Phantasy Star II Fan Port for Commodore Amiga Receives Major Demo Update

Phantasy Star II, SEGA’s legendary RPG originally launched on the Mega Drive/Genesis, has been given a new lease on life through a dedicated fan project targeting the Commodore Amiga platform.

Overseen by developer Monoz, with music contributions from Simone "JMD" Bernacchia, this unofficial port aims to pay homage to both the richly acclaimed RPG series and the classic Amiga hardware. The latest demo for this in-progress port was released in late May 2025, following an update covered by IndieRetroNews and SabermanRetroNews.

The demo introduces approximately two hours of real gameplay, highlighting impressive technical and gameplay advancements.

Among the newly implemented features, players can access a significantly improved, superfast menu system, explore a second in-game town (Arima), and delve into the initial two dungeons (Shure and Nido).

Additionally, the update lets players unlock a third party character, further expanding the demo’s scope. Currently, the demo is optimized for the Amiga 1200 platform, delivering smooth performance for users.

Developer Monoz has communicated intentions to enhance compatibility with the Amiga 500 as well, explaining that further hardware optimization will occur as familiarity with Earok’s Scorpion Engine—an advanced development framework supporting the Commodore Amiga, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, and SNK NeoGeo—increases.

“We’re looking to fully optimize the port for Amiga 500 once we have mastered the Scorpion Engine’s capabilities,” the team stated in a recent update, reflecting their ongoing commitment to the Amiga community. The project is consciously framed as a tribute to both the Amiga system and the groundbreaking science fiction RPG from Sega’s library.

While the current demo lets players experience core elements—such as the game’s opening sequence, basic exploration, introductory battles, and item purchasing from in-game shops—the port remains in active development. Looking ahead, Monoz has shared plans to further iterate and expand upon the original experience.

Among possible enhancements under consideration are updates to the combat system inspired by Phantasy Star IV and the inclusion of optional cheat features, such as increased movement speed, lowered encounter rates, and boosted experience and monetary rewards.

However, Monoz affirmed that any changes beyond core functionality will prioritize community input, emphasizing a desire to consult player feedback before implementing substantial modifications. Phantasy Star II's enduring legacy continues through initiatives like this, offering both nostalgia and innovation to retro gaming enthusiasts.

The latest demo can be accessed via itch.io, giving fans a fresh opportunity to revisit one of Sega’s most celebrated RPGs on new hardware.

For ongoing updates and feedback opportunities, interested players are encouraged to follow IndieRetroNews and the developers’ official channels.

Amiga Commodore Amiga Phantasy Star Commodore Phantasy Star II Sega Monoz Simone JMD Bernacchia Scorpion Engine Earok IndieRetroNews Sega Mega Drive Genesis