Phantasy Star: Fringes of Algo

by **Thoul** » Fri Jun 26, '09, 12:49 am

Most fans of Phantasy Star IV will look at this image and immediately think of it as Rika. However, in the very early designs of the character like these, she had a different name: Nei. As EGM reported in 1992, Rika was originally given the same name as the Phantasy Star II heroine. Notice that her ears are a single color, lacking the black ends usually seen on Rika.

There was a lot of opposition on the game staff to the use of the character as Nei, but Tohoru Yoshida persevered. With a name change and coloring the tips of her ears, Rika was finally accepted.

You may view the gallery page for Nei Mark 2, part 1.

Website · by **XxEnslavedNekoxX** » Fri Jun 26, '09, 7:02 am

Sweet, I learned something new

Awesome picture ^_^

Website · by **Lucas** » Fri Jun 26, '09, 11:12 am

That's cool. The ears are one of the easiest ways to tell the two Numans appart as well. Because Rika's ears are shoter with black tips and Nei's are longer without black tips. Also I've seen that chibi picture on the right of the artwork some where before too.

Website · by **XxEnslavedNekoxX** » Fri Jun 26, '09, 1:35 pm

Yeah, the suit and hair is what through me off though.

by **Snorb** » Fri Jun 26, '09, 2:40 pm

Rika: (wearing normal Palman clothes) Hey, Chaz? Have you seen my armor?
Chaz: No, I haven't. Where did you leave it last?
Rika: Well, I had it right here, along with my clothes... Huh. This is odd.

Nei: (wearing Rika's clothes and armor) Oh, wow, these are pretty tight.
Kain: (drooling uselessly, staring at Nei, hearts in his eyes)
Rolf: Kain, you and I need to have a serious talk about your eye for women.