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[Dane]

Phantasy Star Online 2 has left open beta and is now officially available for Xbox One via the Microsoft Store in North America. The PC version will launch exclusively via the Microsoft Store (despite previous mention of a Steam version in the game’s online manual) in late May with cross-play.


While Phantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play, two paid versions containing in-game items are also available:

Ragol Edition ($29.99) – Microsoft Store

• Phantasy Star Online 2 base game
• Ragol Memory (×10)
• Premium Set (30 Days)
• AC Scratch Ticket (x12)
• Mission Pass Gold Ticket

Sonic Collaboration Edition ($59.99) – Microsoft Store

• Phantasy Star Online 2 base game
• Sonic Suit M
• Sonic Suit F
• Sonic Hair 1
• Sonic Hair 2
• Emotes 602: Sonic/Tails
• Sonic Knuckles
• Sonic Mask
• Ragol Memory (x5)
• Inventory Expansion (10) (x5)
• Premium Set (30 Days)
• Mission Pass Gold Ticket
• Salon Free Pass
• Character Storage Expansion (50) (x5)
• EXP Earned +150% (x15)
• Triboost +125% (x10)
• Grinder (x500)
• AC Scratch Ticket (x12)
• Great Enhancement Aid +50% (x99)

“Phantasy Star Online 2 changed the history of online action RPGs; the sci-fi story, characters, and gameplay has resonated with gamers worldwide and now we’re excited to bring North American players this special game—for free,” said Phantasy Star Online 2 Team North America head of marketing Fred White in a press release. “Our player community is the heart and soul of the game and we couldn’t have done it without their ongoing support and passion. Now that it is officially launched on Xbox One, we look forward to kicking off a fun-filled future of events, collaborations and expansions in the years to come!”


The North American launch includes fully localized text and character voices in English spanning three years of content. It also features the most-up-to-date balancing and quality-of-life improvements from the Japanese version. All progress from the beta will be carried over.


Sega is celebrating launch with the following in-game content:

• Every day between April 15 to 23, ARKS Operatives will receive a special log-in bonus when they report for duty! The Half Scape Doll is able to sacrifice itself to revive players automatically if they become incapacitated on the battlefield – a real boost when fighting the Falspawn.
• ARKS who join an Alliance with at least four members before April 28 will receive a SG20 Ticket (x1). And members of Alliances that have earned at least 5,000 Alliance Points before April 28 will receive the collectible emote #269: Impromptu Tea Party!
• Two new Urgent Quests: “The Cunning Black Winged Vanguard” & “The False Champion: Luther the Fallen” begin this week.
• Phantasy Star Online 2 Diva, Quna, returns for live concerts on Saturdays and Sundays!
• The Cherry Blossom season is coming to Phantasy Star Online 2 with a new look to the renowned Franca’s Cafe! Certain ARKS Ship lobbies will also change their appearances periodically.
• Phantasy Star Online 2 is one of the first games to be included in Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks program! All Phantasy Star Online 2 players with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription will receive extra special goodies after their first log in, including an Xbox jacket and Xbox Controller accessory for their character to show off in-game. Additional Perks will be made available every month, such as bonus Half Scape Dolls and more.
• The ever-expanding catalog of outfits and accessories to collect and mix-and-match continues to grow with the introduction of the Heroic Wanderer AC Scratch Ticket.

Here is an overview of the game, via the Microsoft Store:

The free-to-play online RPG Phantasy Star Online 2 has arrived on Xbox One!
As the player, you’ll join the ARKS task force of Oracle, an interplanetary fleet composed of four different races, and head out on an adventure to explore unknown worlds. With procedurally generated environments, unexpected events, and raid quests that a maximum of 12 players can take on at once, Phantasy Star Online 2 aims to provide a never-ending adventure that is always filled with fresh surprises. The action in this game is highly customizable, with jumps added to the series staple simple controls. Use one of gaming’s most powerful character creators to design and customize your own character, sign up as an ARKS Operative, and begin your Phantasy Star Online 2 adventure on the Xbox One!

