Phantasy Star: Fringes of Algo

by **Thoul** » Wed Jan 19, '11, 12:01 am

When Phantasy Star was made in the 1980s, developers were less concerned with potentially alienating customers by including religious references in video games. It was common to see priests used as a vehicle for the revival of defeated characters or saving games. Usually these priests were found in churches decorated with Christian imagery, such as a cross. This is the priest from Phantasy Star, who is a perfect example of this mostly abandoned practice. In this case, we can even see a cross on the man's headgear, a mitre.

by **tilinelson2** » Wed Jan 19, '11, 2:31 pm

I´ve seen people baffled on forums because of the religious (usually Christian) imagery of the old games, but it is too foolish. The creators are entitled to do whatever they want with their stories. I never see anyone baffled by Lord of the Rings or Star Wars imagery and themes.

by **Thoul** » Wed Jan 19, '11, 4:34 pm

I agree, the developers should be free to include religious references in games. Some people take far too much offense at it, in my opinion. It doesn't hurt anything to have a cross, church, or priest in a game. It adds a touch of realism, much more so than simply ignoring the religious side of life altogether.

by **newsblade** » Wed Jan 19, '11, 7:18 pm

How can anyone complain?
The cross on PS1 churches could be a reference to the "Grand Cross" that helped the Great Light warriors on the fight against Profound Darkness :mrgreen:

(or, astrology speaking, it is said that that "a grand cross" occurs when four planets are all separated from each other by Square aspects)... or it could be a reference to Ryucross... or... hmmmm... ok.