he [[spoiler:forces Ethan to kill Dallgun in exchange for his captive father.]] Then, [[spoiler: in Episode 3, he uses Karen as a hostage to force Ethan and the Player Character to merge with [[SendInTheClones SEED!Helga]].]]
* ScrewedByTheNetwork: The developers did practically everything to kill the original PS2/PC servers for Phantasy Star Universe, which eventually shut down in late 2010. Patches were released late (or never at all), game elements were withheld, and funding was cut repeatedly.
* ScunthorpeProblem: The swear filter in ''Phantasy Star Universe''--even more so in the XBox360 version--is a very good reason why swear filters should ''always'' be optional in games (or never implemented at all).
** [[http://www.pso-world.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113561&highlight=censor The PS2/PC versions weren't much better]]. Notably, 'fuck' and 'fuker' were censored, but not 'fucker'.
* SendInTheClones: Renvolt Magashi is actually [[spoiler:a Copy CAST of Howzer]] ... and [[spoiler:there's more than one of him]].
** [[spoiler: Helga]] is also revealed to be a clone [[spoiler: made from [=SEED=] cells.]] And, like Magashi, [[spoiler:there's more than one of her]].
* SheIsAllGrownUp: Lumia in [=PSP2=], [[http://phantasystar.sega.jp/psp2/world/character/lumia/ apparently]].
* ShootTheShaggyDog: Part two of Chapter 9 in ''Ambition of the Illuminus.''
* ShoutOut: So, so many! On top of [[{{Expy}} the Expies]], like ''Phantasy Star Online'', ''Phantasy Star Universe'' and ''Portable'' make a number of references to older ''Phantasy Star'' games as well as other Sega titles.
** A number of common weapons in ''Episode 1'' had references to common ''Phantasy Star Online'' weapons, as well as some rare weapons (such as the Yasminkov 0002, which is a ShoutOut to ''PSO's'' Yasminkov weapons).
** ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' and ''Phantasy Star Portable'' included a whole slew of ''PSO'' weapons. ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' included a flood of ''PSO'' rares, including certain Mags, armors, and even more weapons.
** Maya Shidow's deadly Homemade Cake is a reference to ''[[PhantasyStar PSII]]''--specifically, the cakes that Motavians offer in the Roron garbage dump.
** A notable rare Shout Out to ''[[PhantasyStar PSIII]]'': ''Ambition of the Illuminus'' brought us a new kind of line shield, the ''Rabol Orakio'', named for one of the characters in ''Generations of Doom.'' (In true Sega fashion, though, the name was transliterated to Rabol ''Orachio'' when it appeared stateside.)
** The Naura Cake Shop makes yet ''another'' appearance, based directly off of the ''PSO'' incarnation. In a ''virtual reality simulation of Ragol'', no less.
** The Opa Opa from FantasyZone sometimes appears to drop weights on the heads of enemies when [=CASTs=] use the Ancension Gift [=SUV=]. It also appears in ''Portable'' as a ranged combat support machine.
** ''Phantasy Star Portable 2'' has expanded the number of {{Shout Out}}s to include series not even related to Sega; {{Vocaloid}}, [[NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]], and FateStayNight items are obtainable in the game--and that ''includes'' Saber's {{Excalibur}} and Rei's Longinus, as well as all three Children's Plugsuits.
** ''Infinity'' managed to throw in some {{Vocaloid}} fashions and even a few item for GurrenLagann.
* SpaceElves: Newmans are often disparagingly referred to as such by the player base due to the {{Flanderization}} they've suffered as a race ever since the original tetralogy. They most closely fit the Type II (Enlightened Mystic Race) flavor, although they're really more [[{{Wutai}} Space Japanese]] than anything.
* SpaceStation: Gurhal is implied to have many of these, but the only ones visitable are the GUARDIANS Colony ([[CaptainObvious of course]]) and the [=HIVEs=] ([[WombLevel space stations consumed by the SEED]]). ''Portable 2'' introduces Clad-6, home of Little Wing, as the ''only'' lobby and explorable location outside of missions.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Ethan's father: Orson or Olson? Take your pick.
* SpotlightStealingSquad: Laia in ''Ambition of the Illuminus''. Though she's actually a well-rounded character, the fact remains that the Story Mode of ''Ambition'' is all about her. Your character is nothing more than a background extra.
** Subverted in Episode 3. While a good amount of focus is placed on Lumia becoming a full-fledged Guardian, your character is no longer just a background extra. The player character can now make decisions that can impact the story and which ending you receive, leading up to [[spoiler:becoming the new commander of the GUARDIANS Mobile Defense Force. ...Too bad it's implied that you stepped down and gave the position to Orson.]]
* TheStoic: Lou. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] as she was programed not to show emotion for the sake of her missions.
* StrangeBedfellows: At the final part of "The Magashi Plan" side-story mission, the player character, Lou and [[spoiler: a "defective" Magashi]] must fight off a wave of SEED unleashed by [[spoiler: Helga]].
