Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: kyori Mar 17 2005, 01:50 AM

:D Consider me on the pc bus.

http://img163.exs.cx/img163/390/psu2qe.jpg

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Mar 17 2005, 02:15 AM

AHHHH NEWS!!
I don't really care what platform its on, just gimme!
Judging from the pic..... Dual weilding?? Gun in one hand and saber in the other? Hrm hrm.
Only a couple more weeks till the new issue of EGM comes out.
Thanks Kyori!

Time to invest in the most kick ass video card.

EDIT: Upon further investigation, it also says....... "PS2"!
I guess this gives Mute a reason to use his HDD hahaha.

EDIT EDIT: D'oh I'm an idiot, I didn't fully read the topic description =P
Though I'll hold my breath since it could be some kind of sick joke haha.

Posted by: Riel Mar 17 2005, 06:45 AM

Some guy on the TeamXbox forums yesterday said it was coming out in November,on the new XBox with 65 players online(i think it means in one world,not sure) but the link he provided had the date and the XBox 2 mention but nothing else...i'll try to find it.

EDIT:more info

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/front_index.php?

PHANTASY STAR UNIVERSE REVEALED!

Classic MMORPG franchise revived by Sega's Sonic Team

11:46 Sega's Sonic Team is set to revive one of the Dreamcast's finest hours, with the advent of Phantasy Star Universe, a brand new massively multiplayer RPG which is set for release before the end of this year on Xbox, PC and PS2.
"A MMORPG on the Dreamcast? Surely you jest?" we hear you cry. But no kids, it's all true. And Phantasy Star Online was a highly regarded, early 56k console delve into the world of online, possibly only surpassed by the glorious mismatch which saw Dreamcast owners wholesale slaughter at the hands of PC Quake III Arena players.

Actually we broke first details on this last year, when it was slated as a GameCube exclusive. But a whole lot has changed since then because now Phantasy Star Universe is set to rock Xbox, PC and PS2 owners' bones before the end of 2005, with a release in the US and Japan currently pegged for around November.

There's few details at present except that Phantasy Star Universe is being developed by Sega's mighty Sonic team, and that in its consoles incarnations it will support up to 65 players and cost around $65 in the US.
No details on whether there'll be an ongoing subscription or not, but we have seen the first cheeky image from the game and we have to report it really does seem to live up to the sumptuous graphics of its illustrious predecessor. Wouldn't it be great if Sonic Team could also implement some swinging cross-platform action too, with PC players adventuring alongside their Xbox counterparts? One from our great gaming wish list.

Anyway, we're currently awaiting a response from Sega HQ on possible European release dates and details but we have to say it's great to see one of the classic online franchises revived. Phantasy Star Universe should further cement Sega's growing presence in the MMORPG online world.

Posted by: unitself Mar 17 2005, 09:28 AM

Wow.. interestng news.
I am glad to see Xbox on that list of consoles. !!
But I am double sad to not see the GC on that list.
This will just further devide the great AT front.
Let's just cross our fingers that some kind of cross platform setup is implemented.

Now... the real waiting begins.

Posted by: Azrael Mar 17 2005, 12:15 PM

Ok,I'm now in anticipation. If it comes to it, and the PC, PS2, and XBox are server compatible (they did it with FFXI, they could do it and add XBox capability), that would be a good thing. I may have to consider my options anad swallow my pride and play on the PC.

Posted by: kyori Mar 17 2005, 12:21 PM

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Mar 17 2005, 12:49 PM

IGN posted additional information:

First off, platform. The magazine lists Phantasy Star Universe as being in development for the PC and PlayStation 2. It does not list any other platform, so we can presume that, in Japan at least, the game is coming to these two platforms alone.

Phantasy Star Universe is set in the Grail Star System, which consists of three planets, as Phantasy Star fans would expect. Players are thrown into the middle of a war that has spanned a vast time.

Unlike PSO, the game has main characters with names. Two characters have been revealed so far: Ewan Webber and Karen Ella. Both aspires to be members of a fighting force called the Guardian Force. Will they be accepted?

