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Phantasy Star Online 2 hacked, NPCs clock flight time
There's out of reach, and then there is literally out of reach. Players trying to talk to NPCs in Phantasy Star Online 2's ship02 area were unable to do so yesterday because of an alleged prank by hackers that put the NPCs out of reach. Some NPCs in the free-to-play game were dangling high above players' heads, while others were placed behind glass barriers or atop high structures, preventing player interaction. Sega stated it knows of the hack and is currently investigating; it assures customers that no player data were leaked in this hack. However, the company does ask players to move to another area if they notice NPCs moved to strange locations. Players can also report any cheating they discover in game.
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!]
Phantasy Star Online 2 launches in Japan this week, new vids abound
Phantasy Star Online 2 isn't getting a lot of attention here in North America (or Europe or much of anywhere outside of Japan, for that matter). Still, the open beta has delighted fans of the original game, and the game's official Japanese launch has been set for July 4th. MMO Culture has posted a few gameplay videos that may well whet your appetite for SEGA's console MMO sequel. The site features the game's July update trailer as well as vids that show off the Ranger, Hunter, and Force class trailers. Check them all out after the cut.
One Shots: Signs and portents
We're deep in the throes of The Secret World's pre-launch weekend, and here to celebrate the game's arrival is Massively reader Sharvis, who sent in several potential One Shots of the game, including one of his character puzzling his way through a quest. He writes in, I found this map of Kingsmouth with a strange symbol on it. It only served to mystify my character Cole. Something sinister is underfoot in Kingsmouth, but what could it be? The plot thickens after the cut! Well, not really, but we do have a few more user-submitted screenshots to show off!
Navigating Phantasy Star Online 2's Japanese open beta
The good news is that Phantasy Star Online 2 is now in open beta, and it's free so everyone can come and check out how this sequel to the hit console series is developing. The bad news is that the beta currently only comes in the Japanese version, so while you can download the client, unless you can read Kanji, you might be a little lost. Fortunately, the Phantasy Star Fan Blog is here to help with a guide that walks you through every stage of the beta process -- even if you're not a native Japanese reader. From registering and setting up the beta to fighting and grouping, this guide has it all covered. So if you're willing to do a little cross-referencing, you too could be enjoying PSO2 in no time at all! Over 41,000 players simultaneously logged on to the beta a week ago, and the developers have pushed the level cap up to 30 as those numbers keep on climbing. Sega plans to release PSO2 later this summer on the PC, PlayStation Vita, and smartphones. There is currently no word as to when an English client will be released.
Phantasy Star Online 2 producer reveals new planet, open beta details
Phantasy Star Online 2's closed beta has caused a fair bit of excitement in the game's fan community. As open beta draws near, Sega is unveiling more of the MMO sequel's features. The next testing phase will feature a new desert planet called Liliipa, not to mention new story quests, new costumes, and something called a time attack quest. Fan site Bumped.org has the details on these and other reveals from last week's live event in Tokyo. PSO2 producer Satoshi Sakai also showed off a new snow zone on the planet Naberius. He told fans that the upcoming open beta will be level-capped at 30, while players at level 20 and above will have access to hard mode quests and encounters. PSO2 is currently in development for Windows, Android, and iOS platforms. The open beta is tentatively scheduled for "early summer 2012." [Thanks to Kassandra for the tip!]
'No regrets': Sega defends Phantasy Star Online 2's F2P model
Sega has "no regrets" about pursuing an aggressive free-to-play strategy for its upcoming Phantasy Star Online 2, according to series producer Satoshi Sakai. Sakai said that the developers were increasingly disturbed by the trend of F2P models promoting a pay-to-win environment and has decided to make PSO2 more fair to all players. "By allowing a well made game like PSO to be accessible [to] more people, we felt that we had a chance to teach people that 'This is what online RPGs are supposed to be like,'" Sakai said. "There is nothing that requires payment that will take away from the intrinsic game experience if [it is] not purchased." The devs have limited Phantasy Star Online 2's microtransactions to areas that are less likely to see abuse from players willing to trade cash for an in-game advantage over others. These areas include player room upgrades, more storage space, and trading features. Sakai sees Sega as a pioneer in this regard: "I honestly think that Sega is the only maker that is willing to go this far. Even if we fail, if we can get people to say 'They were five years ahead of their time' then I'll have no regrets. I believe that there's meaning in the challenge itself."