Source: https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/pha...north-america-pc-version-launches-in-late-may

PC version will be Windows Store only, weird considering that Microsoft has been releasing their games on Steam.

 

[Potato Chip PRO]

I'm going in Full time now on PSO2.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

NA only? FFS How long till EU release?

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Hope this game does well; the beta got insanely good reception and it would be a good sign for more Japanese games on Xbox platforms.

Wonder if I should just buy the game even if I won't be playing it for like a LONG time xD. Probably will, it'll always be there when I'm ready to actually give it a play.

 

[JimboJones]

Weird it's windows store only, but at least it has crossplay.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

So it seems to be letting me do a remote install even though I'm in the EU so will see what happens when I finish work if it has or not.

 

[Ceadeus]

Is it just me or the game is far too easy? Then rare loot drops everywhere...

Am I missing something? I'm level 57 and feels like it will be the same loop to the max level.

 

[Kenpachii]

Lol look at the list of shit they have as p2w items

yea its dead before it even launched.

 

[cireza]

Lol look at the list of shit they have as p2w items

yea its dead before it even launched.

There is plenty to do and enjoy without putting a penny in the game. Don't be like that. And this is a co-op game.

Having some paid bundles actually allows players to show appreciation to the efforts made to release this game in the West. Because some people do think like that.

 

[SoloKingRobert]

So it seems to be letting me do a remote install even though I'm in the EU so will see what happens when I finish work if it has or not.

Windows Store i.e. Windows 10 and Xbox console is Region Free. You can play the game on American servers.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

Windows Store i.e. Windows 10 and Xbox console is Region Free. You can play the game on American servers.

Didn't work for me, Game didn't download onto my xbox and the game doesn't show up on xbox store.

 

[SoloKingRobert]

Didn't work for me, Game didn't download onto my xbox and the game doesn't show up on xbox store.

You need to change your region on Xbox console to America, then search for the game on the Windows store. It should appear

 

[-Troid-]

For people worried about it not being on Steam, usually when MS does some Windows Store exclusive stuff, it gets released on Steam later anyways. I wouldn't worry.

I'd like to check this game out vut I doubt I'd be able to get anyone to play it with me.

 

[Kharnivore2099]

Currently getting into it on Xbox at the moment. For anyone that is struggling to access it, I actually redeemed it on the Windows Store/PC via a browser and requested it download via my Xbox one. It doesn;t show on the xbox or windows stores in EU regions.

Not played any PSO2 before, but sis play a little PSO back in the day. Feels good so far, but it's just a shame the store isn't available for EU players. Hopefully that'll change when they finally release it on the Windows Store.

 

[Kharnivore2099]

You need to change your region on Xbox console to America, then search for the game on the Windows store. It should appear

Or just search for it on the store via a browser, as it shows up there. After redeeming, it gives the option to install on your xbox device.

 

[LordKasual]

This game officially turned the series from decently cool sci-fi to weeb trash

...still probably gonna download it on PC just because its free.

 

[Dory16]

I'm going in Full time now on PSO2.

Is it worth playing? Action or turn based? Are the worlds beautiful?

 

[Potato Chip PRO]

Is it worth playing? Action or turn based? Are the worlds beautiful?

Action, world's are cool but the whole game looks dated anyways.. If you can get past that, have fun trying it out.

 

[ThatGamingDude]

I just want the PC version already -.-

Although playing on the Japanese servers is definitely authentic for the type of game it's supposed to be
I def wanna get in with my XBros and get them some good experience in eastern MMOs

 

[ThatGamingDude]

This game officially turned the series from decently cool sci-fi to weeb trash

...still probably gonna download it on PC just because its free.

It's always been weeb shit; it's like MGS

They've had crazy dumb cosmetics and all sorts of stuff in it since the first release, no one realized it though

Sorry for double post

 

[CuteFaceJay]

Is this game dead already? The lobby was empty

 

[azz0r]

It's a shame the PC version isn't ready, great time to capitalise.

