The Phantasy Star franchise got its start over 30 years ago, but very soon, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be coming to PlayStation 4 for the first time. In a blog post on the official website, the folks at PlayStation made the announcement along with some backstory for new players who may have zero experience with the groundbreaking game series. We won’t keep you in suspense. Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be released on PlayStation 4 on August 31!
With that out of the way, what’s new? A lot!
The first Phantasy Star quadrilogy of games were all solo adventure RPGs set in the same universe, but they were unique at the time because they combined sci-fi elements with classic fantasy elements for a combat-centered space exploration game. In 2000, Phantasy Star Online was a huge innovation because it was one of the first multiplayer console games around. And in 2012, Phantasy Star Online 2 was launched. As another multiplayer combat game, it was set on the planet Halpha. Players could play solo or join parties of up to four in order to explore hubs and fight enemies together.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a massive overhaul of Phantasy Star Online 2. While the upcoming game will still center around story-driven quests and real-time combat situations on the planet Halpha, there will be a massive update for the game system and graphics engine. For new players, it’s a great entry point. For veterans, don’t worry, you can visit the content of Phantasy Star Online 2 anytime with an in-game portal.
Also, the story will take place 1,000 years after the events of Phantasy Star Online 2 with a new cast of characters to choose from. There are nine main classes to choose from that can also have a subclass attached. Even if you decide to play in parties of four, you don’t have to follow any class rules that dictate who should be what. You can also change your class at a Class Counter, which should be easy to find in any in-game major city. There are also a small group of weapons for each class that you can change out during combat.
The exploration of the game will no longer be hub-based. Instead, players will get to explore three regions of Halpha in a true open-world format. Explore the lush peaks and valleys of Aelio or try to survive the brutal deserts and dunes of Retem. In Kvaris, you will deal with the frigid cold and move around using a “Floating Board” or snowboard. And don’t forget, you’ll be battling in all of these regions!
If you haven’t played an of the Phantasy Star Online games, now seems like a great time to start. Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be completely free to play, and no PlayStation Plus subscription is necessary. Be on the lookout on August 31 to join the fun.
