Head-to-head · Dreamcast Games
Phantasy Star Online vs Ikaruga
Phantasy Star Online leads on 0 checks, Ikaruga on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePhantasy Star Online · 9.4/10
Phantasy Star Online scores higher on our rubric for dreamcast games: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
Ikaruga leads on release year: 2002 versus 2000.
Phantasy Star Online is the better fit for players seeking online co-op and character progression. Ikaruga is the better fit for shoot-'em-up players who value distinctive mechanics.
- Phantasy Star Online fits best
Players seeking online co-op and character progression
- Ikaruga fits best
Shoot-'em-up players who value distinctive mechanics
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Phantasy Star Online 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Ikaruga 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Dreamcast Games | #6 in Dreamcast Games |
| Best for | Players seeking online co-op and character progression | Shoot-'em-up players who value distinctive mechanics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Specs | ||
| Genre | Not published | Not published |
| Players | Not published | Not published |
| Release year | 2000 | 2002 (best) |
| Disc count | Not published | Not published |
| Release regions | Europe, USA, Japan, Brazil | Japan |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Phantasy Star Online is a role-playing game for the Sega Dreamcast, built around creating a character, exploring Ragol, taking quests, and fighting enemies. Its mix of offline solo play and online team sessions suits players who want a… Read the review → |
Ikaruga is a vertical shoot ’em up from Treasure, with a Dreamcast release published in Japan by ESP. It suits players who want a shooter organized around a clear tactical rule: switch the ship between black and white polarity to absorb… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Phantasy Star Online — where it wins
- Supports online team play for up to four players
- Offers character creation, customization, and multiple character types
- Combines Hunter’s Guild quests with multilingual text chat options
Where it doesn't
- Online team play depends on network access
- The Dreamcast game is limited to offline solo or online multiplayer
- Paid product with no free plan
Ikaruga — where it wins
- Switch polarity to absorb matching bullets and power homing lasers
- Chaining three enemies of the same polarity earns a bonus
- Local two-player, Double Play, and Arcade and Prototype modes
Where it doesn't
- The Dreamcast release information lists no online multiplayer
- Five levels make for a focused rather than broad stage selection
- Double Play asks one player to control both ships
- Phantasy Star Online9.4/10 · Paid
A Dreamcast RPG pairing solo quests with online teams of up to four.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Ikaruga8.9/10 · Paid
A focused arcade shooter where polarity switching shapes defense, attacks, and scoring.
Explore IkarugaFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Phantasy Star Online vs Sonic Adventure
- Phantasy Star Online vs Soulcalibur
- Phantasy Star Online vs Shenmue
- Phantasy Star Online vs Fur Fighters
- Phantasy Star Online vs Ready 2 Rumble Boxing
- Phantasy Star Online vs Worms World Party
- Sonic Adventure vs Ikaruga
- Soulcalibur vs Ikaruga
All dreamcast games comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update