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Flameseeker Chronicles: How Guild Wars 2 can step up its roleplaying game
I'm a roleplayer at heart. My characters have backstories and relationships and hobbies and favorite foods. They have careers beyond "Necromancer" or "Guardian." They have homes and responsibilities. All of them have their own little places as supporting characters in the much larger story of Tyria. Sadly, I've never found Guild Wars 2 to be the most welcoming MMO for RP, mostly because none of the above can really be expressed well through gameplay. There's a lot of emphasis on epic stories and your character influencing the world and being a hero, but because GW2 is such a combat-focused game, it's hard not to feel as though my characters are too busy being epic to have lives outside of tireless badassery. That confuses me because so much of what ArenaNet wants to do ostensibly revolves around making the game world seem more alive, and I can't think of a better way to accomplish that than by giving players the tools to help create that feeling for ourselves.
Phantasy Star Universe is gone for good
Saying goodbye to a game you love is sad. Phantasy Star Universe has been in the process of bidding its players adieu for quite some time, beginning by departing from the PS2 and PC platforms two years ago. Since then, players have been clinging to the XBox 360 servers and dreaming of a happy future. Today, with the closure of the Japanese PSU servers, players had to bid the game a final farewell. Fans got together on the PSO World forums to share memories and final screenshots. [Thanks to savvy reader Kassandra for the tip.]
Phantasy Star Universe will blink out for good in September
For six years, fans have been able to play the sci-fi MMO Phantasy Star Universe. Though the game lost some platforms just over two years ago when the PS2 and PC versions were shut down, the XBox 360 version remained intact. Thus, PSU quietly lived on as a console MMO where players could complete missions on worlds like Parum and Neudaiz, craft items, or decorate their private living space. Now, SEGA has announced that this last living remnant of the online game will take its last breath on September 7th, 2012. The single player version, however, will still be available. SEGA noted that the decision to close the game was not an easy one, but that the company was preparing to "provide [players] with new opportunities and new experiences." The company thanked all of the players who have supported the game over the years and assured that any who have an active Guardians license following the final date will have their pro-rated subscription refunded. GM Edward also revealed that a number of server-wide bonuses have been added and that plans were in the works for some celebratory events so that the Universe could go out with a bang. [Thanks to BGO for the tip!]
The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players
After last week's foray into the colorful world of Phantasy Star Online, I knew I had to step it up for a great follow-through. That's why I got in touch with three excellent MMO bloggers who have long histories with PSO and were more than eager to share their perspective on this unique game world! The Game Archaeologist: Who the heck are you and how did you first get into Phantasy Star Online? What class and race did you play? David: I'm David Lambert, but many people know me better as Branick, host and producer of the LOTRO Academy podcast. I first got into Phantasy Star Online with the original Dreamcast release, which I picked up only about two weeks after it came out. I actually had eight different characters (I bought six VMUs in addition to the two I already had specifically for this purpose), but I definitely favored the HUcast. I wasn't big on using techniques, and the HUcast had the highest attack power in the game.
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.
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.
Batman, Phantasy Star Universe hit XBL Games on Demand
We're not sure how it happened. We could have sworn that Too Human was the only new release on Xbox Live Games on Demand this week (it was the only one listed by Major Nelson, after all). And yet, somehow, Batman: Arkham Asylum has appropriately emerged from the shadows as well. Joining the Dark Knight is Phantasy Star Universe, which recently received a shot in the arm thanks to a new update and a free expansion. Arkham Asylum can be had for a steep $40 (the GOTY Edition costs $50 in-store), while Phantasy Star Universe is $20. As usual, pricing and availability vary by region. Xbox.com: Add Batman: Arkham Asylum to your Xbox 360 download queue ($39.99) Xbox.com: Add Phantasy Star Universe to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)
Phantasy Star Universe updated on Xbox 360, expansion now free
Sega has announced that an update is now available for the Xbox 360 version of Phantasy Star Universe (the PS2 and PC versions are kaput, remember). Entitled "GUARDIANS Advanced Content," the update includes new items, new missions, a new character customization system and tweaks to existing classes and abilities. The update is free for all subscribers and will be applied automatically on login. Sega also reminded players that the Phantasy Star Universe expansion, Ambitions of the Illuminus, is now available free of charge. Originally costing 800 MSP ($10), the expansion features its own set of additions including new weapons, locations, enemies and more. If you grab the update and the expansion and squint your eyes, you just might be able to trick yourself into thinking it's a real Phantasy Star sequel. %Gallery-97918%
Lots of older Xbox Live Marketplace content discounted
Looking to add a spark of new life to your old, rusty Xbox 360 games? First of all, how did your games manage to get rusty? Did you have them bronzed? More importantly, a slew of discounts on older DLC items on the Xbox Live Marketplace might just what your floundering classics need.
