Update 1: more info from Takuro Yoshihara over at the official Xbox news site, Xbox Wire.
Update 2: even more info and clarity from the official site.
Well this was a surprise! Announced during today’s Microsoft Xbox Game Showcase, New Genesis is what’s next for the PSO series. But the reveal trailer (and title), maybe left us with more questions than answers. Let’s look at what we know.
For one, want to feel old? This December marks the 20th anniversary of PSO. This image followed the SEGA logo that opened the trailer.
If you haven’t watched the trailer yet, head over to SEGA’s teaser site for the game. The trailer shows a game that’s like PSO2… but not. Similar, but different UI, locations, characters, enemies, etc. In the trailer, we’re promised a “brand new expansive world,” showing much larger environments than in previous games. We don’t know exactly *how* big, but there were some moments where the world seemed to stretch out really far, giving me some Xenoblade vibes.
(Screen captures thanks to Wario64)
Solo or team-based action combat seems intact, but everything just looks… better. Which leads us to the next question: is this a PSO2 expansion or a whole new game? Well, it’s complicated.
Segabits refers to the game as “a complete overhaul to the existing game.” In their article they mention an update to the game system and engine.
While SEGA hasn’t released a massive info dump, they have been answering questions on social media. Over at Resetera, users found evidence that character progress from PSO *will* carry over, in some capacity.
Finally, where will you be able to play the game? Well, that depends on where you are in the world.
In North America, as stated in the trailer, you’ll be able to play on Xbox One, Windows PC, and the upcoming Xbox Series X. In Japan, PS4, Windows PC, and Switch (via cloud) are your options. No word on any other regions yet.
So that’s where we’re it. In 2021, a phenomenal looking new Phantasy Star Online game will be released. And while we don’t know all the details, we do know that we won’t be waiting ten years for it to leave Japan. Hopefully.
Rocket To Motavia 