Phantasy Star Online 2 launches July 4 in Japan

Sega has announced that the PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 is now ready for public consumption: the official servers for the free-to-play title will open on July 4 in Japan at 2 p.m. JST. The current open beta servers were closed today.

Gamers who wish to acquire arcs cash, the official currency for in-game purchases, using real money, will need to wait until 3 p.m. JST for the option to be available. Sega also announced a Phantasy Star Online 2 Premium Package set that will be available on September 13. For 6,279 yen ($79), gamers will get a game install disc, codes for a set of five original weapons, and a device that will evolve a player's in-game Mag companion faster than usual.

Sega also announced that the number of participants for the June 21 open beta had crossed the 500,000 mark and that the game had reached a maximum connection of 80,000 players, simultaneously. For more information on the free-to-play title, check out GameSpot's recent coverage on the game.