One of the more out of left field surprises during the Microsoft conference was that SEGA is finally bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 to the West next year. It promises to have all the content that’s been available prior, and will be free-to-play, supported by microtransactions.
There’s definitely been fan support out there that allows people to play the game outside of Japan and other countries, but it’s nice to see that the game will be officially supported and translated after all these years. I’m certainly looking forward to checking it out.
Read through the press release info below for a few more details.
Phantasy Star Online 2 announcement:
F2P “Phantasy Star Online” Service Announced for the West, Debuting in North America Spring 2020
SEGA Games Co., Ltd. announced today that Phantasy Star Online 2 (PSO2), one of Japan’s greatest online RPGs, will launch in the West, debuting in North America in Spring 2020 on Xbox One.
All stories and content, and especially the fan-favorite epic battles with their huge number of enemies, will be included in this free-to-play release. Stay tuned for more details!
“What is PSO2?”
Join the Spectacular Experience of a “Never-ending Quest” and “The Highest Level Action”!
Players of PSO2 become a member of a research expedition called “Arks,” which belong to a fleet of interplanetary cruising ships, setting out to a research a variety of different planets. Visiting places for the mission (quest) always evolves into a fresh and surprising adventure, including auto-generated maps, sudden events, and a Multiplayer Party Area, where up to 12 players can play together simultaneously.
Each planet and quest is an encounter with different characters and battles with enemies. Its easy control systems allow for intense exhilaration in battles as well as highly strategic and customizable actions.
Gigantic boss enemies are also waiting for their time to challenge you with their towering body that covers the whole screen. Team up with other players against epic bosses!
Create Your Own Character with the Ultimate “Character Creation”!
PSO2 lets players create their own characters in an easy and intuitive way with the “Character Creation” system.
Not only costumes, hairstyles, accessories, but also the height, body shape, and moreover, the length and thickness of arms and legs, can be customized with a morphing feature for unlimited customization and design combination.
Free to Download and Play the Game!
The entire game will be made available as a F2P experience for players on Xbox One. There will be no limitations on game experiences such as Class Level cap or direct purchase of high-tier weapons because we want to provide all players with a fair and exciting experience.
If players still find themselves in need of assistance for their quest, microtransactions are there to help.
Phantasy Star Online 2 will launch in the West, debuting in North America in Spring 2020 on Xbox One. For more information, be sure to visit the official website at http://pso2.com.