Readers respond: Sega comments on Phantasy Star Online 2

Sega just released the first massively multiplayer online console RPG, Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast, and the company is already talking about a sequel. In an interview with Game Week, Charles Bellfield, vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Sega of America, stated that a sequel is on the way, but he did not offer any specific details. Many of you responded to the article and while some are surprised that Sega would announce a sequel so soon, most are happy knowing that when Phantasy Star Online runs its course there will eventually be more of the same type of gameplay to enjoy.

Bellfield mentioned that Phantasy Star Online will be coming to Dreamcast but many of you had opinions of your own regarding which console the sequel should appear on. WLHarrier claims, "Why does Sega even continue keeping up this charade of 'we will keep supporting the DC' when the truth is obvious?" Aaron Allen from Arizona believes that Phantasy Star Online 2 being released for the Dreamcast is a mistake when he states, "I don't think they should put PSO 2 on Dreamcast. Put it on the Xbox and the GameCube--maybe even PlayStation 2." David Moffat from Scotland offers a solution to the question of which console PSO 2 should appear on, when he writes, "A great feature to Phantasy Star Online 2 would be to let Dreamcast, PS2, Xbox, and GameCube owners play against each other on the quests and allow up to eight players at a time."

The majority of you were excited by the prospect of a sequel to Dreamcast's online RPG and even offered suggestions on how to make it better. Mark Romano from Staten Island is looking for a few changes when he claims, "I hope that this one has more of a plot and is related to the other four Phantasy Star games, that would be just fantastic." James Curtis Parks offers even more suggestions for improvements when he exclaims, "A large number of players would be great and a microphone feature would be nice. And if not for the Dreamcast, please for the GameCube!"

In the same interview, Charles Bellfield also stated that 75,000 copies of Phantasy Star Online were sold on the first day of the game's release. This prompted many of you to reestablish your belief in Dreamcast as a viable platform. Kevin Sullivan from Ames, Iowa refuses to give up hope in his favorite console when he states, "Just more proof that even though they aren't producing any more units, Sega isn't giving up on the Dreamcast just yet. Those of you who haven't bought a Dreamcast better do so now, because you're going to be missing out of some downright awesome games." Cabbot from Ohio provided a nice summation of how those who are hooked on the original Phantasy Star Online are taking the news, when he confesses, "Thank you Sega for ruining my social life with the first game. I can't wait for part two to continue the pain."