Gameplay Changes
Phantasy Star Portable (PSP) features quite a few notable changes that makes it more than merely a port of Phantasy Star Universe (PSU): some of the changes makes PSP more like Phantasy Star Online (PSO).
The changes are as follows:
Item Synthesis Removed
The item synthesis gameplay system has been completely removed. This means enemies no longer drop items used for item synthesis but drop weapons, armor and Photon Arts abilities much like Phantasy Star Online.
Player Shops Removed
The ability for players to open their shops has been removed. This was a feature from PSU that existed to stimulate and maintain an economy within its online world.
Drop Rates and Charts Altered
Due to the nature of PSP being a portable game, items drop from enemies much more often than in PSU. Furthermore, the items enemies drop are determined by the party leader's Guardian Type (character class) as opposed using universal drop charts like in PSU. (This is similar to PSO's drop charts being different depending on the party leader's Section ID).
My Room Altered
The the player rooms are no longer spaces a player can move about in. It is now a menu where a player has various new and old options. Players can access their item storage provided by their Partner Machine character, a log of the story events, an encyclopedia featuring enemy information, player stats (including monsters slain, number of player deaths, etc.), and milestones the player has achieved and rewards given (example: beating chapter 2 of the story mode and receiving the TECHNIC Resta for that achievement).
Full Game Rebalancing
The entire game has been rebalanced for easier progression. Characters require less experience points to level up, monsters give less experience and drop a little less Meseta (the game's currency), Photon Arts level up much much quicker, NPC shops sell items for much cheaper prices. All designed to improve the gameplay experience and capture more casual players.
PlayStation Portable
