Back when online gaming was a novelty, this author played Phantasy Star Online on the Dreamcast with wide eyes. A hefty 15 or so years later, we're ready to take our Mag back out into the battlefield – but a Western release of Phantasy Star Online 2 seems unlikely. Nevertheless, publisher SEGA has determined a 20th April launch date for the PlayStation 4 version of the MMO in Japan, so at least one region will be able to enjoy it.
The port will receive a closed beta test between 25th February and 6th March, with 50,000 players gaining access courtesy of a PlayStation Store ticket draw. A retail package, named Phantasy Star Online: Episode 4, will be made available in the East from 20th April on the PS4 and Vita, and will include a Tachibana Itsuki costume from the game's anime, as well as various other items. We're still crossing everything for a European and North American launch, but it's looking less and less likely, isn't it?
[source gematsu.com]
Comments 14
It's got an awful lot of competition now though, is the game good enough for people to quit World of Warcraft, Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV, The Elder Scrolls Online and (soon to be released) Everquest Next? I doubt it. MMO's require an invested commitment and people won't want to abandon the many hours they've already put into said games. Note that the majority of them are western so I expect this will fare better in Japan anyway.
Sega has no idea what their western fans want, so no, this will probably never release in the west. I really wish it would. I loved PSO, but Sega only seems to give us Sonic games now
@Worlock_ed Yeah, I guess the constant localisation would be a huge financial drain, too. I definitely can see the business behind the decision, it's just a bit of a shame really.
@Worlock_ed Phantasy Star isn't really an MMO, its much more like Monster Hunter in terms of how the multiplayer and such works.
No, don't bring it. Sega will muck it up. (Once was my favorite game company) What they need to do is re start the series fresh for a new generation and create a new mainline game that is single player only. Get people interested in the lore again, and then later create an mmo experience for the west if people show interest. I have no faith that Sega knows how to properly handle their IPs anymore. Sad, because they have alot of great ones they don't even use. Panzer Dragoon Saga ring a bell?
Hey Sammy,
Please contact your friends at Sony and see if Gio Corsi can get this ported over to NA and Europe.
Cheers!!!
I'm sure the additional revenue generated by overseas sales would dwarf the amount needed for localisation. I'm speaking in terms of translation. Not sure about server requirements and such that could also add to the cost. Maybe this will be a surprise double pack with Shenmue 3!!! (aware of different dev/pub).
@Worlock_ed played for 2 years on the Japanese servers. The game is more than good enough and it's free to play so not really in competition with the majority of hose you mention...I think localisation is worth a try! A lot of people with ps4 (and that's millions of people) would at least give it a try since it's basically free with every console.
I would love to play this on my PS4, ever since it was announced I have been wanting to play it.
Does it have a sub?
If not, then Sega is missing sales I think.
(sub is the only reason I stopped playing FF14. I'd love to play a Japanese MMO, as I don't care at all for something like Elder Scrolls.
I'm with you Sammy, adored PSO back in the day. Was my first proper online game and I was utterly hooked. Desperately want this to release in the west (heck, it doesn't even have to be F2P...I will pay full price for it), but yeah...at the moment each piece of news is just another Sega-fueled disappointment
Rather have a real Phantasy Star like some of those released on the Genesis. Get the dang IP back to its roots and let go of this f2p IMO.
Watch the language -Tasuki-
Give us Phantasy Star Online 2, Sega! ;_;
would love it, but idk we never get the good stuff, first choice.
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