Unfortunately, the exact nature of Phantasy Star Universe is still somewhat of a mystery. It's definitely an RPG, and it definitely has an Online component, allowing players to adventure with friends. Jump doesn't reveal if the game is a massively multiplayer Online title, or if the Online play is more limited, as in Phantasy Star Online. Players will be able to travel back and forth between the three planets of the Grail system, adventuring through massive 3D fields on vehicles and taking on huge monsters along the way.

A good many questions still remain unanswered, but at least we now have some solid details on Sega's big return to Phantasy Star. We expect information to slowly be released as the game approaches its Winter Japanese release.

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/596/596788p1.html

Characters with names? Traveling between the Grail Star System? Vehicles? Winter release?

My next game to import.

EDIT: Gamespot had similiar info but went in depth with the characters:

Phantasy Star Universe will take place throughout the Graal solar system, which consists of three planets and various races such as the Numans. After a century of peace following a lengthy period of war, civilization now faces an invasion from a new alien force named the SEED, which has begun attacking different colonies in space.

Two of the main characters will be Ethan Weaver and Karen Era. Fans may remember Ethan and Karen as the brown-haired youth who appeared in the trailer from the E3 presentation. The purple-haired Karen was also featured in the same but has since gone through some character design changes.

Ethan is a 17-year-old trainee at a planetary security organization named the Guardians, and Karen works as his instructor at the security organization. Ethan and Karen, along with some friends, are charged with the duty to protect humanity from the mysterious alien life forms.

Because Phantasy Star Universe has been promoted as a new installment to the Phantasy Star RPG series and has a solid storyline, it's a good bet that the game will play as a standalone title rather than an online game like Phantasy Star Online series.

Posted by: AC9breaker Mar 17 2005, 03:49 PM

All I can say and stuck thinking is















OH
MY
GOD!

Posted by: Kazicht Mar 17 2005, 04:09 PM

Posted by: Zio Mar 17 2005, 05:42 PM

Great news definately!

I'm not sure which platform to go but I have plenty of time to think about it.

Posted by: Scan_Man Mar 18 2005, 11:23 AM

I'm will get for PC most def. I'm going to be paying to pay three online games a year from now. Sheesh!

Posted by: Vitamin D Mar 18 2005, 11:42 AM

*Faints. Im so damn excited about this game! It just needs to come out already!

Posted by: kyori Mar 21 2005, 09:30 PM

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3138974&did=1

cover to the egm :D
and to clarify one more time it is PS2/PC not just PS2.

Posted by: unitself Mar 22 2005, 08:55 AM

ARG! This makes me mad!!!
Platform jumping is a big drag!
I guess I can only hope that it's a great game for the people who can play it AND a game that I wouldn't find fun anyways.
Here's to the dream!!

Then again... It did take them well over a year, after it was out on the GC, to put PSO onto the Xbox. Maybe the same thing will happen here. Maybe?

Posted by: Alisha Mar 22 2005, 12:42 PM

omfg [Can i have it]




<--giddy like a schoolgirl

Posted by: kyori Mar 23 2005, 03:37 AM

PSU site is live!

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/

With snapshots as well. PRETTY!

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Mar 23 2005, 01:35 PM

HOT DAMN!
What a neat site.


If that's the lobby area, then wow!

Posted by: Zio Mar 23 2005, 04:20 PM

GIB....NOW!

Posted by: Kazicht Mar 23 2005, 06:19 PM

Posted by: Wiryu Mar 23 2005, 09:34 PM

its just a shame that you have all suckered me into deciding to buy this game -.-

Posted by: Vitamin D Mar 24 2005, 02:56 AM

So beautiful...I'm DYING for this game to come out!

Posted by: DarkEpyon Mar 25 2005, 05:54 AM

This game looks great so far. Can't wait to see the robot.

Posted by: DivA Mar 25 2005, 06:00 AM

lol, i just realized that the 1-up online article is already posted.. ^^; in any case, words & articles just make me dream about having this game even more..

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Mar 25 2005, 03:05 PM

More pics. Not from EGM though.





Comments?
Looks like alot of open field to play in.

EDIT: Boo links are dead.

Posted by: HC82 Mar 25 2005, 05:32 PM

*Looks at pics*

*skeet*

Can't wait...

