Platform: PC, PS Vita, iOS, Android
Release date in Japan (PC): July 4, 2012
Phantasy Star Online 2 showcasing the power of teamwork.
Background
Phantasy Star Online 2 is an MMORPG currently released for PC and Vita, with iOS and Android versions planned for release sometime in 2013. This game was developed by Sonic Team within Sega, and is the sequel to the popular Dreamcast game Phantasy Star Online (itself groundbreaking for being an on-console online RPG). Phantasy Star Online 2 has been host to Sega fanservice and nods to other franchises in such forms as in-game jukebox featuring tracks from games including Rhythm Thief. The game also features promotional costumes for media of Sega ranging from Hatsune Miku to the popular anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
The game is an MMORPG that features stylized combat similar to more modern action RPGs. Players can create combo chains, attack in mid-air, and use evasive maneuvers like dashing. It is free-to-play, with microtransaction purchases allowed through the Phantasy Star Online 2 official website, and a subscription model is also available which allows for access to more features. The game is centered around quest objectives, some single-party and some multi-party. It is periodically updated with new maps, costumes, enemies, balance adjustments such as level caps and new class skills, and even gameplay features: an October 2013 update introduced Super Hard mode. Sega routinely conducts maintenance on the game in the form of update patches. As of May 2013, the registered user count for the game has surpassed 2.5 million.
Localization Status
Phantasy Star Online 2’s North American and European release was announced in the early half of July 2012, initially planned for availability sometime in 2013. Sega created a website in promotion of this release. However, for about a year since that announcement (and thus well into the 2013 planned release range) no statements were made on localization progress. This caused anxiety among fans and rumors began to circulate that the localization had been cancelled. In September 2013, Sega spoke out on Phantasy Star Online 2’s status, stating that though they had originally wished for an early 2013 launch, the game had indeed been delayed and they plan to share more details in the future. While Phantasy Star Online 2’s situation is not without precedent with regard to Sega not issuing statements on localization progress for games, the already present English language assets, the length of the project’s delay, and lack of additional specification on localization roadblocks could be cause for concern for some fans.
How can you help?
Continue to discuss Phantasy Star Online 2 in fan site, gaming enthusiast, and the official Sega forums. For those interested in the game’s future release, continue to follow news on the game’s localization and consider keeping track of Sega’s periodical patches for the game, to monitor their interest in the game. It is possible to create a SEGA ID and start playing, but this may not affect chances of localization. Follow the PSO2 Fan blog for in depth information and developments on the game, including maintenance schedules
Links
Fansites: which include PSOWorld, Phantasy Star Cave, Friends of Algo
Phantasy Star Online 2 Official Website (US)
Phantasy Star Online 2 Official Facebook Page
Phantasy Star Fan blog, an in-depth and continually updated resource on Phantasy Star Online 2