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Seems like they are making it for the two platforms where it is least likely to sell. It will get lost in the Christmas shuffle on PS2, and PC snobs will turn their noses up at it just as they did with the first PC port of PSO.

If it's actually going to cost $65, then somebody start the air raid siren -- another Segabomb's about to hit.

 

[Lindsay]

Do: Buy a PS2 Network Adapter.
Think: About how much fun you will have playing 1000 hours of PSU on PS2.
Say: "Thank you, Sega, for making a new online Phantasy Star game for a platform viable in both Japan and America!"

Won't be much fun without my friends there. -_- I do still play PSO GC online so I dunno if you realize this or not but the people left there is pretty much the hardcore GC owners. Some are jumping ship for PSOBB on the PC but a wide majority of my friends there seem only to be GC owners.

And since you seem to be somewhat of an RPG fan (correct me if I'm wrong...), I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from here. The PSOne saw some of it's best releases in that genre in 2000 or later, with the last notable release in April 2003 (Final Fantasy Origins). Looking at the upcoming titles for the PS2, it seems to be doing much the same, with some of the biggest titles hitting this year and next.

RPG's suck for the most part. I got a few this generation but even a couple of them turned out ta be horrid (XS1 & Suikoden 3). There were PS RPG's after 1999? Not to me cause I was firmly entrenched in the godlyness of the DC ^_^ Not that I care cause RPG's suck. Which is why I hope PSU takes the PSO route and ISN'T an RPG. It's an action action action action game with stats ala Moronwind (except PSO's actually fun).

Not dead support wise, dead int he same way it has been since xbox game out. Why couldn't this be next gen game? Next gen will be here when this game comes out.

Esactly it should be for next gen!

 

[callous]

- NO official news by Sonic Team

- EDGE Online interview (February 2005 issue):

http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2005/02/qa_yuji_naka.php

What are your plans for the next year and the new hardware?
And next year, Phantasy Star Universe will come out, so we're really busy on that at this moment - I don't think we will have time for many other new games.

Phantasy Star Universe:
- 2006 release
- next generation

Or rather, this thread taken into account: "so we're really busy on that at this moment - I don't think we will have time for many other new games (including games for next generation hardware because we're doing PSU for PS2 and PC right now)".

 

[Hotsuma]

I'll wait for the next issue of EGM to see what direction ST is heading with this one. I'm not too happy about this news at all. What impressive PS2 games has Sega done besides VF4 and VF4 Evolution? I hope the game turns out well, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

I almsot thought Sonic Team was going to give Phantasy Star fans visuals that rivaled those of the CG teaser clip (I blame Isamu for this). It's easy to hope for a Xbox 2 port, but it isn't even a sure thing that ST would go all out on an upgrade in the first place. Graphics wise, Xbox/GC PSO Episode 1 and 2 was not a huge jump over PSO version 2 on DC. Maybe having the game as a PS2 exclusive will improve ST's use of the PS2 hardware?

 

[Mrbob]

So is this game going to have a higher retail price but no monthly fees?

That would be good as I'll wait a month after the PC version is released and pick it up for 30 bucks

 

[Die Squirrel Die]

- NO official news by Sonic Team

- EDGE Online interview (February 2005 issue):

http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2005/02/qa_yuji_naka.php

What are your plans for the next year and the new hardware?

Well, Sonic DS is coming as well as another title for DS, and there will be a PSP title also. And next year, Phantasy Star Universe will come out, so we're really busy on that at this moment - I don't think we will have time for many other new games. I can't talk much about the details of PSU, but I have just been in Poland with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra for recording, which was a great feeling. We're very excited about it.


Phantasy Star Universe:
- 2006 release
- next generation

That question and answer is all kinds of ambigious. There's no indication as to whether 'next year' is in general or specifically related to the new hardware. Also it's entirely feasible that 'new hardware' means PSP and DS, considering that he answers straight away on both of them.

 

[Buffy4ever]

I don't think it's a good decision to keep pissing off your own fans. Sega keeps dwindling their own fanbase. Saying "hey the ps2 userbase is bigger!" hasn't worked for every game. You make a GC port along with the PS2 game and you accomplish pleasing your fanbase and potentially reaching more customers. The way Sega did it only left them with potential.

I look at it this way. If you are a Sega fan and a phantasy Star fan you would be willing to go where the series goes. If you are complaining becuase you are a Gamecube fan then it is your loss. As most people know Gamecube is dead in the water now.

 

[Scott]

Not dead support wise, dead int he same way it has been since xbox game out.

"We've secretly tampered with Society's vocabulary, replacing the word 'thriving' with the word 'dead.' Let's see if he notices!"

most signs point to the PS3 being BC so you'll be able to play it on that too.

This is actually a moot point as Revolution will offer the same.

I hate when games get released late in the generation.

Odd. I actually like it, as I'm not even close to ready for next generation yet. Delay it for a couple more years for all I care, and keep the new releases coming for current consoles.

I don't think there are any other upcoming online PS2 RPG's.

