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After nearly eight years as a Japanese exclusive, is releasing in North America this Spring. Since its original launch in 2012, Phantasy Star Online 2 has become one of the most popular online RPGs of all-time and now, it’s finally almost time for western audiences to have a turn.Sega announced the western release of PSO2 last year at E3 2019, but keep in mind that a lot of the information in this article pertains to the Japanese version of PSO 2 as it exists today and may not take into account unknown changes in store for the North American release. That being said, Sega confirmed is getting ported in the original E3 2019 trailer, so it’s reasonable to expect only minor differences in phrasing and terminology. Phantasy Star Online 2: Why People Love ItThe Phantasy Star franchise has a long and storied history, dating all the way back to the Sega Master System. Originally it was a single-player JRPG series that spanned four games, culminating in Phantasy Star IV on the Genesis/Mega Drive, a game that’s widely regarded as one of the best of its era. As of now, there is no specific US release date set for Phantasy Star Online 2, but SEGA confirmed it will hit Xbox One first in Spring 2020 after. PSO2 will then release on PC later this year with cross-play support, according to the E3 2019 trailer.
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Eight years of Phantasy Star Online 2 has passed, and ten years since Phantasy Star Universe closed for good, so there is a lot that new players are going to have to take in. Sticking out some.
An Open Beta is planned between then and full launch, but there is no date for that period yet. All progress between Closed Beta, Open Beta, and launch will carry over without server resets and without the need to re-download the game in full - you’ll just have to patch it.When the Western version of Phantasy Star Online 2 does eventually release, it will be a free-to-play experience with an optional microtransactions.
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Phantasy Star Online 2 StoryIn Phantasy Star Online 2 players take on the role of a new ARKS Operative. ARKS - the Artificial Relict to Keep Species - is an elite task force focused on exploring foreign planets and wiping out dark, evil corruption across the galaxy known as Falspawn.Just like in the first Phantasy Star Online, the story is split into multiple episodes that released over time. Sega announced all content is coming to the North American version, but it’s unclear if it will be all at once or if it will trickle out over time. The North American release will feature full English translations for all text, and English voice over for key characters and dialogue. Phantasy Star Online 2 Gameplay and PvECompared to other, more traditional MMOs, everything is much faster, flashier, and more intense. Combat in PSO2 resembles a Platinum-style action game more than a traditional MMO, with fantastic combos, tons of bright flourishes, and plenty of special attacks to keep your thumbs busy.
There are eighteen different weapon types to pick from and a flexible combat system that encourages experimentation with each new weapon you unlock. In terms of comparable games, PSO2 is similar to other hub-based MMOs like Neverwinter, Guild Wars 1, or even Monster Hunter World to some degree. Players load into a lobby area first to go shopping, accept quests, and interact with other players, then venture out into the world(s) on excursions and raids. The majority of PSO2 can be played solo, but there are specific missions and events that require a large group to complete, especially in the end game. Most of those support queuing up for matchmaking if you don’t have a dedicated group to play with.The vast majority of time in PSO2 is spent in instanced PvE areas. Leveling can be done with just NPC helpers, but players get a large XP boost for playing with other real people. Plus, larger-scale content like dungeons and quests usually involve fighting off lots of smaller enemies, gathering loot, leveling up, and defeating large bosses at the end that require coordinated group efforts, and typically require groups of players rather than NPC companions.
Phantasy Star Online 2 Races and ClassesThere are four different races and nine different classes to choose from in PSO2.
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