Phantasy Star Collection is a compilation of the first three games in Sega's acclaimed sci-fi role-playing series, which first appeared on the Sega Master System in 1988 before establishing itself on the 16-bit Genesis. Each is a direct port from the original, with no specific enhancements in visuals or sound. Players explore futuristic worlds from an overhead view, with party members following single file behind the lead character, as they enter buildings, talk with residents, and journey to new areas.
Battles automatically segue to a third-person view positioned just behind the party members' shoulders as they spread out in a horizontal line. Enemies appear in the distance, atop a blue grid set against a black background to simulate a 3D perspective. Both magic and melee weapons are used in a traditional turn-based fashion against one or more alien creatures at a time. Players can save their progress during each of the three games to battery backup.