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Getting chatty in Phantasy Star Zero
As Phantasy Star Zero's Christmas Day release (in Japan) draws closer, we're being taunted with more and more media. The newest video showcases the excellent Pictochat-style chat system, which comes across as a more flexible, expanded version of the Symbol Chat system from previous games.As well as simply writing/drawing what you wish to say "live," you'll be able to save a bunch of preset sketches (because drawing stuff like this as a Rappy pecks your face off isn't practical), and simply tap a menu to bring them up. We don't know how many preset speech bubbles you can store in this way, but the player in this video has around twenty in his inventory, so ... at least that many. Also, if somebody sends you a drawing you really like, you can save it and pass it off as your own use it yourself!%Gallery-31775%
A delightfully comprehensive Phantasy Star Zero trailer
If, for some reason, you haven't been following Phantasy Star Zero, Sonic Team's DS followup to the Phantasy Star Online series, you can catch up with this video. The rest of us can just enjoy another look at the game before its Christmas release (in Japan).The enthusiastically-narrated clip introduces the three gameplay modes -- solo, wireless multiplayer, and online multiplayer, with a nice helping of gameplay footage of each. We can also get a glimpse at the possibilities for character customization! Jaunty hats, antennae, and huge green afros abound.We think that there may even be a different story in the single-player mode for Humans, Newmans, and Casts. Combine that with the animated cutscenes, and Phantasy Star Zero may actually have a story mode worth playing!%Gallery-31775%[Via Gamekyo]
Wii Fanboy Review: Sonic Unleashed
"Sonic + 3D" is a formula that Sega has scratched its head over for the best part of a decade with ... not a great deal of success. If you ask me, it's the speed factor. Controlling the nippy hedgehog in two dimensions is hard enough. Add a third, and it becomes a twitchy, frustrating experience.So here's the yaaay news: Sonic Unleashed handles Sonic's speed better than any other 3D game in the series to date. In fact, in its best moments, it's the modern Sonic game I always dreamed of playing: fast, exhilarating, ridiculously fun. Yet this is a game of two halves -- of day and night, of hedgehog and "werehog" -- and while the final product has patches of brilliance that made me love Sega again, Unleashed is weighed down by bloated platform sections of thudding mediocrity.%Gallery-19031%
Phantasy Scan Zero
Sure, we may have posted about a Sega DS RPG once today, but it wasn't this one, so, like most other games, it doesn't count. Basically, what we're saying is yay Phantasy Star Zero.These scans from the Chinese edition of Famitsu introduce a few new monsters, including the Sinow Beat-esque "Arczyne" (or something similar), and some kind of surfing sword-bot. In addition, two NPCs from the story mode are shown: Dairon, who is involved with the Hunter's Guild in some way, and Ana, whose distinguishing characteristic seems to be that she wears what we are calling an "anti-vest." Her outerwear covers everywhere but her torso.%Gallery-31775%
Metareview -- Sonic Unleashed (360 vs. Wii)
Oh, Sonic. You little blue symbol of better days for Sega platformers. This whole Unleashed thing is your latest chance to prove, well, everyone wrong and get back on top of Mascot Mountain. To get there by not starring in another suck-fest of a console Sonic the Hedgehog game (see: Sonic the Hedgehog, 2006, among countless others). The scores are in and they're ... not horrible. Not amazing, either. Sort of what the reviews of the game are saying. It's out on PS2, Wii, and 360 now, with the PS3 version coming next month. We've assembled a twofer of a metareview, with reviewer thoughts on both the 360 and Wii versions of the game. Have you played it? Share your thoughts in comments. Xbox 360 GamePro (60/100): "I love Sonic because his speedy style of platforming is fun, and Sega should have just developed a game around that and left everything else out." Game Informer (60/100): "As much as I disliked lumbering through levels as Sonic's hulky Werehog, I disliked hunting through the hub worlds looking for coins even more. Sega, if you really want to fix Sonic, the first thing you should do is stop trying to fix him." 1UP (C): "Ultimately, this simply isn't the fresh start Sonic fans were so desperately hoping for ... but at least it's not as execrable as the last two efforts." Wii IGN (72/100): "Sonic Unleashed is half great game and half tedious gimmick." GameDaily (70/100): "A sequel with more speed and less gimmicks would make us happy, but for now, Unleashed is a step above the awful games that came before it. Good to have you back, Sonic." Game Informer (65/100): "The Wii version has less annoying traits than the others and still retains all the usual mediocrity. The motion-control elements in the Werehog levels add an extra dimension to the action, and the hub worlds are entirely text-based and aren't nearly as annoying. If you can stand the diminished graphics, the Wii version actually edges out the PS3 and 360 entries."