Posted by: Mute Mar 25 2005, 08:36 PM

@_@

NEED!

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Mar 25 2005, 08:44 PM

*steals more info*
Credit to Nash from PSOW (which in turn, credits Soul4ger from GAF):

Soul4ger on GAF has the latest EGM and posted this excellent summary of the PSU article:

"Offline - 40-hour quest. It's a linear story, but you can explore the world as you please. It has everything you'd expect from an actual RPG -- huge towns, more than 20 dungeons, more than 15 bosses. You can have up to three members in your party, and while you don't directly control them, you can assign them commands. The single-player mode will have cutscenes, dialogue, an in-depth story, character development, etc., etc. Some people will have to join you for missions, but when you just want to explore and build levels, you can apparently select anyone to go with you. By the end of the game, you'll end up exploring three planets. It starts on the hume world, Parum, which gets attacked by weird aliens. You visit Neudaiz, a water world of "newman people," and Motwob, the planet of the beast people - desert planet. THe main character's name is Ethan Waber. He decides to fight because his sister gets attacked. Gameplay remains relatively similar to PSO, but there will be more puzzles and stuff in dungeons -- and not just flipping switches.

Online:

No longer jobs, just character races. Each of the four races has its own strengths, but you can develop them as you see fit. For example, casts are the best with guns, but that doesn't mean you can't build up their other characteristics and make them good magicians. Character customization is apparently incredibly improved. You can change colors of lips, eyebrows, eyes, hair, clothes, shoes, you can mold faces and bodies, create large or small breasts, make them firm or jiggly. That's an example the lead artist gives. HDD is NOT supported, because Sony pulled the support. It looks substantially better on the PC, and EGM recommends that version. Voice chat, regardless, has not been confirmed, for either platform.

Combat remains relatively similar to PSO, but there are differences, There are six-hit combo strings now, but you insert custom technique attacks into the combos to change them up. Strafing has been adding, and button-timing is supposed to be quick, for combat. Like John said, the number of party members is much higher, but Sega hasn't revealed how many it will be yet. Characters can dual wield different weapons now, so a gunner can have a short range gun and a long-range one equipped at the same time. Mags are gone, robot partners are in. Downloadable content will be more frequent and more substantial.

And PSO Blue Burst is coming this Summer, the mag says it's "free," but you just have to pay the $13 Hunter's Fee.

One last thing I forgot, vehicles are included."

I swear once I get a copy of that issue, I'm writing whatever they have on there word for word.
HC82: LMAO! Don't you dare edit that post!

Oh I found some scans from EGM. Credits to whoever scanned them:
http://www.gameraddicts.com/forums/files/testscan_193.jpg
http://www.gameraddicts.com/forums/files/page2_718.jpg
http://www.gameraddicts.com/forums/files/page3_340.jpg
http://www.gameraddicts.com/forums/files/page4_886.jpg< Dam look at that dragon!
http://www.gameraddicts.com/forums/files/page5_179.jpg

Posted by: DivA Mar 25 2005, 09:07 PM

~dj, i am grateful for the wisdom you share.. ;D

thank you much.. ^^ though voice chat is an advance that i don't look forward to ~ i like to type, if truth be told; *muses* i think it's time for some new avatars - let's see what i can salvage from these images ~ heh.. ;)

Posted by: Kazicht Mar 26 2005, 12:29 AM

G'od, I don't even know what to say. Its like everything I used to ask for in PSO is coming true in PSU. Massive combos able to connect with more powerful skills, more PT members, vehicles, better character costomization, better EVERYTHING!

Just speechless.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Mar 26 2005, 07:02 AM

Wow... this is better than I could've imagined. Dunno about the voice chat thing though. I've never played PSOX, so I can't really comment on it.

Posted by: Riel Mar 26 2005, 07:15 AM

Wow thanks for the scans and info...the only thing i'm a little sad about is no more Mags but robots might make up for it...i actually bought EGM thinking it was the new issue,the one with Jade Empire on the cover,but i guess it's not the newest one even though it's the April issue.

