Previewed
03.18.2006
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sonic
Team
Format
1x
DVD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
Aug.
31, 2006 (Japan)
Fall,
2006 (USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3/4
Overhead
Genre
Action/RPG
Player(s)
1
1-6
(online)
Options
Backup
Dual
Shock 2
Requires
BB
Unit
Network
Adapter
Importable
n/a |
04.19.2006 |
> News of the impending
release of Phantasy Star Universe for Microsoft's
Xbox 360 gaming console has finally arrived. |
03.18.2006 |
> The Phantasy Star franchise started in 1988 as a turn-based
RPG on the Sega Master
System. Three sequels of the same genre followed on Sega's
16-bit Genesis through
1994. In late 2000 (Japan) and early 2001 (USA), Sega
unleashed the online multiplayer action/RPG, Phantasy
Star Online for the Dreamcast,
which quickly took the console online world to new heights. PSO
was followed closely be the updated/enhanced PSO
Version 2. Phantasy
Star Online Episode II followed on the GameCube
and Xbox; PSO
Episode III was only released for GameCube; and
PSO
Episode IV is exclusive to PC's. Sonic
Team now hopes to strike it big again with the impending release
of Phantasy Star Universe for PS2 and
PC,
which combines a single-player action/RPG with multiplayer online components.
> PSU is supposed to offer a 40 hour single player offline
adventure, which can be continued in the multiplayer fee-based online adventure.
In addition to having online teams of up to 6 players now, the return of
battle combos and message bubbles seem to be in order. Included in
the mix are an emotionally engaging story, traditional cut-scenes, strong
character development, and highly detailed graphics. The game's hero
is 17 year old Ethan Waber, who is intent on saving his sister from the
mysterious life forms called THE SEED. Character customization will
be greatly expanded over PSO, as will the new, enormous 3-planet
world. Getting around will be more interesting with controllable
vehicles to command. Lastly, Sega plans to have a steady
stream of updates for the game over time...
> Hey, I get why Sega is making PSU for Playstation
2. What really makes no sense to me is their seeming lack
of desire to make it for any other console!? C'mon Sega,
you even made Episode II for GameCube and Xbox!
Unless Sony is paying some huge ransom to keep this game
exclusive, Sega should release this game on Xbox 360
and Nintendo Revolution in a timely manner. |
First
Impression |
> Phantasy Star Universe will surely be just what the doctor
ordered: another engaging online action/RPG within the Phantasy Star
realm that will enchant gamers for many, many hours. As far as I'm
concerned, the problem for now is that Sega is only making
it for one home console, the Playstation 2, which is way
too old for something this fresh. We'll just have to wait and see
if common sense strikes anyone in the house that built Sonic... |
~Shinobi~
Pictures
/ Screenshots |
|
|
Pictures
courtesy: PhantasyStarUniverse.com
|
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