Front Mission Online & Ambrosia Odyssey. I bet we'll also see another Monster Hunter for PS2, as well as another expansion (or two, or three) for FFXI before they move the userbase to next-gen (either through a sequel or an update of sorts).

They choose PC instead of GC now? Just when things couldn't get worse :lol

Maybe GC will be receiving Episode IV instead.

...Yes, I'm disgustingly optimistic. I know.

Online RPGs have done even worse, look at FFXI and Nobunga Online.

I was with you until you said that.

Final Fantasy XI is the 5th most popular MMORPG on the market now, with over 600k paying subscribers. I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of the highest grossing games for Square Enix this generation, to be honest. And it's made all the more impressive given the HDD requirement.

Nobunaga's Ambition Online hasn't done nearly as well, sure, but it still maintains a 110k~ userbase. It also, of course, has the HDD requirement, but it's clearly doing well despite that.

RPG's suck for the most part. I got a few this generation but even a couple of them turned out ta be horrid (XS1 & Suikoden 3). There were PS RPG's after 1999? Not to me cause I was firmly entrenched in the godlyness of the DC ^_^ Not that I care cause RPG's suck. Which is why I hope PSU takes the PSO route and ISN'T an RPG. It's an action action action action game with stats ala Moronwind (except PSO's actually fun).

Well, I figured since you're into online Action/RPGs like PSO, you'd be into RPGs as well. Sorry for the misconception, and your apparent lack of knowledge of a thing called "subgenres."

As for "There were PS RPGs after 1999?" Yes, some of the biggest ones, in fact, including Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Tales of, etc titles hitting after the PS2. And you really don't have to "care" to realize it's still a pretty big deal.

But regardless, my point was just that the system isn't "dead/dying," unless you're mixing up words like Society over here.

EDIT: Had someone point out to me that my Nobunaga's Ambition Online figures were way off, so I corrected them. Seems I need a new source.

 

[xexex]

- NO official news by Sonic Team

- EDGE Online interview (February 2005 issue):

http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2005/02/qa_yuji_naka.php

What are your plans for the next year and the new hardware?

Well, Sonic DS is coming as well as another title for DS, and there will be a PSP title also. And next year, Phantasy Star Universe will come out, so we're really busy on that at this moment - I don't think we will have time for many other new games. I can't talk much about the details of PSU, but I have just been in Poland with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra for recording, which was a great feeling. We're very excited about it.


Phantasy Star Universe:
- 2006 release
- next generation

WHOA

I hope thats true, but it could be read different ways. doesnt exactly say PSU is on next generation consoles.

 

[xexex]

Phantasy Star Universe Revealed
First details, including platform, for the next Phantasy Star game.
by Anoop Gantayat

March 17, 2005 - Phantasy Star Universe has been shrouded in mystery since its initial unveiling back in May of last year. SEGA actually managed to unveil the title while remaining quiet about its storyline, gameplay and, surprisingly, its target platform. That all changed today with the latest issue of Japan's Weekly Shounen Jump, which features the details we've all be dying to know.

First off, platform. The magazine lists Phantasy Star Universe as being in development for the PC and PlayStation 2. It does not list any other platform, so we can presume that, in Japan at least, the game is coming to these two platforms alone.

Phantasy Star Universe is set in the Grail Star System, which consists of three planets, as Phantasy Star fans would expect. Players are thrown into the middle of a war that has spanned a vast time.

Unlike PSO, the game has main characters with names. Two characters have been revealed so far: Ewan Webber and Karen Ella. Both aspire to be members of a fighting force called the Guardian Force. Will they be accepted?

Unfortunately, the exact nature of Phantasy Star Universe is still somewhat of a mystery. It's definitely an RPG, and it definitely has an Online component, allowing players to adventure with friends. Jump doesn't reveal if the game is a massively multiplayer Online title, or if the Online play is more limited, as in Phantasy Star Online. Players will be able to travel back and forth between the three planets of the Grail system, adventuring through massive 3D fields on vehicles and taking on huge monsters along the way.

A good many questions still remain unanswered, but at least we now have some solid details on Sega's big return to Phantasy Star. We expect information to slowly be released as the game approaches its Winter Japanese release.

The Grail Star System? the classic Phantasy Stars were set in the Algol Star System. although PSO was not in Algol. hmmm.

 

[Buffy4ever]

Also besides being in the Grail system, one of the 3 original planets was destroyed. It was Palma in PS2. I think PSU takes place after PS2 from the Survivors of Palma.

 

[Mejilan]

The Algol Star System had 4 planets, however, not 3.

 

[Buffy4ever]

The Algol Star System had 4 planets, however, not 3.

you are correct, They had the 4rth Dark Planet that you could only see every 1000 years. I think it was hidden behind Dezo, and was introduced in PS4. I don't think the 4rth Planet had a population and it was a prison for the Ultimate evil or something. So I doubt they are using it for PSU. I still think the new games takes place in the universe where the population of PS3 ended.

 

[firex]

Man, if this game winds up being to PSO what Diablo 2 was to Diablo, I am never playing any other online game again.

 

[Azrael]

Online RPGs have done even worse, look at FFXI and Nobunga Online.