Posted by: Zio Mar 26 2005, 09:29 AM

Yeah...no mags ;_; but the 6 string combo thing sounds cool, the vehicles, the 3 different worlds like in the first Phantasy Star, the fact that you can have more people in your party online, and and and...ah hell, the whole thing looks so damn cool.

Also that must be what EGM meant in the last issue when they had one word for us.
-create large or small breasts, make them firm or jiggly

Posted by: Alisha Mar 26 2005, 12:43 PM

awesomeness has left me speechless

Posted by: Woe Mar 26 2005, 02:22 PM

Looks pretty impressive. hurray for PC release.

Posted by: Azrael Mar 26 2005, 08:09 PM

Looks like it'll be pc for me. I can't wait for this to come out. Again I say, I hope they get it right even if there's no release date annonced. Don't toy around with our emotions and make some of us do the I word by constant announcements and delays.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Mar 27 2005, 07:06 AM

Of course, I doubt there would be an English-language option like with previous installments.

Posted by: Knightsword Mar 27 2005, 05:42 PM

For most of use it won't be a problem, but the EGM article did say Broadband only and no ps2 hdd support

Posted by: ZioII Mar 31 2005, 05:06 PM

one word: woot!

Posted by: Vitamin D Apr 3 2005, 02:38 PM

Wow...this game sounds better and better the more I here. I'm dropping EVERYTHING when this game comes out.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Apr 7 2005, 04:21 PM

I can only imagine how many "well-endowed" characters we'll see when we first go online. I can see it now... "OMFG that (insert weak enemy here) got pwned by big titzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!111111111"

Hey, at least we won't be hearing "LABIZ PLZZZZ!"

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Apr 8 2005, 11:10 AM

Alittle bit of info:
http://ps2.ign.com/articles/602/602628p1.html

They also posted a few hi-res pics. One of which I really enjoy looking at:



Wonder what will be shown at E3?

Posted by: DarkEpyon Apr 8 2005, 12:30 PM

This game's art style is very reminiscent of PSO. Speaking of said game, it has held a place in my heart that neither D2, UO, FFXI (especially this one), WoW, or CoH could possibly fill. I'm sure you all echo these sentiments.

Posted by: Dive Apr 8 2005, 02:57 PM

Posted by: DarkEpyon Apr 9 2005, 08:21 PM

Since I've played HUcast/HUnewearl/Warrior/Monk/other melee as main characters for so many years, I'm considering going the magic route this time for a change.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Apr 30 2005, 11:44 AM

http://www.the-magicbox.com/0504/game050428f.shtml to whet your appetites, folks.

Heheh, I beat Donkey to it.

Once February rolls around, sayonara social life.

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Apr 30 2005, 02:26 PM

Posted by: DJ_Donkey May 11 2005, 09:26 PM

OMFG!!!
http://ps2.ign.com/articles/611/611874p1.html?fromint=1

New pictures and OMFG!! Gameplay footage!!!!! Check it out now!!!!!!!!111111

/skeet

Posted by: tanshin May 11 2005, 09:53 PM

my god that is awesome.

Posted by: Vitamin D May 11 2005, 10:20 PM

Holy. Shit.

Posted by: Kazicht May 12 2005, 04:24 AM

Oh man! I CANT HANDLE IT! I CANT HANNNDLLLE ITTTT!!! WAHHHHH!

Posted by: DarkEpyon May 12 2005, 04:25 AM

February can't get here fast enough!

Posted by: Riel May 12 2005, 05:42 AM

Looked great graphically and the character and animations looked good also but i thought the AI on some of the monsters was really messed up....still early though but i definetly love the bigger lands and area's.

Posted by: Knightsword May 14 2005, 08:10 PM

Looks good, can't wait for footage from the online portion of the game

Posted by: DJ_Donkey May 15 2005, 11:52 PM

New PSU trailer @ IGN
http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/683/683215/vids_1.html?fromint=1
Not very long but it does show a few new things...
Like vehicles and some insane combo animations.
And that Sonic ring chime... I miss it.

