I am a fan of Phantasy Star Online. I played PSO V.1 and V.2 on Dreamcast when I was growing up. I had a great experience. I wasn't really interested in the lore of the game but since PSO2 made it's way to the west; I've been fascinated.

The game is 8 years old and it's still aged pretty well. The combat is fluid and crisp and their are a lot different classes and styles of play. The game is really good for anyone who wants a nice mmo to goof around in or to become hardcore and min-max all your classes to do the upmost damage at endgame.
The game is in no way shape or form Pay to Win. The premium currency only enhances your experience. The only thing locked behind a paywall are cosmetics; which you are able to buy with in-game currency if you save enough money. (They can get pretty expensive).
No matter if you only have 30 minutes to spare or hours. The game feels like you are progressing at every turn whenever you do something. If you have problems getting good gear, units or how to build your classes; look up a guide for it. They really help you focus on what type of character and class you want. PSO2 is a highly social MMORPG. Recommend meeting new people in-world, joining an alliance or have a group of your own friends grind together and improve. There's always something to do in PSO2 even if you aren't just slaying monsters and bosses. They just added in Chapter 4, PVP. Where you can battle it out against your friends or randoms for great rewards that'll help. If you have friends that play the game before you, ask them what Ship they are on.. Characters are not available on all ships. Just the one you chose so let your friends know before they jump in to make their character(s) on the ship they reside in.

Lastly, I'd like to say that PSO2 offers far more than a lot of MMORPGs do. People mistake it's age for a bad game. But there is so much content that we are getting it's hard to keep up. Don't compare yourself to other players who have better gear and weapons and things.. It's your story and journey. Find a group of friends or alliance just starting out.. so you all can progress and learn the game together, look up guides and achieve. Take breaks and pace yourself!

If you still aren't sold on PSO2, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be the next installment of PSO2 coming in 2021. This will be a fresh take on PSO2 with a brand new engine. If you want more information go check out the PSO2 website. PSO2 will also have the graphical overhall that PSO2:NG will have. I recommend though playing PSO2 because when PSO2:NG arrives you will be able to transfer your character over to the new game. (more information on that on that website).

This game and franchise hold a lot of memories for me. Now the game is realized globally through Steam. I recommend you give this game a try. There's nothing to lose and everything to game because the game is absolutely FREE TO PLAY! 10/10