PSA: PSO2 character creator online, available for everyone
That Phantasy Star Online 2 character creator we caught wind of back in March is now online; ready and waiting to be downloaded, unzipped and utilized to forge a character you'll probably never use if you don't import it or live outside Japan.The character creator can be downloaded by hittin' the source link below, and since it's in Japanese you'll need a working knowledge of Nippon's native tongue to use it. Or, alternatively, you can use this handy guide from the folks at Phantasy Star Fan Blog. Just, you know, don't get too attached once you've made your character.
Phantasy Star Online 2 posts a benchmark and character creator for all [Updated]
If you're an American fan of Phantasy Star Online 2 -- or heck, just a non-Japanese fan -- you're kind of out of luck at the moment. The game is currently not anywhere near a translated state, and testing has thus been mostly limited to Japanese players. If you're in that unlucky boat, however, things are getting at least a little bit better now. The game's character creator and benchmark has just been released for all, whether or not you're testing the game or even able to read the language. A fan blog for the game features both screenshots of the character creator and corresponding benchmark as well as a guide to getting the program to work on your machine. While it's not quite the same as being able to log into the game and enjoy the testing sequence, it's at least a chance to get a taste of what the game will be like when (and if) it comes to our shores. [Update: Thanks to Venova for the original tip as well as the news that there's an unofficial English patch for this benchmark toy!]
The MMO Report: Horsesteak edition
In tonight's ultra-short MMO Report, Casey complains that Phantasy Star Online 2 will launch for mobile platforms ahead of PC, drools all over the integration of DUST 514 and EVE Online, maintains a weirdly neutral face while discussing Anarchy Online's graphical overhaul, and regales us with an explanation of The Secret World's class-less game mechanics. He ends on a high note with a peek into Uncle Casey's mailbag and some mockery of World of Warcraft players' forum campaign to undo the latest round of Warlock nerfs. No one's ever done that before. All this and some tips on Icelandic cuisine in the video beyond the cut!
Phantasy Star Online to be F2P, Android and iOS versions announced
We know that the Guild Wars 2 beta coverage is all the rage today, but it's certainly not the only sequel worthy of attention. SEGA has announced that its upcoming Phantasy Star Online 2 will utilize a free-to-play business model, which of course means that the title will feature an item shop with microtransactions. The studio has also revealed that, in addition to partaking of the already-announced PC and PS Vita versions of the game, Android and iOS smartphone owners will be able to get in on the fun as well. While it's not entirely clear how these new versions of the game will work, we do know that they will not allow cross-platform play as the PC and Vita editions will, though they will "share data with the [PC and Vita] versions," reports Andriasang.com. The smartphone versions of the game are planned for release in winter 2012, after the summer release of the PC version but before the spring 2012 launch of the Vita edition.
The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights
The Dreamcast was a brief but shining aberration in the gaming world. Coming along years after Sega had fallen out of its position as a top-runner in the console market, it represented the company's big attempt to reclaim its former glory. While it failed to succeed in that respect and ultimately closed up shop in 2001 (ending Sega's interest in the console market), the Dreamcast became a gaming cult favorite responsible for some of the most innovative titles ever made. Games like Jet Grind Radio, Space Channel 5, and Shenmue have remained fan favorites long after the Dreamcast's demise, which shows the legacy that these dev teams left behind. But perhaps the Dreamcast's greatest gift to the gaming world wasn't crazy taxis or space dancing but a surprisingly forward-looking approach to online gaming. In 2000, the Dreamcast took the first steps to bringing an online console RPG to market, and while it wasn't a true MMO, it certainly paved the way for titles like EverQuest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI. It was bold, it was addictive, and it was gosh-darned gorgeous. Ladies and gentlemen: Phantasy Star Online.