EDIT: This video is also on SEGA's site http://www.sega.com/games/game_temp.php?game=psu

Posted by: DJ_Donkey May 18 2005, 02:35 AM

Guys, guys, guys! Check out the new E3 trailer @ IGN!!!
http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/683/683215/vids_1.html

They show some indepth character customization... Change color of eyes and even change the width and height of it... and the standard PSO proportion grid!
They also show what appears to be online mode! I assume since they used the default "Sonic, Tails,.. etc." names.
They still only show 4 players max.
The new dragon they show is pretty awesome too!!
This one is hot!

Sorry for double posting but damn!
I'm gonna watch this game like a hawk

Posted by: Knightsword May 18 2005, 04:06 AM

Whoa... awesome...

Posted by: tanshin May 18 2005, 06:52 AM

wow, that's a nice trailer. it gave me goosebumps.

Posted by: DarkEpyon May 18 2005, 07:03 AM

Those new videos are dead sexy. If there's extensive voice acting in the offline mode, I'll bet they'll need 2 DVD's or make it dual-layer.

Posted by: Bryn May 18 2005, 12:00 PM

Wow....just wow.

I really like that there is an offline game as well. And the character customization looks really sweet.

Is there any word yet on what the required specs are for the PC version? Ack...February is forever away.

Posted by: Vitamin D May 18 2005, 01:31 PM

God this is TORTURE.

Posted by: Alisha May 19 2005, 05:22 PM

everytime i try to watch it some lame jeep video comes up -.-

Posted by: DJ_Donkey May 19 2005, 05:27 PM

That's just the ad that loads up. You have to wait for it to finish =\

Posted by: Kazicht May 19 2005, 07:22 PM

It's gonna take me three days to create my character with all those options! >_<;

Posted by: DarkEpyon May 20 2005, 07:47 AM

This blows the current PSO out of the water, that's for sure. I look forward to seeing what the droids will look like in character creation.

Posted by: DJ_Donkey May 24 2005, 06:44 PM

A bit long overdue but I'll post it anyway.
Gamepro article I "aquired" @ PSOW Not alot of info but it might catch your eye:
http://img75.echo.cx/img75/2739/psuarticle8lj.jpg

1UP.com interview:
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3140861

EDIT: Forgot to mention that the PSU official site has been revamped again.
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/

Posted by: Kazicht May 24 2005, 07:21 PM

Well I guess from that Gamepro article, 6 is the magic number for party members. Works for me!

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Jun 10 2005, 03:41 PM

The Official Site has been updated with some more goodies.
+new characters (some never before seen 13 yr old girl and that beast guy)
+new screens
+new information on areas (check out that space colony! so awesome)

The new images aren't really worth mentioning... except for this one.

Posted by: Vitamin D Jun 10 2005, 06:31 PM

Damn...wish the release date wasn't so far off I wanna play right now.

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Jul 15 2005, 04:33 PM

I think its time to check out the PSU site again. They finally put up that HUcast looking dude in the character's section. And that other guy looks like he's holding some sort of gunblade.
There's also some stuff about organizations.

Posted by: Kazicht Jul 15 2005, 07:48 PM

Wow, that be really awesome if HUcasts look like that.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Jul 16 2005, 12:12 AM

Oh man, those casts look awesome. Bah! Fuck the techs! Robo all the way!

Posted by: Dive Jul 16 2005, 01:01 AM

Character Screens from the PSU Site.













Also added these to the avatar gallery.

Posted by: HC82 Jul 16 2005, 09:18 AM

Damn, that's a pretty damn badass Cast there.

If he can shoot missles out of his privates area, then everything is GO!

Posted by: unitself Jul 16 2005, 11:05 AM

hrm... I'm not so fond of the way the HUcast looks. I don't like my 'bots to have too much of a human form and that one really does. But these are just (i am guessing) the characters for the offline RPG game so maybe we will have many more options for 'casts appearance.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Jul 16 2005, 01:41 PM

I sure hope so, seeing as how 'bots sort of got the sort end of the stick when it came to character design.

Posted by: AC9breaker Jul 16 2005, 09:11 PM

========================================================
New images over at ign and a new article discussing the races of Phatasy Star Universe in further detail.

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/634/634270p1.html

They also give some back story on some of the main story characters.

