Wanted: Phantasy Star Universe beta testers

Sega has an open call for Japanese PC gamers to join a new beta test for the online PC and PlayStation 2 online role-playing game Phantasy Star Universe. The beta-test period will run until April 17, and testers will be asked to post their impressions in feedback forums.

It's no secret that game infrastructure has been an issue for Phantasy Star Universe. Sega has already postponed the launch date once due to stability problems with the game's online component. The beta test will include about 10,000 users, which should give Sega a good opportunity to stress-test the game and make sure the infrastructure is ready for prime time.

Sega has not specified a new launch date since it announced the delay from the initially planned March 30, but the company is still committed to a 2006 launch in Japan, and the game will retail for 6,800 yen ($57.75). The game is also tentatively scheduled for release in the US sometime this year.