Phantasy Star Inspirations

We all know that the early Phantasy Stars had considerable Star Wars influences, and are essentially RPGs of said movies.

I've always wondered what the inspiration was for Phantasy Star III, if anyone played that one. The atmosphere and visual style is very specific, and one I haven't seen anywhere else (essentially medieval science fiction). Does anyone know or has seen something similar in style?

As a side note, it's interesting how much video games used to borrow from films. Sonic Adventure 2's descending prison elevator scene was taken almost directly from Akira (1988), for example.

I'll let you know when I get there. Last I tried to play through PSII I lost a save file that cost me enough progress to give it a break. Otherwise, I'm myself curious of this thread and to finally see what all the hub bub is about with PSIII.

III is the black sheep of the Phantasy Star series, because it was designed by a different team that mostly didn't work on video games before (or after). It was always my favorite though, because of the setting, atmosphere, and music.

The setting is a unique hybrid of science fiction and fantasy.

I found something. Legend of Galactic Heroes: My Conquest is the Sea of Stars has the same style cinematic scrolling text intro. Apart from that and the slightly medievel outfits (and blue hair), the story has little to do with III (apart from the wars).

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3gruhq

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVCDO2khgfY (2:40)