Video: Sonic's 'Night of the Werehog' CG short
If you wish to preserve even the slightest chance of appreciating Sega's animated short, Night of the Werehog, there are a few things you'll need to accept: Sonic (a blue, cartoon hedgehog, as you'll recall) transforms into a mutant lycanthrope with stretchy limbs. We have no idea why. Sonic and his diminutive sidekick are haunted by a pair of ghostly voyeurs. Aside from the mascot's metamorphosis, it's difficult to decipher any connection with the story presented in Sonic Unleashed. We'll venture that it's probably a good thing. Sorry, it's still distinctly lacking in Jaleelitude. With that out of the way, head past the break and enjoy the show.
Sonic Unleashed staggers release dates
Oh, semantics. Although it may have been believed that Sonic Unleashed was hitting retail tomorrow for all consoles, apparently those dates weren't "official." Sega has rectified that by announcing official launch dates today (via IGN) stating that the Wii and PS2 versions will be available tomorrow, while the Xbox 360 gets its werehog on next week. As for the PS3's Sonic Unleashed, it has been relegated to an indeterminate December date. Yes, we know, dear Xbox 360 and PS3 owners, whatever else shall you play while waiting for Sonic Unleashed?!
Gorgeous Phantasy Star Zero animated short, less gorgeous theme song
We were about to praise this animated promotional video for Sega's Phantasy Star Zero. The look, the design of the environments, and the atmospheric music scream "Phantasy Star Online." The storyline does a beautiful job of presenting a civilization of technologically advanced pioneers. And just the very existence of an animated short like this suggests an admirable budget for the DS edition of the online action-RPG. It seemed like Sega was really going to do right by PSO fans.And then the theme song, "Makenai Kokoro" (Undefeated Heart), started. It's neither as sweeping as the PSO opening theme, "The Whole New World," nor as goofily enjoyable as Phantasy Star Universe's disco-style theme "Save This World". But we're nitpicking. The theme can certainly be endured long enough to see the lovely gameplay footage in the last half of the video.%Gallery-31775%
Sega delays Sonic's unleashing in Japan [update]
Sega has announced that the Japanese-bound Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Sonic World Adventure, better known elsewhere as Sonic Unle- wait, why is he a werewolf?, has been delayed until Spring 2009. According to the game's website (translation via our friends at Siliconera), the delay is to "further improve the quality of the game." The Wii version is purportedly still on track for December 18. Not to worry, North American gamers, your Sonic experience won't be delayed or hampered by pesky quality improvements. Sonic Unleashed is coming out here next week. Update: Sega has released a new statement (via CVG) clarifying that the delay is for marketing purposes only.
A brief look at character creation in Phantasy Star Zero
In a post about the filming of a new commercial for Phantasy Star Zero starring actor and singer Takeshi Tsuruno, GAME Watch also included a few screens of the character creation process. We've quickly translated the visible options; there aren't any real surprises, but we at least know that there are three different aspects of the character costumes that can change color, that the player can change the color of the floating "mag" robot, and that there are multiple selectable voices like in Phantasy Star Universe!Other screens show a party gathering and calling out for a Photon Blast (a charged attack that could be combined in Phantasy Star Online) and the boxart, which is a delight.%Gallery-31775%
Sonic busts ghosts in upcoming 'Night of the Werehog' short
If you're a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog's non-video game outings, you'd be wise to check out the trailer for an upcoming animated short featuring Sega's spiny mascot, titled Night of the Werehog. The movie, which will be available online sometime before the launch of Sonic Unleashed, features the speedster (in his new, lupine form) battling all manner of unmannerly ghosts. Though the trailer (which we've courteously posted after the break), doesn't do much to tell how the short relates to the story of Unleashed, the CGI is extremely well done -- though we're somewhat disappointed by the movie's apparent lack of Jaleelitude.
