Phantasy Star Zero Official Site Launches with Screenshots and Information

Updated Sept 20, 2008
Sega has launched the official site for Phantasy Star Zero. There isn't much new information from the previous blog entry but now you can see clearer screenshots and artwork for the game. Here we will break down the official site and translate some aspects of the game. Preorder through Amazon Japan to receive a discount.

Tokyo Game Show 2008

Phantasy Star Zero will appear at TGS 2008. New character artwork gives a brief glimpse of what the other 6 unannounced classes might look like.

New Phantasy Star

It Begins With Zero

Phantasy Star Zero is a brand new game based on the original Phantasy Star Online. The meaning behind the title "Phantasy Star Zero" serves as a "return to the starting point," the beginning of a new adventure. Let's  take a look at several locations you'll be visiting on your journey throughout the game:

Glacea Ravine

Phantasy Star Zero (DS)

Ozett Swamp

Phantasy Star Zero Swamp

Dylon City

Phantasy Star Zero Dylon City

Story Mode and Co-Op Play

Similar to Phantasy Star Portable, PS0 will feature its own original story mode where you'll be able to create your own character choosing from the three races; Human, Newman, Android (Cast). You will also choose from one of the 14 different character classes to play as. The stage will be set to take place on the "Earth" and the "Moon". Story Mode will feature the typical RPG setting.

Fonewearl

A FOnewearl casts technics to support other players.

For Co op play, you'll be able to play with up to 4 players through Nintendo Wi-Fi. This game will feature beautiful 3D graphics and will challenge the limits of the Nintendo DS.

Action Palette System

Action Palette

During gameplay, the Action Palette System will be featured on the bottom screen. It was designed to be familiar among older players. The action palette system will also include powered up actions. You will have up to 3 combo attacks, including "evasion" to avoid enemy attacks and a "cumulative attack" where you continuously press buttons.

Visual Chat System

The "symbol chat" of PSO has now been enhanced into a "visual chat" in PS0. Using the stylus pen, players will be able to communicate with others by writing or drawing on the touch screen.  You'll be able to choose from different types of chat bubbles including normal, shout and thought bubbles.

Phantasy Star Zero will allow you to save "shortcuts" of what other players drew. Share your artistic works to other players. The screenshot above shows another look at what has been revealed during Sega Consumer Brand New Title Presentation.

Release and Information

Title: Phantasy Star Zero
System Console: Nintendo DS
Release Date: Winter 2009 (U.S)
Price: Unknown
Character Designer: Toshiyuki Kubooka

[via official site translations]
[and; famitsu translations]
[and; espiokaos translations]
[and; psow name of location translations]

More Phantasy Star Zero News

Phantasy Star Zero for Nintendo DS NEW DETAILS!

We have updated info regarding Phantasy Star Zero
Please check back frequently!

Phantasy Star Zero Logo

The latest issue of Famitsu Magazine revealed details of Phantasy Star Zero for Nintendo DS. A brand new world into the series of Phantasy Star. This game will be very loosely based on Phantasy Star Online, borrowing only its class types and interface. The rest of the game will be brand new with brand new characters and a brand new style! This game is expected to be released on December 25, 2008.

Phantasy Star Zero Classes

One of the few features Phantasy Star Zero will borrow from PSO will be the classes. In clockwise order starting from the Green Android figure at the top and ending at the center, the classes are:

  • RAcast = Ranger Cast Male
  • HUmarl = Hunter Human Female
  • HUnewm = Hunter Newman Male
  • FOnewearl = Force Newman Female
  • HUcaseal = Hunter Cast Female
  • RAmar = Ranger Human Male
  • FOmarl = Force Human Female
  • HUmar = Hunter Human Male

These are all the classes described so far. There are two brand new classes to the PSO series. One that appears to be a cross between a newman and a hunter in a bodysuit.

Phantasy Star Zero Fields

These brand new areas depict the visual departure away from Phantasy Star Online. There is definitely some Phantasy Star Universe influences going forth but this game will detach itself from both. You and up to 4 players will be hunting through these areas.

Phantasy Star Zero HUD

The top screen will show all the action taking place, while the bottom screen will show important information and stats, including what attacks you have equipped. Though the visual style is different, you can see that the HP bars borrow from PSO, however TP has been changed to PP. The attack icons also are very similar to PSO's style.

The symbol chat of PSO has been expanded even further. This has been described as similar to PicToChat, where players can use their elite illustrative skills to send messages using the stylus.

Want more info? Click Phantasy Star Zero
Please check back frequently!

[Photos & Info via Wii Everyday & Gamekyo]
[mentioned by Harle & Zorin]