[26 January 2011] Phantasy Star Online 2

[Neo48]

Finally some details!

The game has been in development along side of PSP2 Infinity. The good news is that we can suspect the time until release will be shortened because the game has progress on it already. The bad news is...could the game be technically short compared to other OnlineRPGs when it releases? And, what does this mean about the platform it will be released on? PSP2? (These are my speculations, nothing more).

For those of you more interested in the game and less interested in tech stuff, PSO2 will not be set in the story settings of Ragol or Gurhal. Looks like Sega is starting from the ground up again.

[BenoitRen]

Source? Also, I thought it was announced at the game's initial revelation that it was for the Windows platform.

[Wing-0]

I only hope Sega wises up and makes a release for consoles as well...

[Neo48]

Source? Also, I thought it was announced at the game's initial revelation that it was for the Windows platform.

Grabbed the info from PSO-World's main page. The sources are in the same page.

You are correct Benoit, I remember that as well. We know one platform at least.

I only hope Sega wises up and makes a release for consoles as well...

Only if the overall experience is not watered down so that it can be multi-platform.

[Wing-0]

Graphics shouldn't be that much of a problem and gameplay elements should be even less. Current consoles have graphics that while relatively inferior to high end PCs, aren't dwarfed like the time we were kids.

I can't understand how it could possibly be watered down.

[Neo48]

I can't understand how it could possibly be watered down.

I will cite PSU as an example. The PC version was severely held back by the PS2 version. Graphics were the last issue on the list of crap that resulted from the game being multi platform.

Graphics are not an issue for me either. I've never been that way. But they can be nice

I will ad that consoles are now more sophisticated (at least in the PS3 and Xbox 360 world) so there may not be much to worry about. I will still be skeptical however. A lot can change in a couple years and I suppose that might be how long it takes before we see PSO2.

[BenoitRen]

The PC version was severely held back by the PS2 version.

I think that's a popular myth. What held back the PC version were crappy programmers.

[Neo48]

I think that's a popular myth. What held back the PC version were crappy programmers.

Hahaha, that could be. Whether or not they really couldn't update the PS2 any further is still up for debate. However, now that Sega is shutting down the JP PS2 servers they are going to fully catch up the JP PC version with what is on Xbox 360. So, is it programming or was it really the PS2's limitations? Can't say for sure.

To be honest, I don't care what platform it is on. The safest bet is keeping it single platform, haha.

[Wing-0]

In a sense, the PS2 did hold back PSU on PC. But it wasn't because of the graphics capabilities. It was because of the lack of a dedicated storage media as a standard issue. For patches, updates and content, everything had to be saved into the memory card in a file that grew quite large, and with only 8- Megabytes available in memory cards, the space for other games was less and less...

Now, I can't say what were the differences between Final Fantasy 11 on PS2 and PC, but with PSU, that seems to have been the case.

Now that consoles have adopted hard drives and the installation of games as a common practice, the only difference should be the graphics.

I WANT PSO2 to hit the PS3.

[Neo48]

Seeing as how that wouldn't require me to upgrade my computer, the PS3 is my personal choice as well.

[BenoitRen]

Storage for updates was indeed an issue. I was speaking in general, as some people complain about graphics.

Phantasy Star Online still looks great, and that's because of style and texture. Screw polygon count.

[Wing-0]

As I said before, graphics are a moot point. I played both the PS2 and 360 versions of the game and yes, the 360's are WAY better, but so what?

It's only higher resolution textures and better lighting.

[Neo48]

I must admit, I was pretty giddy when I bought my new gaming laptop during the PSU years. The graphical leap from my old tower was sparkly

PSO does still look good. I recently spent an afternoon playing through Episode 2 (best thing I found was a Stag Cutlery ). The areas are nicely coloured and it kind of made me wish PSU had more detailed dungeons. On the other hand, the combat is definitely no longer flashy. It is very minimal and robotic. But for the time, that was perfect.

Graphics aside, the combat needs to improve. Phantasy Star Zero has made me fall in love with dodging. I really hope the new game incorporates that.

[Wing-0]

I suggest looking at Phantasy Star Portable 2's combat in Youtube. PS0's pales in comparison.

[Neo48]

Yeah, I know it does. I wish I had a PSP so I could play the game. I'll have to wait for now.