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Phantasy Star Online 2's western release isn't a lost cause

Brianna Royce — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, News Items, Consoles, Miscellaneous

Did you lose all hope of ever seeing Phantasy Star Online 2 in the west after it launched in Southeast Asia last spring with nary a peep about its arrival on this side of the Pacific? We did too. But a tweet sent by SEGA earlier this week gives us reason to doubt our doubts:

PSO2 is still delayed. SEGA is currently working on bringing PSO2 to the West and will update as soon as we know more.

It's not a launch date or even much of a promise, but at least it's confirmation that the western version hasn't been abandoned.

Phantasy Star Online 2's western release isn't a lost cause originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2's beta ends in Southeast Asia

Eliot Lefebvre — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Interviews, Launches, News Items, Consoles

While Phantasy Star Online 2 is unreleased here in North America, the residents of Southeast Asia will soon get to experience the game in English. The servers for this version of the game are region-locked, but it's still as close as the game has gotten to a local release thus far. Curious about how it went? The team working for local publisher Asiasoft shared thoughts regarding the beta experience in a recent interview.

The team states that while the game already has new race/class options available in Japan (as it has been out for some time), releasing these options in the localized version will depend partly on player progress. Tie-in events such as those found in the Japanese version are also nixed, as most of those cross-promotional events are strictly for Japanese marketing and wouldn't make much sense to the audience. For more details, take a look at the full interview.

Phantasy Star Online 2's beta ends in Southeast Asia originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 still out of sight for North America

Eliot Lefebvre — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Launches, MMO Industry, News Items, Consoles

Here's a question for the audience: Why isn't Phantasy Star Online 2 released in North America yet? The game is fully translated into English, it's going to be released in Southeast Asia in that language very shortly. It's been out in Japan for two years. About a year ago, Sega announced that the game's release in North America would be delayed with no further elaboration; as it stands, the company is still offering no rationale or explanation for the delay.

The most obvious culprit would be legal issues, but Sega hasn't made any statements to indicate that there might be some sort of legal barrier to launching the game here. All that fans know is that the game is still unavailable, despite now having every sign of being ready for launch. So what's holding it back? We haven't the slightest idea.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

Phantasy Star Online 2 still out of sight for North America originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs

Justin Olivetti — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Final Fantasy XI, MMO Industry, Warhammer Online, Opinion, Ultima Online, Champions Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV, Allods Online, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous, Neverwinter, The Elder Scrolls Online, Wizardry Online, Elite: Dangerous

Popular franchises have been known to jump between various entertainment media, from games to television to movies to comic books and even to pogs. We should not gasp in utter amazement that this is also the case with many of our beloved MMOs; we should nod sagely and accept the terrible truth.

There are several video game franchises that have culminated in -- or at least have taken a detour through -- the land of MMOs. For gamers who wanted more and especially did not want to see their journey end, an MMO continuation is a welcome answer that's usually hiding its own problems. But nevermind that; let's march down the halls of history and see the yearbook photos of these franchises when they were young!

Continue reading Perfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs

Perfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console

Beau Hindman — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Super-hero, EVE Online, Launches, New Titles, Previews, PvP, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, Consoles, Casual, Virtual Worlds, MMOFPS, Free Realms, Rumors, Warhammer 40k, Kids, DC Universe Online, Final Fantasy XIV, DUST 514, World of Tanks, Free for All, Family, EverQuest Next, PlanetSide 2, Sandbox, Diablo III, Defiance, The Elder Scrolls Online, Destiny, Player-Generated Content, Subscription, Buy-to-Play

Consoles and MMOs do not have the stand-offish relationship that they used to have. In fact, there are so many different MMOs to choose from on consoles that it's seriously tempting to pick up one of the new ones -- the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 -- even though I wasn't planning on it for a long, long time. I enjoy using a controller with MMOs so much that I plan on covering the subject more in the future.

So let's get to the list of MMOs that are currently on consoles or that will be coming out on consoles in the near(ish) future. Massively's own Mike Foster put together a fantastic list last summer, but I thought I would update and pass it on. After all, the new consoles are officially here... so be sure to reference the list when you need a new MMO to play on your shiny new console!

