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Head-to-head · Dreamcast Games

Phantasy Star Online vs Soulcalibur

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Phantasy Star Online #1 in Dreamcast Games 9.4/10 Paid Visit site
Soulcalibur #3 in Dreamcast Games 9.2/10 Paid Visit Bandai Namco

Phantasy Star Online leads on 1 check, Soulcalibur on 0, 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 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Phantasy Star Online leads on release year: 2000 versus 1999.

Phantasy Star Online is the better fit for players seeking online co-op and character progression. Soulcalibur is the better fit for players seeking deep weapon-based fighting.

  • Phantasy Star Online fits best

    Players seeking online co-op and character progression

  • Soulcalibur fits best

    Players seeking deep weapon-based fighting

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Side by side

Feature Phantasy Star Online 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Soulcalibur 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Dreamcast Games #3 in Dreamcast Games
Best for Players seeking online co-op and character progression Players seeking deep weapon-based fighting
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Specs
Genre Not published Fighting
Players Not published Local multiplayer
Release year 2000 (best) 1999
Disc count Not published Not published
Release regions Europe, USA, Japan, Brazil Japan
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Weapon-based 3D combat gives fights a distinct focus.
  • Modes span two-player VS, team play, survival and timed challenges.
  • Practice mode teaches moves; Museum displays artwork and character profiles.
Cons
  • Online team play depends on network access
  • The Dreamcast game is limited to offline solo or online multiplayer
  • Paid product with no free plan
  • Paid release, with a Japanese announced price of ¥5,800 before tax.
  • VS Battle is the mode specifically described for two-player matches.
  • The Visual Memory download service noted by the vendor has ended.
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 →

Soulcalibur brings 3D weapon-based fighting to the Sega Dreamcast. Its range of play modes suits players who want more than head-to-head matches: there is a two-player VS Battle mode, alongside solo challenges and practice. The game is a…

Read the review →
  1. Phantasy Star OnlineDreamcast Games 9.4Paid
  2. SoulcaliburDreamcast Games 9.2Paid

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

  • Soulcalibur — where it wins

    • Weapon-based 3D combat gives fights a distinct focus.
    • Modes span two-player VS, team play, survival and timed challenges.
    • Practice mode teaches moves; Museum displays artwork and character profiles.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid release, with a Japanese announced price of ¥5,800 before tax.
    • VS Battle is the mode specifically described for two-player matches.
    • The Visual Memory download service noted by the vendor has ended.

More comparisons

All dreamcast games comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update