phantasy star online 2 phantasy star online 2

What is Phantasy Star Online 2?  Probably one of the most anticipated MMO imports of all time (for a very specific set of gamers.)  It is on nearly every console in Japan, and is a sequel to the original Phantasy Star Online, which was out in the US on the Sega Dreamcast, back in 2000.   

Phantasy Star has a rich legacy, going back to December 20th 1987, when they they released the original Phantasy Star on the Sega Master System.  It had wonderful graphics and depth like no other console RPG at the time. It also had the first female protagonist in a console RPG.  (Voiced by the legendary Rieko Kodama). It was my first RPG video game, and I still hold extremely fond memories of it.

In the years to come, Phantasy Star 2, 3 and 4 would all release on the Sega Genesis to much acclaim from fans and critics alike, and its place in gamer history was cemented forever.  Then came the year 2000, and the Dreamcast brought us Phantasy Star again, but this time the game was online, a fairly new genre, and while gamers were unsure going in, they were quickly made believers in the platform, and their faith in the Phantasy Star universe was re-assured.  (IGN gave it a 9.1/10 at release), and then in 2012, Phantasy Star Online 2 released for Windows, but online in Japan. Ever since, western gamers have been craving a stateside release, and Microsoft delivered at E3 2019. It will release on Xbox One in Spring of 2020. And… it’s free to play.

For those of you who are not acquainted with Phantasy Star Online 2, players will embark on “Research expedition called ‘Arks,’ which belong to a fleet of interplanetary cruising ships, setting out to a research a variety of different planets,” according to Sega. “Visiting places for the mission (quest) always evolves into a fresh and surprising adventure, including auto-generated maps, sudden events, and a Multiplayer Party Area, where up to 12 players can play together simultaneously.”

I’m not usually one for Free To Play games, but I can see the allure.  And with all of the beautiful memories I have of playing through the Phantasy Star universe, I am certain I’ll be signing up on release day to try my hand at the newest installment. See you there!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

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By Stephen Duetzmann

Editor in Chief Founder/EiC EngagedFamilyGaming.com Blogger, Podcaster, Video Host RE: games that families can play together. Editor@engagedfamilygaming.com

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