Category: Phantasy Star Online 2

Phantasy Star Online 2 has been announced for Windows PC, PlayStation Vita, and Smartphone devices. Everyone can connect to the game at anytime, anywhere! This Media Briefing recap will update as Japanese news media update their sites.

 

PC Version

The PC version is the main flagship platform for Phantasy Star Online 2, where everyone can enjoy playing it on even low end systems.

Currently the plans are to release the PC version in the summer.

 

Vita Version

The Vita version is primarily for portable players, that shares the same data with the PC version, and can also play together with them at the same time. Unlike Playstation 2, Playstation Vita can support large scale system updates and system modifications. In addition, there are measures to prevent against cheating because the character data is stored online.

 The Vita version will release sometime in 2013. 

 

Smartphone Version

The Smartphone version also shares the same server data on other versions of  PSO2, you can play the game independently from PC/Vita. The Smartphone version plans to release on both iOS and Android systems. This version allows for a single player experience with the same weapons and enemies like in the PC/Vita version.

 

The smartphone version shares the same server data as the PC and Vita version. However, the Smartphone version does not allow for cross platform playing at the same time.

This version is a simpler compared to the other two, you can raise your character, read mail from your friends, go on an adventure with your friend's character, or check the sales from the shop.

The Smartphone version plans to release in Winter 2012.

 

An RPG that goes beyond borders!

Now with PSO2 supporting 3 platforms, you can freely play at any time, any place, or anywhere you feel like. The game will support regular updates after the official PC version is released. Afterwards, the smartphone, and Vita version will be released to the public. Each will undergo testing and allow for user feedback.

 

The game software for the  PC, Vita, and Smartphone versions will be released as a FREE download. In either platform, the standard charges for playing will be absolutely free. Some of the game's items will become Cash Items under an in-game currency known as "Arks Cash."

When you play for free there are no restrictions imposed on your class level. In addition they will not sell over powerful weapons as cash items for large sums of cash either. The basic roots of the game won't be restricted either so that people with little time to play can still experience the game thoroughly.

 

Closed Beta Features

The closed beta test will add new weapon categories, a city area, and the implementation of Arks Cash. The new lobby has some new facilities like the Medical Center, the Tekker Shop, the Costume Shop, Title Counter,  and the Makeup Counter. My Room will add an assortment of new room items.

 

You can go on adventures with your friend's character anytime with the new "Friend Partner System." You can create your own team that comes with its own team chat feature and team flags. New weapon categories, photon arts, technics and skills. New interrupt events too.

The medical center seems to sell various drinks that boost some stats like HP and defense.

The closed beta now features a story with characters and voiced dialogue. Voice actors include; Hiro Shimono, Ryōhei Kimura, Youko Hikasa, Yōsuke Akimoto, Kana Asumi, Yuka Iguchi, Mariya Ise, Ueda Kana, Nobuhiko Okamoto, and many more.

 

During the Closed Beta Test, if your character reaches level 10, they will receive a free weapon hologram room item. This item will display weapons you have. This item will be delivered to you at the Open Beta Test. The highest level you can go in the closed beta test is level 30.

 

The city area contains a new boss called Dark Ragne.

 

Symbol Art

The evolution to symbol chat is finally here! Now we introduce "Symbol Art" where you can draw and create your own picture.

 

Character Demo!

On April 5th, Phantasy Star Online 2 will have a Character Creation Demo. You can download this demo which will be available prior to the closed beta. This demo will work even if you are not connected to the internet. The character you created in this version can also be used in the Closed Beta.

 

You can also use this to benchmark how your PC will play PSO2. Characters that you've created in this trial can also be used in a special Phantasy Star Online 2 Character Creation Contest! We will discuss details about this contest later.

The closed beta plans to start at the end of April.

 [via famitsu + 4gamer]

PSO2 Trinity Campaign

Sega, Microsoft and Intel of Japan are teaming up to bring you the Phantasy Star Online 2 Trinity Campaign. Those who purchase select products will receive items that can use in PSO2.

Purchase a Recommended PC

• Rocket Punch/Nacht ロケットパンチ／ナハト and AntiARifle/Nacht アンチAライフル／ナハト

Purchase a Recommended PC and PSO2 Logo Wireless Controller

• PicoPico Hammer/Nacht ピコピコハンマー／ナハト and Rocket Punch/Nacht and AntiARifle/Nacht

Purchase Windows 7 Ultimate DSP edition

• Rocket Punch/Nacht and AntiARifle/Nacht

Boxed version of Intel Core i7-2600/2600K/2700/2700K processor

• Rocket Punch/Nacht and AntiARifle/Nacht

AntiARifle/Nacht

 

PicoPico Hammer/Nacht

 

RocketPunch/Nacht

 

Those who buy specific Alienware Gaming Machines in Mid-April  will receive a gunslash called "Lord Axion/Nacht." Details will be released later.

 

Phantasy Star Online 2 is releasing with a few new surprises. You can download the game client for Free on PlayStation Vita, PC, and Smartphones. You can also play the standard game for Free with no restrictions on class level. There will however be cash items, but he isn't going to allow direct sales of highly over powerful weapons.

The closed beta starts around the end of April with 100,000 players. Tester recruitment will begin today at 16:00 JST.

Phantasy Star Online 2 will also release on Smartphones for iOS and Android. The smartphone version shares character data with the PC and Vita version. It will be a more simplistic single player game, with some social gaming elements attached.

[via famitsu]

Sakai updated his blog with a clearer video of the one that was shown in the Dengeki Event, titled "PSO2 Closed Beta New Video."

Closed Beta Elements

• Now the lobby from the Alpha Test has expanded into two areas. There's a Gate area and Shop area, with some new facilities like the Medical Center.
• New weapon category, Partisans have a "twirl" move which can fill up the "gear gauge." Partisans are quicker than the sword and can hit surrounding enemies.
• Launchers, it is heavier than the assault rifle, so you can't move and shoot at the same time. Its projectiles can give explosive damage.
• Talis (Cards), like a shooting weapon, you can just throw it to give damage. Or, you can throw it and cast technics off of it. 
• Mags, an artificial life form that grows up when you feed it items. It can attack enemies directly if it becomes a "Striking" type Mag. If it is a "Range" type mag, it can shoot from a distance from the player's position. It can offer support to the player too. Actions can be added by specific conditions with an item called "Device."
• Photon Blasts, by filling the blast gauge, mags can transform into a mythical beast and fight alongside with the player.

Another new element is the Story, so let's look at our first glimpse of a story character.

Her name is Zion (Sion)

When she appears, she says some strange mysterious things to the player.  You can see her talking within these screenshots but her speech is  slightly odd. She entrusts the player with something called a "Matter Board", this thing seems to be important in advancing the story.

 

Her voice actor is Megumi Ogata, she's best known for playing Shinji in Evangelion.  In fact at the media briefing, he will introduce even more voice actors.

(I have to say, Shougai's prediction on voice actors were spot on…)

 Mag Menu (Commentary)

• Give Item アイタムを与える
• Use Device デバイスを使う
• Unequip 装備を外す
• Prioritize Trigger Action トリガーアクション優先度
• Confirm Actions  確認アクション

From this it sounds like you can sort what trigger actions you want first. The last menu is probably just a list of what actions are available to use.