# Phantasy Star Classics — user reviews > 51 indexed App Store user reviews of Phantasy Star Classics by Sega America, rated 3.80/5 from 922 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phantasy-star-classics/id382953129/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phantasy-star-classics/id382953129.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 495 · 4★ 151 · 3★ 64 · 2★ 35 · 1★ 177 ## What do users think of Phantasy Star Classics? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🎮 Nostalgic classic games - 🕹️ Smooth gameplay and controls - 💰 Good value for free/paid versions - 🎨 Customizable pixel art display **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes and save issues - 📢 Intrusive and unskippable ads - 🔒 Unreliable cloud/online save system - 🕹️ Outdated and clunky UI/controls **Commonly reported bugs** - Neisword usage crashes the game - Saved progress frequently lost - Audio glitches and slowdowns - Start button not working in some cases **Most requested features** - Offline save functionality - Improved audio quality - Controller support - Remakes of earlier Phantasy Star games ## Newest reviews (13 of 51) ### 3/5 — Problems logging in *2022-10-27, version 4.1.3* The games are good I use to own them on sega Genesis now I have a problem with the games not linking to the server I need this fixed asap I am trying to beat the games like I did when I had the genesis this is getting ridiculous because I payed for the games I expect to load my saved data and I can’t now please fix this problem ### 3/5 — Still Works Kindof *2021-08-25, version 4.1.3* Since SEGA is phasing out Sega Forever, last I tried logging in, the save feature would not log in. If you haven’t finished these games before they fall out of support entirely, buy the game, and use the game’s in-game save feature locally. It still works glitch-free. As an emulation, it is nearly flawless on modern phones. I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max. SNES cornered the market on JRPGs in the 90s, but SEGA was always out to prove they are the little company that could compete. I won’t play the SNES Final Fantasy games because of the almost non existent battle animation. These are beautiful games (unfortunately except for PS3), that make me happy to take a journey into 4th generation gaming. I recommend starting with the 4th game, as it is straightforward, accessible, and the best designed. If you had fun, try Phantasy Star 2, where the story for 4 starts. It is less refined, and has ridiculously complex mazes you will need a map for, but it was very ambitious for its time and has a cool sci fi look. The 3rd entry was made by a side developer and has little to do with the main story. Check it out as a curiosity with generational characters, but it can be skipped without missing much. The story is relatable with modern tech at first, but also goes into how overdependance on tech can weaken a people. ### 2/5 — Great to have the old games, but one bug creates an issue *2020-08-22, version 4.1.0* Update: still no fix for cloud save or quick save, so I am reducing my rating to two stars. It is limiting my ability to play the game. See below for original review: I’ve been playing Phantasy Star II, and I paid to remove ads. The game works well and is like I remembered it though the graphics are a bit blocky on a higher resolution screen. Music is what I remembered also. Wouldn’t it be great if Sega did remakes like Square/Enix does with their old games? However, there are two big things that keep this from being a five star game: 1. The quick save feature not only doesn’t work, but it crashes the game when used with PS2 on both iPhone 8 and iPad. So, you think you are saving the game, but you crash instead. Saving the game like you would on the old console at a data memory center works just fine. However, I want the quick save to work like it is supposed to. I hope they update and fix this. 2. The original Phantasy Star is not in this collection and is nowhere to be found on ios as far as I can tell. I know it’s an old 8 but Master System game, but I want to play it. ### 3/5 — Can crash if you have to tab in and out and save is faulty in game and out *2020-05-19, version 4.1.0* Game has crashed a time or two and the ashamed the save thing isn’t sorted out still, made playing on Xbox great, but I’ve lost hours of game play due to this makes it frustrating especially after putting money into this. Elsewise it’s awesome just wish theyd get that sorted out ### 3/5 — Saving crashes the app :( *2020-05-05, version 4.1.0* I LOVED Phantasy Star II on Genesis, and am so excited to be able to play it again, but every single time I save the state, the app crashes. So the process is to save the game in the game, save the game through the interface, watch an ad, app crashes, load the app, choose to restore the game, watch another ad, load my save in the game, then I can continue playing. It’s very annoying, but I’m afraid that if I don’t do all that, I’ll lose my progress. Please, please, please fix the save game crash. I would gladly pay the $5 for the full ad-free experience, but I can’t bring myself to pay for something that is just going to crash on me all the time, and I would very much like to play through all three games. ### 3/5 — Save-stating crashes the game (no in-app purchases) *2020-04-01, version 4.1.0* It's great to play Phantasy Star IV again. I know how the story is and how the game is supposed