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The skinny:

PSO2 will be released on 3 platforms, Windows PC, Vita, and Smartphones. Each version will be a free download, and the standard game will be free to play. Some items will be cash items, but not in the form of highly powered weapons armor, etc. The PC version is slated for summer this year in Japan. The Vita release is expected to drop Q1 2013, while the smart phone (iOS & Android) versions are expected winter 2012.

The details:

PC Version

The PC version is the main flagship platform for Phantasy Star Online 2, where everyone can enjoy playing it on even low end systems.

Vita Version

The Vita version is primarily for portable players, that shares the same data with the PC version, and can also play together with them at the same time. Unlike Playstation 2, Playstation Vita can support large scale system updates and system modifications. In addition, there are measures to prevent against cheating, because the character data is stored online.

Smartphone Version

The Smartphone version also shares the same play data and story setting of PSO2, but you can play the game independently from PC/Vita. The Smartphone version plans to release on both iOS and Android systems. This version allows for a single player experience, with the same weapons and enemies like in the PC/Vita version.

Screenies:


Cross connectivity

New PC snaps:


New city boss, Dark Ragne.


Symbol art returns!


Character Creation screen (beta)

PSO2.jp galleries: http://pso2.jp/gallery/screenshot/

Vita screen:



Mobile screen:

Ah damn, you beat me to it s1mplehumar. I am curious and slightly concerned about the free-to-play and cash shop model. I would much rather have a copy sell for retail, and still have a cash shop implemented. If they're trying to rein in from the model that League of Legends uses, I get it, but they could also try and nab some cash that I'll willingly give them if it means we get a well-polished final version of the game.

That being said, the game does looks beautiful in its current state, and I hope it truly has that same PSO feel. I heard through the grape vine that SPECIAL WEAPONS and Tekkers are returning, which is good. Now I just need to hear a console (not handheld) release, which would be the most exciting news yet!

If this game will let you play with the same characters offline and online, then I'm totally there. I'm not holding my breath though.

Right now all I can say is that I am currently waiting for the US release date. This game is going to be epic!

Character Creator came online early last week, has anyone toyed around with it yet? Also, concerns that we won't see a NA release? Do you like the F2P model with store?

Damn, i can't wait for this!

I don't get the systems that it is coming out for. Why not PS3, Wii U or 360? I hope it gets ported to one of these systems. Looks awesome.

kgcarini wrote:I don't get the systems that it is coming out for. Why not PS3, Wii U or 360? I hope it gets ported to one of these systems. Looks awesome.

Don't rule anything out. Then again, don't hold your breath either; the pending cuts from Sega don't really help matters.

In other news...:

You can download the PSO2 character creation demo here. No Sega ID or prior Beta signup required.

Its late saying this and all, but I love the character creator. So detailed.

I wish there were more costume choices, but I imagine that's because of the demo nature (or because the cash shop sells them).

My computer passed the benchmark with flying colors too, so I'm all set. Just need a damn release date so my addiction and subsequent fall from grace can begin.

An open pre-beta will be coming out soon, whatever that means! I'm saving money for some PC components, so that I can play this, and Diablo III!