 

[Slayer-33]

Is this game dead already? The lobby was empty

Don't think anyone knew about it at all lol

 

[CuteFaceJay]

Don't think anyone knew about it at all lol

That's brutal, I tried to join a party on like starting quest and it said non are around then I realized I'm playing a dead game. That's a real shame because I never got to play it on Dreamcast or Gamecube.

 

[azz0r]

That's brutal, I tried to join a party on like starting quest and it said non are around then I realized I'm playing a dead game. That's a real shame because I never got to play it on Dreamcast or Gamecube.

That is a shame, PSO on the Dreamcast is one of my fondest gaming memories. Everyone played it, I sank hundreds of hours into it. Loved every minute.

 

[cireza]

I have been playing the game, maybe around level 40 right now and it is fine, I am enjoying it. I still prefer the solo experience from PS Nova though.

However I can start to see how all options for "quality of life" are locked behind paid content. Inventory management, storage, character editing : everything is locked behind paid options and subscriptions. This is a bit frustrating as it will inevitably force players who want to play for a long time to invest.

 

[-Troid-]

I started playing it because I've been looking for some online game to play with friends. Warframe is cool but I've kind of lost interest after getting to Venus and realizing the levels look just like those on Earth...... Idk it just seems immersion breaking and lazy, but I can't really complain since its F2P.

PSO2 is pretty good. The combat is fun and reminds me of a mix between a character action game and Monster Hunter. The level variety is pretty good and the bosses are pretty cool so far. Playing a bouncer is fun.

There just seems like a lot of micromanagement though which the only turn off for me; that and I've had an issue with some of the tutorial client orders not working. Also I can't get anyone interested in playing it.

 

[BeardGawd]

I have been playing the game, maybe around level 40 right now and it is fine, I am enjoying it. I still prefer the solo experience from PS Nova though.

However I can start to see how all options for "quality of life" are locked behind paid content. Inventory management, storage, character editing : everything is locked behind paid options and subscriptions. This is a bit frustrating as it will inevitably force players who want to play for a long time to invest.

How else do you expect the game to make money?

 

[Xenon]

Is this game dead already? The lobby was empty

Not really. There are three different ships with multiple lobbies on each. You could easily find yourself on an empty one. You can find a lift usually toward the back of the lobby that can take you to different ones and shows how full they are.


cireza You can earn star gems and get the most important one free, material storage. But premium is very important since the personal store,premium storage, trading, exra room space and extra quests are locked behind it. Considering the original charged for a hunters license it's not a bad deal. Also its best to make three characters(on the same ship) right away even if you later delete them since every time Sega does an update they give each character a free skill tree reset. So if you only use one character you'll have a couple spares. Also many other qol things can be accessed through 3 day passes you win via fun scratches.

Anyone interested in the game should do a search for pso2 basic guide video on you tube. They'll save you a ton of time.


As for me, I'm on my second character who is 60ish. Loving the game but played it so much I got tennis elbow =( those minion raids followed by thirty minute boss raids are killer.

 

[cireza]

How else do you expect the game to make money?

I think it isn't that bad, maybe my post did not make this clear. They did opt for something that seems pretty fine overall.

 

[Kharnivore2099]

Is this game dead already? The lobby was empty

Been playing on and off over the last week or so and it's been fairly populated.

 

[lyan]

I have been playing the game, maybe around level 40 right now and it is fine, I am enjoying it. I still prefer the solo experience from PS Nova though.

However I can start to see how all options for "quality of life" are locked behind paid content. Inventory management, storage, character editing : everything is locked behind paid options and subscriptions. This is a bit frustrating as it will inevitably force players who want to play for a long time to invest.

Don't know about the Western version but in JP they give out skill reset and salon pass regularly as long as you play. For inventory and storage you get ~150 extra free slots for pso2es and setting up one-time-password (which I guess might not happen in NA), The only things I spent on are extra MAGs and fashion scratches.

 

[cireza]

Been playing on and off over the last week or so and it's been fairly populated.

Yes, there are definitely a lot of players every time I play.

 

[ThatGamingDude]

People saying this is dead on launch scared the shit out of me

Glad to know it's still up and running; a little sad to see people expected an open world MMO and not so much a hub and party game

That, and no one is talking about the item crafting or apartment stuff? Did they leave that out of the US version?