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Jul 16 2005, 09:13 PM

I wonder if you can make the Beastmen look like Blanka from Street Fighter.
That would totally own.
ARRrrooooooooooo.... *electric boogaloo*
"Seeing you in action is a joke."

*Tekker music plays* Nice find AC.
http://apocalypse-tribe.com/athost/dj_donkey/labis.html

Posted by: HC82 Jul 17 2005, 09:24 AM

Karen Erra
Race: Newman
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Affiliation: Guardians

Bio: She has a three-year experience in actual fighting as Guardian, and serves as Ethan's instructor. Due to the experience of her mother being killed by native creatures when she was a child, and to the handicap that she can use no "Technics" despite being "Newman", she has been cautioning herself more than necessary and living stubborn as she strains herself, trying to be strong

I wonder if these characters are totally playable in the storyline? I find it interesting that they made it so she can't use techniques. From this we can see that maybe Sonic Team is really going for a more story and character driven PSU. Gameplaywise a techless newman is kinda useless, but storyline wise it makes for something interesting, especially if she is fighting with you.


I can see the senario writer grinding away at the keyboard now:

"OMG, RESTA ME NOW!!!111!"

"Sorry, I can't..."

"DUDE, OMGWTFBBQ, STFU AND RESTA!!!11!!!"

*She tells her long sad story about how she was born without powers and her mother died at the claws of a beast*

"CAN YOU AT LEAST S/D THEN PLZ???"


Yes, I can already feel the deep and intense character driven storyline now....

Posted by: Crushinator Jul 17 2005, 01:41 PM

Special abilities for Cast and Beast? I like the sound of that!

Story seems like it will be interesting and actually get me to play the offline mode. The character designs are pretty cool, too. Damn, February can't come fast enough.

What was with those shitty babel-fishy story character descriptions, though? Hire some editors IGN, you boobs.

Posted by: Vitamin D Jul 18 2005, 03:42 PM

Yeah this game's gonna be crazy. It's cool to get new info on PSU, but damn it's hard wait.

Posted by: AC9breaker Jul 30 2005, 08:20 AM

New update over at the PSU website pertaining techs.


http://phantasystaruniverse.com/

Link to a scan from some JP magazine. Containing the same images. http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ps/psu/propaganda/psu007.jpg

From the looks of some of the images it looks like you can perform a Haduken type of attack. I guess we are gonna start seeing some damn good Goku and Vegeta characters.


Sucks that the site isn't in english. I really want to know about how fighting will be. There is alot of speculation over at PSOW at how the new combat system will be. This one seems to be the most plausible one.

Posted by: HC82 Jul 30 2005, 06:05 PM

Well, that haduken thing is probably some sort of tech based attack. I don't know too many Vegita Forces.

I wonder about this whole PP gauge and the rest of the combat system? Screen shots are just icying on the cake, but I need my meat and potatoes, followed by an angioplasty.

Posted by: Alisha Aug 5 2005, 07:51 AM

new trailer :o

http://members.cox.net/jasonwalton/PSU_Trailer.wmv

Posted by: Kazicht Aug 5 2005, 08:38 AM

That long/great sword fighting was hot! Reminds me of Nightmare/Sigfreid's technique from Soul Calibur.

Posted by: AC9breaker Aug 5 2005, 03:43 PM

Along with that new trailer the PSU site has also been updated with some new and tastey images.


I think I just soiled myself.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Aug 5 2005, 07:46 PM

Posted by: Woe Aug 6 2005, 06:27 AM

Posted by: tanshin Aug 7 2005, 06:15 PM

Anyone know a semi-accurate release time on this yet? Sorry if it was mentioned before, I went back and couldn't find anything.

Posted by: AC9breaker Aug 7 2005, 06:42 PM

I think it was something like February 2006 Not sure.

Posted by: Bryn Aug 7 2005, 07:16 PM

I looks like December 30, 2005 for Japan & February 1, 2006 for US is the"official" release date.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Aug 7 2005, 11:32 PM

Supposedly it's gonna be a "PC first, PS2 second" deal like with FFXI.

Posted by: Dive Aug 7 2005, 11:55 PM

Here are some burning questions I know a lot of us would like to have answered.

