Phantasy Star Online 2
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Try Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5
On April 5, PC gamers will be able to indulge any cautious optimism they may have about Phantasy Star Online 2 with a character creation demo. Of course, it'll be in Japanese, but we don't anticipate too many problems adjusting hair color on a slider.That'll be open to all; a beta test held later in April will be capped at 100,000 participants. It might be less exciting to build a character and then not do anything with it, but it's more exciting than being fully shut out of the game.
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.
Phantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play, also coming to smartphones
Phantasy Star Online 2 isn't exactly the Dreamcast-era throwback we expected. Sega is embracing the future for its pricing model -- the infinitely expensive, vaguely annoying future. Sega announced a free-to-download, free-to-play model for the PC/Vita online action RPG during a streaming media event this morning. Revenue will come from item transactions.Sega also announced a version of the game for iOS and Android. This won't exactly be the full game; according to Andriasang, Sega promised "social game elements," and simpler controls and character creation. Data will be shared between the phone and PC/Vita versions, but crossplay will not be possible. This version is due winter 2012, between the summer PC release and the 2013 Vita release.
Vita Phantasy Star Online 2 service begins in 2013
The Vita version of Phantasy Star Online 2 will have the portability advantage over the PC release, but it'll also have one serious disadvantage. Sega revealed that it plans to release the handheld multiplayer action RPG in 2013. The PC version is still slated to begin service this year.Andriasang has the first screens of the Vita version, which reveal a game that looks as if it could use that extra development time -- the screens are a bit rough. Sega said that the Vita game is just 10% complete, so presumably it'll look nicer as it approaches completion.
Phantasy Star Online 2 coming to Vita with PC crossplay
Sega's online action RPG Phantasy Star Online 2 is no longer sequestered only to Japanese PCs. Sega has announced a console version of the upcoming sci-fi game -- for PlayStation Vita. No word on an international release, but imported game cards should work just fine.The handheld release will allow you to keep your eyes on your FOmarl (or whatever) all the time -- the PC and Vita versions will use the same servers, and the same character will be playable cross-platform. Who said we are lost again in this lonely world?
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.
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!]
Crazy Eddie's TGS 2011 Trailer Blowout! It's an Asura's Dogma Army Online of savings!
That's right folks, it may still be Sunday here in the states, but in glorious Nippon it's already Monday, and that means these Tokyo Game Show trailers are priced to move! Our manager is out of town and we've gone crazy!! Just look at these prices: Army Corps of Hell Trailer - Free! Dragon's Dogma Trailer - Free!! Asura's Wrath Trailer - Free!!! Phantasy Star Online 2 Trailer - Price too low to print!! Resident Evil Revelations Trailer - 100 percent off!! Are you still reading this? You'd have to have a toolbox for a head to pass up an opportunity this golden! Jump past the break and find out why Crazy Eddie's Discount Trailer Emporium and Rustic Furniture Showcase is still your number one source for new and used video game footage!
Phantasy Star Online 2 preview: Back, in action
Phantasy Star Online hit some kind of magical sweet spot back in 2000. Though its spinoffs and followups kept much of the formula from that release, there was always something that felt off about them, and prevented some fans (like me) from getting fully into them. It turns out that maybe those games were hewing too closely to the first PSO, because the new Phantasy Star Online 2 feels significantly different from its predecessors in action, and seems to have paradoxically recaptured the PSO excitement by doing so. It definitely hits all the right notes, but the mechanics have actually been upgraded. Can you believe it? Of course, the bummer about this is that it's a currently Japan-only, PC-only game.%Gallery-134159%
Seen@TGS: The Rappy-est place on earth
Phantasy Star Online 2 has a pretty big presence at Sega's TGS booth this year, though perhaps not quite as big as the giant Rappy patrolling the display. The goofy bird, something of a mascot for the series, dances with glee for all who pass by, Joystiq staff included. We considered slaying it – hoping for an epic loot drop, of course – but then we thought we'd rather not be arrested.
Gather three parties to watch the new Phantasy Star Online 2 trailer
The alpha test for Phantasy Star Online 2 will begin in August -- but before you get too excited, we should tell you that the participants for the Japan-only test have already been chosen. Non-alpha players will get a chance to try it out at Tokyo Game Show this year, after what we're guessing will be one of the longest lines at the show. Even if you won't benefit from either of those opportunities, you can see the new PC game right here, in this new trailer. It pretty much hits all the PSO nostalgia notes, with some nice additions like 12-player areas (three four-player parties playing together), some kind of third-person shooter-style shooting controls, and, yes, jumping.
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%
The Perfect Ten: Sequelitis
As a long-time movie buff, I've always been fascinated by sequels. I know, they have a terrible reputation and everyone gets this face like he's digesting a porcupine when discussing them, but there's something fun about them as well. I think we always want a good story to continue, to see what happens next, and to answer the question, "What would the first film be like if it were put in the hands of a complete boob?" It would be an entertaining trainwreck, that's what. Even though the MMORPG genre is in its toddler stage, it's seen a number of sequels, prequels and spin-offs, just the same as other types of entertainment. Video game sequels for hit titles are safer financial investments than striking out into new territory, so it makes sense that MMO studios would follow this pattern as well. Right now there are loads of MMO sequels and spin-offs in the works -- including EverQuest Next, PlanetSide Next, Guild Wars 2, Mabinogi 2, MapleStory 2, Phantasy Star Online 2, Dust 514, and even a possible Ultima Online sequel -- so it's safe to say that the trend won't be dying down anytime soon. However, today I want to look at 10 sequels that already made it to release and briefly examine how they stacked up to their predecessors. Oh yes, there will be blood after the jump -- and I will drink your milkshake!
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 details revealed, we jump for joy
At a recent Phantasy Star Portable 2 promotional event held in Akihabara, Sega revealed some details for its long-dormant next installment in the multiplayer RPG franchise: Phantasy Star Online 2. The revelation came in the form of a video (a very rough off-screen version of which is posted after the jump), which reveals a few elements like randomly-generated hunting areas, third-person shooter gameplay and -- an entirely new and completely thrilling addition to the franchise -- the ability to jump. We know! It's madness. You can check out a few screenshots of the upcoming action-RPG over on 4Gamer, or check out some translated blurbs from the event on Andriasang. Hopefully, we'll learn more about when we can expect the PC-exclusive title in the near future, as its alpha test is scheduled to begin sometime this summer.
Phantasy Star Online 2 site is online
Sega has opened a site for the now official Phantasy Star Online 2, whose announcement coincided with the tenth anniversary of the PSO series. The trailer, first spotted in a TGS livestream, can now be seen there, providing proof of the new game's existence -- as well as proof that there have been a surprising number of PSO games since 2000. PSO2 will be released on PC in 2011, which is a bit sad for Phantasy Star Online fans: not only is the pioneering online console RPG no longer a console RPG, it serves as yet another reminder of the Dreamcast's brief, but beautiful, time in the spotlight.
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.
Phantasy Star Online 2 spotted on Sega TGS video stream
Segabits reports that Sega's TGS livestream just showed a trailer for the as yet unannounced Phantasy Star Online 2. According to Segabits, the game is currently slated for a 2011 release on PC. We happen to be at TGS, so we're going to check this out for ourselves.
