Its been over 10 years since Phantasy Star launched on the Dreamcast and SEGA is looking to take the classic RPG to new heights. Set in the year 238 the New Era of Light, players will be placed in the midst of a new band of Arks as they face off against mysterious D Arkers. The real-time 3rd person combat will blend with the RPG elements as this class based system has branches for melee, ranged and magic weapon types. Nearly limitless character customization options are at the creators disposal allowing a number of potential appearance outcomes.
The trailer shows beautifully crafted set pieces, while in CG they were still very well done. Map Randomization and mid-quest encounters are going to through a spice into gameplay ensuring that multiple different experiences and outcomes are possible. Three degrees of humanity are available to experience across 3 distinct races; Humans, spiritually powered Newman and artificial CAST.
Phantasy Star Online was a revolutionary game when it was released, and we want to make sure that its successor in the series is every bit as ambitious, said Chris Olson, Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA of America. We look forward to introducing Phantasy Star Online 2’s unique, easy-to-access multiplayer action to the rest of the world next year!
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, added Satoshi Sakai, Phantasy Star Online 2 Producer at SEGA of Japan.
Phantasy Star 2 Online will be available in the US and Europe for the PC in 2013.
I hope this is what SEGA needs to get back on the map.