Will the Japanses version have an english language setting?
Will the Japanese servers be linked to the rest of the world?
Will the PC servers be connected to the PS2 servers?
How much breast customization is there exactly?

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Aug 12 2005, 08:22 AM

Anyone seen that new character they have up (other than the newman)? People in PSOW says its a cast. Would be fairly interesting to see a character like that holding a big ass shotgun.
Character designs so far look a bit iffy but its starting to grow on me.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Aug 12 2005, 08:31 AM

Yeah, she's a cast and her name's Lou. She's a guardian like Ethan and Karen.

Looks like you can have casts that look more human in appearance.

Posted by: unitself Aug 12 2005, 12:19 PM

Posted by: Alisha Aug 15 2005, 01:59 PM

Posted by: Crushinator Aug 15 2005, 07:43 PM

Wasn't there some part of the PSO "mythology" that said that Casts were required to wear the outer shells so that they wouldn't be confused with humans? So one would reach the conclusion that under their armor and helmets the Casts look basically human, right? I remember something like that from the PSO Hunters guide book or some shit.

Maybe since PSU is in the future (right?) from PSO, Human-robot relations have progressed to the point where the humans aren't taken aback by the robots that look like them.

Posted by: Knightsword Aug 16 2005, 04:47 AM

In older phantasy star games, casts look mostly human, such as Wren, who at first I thought was a cyborg

Posted by: DarkEpyon Aug 16 2005, 07:15 AM

Been like 11 years, but I believe the PS3 instruction manual says something to the effect that Wren (or Shiren if you prefer) and Mieu were cyborgs.

Posted by: unitself Aug 16 2005, 07:44 AM

Well, regardless of what you guys think, here is actual proof of what I am saying.

<evidence>

Posted by: Alisha Aug 16 2005, 03:46 PM

Posted by: Dive Aug 16 2005, 04:50 PM

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Aug 19 2005, 08:43 AM

Whoa.
*hyper jumps*

Small update on the official site.
There's 2 other unknown characters. One for Newman and the other for Beast.

EDIT: oooo I just noticed that there are special fonts for each race.

Posted by: Kazicht Aug 19 2005, 01:10 PM

ROFL, 1st thing that came to my mind was you photoshopping a Transformer silhouette onto the screenshot to make DE and SCU go nuts. But man... thats really there! The male Cast models might actually look awesome!

Posted by: DarkEpyon Aug 19 2005, 01:30 PM

Looks somewhat gundamesque to me, only considerably smaller.

Posted by: Zorya Aug 19 2005, 01:38 PM

Sorry if this has been answered in the thread, but I'm not going to go back and read 7 pages of posts: In PSU, when you die, will you lose experience? Is it a party-based system? If so, I refuse to play it.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Aug 19 2005, 05:02 PM

That yas yet to be divulget

Posted by: AC9breaker Aug 19 2005, 08:50 PM

This was posted over a psow a few days ago. Taken from some German gaming magazine.

Posted by: Crushinator Aug 20 2005, 08:30 PM

What if the "sub-weapon" thing is like... your chest opens and missiles shoot out or something? Man, that would be awesome. What is it now, like 5 more months and this game is out!!


*Dreams of triple-nipple-laser*

Posted by: HC82 Aug 21 2005, 09:27 AM

Posted by: tanshin Aug 21 2005, 12:10 PM

I have some real life friends in california here that I've known since high school, and I showed them allt he trailers, and got all the info off of this thread. It almost goes without saying, but they'll be joining us on whatever server we get on.

Posted by: Wiryu Aug 21 2005, 12:27 PM

So, in order to play PSU online on PS2, do you need the HDD or just the online crap? Because i know that since you all obsess over every single post i make that you definetly already know, my HDD has more recently taken a ride up shit creek.

On a side note, i love these new emotes.

Posted by: tanshin Aug 21 2005, 01:12 PM

aahhh hahaha that is the best emote ever. and psu and stuff.