Continue reading Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console

Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PSO2 may not be heading to the West, despite being 'fully localized'

Mike Foster — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Launches, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Rumors, MMORPG

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!]

Rumor: PSO2 may not be heading to the West, despite being 'fully localized' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Oct 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEGA releases three new PSO2 videos and a roadmap for the future

Mike Foster — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, News Items, Free-to-Play, MMORPG

It seems like just last week that SEGA launched Phantasy Star Online 2's Episode 2, Chapter 1, and that's because it was literally just last week. Expansion continues at a breakneck pace, with Episode 2, Part 2 receiving a reveal trailer today outlining the new costumes, maps, and gear to be added when that update goes live August 7th.

But that's not all. Episode 2, Part 3 is already in the works, with an expected launch window of December 2013. SEGA also released two new commercials for Phantasy Star Online 2, one for the regular game and one for the Vita version. Both are weird.

Check out the new trailer and commercials after the break.

Continue reading SEGA releases three new PSO2 videos and a roadmap for the future

SEGA releases three new PSO2 videos and a roadmap for the future originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming soon to a console near you: MMOs

Mike Foster — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, Previews, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Consoles, Casual, MMOFPS, Free Realms, DC Universe Online, Final Fantasy XIV, DUST 514, World of Tanks, Family, Post-Apocalyptic, EverQuest Next, Miscellaneous, PlanetSide 2, Sandbox, Diablo III, Defiance, The Elder Scrolls Online, Destiny, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Remember E3 2013? That huge video games conference thing from earlier in the summer? Weeks have passed since Microsoft and Sony squared off in the Los Angeles convention center (while Nintendo posted up at Best Buy and Ouya sulked in the parking lot), but the news made there continues to reverberate through the games industry.

One curious trend seems to have been missed amid the clashing of proverbial titans: There sure are a lot of MMOs and online-focused games due on consoles this generation. And since MMOs are the business of Massively, we thought it might be fun to compile a quick list of all the ones we can find that are either already available on our current consoles or set for launch on the next batch.

The list, as it turns out, is pretty extensive.

Continue reading Coming soon to a console near you: MMOs

Coming soon to a console near you: MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 launches Episode 2, adds new race and class

Mike Foster — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Expansions, Launches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Races, MMORPG

The latest update for Phantasy Star Online 2 is officially live on Japanese servers, and with it come the game's fourth playable race and an all-new class. The new race, the Duman, are a natural mutation of humans with strange origins and seem to all be afflicted (or blessed) with heterochromia. The new class, known as the Braver, can choose between Katana or Bullet Bows as its primary weapon.

Check out the seven-minute launch video after the jump, and bring along a Japanese translator.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

Continue reading Phantasy Star Online 2 launches Episode 2, adds new race and class

Phantasy Star Online 2 launches Episode 2, adds new race and class originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Jul 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode 2 trailer shows new race, planet

Jef Reahard — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Races

SEGA has released a high-def trailer for Phantasy Star Online 2's Episode 2 update. The clip introduces the Duman race, a new planet, and new weapons, too.

The trailer runs for a solid four minutes, buy you'll need to bring your mad Japanese language skills if you want to understand the voiceovers and the UI. There's plenty of combat footage on display as well as glimpses of the game's character creation and various environments. Check it out after the cut.

Continue reading Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode 2 trailer shows new race, planet

Phantasy Star Online 2 Episode 2 trailer shows new race, planet originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 English version coming to Southeast Asia

Shawn Schuster — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Culture, New Titles, Free-to-Play

Despite the fact that Sega delayed Phantasy Star Online 2's North American launch earlier this year, fans of the game in Southeast Asia will be happy to hear that an English version is coming their way as well.

A specific release date for either territory hasn't been given, but online game publisher Asiasoft has confirmed in an investor relations report (as reported by Gamespot UK) that they will be distributing both PSO2 and DC Universe Online to the Southeast Asia market.