Start collecting rare weapons already in Phantasy Star Zero
Like other Sega games we could mention, Phantasy Star Online titles have a proud history of including cute and funny references to other Sega properties. Phantasy Star Zero will be no exception. Ahead of the game's Japanese release on December 25th, those who preorder will receive cards that unlock in-game items from other Sega games.We were slightly disappointed (though not surprised) to hear the cards only grant weapons from more current Sega releases. These will include Valkyria Chronicles (PS3), Shining Wind (2007 ARPG for the PS2), Hatsune Miku Project Diva (PSP), and Blazer Drive, Sega's manga/RPG crossover that is also out in Japan in December. Sure, none of that stuff is going to be as funny as wielding Ulala's zapper or Samba's maracas or Chu Chu armor, but it's still fairly neat, right?%Gallery-31775%
A closer look at new Phantasy Star Zero loot
Famitsu has a brief preview of the two newest weapons that will be available to Phantasy Star Zero players, the shield and the gunslash. Shields will be able to defend against any weapon, according to this machine translation, though can also be used to limited effect for walloping enemies. We don't really have much to say about the gunslash, a sword/gun combo, other than "gunslash" is a totally rad name.Also featured is a third "new" weapon, which we should all be familiar with because it's a clenched, bare fist. We can't recall being able to fight with these in previous Phantasy Star games, probably because pummeling this with your mitts would be an act of grave stupidity. Oh, and you can also perform unnaturally high kicks. Those angles just ... aren't right.%Gallery-31775%
Point/Counterpoint: Voice chat vs. Stylus chat
When it launches in Japan on Christmas Day (and in the west ... hopefully some time soon!), Phantasy Star Zero will allow users to play online and communicate with one another via a unique Pictochat-style system. Using stylus drawings to relay information to your team-mates is certainly an original and novel approach, but is it the best? Wouldn't the speed and efficiency of voice chat suit Sonic Team's RPG more?While none of the staff are violently opposed to the idea of visual chat or voice chat, each certainly has it merits. Hit the gray button below and read both sides of the debate, and then weigh in through our poll! NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } %Gallery-31775%
Famitsu Zeroes in on Phantasy Star weapons, online play
Our urge to start writing Phantasy Star Zero mushy love letters on a daily basis is stronger than ever. Famitsu's latest two-page spread on Sonic Team's online RPG is the cause of our infatuation. According to the magazine, PS Zero will be stocked with over 350 weapons spread across sixteen categories, including swords, spears, slicers, daggers, wands, magic rods, sabers, double sabers, claws, handguns, machine guns, rifles, launchers, bazookas, shields, and gunslashes.Those last two are new to the Phantasy Star universe (a gunslash, incidentally, is a gun/sword combo), though you will have the option of scrapping with your bare hands, though that seems like a daft tactic at best.Sega also talked online modes with Famitsu, revealing the three modes of play that will be available. Free Mode will let you join a random party automatically, though the PictoChat-style chat system is not possible here, Friend Mode allows you to grind with friends or friends of friends and have access to the chat, and Single Mode sees you playing online ... on your own. No, we don't understand that either.%Gallery-31775%[Translation by 1UP]
TGS 08: Sonic Unleashed meets us halfway
Comparing Sonic Unleashed to 2006's Sonic The Hedgehog nightmare is an utterly useless endeavor. Yes, Sonic Unleashed (or Sonic World Adventure, as it's known in Japan) is observably the superior game, but this confirmation is worthless when the previous adventure not only failed to raise the bar, but rather buried it somewhere deep within an abandoned mineshaft. The question then isn't whether Sonic Unleashed is better, but whether it's any good. And ... well, it's not bad. %Gallery-19737%
TGS 08: We love Sonic Unleashed's Werehog ... costume
As much as we hate how Sonic's roots have been clawed out by some furry, fanged and stretchy-limbed abomination, we must grudgingly admit that the Werehog is -- at least on the Tokyo Game Show floor -- almost bordering on sort of cool. As is the case with most obnoxious, product-peddling mascots, we ultimately have to go with the one we'd prefer to hug. And just look at that guy's huge arms! (Our next TGS goal: to capture an image of both Sonics together.)
Jaws drop at first Phantasy Star Zero trailer
The first ever Phantasy Star Zero trailer is so damn hot that Gamekyo decided to reproduce it twice when uploading its video. That's fine with us, because we spent the first run-through simply rubbing our eyes at what we were seeing. Is this the best 3D yet on the DS? It's definitely a contender, with elaborate, screen-filling enemies and multiple characters legging it about on screen with no visible lag. It is, in a word, stunning.Alas, there's one very small fly in the ointment: the game has been dated for December 25th in Japan, preventing us western importers from getting it as quickly as we'd like.%Gallery-31775%
What is this Sonic Unleashed trailer missing? 2D
Download to PSP Remember when people were cautiously optimistic about Sonic Unleashed? Finally, we thought: a return to Sonic's 2D roots. None of this crazy mascot 3D nonsense! Well, looks like Sonic Team is up to their old (not not so old) ways: this new trailer for Sonic Unleashed includes tons of 3D platforming sections, brawling areas (with combo meter) and almost zero 2D gameplay. Are you still excited for this? %Gallery-31931%
DS Daily: Phantasy Star on the small screens
We've had our (first) gushing moment about a Phantasy Star Online iteration on the DS. Now it's time to think semi-critically about the development. We know that we like online gaming on the DS, and we like action-RPGs on the DS. But most of our ARPGs have been single-player, and our online gaming competitive.Simply put, will the kind of longer-session multiplayer questing work on the DS as well as it did on the Dreamcast and all those other systems? Do you look forward to that kind of experience on a handheld? Obviously, people in Japan dig it (see: Monster Hunter Portable, Phantasy Star Portable). To us, there's something strange about this style of play on a handheld, and yet something quite appealing.%Gallery-31775%
