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Rumor: PSO2 may not be heading to the West, despite being 'fully localized'
It looks as though Sega has no plans to bring Phantasy Star Online 2 to Western markets after all. TSSZ is reporting that a source close to the publisher has revealed that while the game has been "fully localized" for an English release, that localization is aimed at English-speaking regions in Asia and not European or North American audiences. The source speculated that Sega may be concerned about PSO2's potential profitability in the West but was clear that whispers from its contacts in the company in no way represent an official cancellation of a Western release. Phantasy Star Online 2 has had no visible presence in the Western games community since it was shown at the 2012 Penny Arcade Expo. [Thanks to BGO for the tip!]
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle coming to NA, EU in 2014
Hyper-stylized, multi-generational 3D manga fighter Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle will bring equestrian combat and psychically-summoned spirits to North America and Europe sometime in 2014, Namco Bandai announced at its pre-TGS showcase earlier this week. The PlayStation 3-exclusive fighter was released in Japan near the end of last month and has "reached 500,000 sales," according to producer Noriaki Niino (left). When it does finally launch in western territories, the localized version of All Star Battle will be on par with the Japanese version's character balance: "We are still making character adjustments – even in the Japanese version – based on the feedback that we're getting from fans," CyberConnect2 president and CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama (right) told us, when asked about the potential for future balance updates. "All of that feedback will be implemented in the overseas [version]."
Capcom Arcade Cabinet confirmed for the west
Capcom's forthcoming Capcom Arcade Cabinet platform for XBLA and PSN is officially coming stateside, the company has just announced. While further details regarding pricing, release dates and the platform's complete catalogue of games are being withheld until February 7, Capcom did confirm that Black Tiger will be part of the US release, as it is in Japan.Assuming that Capcom Arcade Cabinet's business model for the states is the same as it is in Japan, however, there are some inferences that we can make. The XBLA/PSN app itself will likely be free and include one game (probably Black Tiger), though that hasn't been officially announced as of yet. As far as games that aren't Black Tiger, we're assuming they'll either be sold individually or in packs, but we won't know for sure until February.
Phantasy Star Online 2 coming to NA and EU early next year [update: it's official!]
Looking forward to getting your grubby mitts on some hot Phantasy Star Online 2 action? Those in the west may have to be patient, but there's now a finish line in sight: Sega announced that PSO2 will hit North America and Europe in early 2013. According to the PR, producer Satoshi Sakai says that the wait will be worth it: "The number one thing we want to provide players in Phantasy Star Online 2 is an adventure that changes every time they log in. Just as great table-top RPG experiences revolve around imaginative and unexpected encounters, we want players to consistently be surprised as they explore dungeons and undertake quests." Phantasy Star Online 2 launched in Japan this past week. [Thanks to Tom for the tip!]
