After years of waiting by fans, SEGA announced today at E3 2019, during Microsoft's conference, that Phantasy Star Online 2 is coming to the West for PC and Xbox One in the first half of 2020.
Released in early 2012 for PC, the free-to-play MMO received a PS Vita version in 2013, followed by PlayStation 4 in 2016 and Switch in 2018, with the latter running in the cloud. All these versions, however, were released only in Japan. The game was promised for the West in “early 2013,” but it was later announced that the game would be delayed. SEGA never discussed the subject again, but did not officially cancel it either.
The reason for the delay is unknown, but it is speculated that SEGA's acquisition of Atlus in 2013 and the entire restructuring SEGA underwent after the purchase caused the producer responsible for the localization to leave SEGA. Releasing a free-to-play MMO around the world was not the best thing to do at that time. So many years later, it was reasonable to expect that the game would never be released in the West, particularly after fans created an excellent English translation patch.
In Japan, the game is a major success, with more than 5 million registered accounts. It has also received physical PS Vita and PS4 editions with bonus in-game items, an anime, several CDs with sung soundtracks, and even has another anime coming in the future. The game recently debuted “Episode 6,” with a new story arc and new character classes.
Finally Coming to the West
Now, the game is finally coming to the West officially and, according to the trailer, through Microsoft's Azure cloud service. In other words, the game will probably be separate from the Japanese server, and Microsoft is probably covering the game's localization and server costs. This would explain why the console version is available only for Xbox One, while in Japan it is available on PC and every other current console except, specifically, Microsoft's system.
The game's trailer also promises “all the content.” The Japanese version is on “Episode 6,” with a new story arc. The trailer shows that content from all episodes will be included, but we still do not know whether all the exclusive items from the Japanese version—including several collaboration items with anime such as Shingeki no Kyojin and many others—will be present.
For now, the release is promised only for North America, which has angered some European fans. That is not a problem, however, since anyone can easily create an American Live account and download the free game without much difficulty.
The Phantasy Star Online 2 Trailer
See SEGA's press release about the game below:
All the stories and content, and especially the fan-favorite epic battles with their immense numbers of enemies, will be included in this free-to-play release. Stay tuned for more details!
“What Is Phantasy Star Online 2?”
Enter the Spectacular Experience of an “Endless Journey” and the “Highest Level of Action”!
Phantasy Star Online 2 players become members of a research expedition called “Arks,” which belongs to a fleet of interplanetary ships seeking to study a variety of different planets. Visiting mission locations (quests) always becomes a new and surprising adventure, including automatically generated maps, sudden events, and a Multi-Party area where up to 12 players can play together simultaneously.
Each planet and mission is an encounter with different characters and battles against enemies. Its easy control systems provide intense satisfaction in battle as well as highly strategic and customizable action.
Giant bosses are also waiting for their chance to challenge you with massive bodies that fill the entire screen. Form parties with other players against epic bosses!
Create Your Own Character with the Ultimate “Character Creator”!
Phantasy Star Online 2 allows players to create their own characters easily and intuitively with the “Character Creation” systems.
Not only clothing, hairstyles, and accessories, but also height, body shape, and even the length and thickness of arms and legs can be customized with a “morphing” feature for an unlimited combination of customization and design.
Free to Download and Play!
The entire game will be made available as a free-to-play experience. There will be no experience caps, level limitations, or direct purchases of better weapons, because we want to provide every player with a fair and exciting experience.