[Thanks to BGO for the tip!]

Phantasy Star Online 2 English version coming to Southeast Asia originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega delays Phantasy Star Online 2's North American launch

Jef Reahard — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play

Phantasy Star Online 2 boasted some impressive user numbers late last year, but that's apparently not enough to keep the title from being delayed in the West.

Publisher Sega "can officially confirm that PSO2 has been delayed," according to Polygon. The game was originally given an early 2013 North American launch window. Sega says that it does not have "any specifics but will update everyone as soon as there are more details to share."

Phantasy Star Online 2 has been playable for over a year, and was even showcased at PAX Prime 2012.

Sega delays Phantasy Star Online 2's North American launch originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Universe is gone for good

Elisabeth Cardy — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Events (In-Game), MMO Industry, News Items

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 is gone for good originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 will be free-to-play on the Vita in Japan

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Business Models, Game Mechanics, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Consoles

Japanese audiences will not be hurting for ways to play Phantasy Star Online 2 when it releases next year. Forget consoles or PCs; if you have a PlayStation Vita, you can jump right into the game for free. A fan translation of information presented at this year's Tokyo Game Show confirms that the game will be free-to-play on the Vita.

Of course, there are restrictions to using the free version. Vita players will be limited to only certain shared areas with PC players and will also be unable to play the game in any sort of offline mode. Players will also need to swap memory cards to change accounts, as the free version is tied to the PSN account information stored on a memory card.

Will this be true of the Western version as well? It's unknown, as Sega has yet to officially announce that Phantasy Star Online 2 will be on the Vita in the US. Keep your eyes peeled as the game gets closer to its Japanese release and more information comes out about localization.

Phantasy Star Online 2 will be free-to-play on the Vita in Japan originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX Prime 2012: Hands-on with Phantasy Star Online 2

Matt Daniel — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Hands-On (Massively's), Events (Massively's Coverage)

I'm sure I'm not the only one around here who has fond memories of sitting in front of a Sega Dreamcast (a moment of silence, please), hacking-and-slashing my way through the original Phantasy Star Online, and I'm also sure that I'm not the only one who's positively giddy for Sega's upcoming Phantasy Star Online 2. So of course, when I found out I'd be able to get my hands on the game at PAX, I was pretty ecstatic.

But nostalgia can only go so far, and I'll admit I was somewhat nervous as I stepped up to the demo station. Would this new iteration in the PSO series live up to my rose-tinted memories of the title? I stepped into the boots of a Human Hunter to find out for myself.

Continue reading PAX Prime 2012: Hands-on with Phantasy Star Online 2

PAX Prime 2012: Hands-on with Phantasy Star Online 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 tops 700,000 users, 91,000 concurrent

Jef Reahard — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play

MMO companies are usually pretty secretive about their user numbers. Sega bucked that trend recently when it announced that 730,000 players had registered for Phantasy Star Online 2. The registration metric is pretty fluffy when it comes to actual player numbers, though, and fortunately the company also announced that PSO2 achieved a peak concurrent user number of 91,513 on July 7th.

These numbers are solely the result of the recent Japanese launch. The game is slated to debut in Europe and North America sometime in 2013.

Phantasy Star Online 2 tops 700,000 users, 91,000 concurrent originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Massively: All deckbuilders, all the time edition

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, MMO Industry, News Items, Opinion, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous

Lately I've basically been unable to get enough of board games. I am sadly at the point that all I need to get excited about a game is the promise of cards and possibly some sort of combat. I'm going to blame Matt Daniel for introducing me to Thunderstone Advance because that introduced me to deckbuilders as a whole, and now I'm sitting here seriously considering buying a Japanese card game about assembling a maid harem. This is not a position I needed to be in.

And now for something completely different: this week's Ask Massively. This time around, we're tackling the curious issue of Phantasy Star Online 2's slow process of translation, one that could be described as "glacial." If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, leave it in the comments below or mail it to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: All deckbuilders, all the time edition

Ask Massively: All deckbuilders, all the time edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 hacked, NPCs clock flight time

MJ Guthrie — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser

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 hacked, NPCs clock flight time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 coming to NA and EU early next year [update: it's official!]