 

[Liftplus]

Ill probably play it when it comes out to PC but... Its too late sega, 8 years too late...

 

[ThatGamingDude]

Ill probably play it when it comes out to PC but... Its too late sega, 8 years too late...

You've always been able to play the Japanese version; they have language patches and run text chat through a on the fly translator, just in case you end up playing with a group of Japanese speakers
IIRC Ship 02-04 were the English communities hang out

Well, before you had to play in a specific VPN that Sega allowed, because some dude cracked their encryption
Then they just said "Fuck it," and let us into the region without it lol

 

[cireza]

That, and no one is talking about the item crafting or apartment stuff? Did they leave that out of the US version?

It's in there, as well as Mags, Pets, the casino, many classes, sub classes etc... Looks like a complete package to me.

Story wise, I only see 3 episodes though.

 

[IbizaPocholo]

 

[HaveButOneLife]

Why does the IQ look so bad?

 

[TheMan]

Do we have a solid PC release date yet? Late may is pretty much here

 

[Whataborman]

Do we have a solid PC release date yet? Late may is pretty much here

It worries me that we're rapidly approaching the end of the month and haven't heard anything.

I'm starting to think it may be delayed.

 

[Barakov]

Why does the IQ look so bad?

Probably because it's a game that was released 2012.

 

[Investor9872]

I have been playing the game, maybe around level 40 right now and it is fine, I am enjoying it. I still prefer the solo experience from PS Nova though.

However I can start to see how all options for "quality of life" are locked behind paid content. Inventory management, storage, character editing : everything is locked behind paid options and subscriptions. This is a bit frustrating as it will inevitably force players who want to play for a long time to invest.

I remember the very first time I started playing it on the Dreamcast, 5 minutes into my first game, a stranger showed up and dropped a golden armor for me, and then just took off. I quickly wrote, "Thanks. Who are you?" His only reply, "Lol"! That armor helped me out a lot in the beginning.

 

[Larxia]

Probably because it's a game that was released 2012.

The age of a game and the image quality aren't related.
You could render a ps2 game from 2001 on an emulator on pc in 4K or even 8K and the image quality would be extremely clean, while you can have games released recently running with terrible anti aliasing methods, low resolution and other filters making the final result a blurry mess.
When people talk about image quality they usually talk about how clean the picture is, not necesarilly how detailed / complex the graphics are.

 

[HaveButOneLife]

Probably because it's a game that was released 2012.

So was Planetside 2, or was that 2011? That game also has bad IQ on PS4, looks noisy and so does this one. I guess the whole point of this port was the voices and not making it look like a game from this era, that's okay, I'm going to give it a chance.

The age of a game and the image quality aren't related.
You could render a ps2 game from 2001 on an emulator on pc in 4K or even 8K and the image quality would be extremely clean, while you can have games released recently running with terrible anti aliasing methods, low resolution and other filters making the final result a blurry mess.
When people talk about image quality they usually talk about how clean the picture is, not necesarilly how detailed / complex the graphics are.

And man does it look noisy, like a 240p YouTube video instead of 900p or whatever it actually is.

 

[ThatGamingDude]

Do we have a solid PC release date yet? Late may is pretty much here

It worries me that we're rapidly approaching the end of the month and haven't heard anything.

I'm starting to think it may be delayed.

The rumor has been the 26th

I have been playing the JP version again just to tide me over, and the connection is a lot more stable these days

 

[Guileless]

So, what's the deal with PSO2 a couple of months after release?

 

[ThatGamingDude]

So, what's the deal with PSO2 a couple of months after release?

Pretty healthy community from what I've experienced
Technical issues aside from the launch and installs, just like the JP version

Grindgrindgrind

 

[Mr.ODST]

Gutted no EU release, I cant buy tickets or anything to support the game or enjoy everything NA gets ...

 

[nikolino840]

I don't know if is already posted but now is aviable in Europe

Is...mmmmh....there's lots of menu..i don't know where to find things