* {{Stripperiffic}}: [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] by the usage of Line Shields for personal armor (see TronLines below). Indeed, it seems very much as if the cultural reaction to having armor that is functional with any piece of clothing was for acceptable fashion to grow ever skimpier ...
** ShirtlessScene: Feel like going commando as far as possible? Grab yourself a swimsuit or a speedo! Some of the other clothes also qualify, such as the Vigor Coat (which isn't much of one).
* SwordAndGun: Can be done with any one-handed weapon in the game.
* TeenGenius: [[spoiler:Emilia! Mostly dormant at first due to [[TraumaInducedAmnesia repressed memories.]]]]
* TheBadGuyWins: [[spoiler: The ending to ''Episode 2''.]] It gets better, though.
* ThisLoserIsYou: Emilia [[spoiler: at first.]]
* TokenMiniMoe: Lumia.
* TomatoInTheMirror: [[spoiler: Vivienne, who finds out she is a Copy-CAST based on Helga to be used as an [[TheMole Illuminus Spy]].]]
* TookALevelInBadass: Lumia in ''Portable 2.'' [[spoiler:In Chapter 6, she pulls a BigDamnHeroes moment when she saves the party from a large group of native creatures with a Fire TECHNIC. Even Emilia mentions this during her aforementioned GetAHoldOfYourselfMan.]] She's no longer the load she was in ''Episode 3.''
* TronLines: Line Shields project their protective fields as glowing lines on a characters' clothing, and the designs in which they are woven are a major aspect of fashion in the setting.
* TheVirus: The SEED-Virus.
* TheUnfavorite: [[spoiler:Karen. Oh dear god, Karen. So much that her father goes as far as to kill her to prolong her sister's life.]]
* TooSlow: In your battle with Howzer, he occasionally shouts, [[SonicTheHedgehog "You're too slow!"]]
* TwoPartTrilogy: Episode 1 is mostly self-contained, but Episode 2 introduces lots of new things that are left unresolved until Episode 3.
* UrbanLegendOfZelda: There has been rumors of a black beast Nanoblast form that wields twin axes existing in the game ... Then a black beast nanoblast form actually ''appeared'' in ''Phantasy Star Portable 2.'' While it doesn't have two axes, it does have a large blade on each arm.
* [[VictoriousChildhoodFriend Victorious Childhood Friend]]: At the end of episode 3, [[spoiler: Tonnio is this to Liina. They get married between episode 3 and ''Portable 2''.]]
* VirtualPaperDoll: ''Universe'' did not do well at this at first. In the original game, the options available for character customisation were limited at best and the (offline) prices for new clothes- even for something as simple as a T-shirt!- were [[MoneySink extortionate]]. Fortunately, the series got a ''lot'' better as time went by, with each new game offering a wealth of new appearance options and clothes.
* VitriolicBestBuds: Ethan and Hyuga. Hyuga has even stated that they were more rivals than friends.
* VocalEvolution: With some voices in ''Phantasy Star Portable'', when compared to those in the original PSU, you'd swear that they have new voice actors.
* [[WellDoneSonGuy Well Done Daughter Guy]]: Kraz is this to Emilia.
* {{Wetware CPU}}: [[spoiler:Emilia]] was turned into one by the GUARDIANS. [[spoiler:This led to a great deal of angst when she was treated more as a component in a machine than as an actual person]].
* WhatIsThisThingYouCallLove: Of a sort: at the end of ''Infinity'', Yut is [[spoiler:booted from his village until he returns with a wife.]] The only problem is that [[ChasteHero he has no idea what a wife is.]]
* WhatMeasureIsANonHuman: [=Copy-CASTs=] apparently do not share the same rights as regular [=CASTs=] (Or any other race for that matter) as they're just machines [[spoiler: as Vivienne finds out from Lou.]]
* WhatTheHellHero: In ''Episode 3'', Laia calls out Tylor on his decision to seal and abandon his allies in a SEED-infected mine.
** Earlier in Episode 3, Pipi Vol berates the GUARDIANS about their ineffectiveness and willingness to abandon their friends. Although she does accuse the GUARDIANS of something they didn't do ([[spoiler:[[ColonyDrop dropping G Colony on Parum]]]]), the rest of her accusations ring true given events that took place in Episodes 1 and 1.5 (''Portable'').
* WhiteHairedPrettyBoy: Hyuga and Shizuru. [[spoiler:The latter acts as a traditional evil case at first but it is due to DemonicPossession. He turns out to be a nice person once freed from [[BigBad Kumhan]]'s control.]]
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Karen is afraid of Tengohgs, [[spoiler: who are the cause of her mother's death]].
* {{Wutai}}: The ''entire planet'' of Neudaiz. Every aspect of the lives of Newmans--cities, culture, clothing, language, weapons--is like an idealized aspect of Japan.
* WombLevel: The HIVEs.
* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: Vivienne and Helga.
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