to be played out. However, every time I try to save state, the game crashes. And this is frustrating considering I reached Reipard LaShiec on my second try at the Air Castle. You got that right. SECOND try. The first time around, I didn't get to the three Xe-A-Thouls who stole the Eclipse Torch, and I wanted to save state the game. But it crashed. Now I started all over again, and the second time I was lucky enough to make it to LaShiec. But he overtook me and now I have to go through the Air Castle all over again just because I was ambitious enough to do it all in one go. TL;DR: Emulation needs to have a working save state feature to save the tedious trial and error players go through just because they can't console save the game in a dungeon. If you can find a way to fix this issue, then I'll be very grateful. ### 4/5 — Nostalgia *2020-02-11, version 4.1.0* Game plays great. Seems to have added emulator functions like save anywhere, however if it disconnects from the server and you try to save it will freeze and you'll lose all progress from your last save. Would also like controller support but the screen controls aren't bad. ### 4/5 — Where Is PS 1? *2020-01-21, version 4.1.0* I have played all of the Phantasy Star games,and I LOVE them! Phantasy star was the game that got me into video games in first place. These are great, but please tell me, where can I get the first one? It was the first video game I ever beat, and I would LOVE to play it again. I know it was a game for the Master system, but it had incredible graphics, at least by 80’s standards. if you aren’t releasing it,can you please tell me if someone is? ### 2/5 — Can’t save due to unmovable ads *2019-09-29, version 4.0.3* I absolutely love the Phantasy Star game for starters. Having theses games on my phone is like retro nostalgia for me, a total trip down memory lane. I use the free version and don’t really mind watching the annoying ads because I understand that the developer needs to make a buck. No problem there. What I do have a problem with is the ads that wont let you save your game! Now most ads go through their 15-30 second play time and let you press X to exit, with the game finishing the save process afterwards. But there are some ads ( LIKE THAT INFURIATING “TIK TOK” AD!) that absolutely will not let you exit the ad screen!!! That is REALLY frustrating when you’ve been grinding levels for an hour and suddenly you can’t reach the save screen! Lesson for Developers: If the ad doesn’t give you a way to exit it, you need to get rid of it. ### 4/5 — Neisword problem *2019-07-28, version 4.0.3* I’ve been playing this game for a year and I have to say that I love this game. The only problem is that when I get to the last stage, whenever I use the neisword, the game freezes and I can’t do anything except for exiting out of it. It’s nothing serious I just want this glitch to end. If you could please fix this glitch I would be really appreciate it. ### 3/5 — Almost Great *2019-07-01, version 4.0.3* Phantasy Star 4 was my favorite game growing up. This is everything you would want from the game except it’s glitchy. The glitch occurs with the save/sign in function. To load saved progress, I have to login 2-3 times. Sometimes when saving, it gives the spinning wheel and never saves. This can cause loss of all progress since last save. If this glitch was fixed, it’s an easy 5 stars. ### 4/5 — Good game but why can’t I play music *2019-06-18, version 4.0.3* I really enjoy the game but to be honest the sounds and music are super repetitive. If I try to use any other audio program in the background (Pandora, iTunes, Audible) it cuts out once I move back into the game. I’d like to be able to blast monsters and listen to an audiobook simultaneously on the same device. ### 3/5 — Love game but... *2019-03-31, version 4.0.1* Glad they added 3 & 4 but it’s been nearly impossible to play either game until I pay for the ads to be removed. Trying to play ps3 now and for 20 minutes I’ve been trying to get the “start” button to work just to log in and play. Had this same issue on ps4 before I finally paid to have ads removed and then the start button would work 75% of the time when I’d load up the app. Guess I wait a for more years for a fix. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Phantasy Star Classics *2022-06-21, version 4.1.3* I downloaded the game and paid five dollars to have ads removed. I should’ve tried to save my progress before paying for the ads. I’m not able to save progress. Even going into the game Center to try and save does not work. I sent a support ticket and they got back with me and said, “we are aware of the problem and are working to fix it. Please keep an eye out for updates to this problem“. Then they also told me, “we will consider this matter rectified. We will reach out back to you if we have any other questions“. What does that even mean.? And now reading previous reviews this is a major problem with this game. This is a problem that goes back for 4 even 5 years. I cannot recommendDownloading this game. It’s been a wasted time and a waste of money. ### 1/5 — Pay to remove ads and still get ads for other SEGA games! *2022-03-29, version 4.1.3* Huge Phantasy Star and SEGA Genesis fan, games seem fine but what is NOT fine is the ad system. The games are free but you are forced to watch ads to save your game. Even if you pay to remove these ads (like me) you still are prompted with an advertisement for SEGA’s