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Launches, MMO Industry, Free-to-Play, Browser, Consoles

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 coming to NA and EU early next year [update: it's official!] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 launches in Japan this week, new vids abound

Jef Reahard — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, Classes, Game Mechanics, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play

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.

Continue reading Phantasy Star Online 2 launches in Japan this week, new vids abound

Phantasy Star Online 2 launches in Japan this week, new vids abound originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Signs and portents

Brianna Royce — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Galleries, Screenshots, Massively Meta, One Shots, Miscellaneous

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!

Continue reading One Shots: Signs and portents

One Shots: Signs and portents originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Universe will blink out for good in September

MJ Guthrie — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, News Items, Miscellaneous

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!]

Phantasy Star Universe will blink out for good in September originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Culture, Interviews, Consoles, The Game Archaeologist

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.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players

The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five phantastic videos from the Phantasy Star Online 2 alpha test

Brendan Drain — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Video, MMO Industry, New Titles, Previews, News Items, Dungeons

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.

Continue reading Five phantastic videos from the Phantasy Star Online 2 alpha test

Five phantastic videos from the Phantasy Star Online 2 alpha test originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First look at Phantasy Star Online 2

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Galleries, New Titles, Previews

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: Phantasy Star Online 2

First look at Phantasy Star Online 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Online 2 announced at the Tokyo Game Show

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, New Titles

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.

Continue reading Phantasy Star Online 2 announced at the Tokyo Game Show

Phantasy Star Online 2 announced at the Tokyo Game Show originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese version of Xbox Phantasy Star Online to close

Michael Zenke — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Phantasy Star Universe, News Items

The Xbox version of Phantasy Star Online is going to be shut down, notes SiliconEra and the official PSO.jp site. The Japanese version of the well-known console MMOG will be closed almost five years after its initial launch on Microsoft's platform. Sega hasn't announced any similar plans for the US version of either the Xbox or 360 versions of the title.

[Via Game|Life.]

Japanese version of Xbox Phantasy Star Online to close originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Universe set for PSP, but with nerfed multiplayer

Samuel Axon — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Phantasy Star Universe, News Items, Mobile, Consoles

It was so exciting at first to read that Phantasy Star Universe is headed for the PSP. Developers have theorized before that a PSP MMO might be worth trying, and PSU is the perfect candidate because of its small-scale group battles and its pick-up-and-play approach. At first, it looked like this would finally be the big break!

Or not! Sega has announced a Japanese PSU port for the PSP, but its multiplayer features are only ad hoc -- meaning it works over a local wi-fi connection between PSPs, not over the internet. So they've taken PSU, stripped out the "Massively" and "Online" parts of "MMO," and ported it to the PSP.

Bad form, Sega -- bad form. Looks like we'll be waiting a bit longer for an MMO-on-the-go that isn't a cell phone game meant for 'tweens. Maybe NCsoft is PSP MMO fans' only hope.

Phantasy Star Universe set for PSP, but with nerfed multiplayer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Universe expands

Samuel Axon — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Phantasy Star Universe, Expansions, Launches, News Items, Consoles

Phantasy Star Universe's first expansion pack, Ambition of the Illuminus, launched in the North American market today. The update adds more single and multi-player missions and storylines, new character customization options, a new single-player game mode, some social environments, and retro environments originally from PSU's predecessor, Phantasy Star Online.

Sega's PSU, like Square Enix's Final Fantasy XI, is one of the few highly successful console-centric MMOs to date. It has a complete single-player campaign and a persistent online world which can be explored by groups of up to six players.

If you're playing PSU on the XBox 360, you can download the expansion pack for 1,600 points. If you're a PC or PS2 player, you'll have to buy the retail game disc. Japanese players have had access to the expansion since September, and Europe will have to wait until January to get its hands on it.

Phantasy Star Universe expands originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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