Phantasy Star Online Version 2 Preview
We take an in depth look at the next step in the evolution of Sonic Team's online RPG
Sonic Team's groundbreaking online console RPG for the Dreamcast, Phantasy Star Online, gets an update with the forthcoming Phantasy Star Online Version 2. Like its predecessor, PSO Version 2 will be setting a new precedent in console gaming by requiring gamers to pay for online play--15 dollars for three months of unlimited play. Offering bug fixes, new modes, new game options, new items, and enhanced security against hacking and item duping, PSO Version 2 aims to enhance your PSO gaming experience. Anxiously awaited in the US since its release earlier this year in Japan, PSO Version 2 is finally set to hit the Dreamcast this fall. We got our hands on a 65 percent complete build of the game to see if it's true that good things come to those who wait.
PSO Version 2's charms initially appear to be subtle when you're playing in the game's offline mode. New character colors, smoothed-out animation, and much better item balancing appear to be the most obvious features of the offline mode for those who start out with a new character for the game. However, if you're attached to your character from the original PSO, you'll be able to convert the data over from the original to use in Version 2. Converting a high-level character from PSO to Version 2 will let you access another of Version 2's enhancements: the "ultimate" difficulty setting, which is designed for those who can't bear the thought of starting out at level one again. Assuming you've cleared the game on normal, hard, and very hard and are at least at level 80 or above, when you start a new game, you'll have the option to select ultimate difficulty. A challenge for even the most seasoned PSO player, ultimate difficulty mixes things up a bit with different enemies that move blindingly fast and deal a whole lot of pain, as well as new versions of the various end bosses. To compensate for the new difficulty, PSO Version 2 will let characters be powered up to even higher levels. Characters can now be leveled up to level 200, and the maximum technique level has increased to 30. Force characters, though, will be the only character class that can truly take advantage of the higher technique levels, as they are the only characters able to use techniques discs above level 15. Items like health-restoring monomates and dimates will have greater effects in ultimate difficulty to compensate for the brutal amount of punishment doled out by the enemies.
If you have obsessed over tracking down all the rare equipment in PSO, you should brace yourself for more long nights of hunting, as Version 2 will feature a wider array of gear to track down. New and bizarre weapons, frames, and barriers can all be found in the game and run the gamut from the cool (incredibly powerful guns) to loopy (a bouquet of flowers). New mag cells will be available, too, allowing you to evolve your faithful companions into a variety of forms--including nearly every Sega video game system from Mega Drive to Dreamcast.
Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 Quick Links
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- Sega
- Sonic Team
- Role-Playing
- Release: Sep 24, 2001 »
- ESRB: Teen
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