The PSO books! All four of 'em...with three yet to come. Whereas we money-conscious Americans get one lone strategy guide, those crazy Japanese spenders get seven highly collectible variations.

   The first one at the top left was released with the actual game in Japan on December 21, 2000. Published by Softbank for ¥1,200, it only covers basic game operation. At least, that's what I think it says, which I guess makes it a fancy manual. The book code is ISBN4-7973-1516-4.

   The second one is the real, card-carrying strategy guide. It includes maps and a detailed weapon & item encyclopedia. Published by Softbank for ¥1,800. The book code is ISBN4-7973-1564-4.

   The third one down is Kodansha Publishing's version of Softbank's fancy manual. It includes alot of tips for playing online, such as etiquette. It goes for ¥1,200 and the book code is ISBN4-06-339378-X.

   The last one is published by Digicube for ¥1,500. The book code is ISBN4-925075-91-8.

   The three books yet to be released all come from Kadokawa Publishing. The first, set to be released on March 24 for ¥1,900, is a combination art book and development history, including illustrations of the nine character types that didn't make it into the final version. NOW we're cooking with gas! In five years, this book will be the official badge of the true PSO enthusiast. The book code is ISBN4-04-707062-9: good luck getting a hold of it (and if you happen to find it anywhere, I know of a special little Gibbon who'd sell his reproductive organs for a copy...).

   The second upcoming book is actually a novel based on the PSO world (!!!) to be released in volumes. The first volume is to be released April 1 with the second following June 1.

   It's been out for a couple of weeks, but since I never really mentioned it before, let me highlight our own American PSO guide: the Phantasy Star Online Official Perfect Guide, published by Versus Books for $14.99. Written by Casey Loe (author of Versus Books' outstanding Final Fantasy VII and Shenmue strategy guides), this fine publication covers all the stuff you'd expect (weapon & item encyclopedias, area maps, strategies, a walkthrough, etc.) plus a short albeit very detailed Phantasy Star history guide. If you can't get your hands on the Japanese stuff (and I know most of us can't), there's no excuse not to run out and buy this book right now. Oh yeah, it comes with a free poster too.

   -- Green Gibbon!

Compiled and arranged by Jared "Green Gibbon!" Matte. Hosting provided by Emulation Zone and Emulation World.