Five phantastic videos from the Phantasy Star Online 2 alpha test
A decade ago, Phantasy Star Online brought the special multiplayer magic of the emerging MMO genre to console gamers around the world. Sega celebrated the game's 10-year anniversary with the announcement of a sequel due to hit the shelves in Japan this year. No word has been given on whether there will be a US or EU release, but that hasn't stopped international fans of the game from getting excited. PSO2 officially launched its second alpha phase yesterday, and foreign game review website Steparu managed to get itself an invite. Fans of the original game's online play will be pleased to know that party gameplay has been given some much-needed improvements. There's no more need to make sure everyone is on the same quest; instead, the party leader picks a mission and the whole party gets it automatically. Mini-quests can pop up randomly during a dungeon, and completing them grants bonus experience. Boss fights are just as deadly and hectic as in the original, with fast-paced action and team members dying repeatedly throughout the fight. Steparu has published a comprehensive review of the early alpha, with videos of everything from dungeons and boss kills to furniture arranging. We've embedded a few of those videos after the cut.
Phantasy Star Online 2 delayed into 2012
Sega has announced that their upcoming return to majestic sci-fi action fantasy, Phantasy Star Online 2, has been delayed into 2012, reports Siliconera. The purpose of the delay, according to producer Satoshi Sakai, is to address gameplay issues brought to light by user feedback submitted after the conclusion of this summer's alpha testing. A second alpha test will be conducted some time during the first part of next year; returning alpha testers will be joined by new recruits in order to evaluate the changes made based on their feedback. Delays can be a double-edged sword, but when a company specifically cites addressing user feedback as a delay's justification, that's usually a good sign. Not that any of us will ever actually get to play it, mind you. After all, it is a Japanese exclusive. [Thanks, Mike!]
Indulge your phantasies with new Phantasy Star Online 2 info, screenshots, and videos
Anyone with fond memories of jumping into Phantasy Star Online back on the Dreamcast (may it rest in peace) will surely be excited to hear that a bevy of new information, screenshots, and videos have been released for Phantasy Star Online 2. In PSO2, the player is part of a planetary investigation team known as the Arks. It would seem that the Arks are tasked with flying about the galaxy to strange new planets, meeting the inhabitants of said planets and killing them. Sounds fun, right? Right. Right now, there are four confirmed weapons: swords and wired lances for Hunters, assault rifles for Rangers, and the gunblade-esque gun slash for all classes. Battlefields are randomly generated for each mission, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting, and can include a variety of random events that are sure to keep players on their toes. PSO2 also introduces multi-party areas, which -- as the name would imply -- allow multiple parties to venture forth for fun and profit. Players are allowed a main class and a subclass, and instead of having overall character levels, the game utilizes class levels for each class the player has taken. There's much more information where this came from, so we recommend any players who are looking forward to PSO2 (or who are just feeling a bit nostalgic about the original) go check out the full posts. And lastly, for your convenience, all of the new screenshots have been collected in the gallery below, and the new videos are just past the cut. %Gallery-122190%
First look at Phantasy Star Online 2
It's one thing to tease us with a short video and a title card announcing the sequel of the incredibly beloved Phantasy Star Online 2. It's another thing entirely to make us wait a half year to get any more details! But we'll shove aside our complaints in a heartbeat in favor of diving into a pool of luscious screenshots. At a recent promotional event, Sega unveiled a sneak peek at Phantasy Star Online 2, including 15 screenshots that 4Gamer.net snagged for our enjoyment. The pictures show off the world details, character outfits, the UI, and even some shots of combat. Astute Sega fans may even recognize a reference to another hit Sega franchise lurking about. Reportedly, the action-RPG is in alpha testing with a hopeful release date later this year on the PC. Take a look for yourself in the gallery below! %Gallery-122190%
Phantasy Star Online 2 announced at the Tokyo Game Show
Phantasy Star Online is dead -- long live Phantasy Star Online 2! Sega just announced the sequel to the hit MMO during a livestream event at the Tokyo Game Show. Slated for release in 2011, PSO2's unveiling was a surprise to just about everyone. Phantasy Star Online released for the Sega Dreamcast 10 years ago, and launched a series of updates, iterations and sequels (including Phantasy Star Universe). While Sega was reluctant to show any gameplay or release any other details, the mere existence of the above title screen should send fans into a happy frenzy. You can read the announcement at PSOWorld and watch the livestream video below.