Wrong. FFXI has been extremely successful.

 

[jarrod]

Front Mission Online & Ambrosia Odyssey.

Actually, I thought FM Online was a real time mech sim (like FM Alternative) rather than like the main SRPG series? And Ambrosia Odyssey seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.... I wouldn't be surprised if it was canceled or shifted to PC entirely.

I was with you until you said that.

Final Fantasy XI is the 5th most popular MMORPG on the market now, with over 600k paying subscribers. I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of the highest grossing games for Square Enix this generation, to be honest. And it's made all the more impressive given the HDD requirement.

Nobunaga's Ambition Online hasn't done nearly as well, sure, but it still maintains a 110k~ userbase. It also, of course, has the HDD requirement, but it's clearly doing well despite that.

Using total subscriber base to justify PS2 success for these games is disingenious though, as a good chunk of that base likely comes from PC (especially for FFXI in the west). The best you can do is look at PS2 unit sales (FFXI~ 395k, Nobunga~ 35k) and guess the paying PS2 base is probably lower than that even.

 

[hiryu]

Thank god this is for the PC. You are just shooting yourself in the foot if you don't release an MMO game on the PC. I am very excited for this game.

 

[Blimblim]

The phantasy star universe home page has been updated a few hours ago to a wait screen :
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/
I've decompiled the flash file, nothing to see in there.

 

[cja]

Phantasy Star Universe:
- 2006 release
- next generation

"Next year" means 2005, not 2006. The February issue of Edge was available mid-January and with the usual magazine lead-times the Naka interview won't have taken place this year. As others mention the emphasis you place on "next-generation" is wishful thinking at best.

 

[The End]

All signs point to this being a single-player RPG with a multiplayer component, not a MMO.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Uh oh. . .

Is Magicbox insane in the membrane, or psychic cool cats?!

- Sega confirmed that the MMORPG Phantasy Star Universe will be coming to PlayStation 2 and PC in Japan sometimes this winter. The game will support up to 65 players simultaneously.

65 players?! AT ONCE?! SEGA IS GOING TO KILL THE INTERNET! :lol

 

[Azrael]

They probably mean areas outside of cities are instanced, and you can venture out with up to 64 other players.

 

[Scott]

Actually, I thought FM Online was a real time mech sim (like FM Alternative) rather than like the main SRPG series? And Ambrosia Odyssey seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.... I wouldn't be surprised if it was canceled or shifted to PC entirely.

Yeah, Front Mission Online is real-time now, and looks a bit like a half-assed Armored Core from the trailers. But despite that, it's still keeping all of the other RPG elements the series has always had, and throwing a job system on top for good measure. It's also not an MMO like some people thought, instead it seems to be based around a lobby system.

As for Ambrosia Odyssey, I really don't know what's going on there... but I wouldn't write off the PS2 version yet (at least, in Japan), as they still have plenty of time to get it out.

Using total subscriber base to justify PS2 success for these games is disingenious though, as a good chunk of that base likely comes from PC (especially for FFXI in the west).

You're right, a good chunk does come from the PC. I guess I was too busy addressing the "units sold = measure of MMO success" argument, that I didn't realize you were speaking PS2-only.

But to focus on PS2 only here, Square has estimated around half of their subscribers (worldwide, mind you) are PS2 players. So that's somewhere around 300k~ users on the PS2, which would plant it as the 6th or 7th most popular MMO in the world (likely getting shifted behind EQ & EQ2). Still very impressive, if you ask me.

 

[isamu]

Awesome awesome awesome!

Very happy to hear it's coming to PC.

You and me both brother! With me getting a kickass new laptop soon, it's gonna be FAAAAAPTASTIC!

Thank god this is for the PC. You are just shooting yourself in the foot if you don't release an MMO game on the PC. I am very excited for this game.

I've never played an MMO before cuz they loook quite boring. But this game looks like it could convert me

I hate playing JRPGS on PC.

Why?

 

[Oni Link 666]

How long until the new EGM comes out? The wait is killing me. I need to know what's up with this game already. My theory is that there will be online and offline modes. EGM confirmed that there is an online mode already. It sounds like they had already seen the game when they wrote about it in the April issue.

 

[aerofx]

PS2 and PC? Barf... I don't want to play it on the PS2, it'll probably look like poo or pretty damn close to the last two iterations of PSO. I want some nice graphics.

 

[SolidSnakex]

PS2 and PC? Barf... I don't want to play it on the PS2, it'll probably look like poo or pretty damn close to the last two iterations of PSO. I want some nice graphics.

According to EGM its one of the best looking games they've ever seen.

 

[aerofx]

According to EGM its one of the best looking games they've ever seen.

Really.. hmmmm.. well we'll see about that.

 

[Blimblim]

Btw this is Sega Game Jam 2005 this week-end in Japan. Maybe they will unveil the game there?

 

[isamu]

I almsot thought Sonic Team was going to give Phantasy Star fans visuals that rivaled those of the CG teaser clip (I blame Isamu for this).

Say whaaa? :lol