PC, PS2 Phantasy Star Universe servers closing March 31
"Who said we are lost again in this lonely world?" That's the first line of the somewhat hokey but infectious theme song to Phantasy Star Universe. When the song was written, that was a rhetorical question, but now it's been answered: Sega says you're lost in this lonely world. At least, that's the message the publisher is sending the remaining players of the PS2 and PC versions, whose servers will be shut down soon. Following the January 29 "Maximum Attack G+" event, Sega will convert everyone's account to a free account, and allow the players to enjoy what time they can before the servers shut off on March 31. This won't affect the Xbox 360 version in any way other than the flood of refugees from other platforms. It may not be much of a flood, however: GM Edward@Sega said that the shutdown is taking place because "[t]he population is simply too low for us to be able to continue to support this platform." [Via Massively]
Phantasy Star Universe to shut down PS2 & PC servers
It's always a sad day when we have to report an MMO is shutting down. Then you have cases like today's announcement about Phantasy Star Universe where it's a mixed bag. In this case the PS2 and PC versions will be closing down as of March 31st. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 version (yes, another console MMO does exist) is doing well and will remain online. On January 29th, the Maximum Attack G+ event will start up across all three Phantasy Star Universe platforms, at which point anyone who has a paid subscriber on the PC or PS2 will be converted to a free account until the servers go dark. According to a heartfelt post by GM Edward@Sega, these closures are necessary because "[t]he population is simply too low for us to be able to continue to support this platform." The good news is that since there will only be one primary western market platform moving forward, this should allow Sega to close the expansion release gap between the US and Japanese versions. So while this next Maximum Attack G+ event will be a bittersweet one for some, at least Phantasy Star Universe will live on in the 360 version -- and there's always the single-player offline version of PSU for PC and PS2 players as well. Hopefully some veteran players will get the chance to make the jump as losing your favorite world is definitely no fun.
Sing along with the intro to Phantasy Star Portable 2
There's a lot of reason to be excited for the upcoming Phantasy Star Portable 2. Well, there's at least one reason that stands out quite a bit: online Infrastructure support. The Sega-developed RPG was always meant to be played with friends, but the first game was relegated to local Ad-Hoc support. With the addition of Infrastructure, we can play PSP the way it was meant to be played.The Japanese website for PSP2 has been updated with the intro movie to the game which features a theme song by Hideaki Kobayashi. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming along to the catchy, English language chorus. Phantasy Star Universe ...[Via PSPHyper]
Sega open to developing more niche MMOs
With the success of Football Manager Live in the U.K., Sega is open to the possibility of making other niche MMOs in the future. During a Sega event in New York City last week, I spoke with Sega West president Mike Hayes about the MMO market. He said that the company's subscription-based sports MMO is doing well, and he discussed upcoming plans for the game. "Football Manager Live was a very U.K.-specific launch, and our next task is localization to take it to other territories," he said. "So whether that be France, Korea, Brazil or wherever there's a good football fanbase. It's certainly a project we're quite pleased with in terms of the progress we've made. As for future projects... we're looking at things." But if you're a soccer fan in the U.S., don't hold your breath if you're waiting for Football Manager Live to come Stateside.
The Daily Grind: How important is cross-platform play?
After reading the recent interview between Tracey John of MTV Multiplayer and DC Universe Online developers Wes Yanagi and Jens Andersen, we're left with the impression that bringing the PS3 and PC players to the same servers may be unlikely. There's some legit concerns there, with PC players leaning towards text chat at first, and console players going straight for VOIP, but the question would be - how badly would this hurt the two sides? Some of the more successful console MMOs such as FFXI and Phantasy Star Universe have cross-platform play. Others do not, and while they maintain a community - it seems to be a smaller one on the whole, with any new players often struggling to find anyone - much less an entire group. This morning we thought we'd ask - how important do you feel is cross-platform play to you? Would you, if you liked the game, prefer to play on your PC, or on the console? If you've played Final Fantasy XI or Phantay Star Universe, do you find yourself avoiding anyone using the PC version due to typing vs VOIP? For that matter, if you're on the PC version, do you avoid those who don't type? Should the server types be separated, or should they find a way to bridge the gap?
The Daily Grind: Do you want more console MMOs?
MMOs are primarly a PC business. They started here, and they're certainly dominating the PC gaming industry, one hard drive at a time. But why must we limit the MMO to simply the PC machine? What about the untouched masses of the console market? Why must we keep our games to ourselves when we should share freely with the others?Ok, ok, controller vs. keyboard issues aside, what do all of you think about console MMOs? We already have Final Fantasy XI and Phantasy Star Universe on the Xbox 360 and PS2. We also have The Agency eventually making a debut on the PS3 and the rumored Age of Conan release on the Xbox 360, but 4 MMO games is nowhere near the many many games we have on our PCs.Do you want to log into Xbox Live or PlayStation Network and boot up your favorite MMO? Would you rather sit on your couch and raid instead of your computer chair? Can cats and dogs live together in harmony? Readers, we need your opinions!