other App Store games. Disgusting behavior in my opinion. I’d like to just enjoy my game. Honestly, you’re probably better off emulating and saving the money or time wasted on the ad-dilemma, but I’m lazy and having the three games in this app with the option to save anywhere is convenient. ### 1/5 — Can’t Save Game *2021-12-02, version 4.1.3* Unless you plan on playing this game from start to finish when you open it, don’t waste your time. I actually paid for the ad free, which makes it is even worse that I cannot save the game. They have a support button that allows you to put in a support ticket, however I have never received a response. The game works but you can not save your game, which means it starts from the beginning each time. I don’t recommend wasting your time or your money on this. It’s too bad because this used to be a favorite game of mine! ### 1/5 — Old Favorites *2020-02-19, version 4.1.0* I loved these games back in the day and was glad to scratch on old nostalgia bug when I found these. The games are great as ever. I gave one star though as the cloud save is completely buggy and frequently fails. It requires constant connection to sign into the game center every time. While commuting it, frequently breaks connection and crashes causing all progress to be lost. So, I actually have to use the actual in game save feature. This is unacceptable for a mobile port. The cloud of save feature is simply lazy. The dragon quest ports have built in auto save to your phone. No messy cloud save needed. I’m glad to have these games but regret the port functionality. ### 1/5 — Love the game hate the save *2020-01-19, version 4.1.0* Ok so I played these games at least 3 and 4 extensively on sega genesis and had high hopes for it on mobile. But after constant issues with saves I can’t recommend playing this on mobile. You have to be signed into the game center to save which it regularly signs you out of and it doesn’t even save on your device. So this game being a not small in terms of play through rpg losing progress due to something like a save issue is an instant deal breaker for me. ### 1/5 — Can’t start the game *2019-08-11, version 4.0.3* I played this back when it was only PS2, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out they had added 3 & 4. As soon as the app loads and I picked the game I wanted to play, it took me to a page that was lagging like crazy, I would have to tap a button multiple times before it registered. Finally I managed to get the game going only to find that the “Start” button doesn’t do anything. It lights up to signify that it’s being pushed, but nothing happens. Seeing as how you need to press start to begin the game, I can’t find any way of actually starting the game. Huge disappointment and I’m very glad I decided to see how it played before dropping money to remove ads. ### 1/5 — Update lost my saves- dev blames me *2019-06-05, version 4.0.3* So I don’t usually write reviews but this was terrible customer service and no resolution. The update that made this the three-headed ad monster was very buggy and my saves from PSII were lost. Now these were ones tied to my gamecenter account and should be backed up in the cloud but the dev team just decided it was my device and not their buggy mess of an update. I waited over two months and finally got the oops sorry it wasn’t u it was you response. Sorry guys, no more from me. You ruined this game and as much as I love PSII I’m not starting over again especially in light of the contact. Buyer beware the games are good but the ads are too much and it’s not worth he headache ### 1/5 — Feels very dated *2019-03-10, version 4.0.1* Watched an ad to start the game, then watched the opening video, went to save, and had to watch an ad. It froze, so I closed out and opened it back up. Then I was asked for a review before I even started playing again so here is my 1 star review so far. Edit: Man does this game feel dated (and I was playing phantasy Star 4). I get they’re trying to keep true to the original, but it does not hold up well. I imagine it might be fun if you have nostalgia for the game, but I never played it before. The movement controls are awful. Definitely could use a UI revamp also to bring it into the modern age like Final Fantasy has done with their old games ### 1/5 — Ruined by the save system *2019-02-25, version 4.0.1* The controls are great, the ability to choose how you view the pixel art is great, the music seems to lag a bit occasionally but I can forgive that. But the save system. You can only save if you’re online and “signed in.” I paid the $5 to remove ads. I’d pay more to save on my phone. I can only assume you’re collecting data of some kind, because the lag and frequent crashes caused by trying to save is absolutely maddening and I see no reason to ruin a game this way unless you’re profiting some other way. If I’m right? Shame on you. If I’m wrong, then what in the world are you doing? ### 1/5 — Freezes before you can save *2018-12-16, version 3.2.2* Love the game. Before you go to save, you have to watch an ad, but the game freezes more often than not when loading the ad. It’s too hard and long of game to play without saving. You can spend money to remove ads, but at the moment I definitely wouldn’t recommend it because who knows what other glitches you might experience during gameplay. Why don’t they play the ads after you save, so no data is lost? ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — My Frist JRPG. *2023-05-16* I remember that I played PS2 on my friend's Mega Drive. His father did a lot of international travel and bought it for him. Sure, it was in Japanese, but I didn't care. I never saw anything like it before; I fell in love with it. A few years later, I brought a Genisis from my friend, and wouldn't you know, he threw in PS2. I played it non-stop for years to level everyone up. When I saw this was available for iPhone and Ipad, I had to get it. It is precisely how I remember it being I'm falling in love with PS2 all over again. Thank you to the developers. Please work on the Segs Ages remake of PS1 and 2. ### 5/5 — Only one thing missing *2022-11-05, version 4.1.3* I love being able to play these games again. The only thing missing is the first game, having that added would make this truly great. The game play is just as a remember and it just as much fun as the first time I played these games. ### 5/5 — Throwback *2021-10-13, version 4.1.3* Thanks, I bought this for my kids a million years ago. I always thought it looked like fun and it’s not just point and click, but one must reason to advance. I am playing 2 right now and can not believe I received other games also. A real classic and now it’s my turn. Thanks Sega! ### 5/5 — Amazing games *2021-01-30, version 4.1.3* I played these games as a kid and I loved them, this app has done an amazing job porting these games to a mobile device, everything works and plays great. I get a great sense of nostalgia and joy when playing this game. For anyone who likes old school rpgs or anyone looking for a good adventure to get into I highly recommend this app, well worth the price. Great job developers! ### 5/5 — Patched and perfect *2020-12-08, version 4.1.0* There was a horrible glitch after when I tried to save it would kick me out before I get the chance to enjoy the game when I tried to save but now I get to save whenever I want and truly enjoy the game and all it’s worth!!! Worth the money to remove ads it’s over all sega games not just this one it’s worth it trust me ### 5/5 — Lost Progress *2020-06-16, version 4.1.0* Paid for the game but loading still insists on being online. Makes for a very frustrating experience. For example, if you are playing offline and catch signal, you’re no longer able to save during that session and the game restarts. Sega, after you get my money, please leave me alone and let me play the game; stop worrying about my online status. ### 5/5 — Read this for SAVE option fix! *2020-05-14, version 4.1.0* This has been the best download for me during quarantine and great to relive the best of all RPG games... I completed IV and III and currently working on II. For anyone with issues on saving for PSII the trick is to save the game in the data center in the actual video game, and NOT use the top right hand save button that the app gives you... I was using the top right button at first which makes you wait the 30 seconds every time you do so and midway through the game it would freeze and stop working and reboot. I was devastated thinking I couldn’t continue this complex game without save but I tested and went to a data center in the actual game located in the town (the logo outside the building looks almost like a division sign with dot and lines)... save in the slot there and then once you exit and restart the game you can access it that way by clicking start when PSII comes up. IT WORKS and is better and faster than the app button which is faulty anyway. And when you are further into PSII and have Shir the thief steal the visaphone from the headquarters in Paseo once she is at level 10, this device lets you save ANYWHERE and at any point in the game and yes, it works!! You can thank me later!! Enjoy your playing! This app has brought back so many great memories of the late 80s and early 90s for me. Totally worth it for free but I would’ve paid. ### 5/5 — Great ports! *2019-05-07, version 4.0.1* Phantasy Star III starts now, so...great! And the folks complaining about adds? How else are game devs gonna make money to keep making games? To expect to play a FULL game for COMPLETELY FREE is kinda unrealistic, $1.99 for add free premium is really cheap, console games are $10-$60 a piece, and back in the day could be up to $80! So what’s with all the 1 Star reviews? I mean...really? Anyway, great ports SEGA, all Phantasy Star games included run great! Now...where’s Phantasy Star 1? Will we get that one added too? 😁 ### 5/5 — Awesome *2019-03-10, version 4.0.1* I’ve played this game so many times. Initially on Sega Mastersystem, next on my PC and now on my IPhone. This is such a fun game. I immediately paid the $2 to get rid of the ads and it’s been great fun since. To everyone nagging about ads, this game was $50-60 when it came out. Now it’s free with ads or you pay $2, so zip it! Anyways, can’t wait to see which wife I will take and which generation I will get to play with. Thanks for the awesome port Sega. ### 5/5 — Better, don't trust old reviews *2019-02-21, version 4.0.1* I previously rated one star due to how bad the port was, but SEGA still persevered and kept updating the game, now it's way better, also with PSIII and PSIV. There are still some performance issues, like some slight slowdowns here and there, but it's miles better from what it was at launch. At this point I recommend playing this port, the Phantasy Star games are really good. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*