Phantasy Star Portable sells like a Monster in Japan
It's true that Phantasy Star of today is hardly recognizable to those who grew up playing with talking cats, but that probably doesn't keep Sega awake at night, especially given reports that its PSP RPG Phantasy Star Portable has been difficult to keep in stock since it was released in Japan last week. The pint-sized version of Phantasy Star Universe has shown Monster Hunter-like momentum, apparently flying off Japanese store shelves, with both Wired and AkibaBlog reporting that 90% of the original shipment went out the door on July 31, the first day it went on sale. There remains no word as to when or if Sega will bring Phantasy Star Portable to PSP owners outside of Japan, but we'll continue to save our meseta 'til it happens.
Anti-Aliased: How to pick the MMO for you
Let's be honest for a moment - there are a ton of MMOs out there. We have everything from fantasy, to dystopian future, to fantasy, to horror, to fantasy, to pirates, to fantasy, to sci-fi, and even all the way down to fantasy. While this is great for people who love choice, this is a complete nightmare (or should I say Bloodymare, ha ha, gaming puns) for anyone who's new to the genre or wants to start off with a fresh game that's different from what they're playing.How do you separate the good from the bad? How do you know if you'll stick to a game? You don't want to gamble with an expensive game only to find out that you totally hate it and wish it would burn in the deepest depths of hell. (I'm looking at you, Risk Your Life.) So, do you rely on what your friends tell you or what reviewers tell you?In my opinion, no one knows you except you. So when you sit down and want to pick the right game the first time, here's a few pointers and suggestions to get you started.
One Shots: Some love for PSU
Normally, we get our daily One Shots submissions from folks wanting to show off how cool their world is, but with very little beyond that. Today's One Shots, however, came to us last night from Tink who not only wanted to show off how pretty the Cherry blossoms were behind her Newman character, but also to thank us for recently putting out a story on Phantasy Star Universe! We'd note that while we're glad Tink enjoyed the story -- we have more to come! Sega has graciously allowed some of our writers into the lands of Phantasy Star Universe. As such, we're going to be out looking for teams for the upcoming Maximum Attack G event scheduled for April 25th! So, if you see any fairly low-level folk wandering around, say hello! You never know -- it could be some of the Massively team. Do you have a screenshot from an off-the-beaten-path MMO? Perhaps something indie that doesn't get a lot of love, or a classic title that we haven't featured recently? If so, grab those screenshots, toss them into a mail and let fly to oneshots AT massively DOT com! We love to see all different types of MMOs, both old and new -- and you never know... we might be lurking in your world too.%Gallery-9798%
The Daily Grind: Why aren't there more console MMOs?
The list of them can be counted on the fingers of one hand: Phantasy Star Online, for the Dreamcast; Everquest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI for the Playstation 2; and Phantasy Star Universe for both the PS2 and the Xbox 360. And that's it. The only MMO currently thought to be planned for release on both PC and console (though not at launch) is Age of Conan for the 360. Why is there such a dearth of console MMOs?Many will say that it's because MMOs are so complex and rich that they cannot be managed with a console controller, and that's partly true -- imagine playing World of Warcraft with a DualShock -- but that's more of a design issue. A game meant for consoles, rather than one ported over from the PC, should have such limitations in mind. There's also the closed environment of the console, which is harder to plan patches for, and the still-in-its-infancy online service for the three major brands. On the bright side, there would be no need to worry about system specs; every player would be getting the same experience. And there could be added value in game achievements, which is a system that doesn't currently exist for PC MMOs.Are there more reasons against console MMOs than there are for them? Should developers bother with the consoles at all?
WRUP: Post-tax relaxation
Congratulations! You finished your taxes (at least you did unless you're Wesley Snipes, or an extension-getting slacker like me), and now there ain't nothing to do but sit back and... work for another year only so you can pay them again. But in the meantime, there's lots of MMO playing to do! So, since it's Friday, we're asking yet again: What aRe yoU Playing in the world of MMOs?Massively's people are super busy playing games. Cameron Sorden and I are both hooked on WoW still; "I'm addicted," Sorden says, "which is why all of my articles are WoW-flavored lately." Tastes like chicken. Krystalle is busying playing Phantasy Star Universe on the Xbox 360, and says she's about to finish Story Mode. And Chris Chester is still grinding away in Tabula Rasa: "Must reach level 30. It won't happen, but I can try."So what are you up to this weekend? Back in CoX getting ready for Issue 12? Playing a game that's almost in open beta? (We know you're out there playing that game, folks -- we can see right through that NDA!) WRUP this weekend?Previously on WRUP...