Posted by: Bryn Aug 21 2005, 01:32 PM

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Aug 21 2005, 06:14 PM

Oh snap!
http://rpgamer.com/games/ps/psu/propaganda/psu008.jpg
http://rpgamer.com/games/ps/psu/propaganda/psu009.jpg
Check out the 2nd scan... Lou seems to be holding some big ass guns. Looks like she also has some sort of missle launcher on the bottom of that scan.
Looks like the mini map returns from PSO.

Posted by: Kazicht Aug 21 2005, 06:24 PM

Those new weapons look sweet.
Especially the greatsword, I'm gonna love swinging that around.

Posted by: Crushinator Aug 21 2005, 08:51 PM

OT, but you should make the background on those new emotes clear, so they look good on every skin. Emotes with real people's faces are the shit.

Posted by: Dive Aug 22 2005, 01:00 AM

Posted by: Alisha Aug 22 2005, 04:39 PM

.......

i wish i could fall asleep today and wake p the day psu releases >.>

Posted by: unitself Aug 23 2005, 08:08 AM

Thanks for these Donky!

Check out, on the first page, the lower right pic. He's knocking that Booma like thing into the air! That's awesome.
*FORE!*

I hadn't noticed before, but had the mini map not been there in previous pics? I can't imagine PSO/PSU life without the mini map.

... uhg.
Still hating that little (non) cast chicky thing. I mean, COME ON!

Posted by: Kazicht Aug 23 2005, 09:22 PM

New images from game shows male Newmen hunter character for the first time:


Alfort Tylor
A space pirate who is viewed with awe from respective forces of "Rogues". His principle is "Kill not uselessly, deprive not the poor and betray not others". As you can see from the fact that he often says he avoids pointless bloodshed, it is not like he loves violence itself, but he does not hesitate to use it if needed. He is the captain of Pirate Ship "Landeel".

More info on new story characters here: http://ps2.ign.com/articles/644/644429p1.html

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Aug 23 2005, 09:25 PM

sweet, a pirate. Makes me wonder if you can command your own ship with your teammates as crew members.

Posted by: Kazicht Aug 24 2005, 03:28 PM

lol, check out more of the character designs:

I think these are the 3 Vol brothers, probably some kind of comical relief characters.
From these guys, its probably safe to say that those who want to make silly costom characters will have quite alot to work with. The beast guy reminds me of Space Balls. Whats with the pink shorts and boots on the Newmen!?

Posted by: Woe Aug 24 2005, 03:32 PM

Posted by: HC82 Aug 24 2005, 05:27 PM

Usually I'd say that it takes a real man to wear pink, but not this time.

Wow, I didn't think it was possible to top the 70's fruitiness of a FOnewman. So, they decided to go with a more 80's fruitiness.

I swear man, if I ever had someone make a character design like that, I'd fire them instantly. That's wasted paint and pencil!!!

Posted by: Crushinator Aug 24 2005, 07:14 PM

The guy on the left is Lando Calarisian!


And that poodle-furry character on the right is going to haunt my dreams for years to come. I hope people don't make a lot of dog-freak characters like that for online play :(

Posted by: DarkEpyon Aug 24 2005, 08:34 PM

Reminds me more of this guy....



I'm a mog! Half man, half dog!

Posted by: Knightsword Aug 26 2005, 02:40 AM

Posted by: Woe Aug 26 2005, 07:56 AM

Posted by: DivA Aug 26 2005, 06:54 PM

Posted by: AC9breaker Aug 27 2005, 09:45 PM

Haha man those guys are cool. I like how now it seems you can actually make Ugly charcters where as in PSO even the ugliest set up was still Nice looking.

These guys look like they will play the part of the comic relief henchmen like the fat humars from the Caves Twins quest, and black paper quest. Oh yeah if you check the PSU site it looks like they will have female Beasts too! 8O


I thought that "guy" in pink was just an ugly chick, haha.

Posted by: Zorya Aug 30 2005, 09:12 AM

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Sep 8 2005, 10:23 AM

5 pages of famitsu stuff. From PSOW.
http://www.planetdreamcast.com/psoworld/images/psu/famitsu/famitsu1.jpg
http://www.planetdreamcast.com/psoworld/images/psu/famitsu/famitsu2.jpg
http://www.planetdreamcast.com/psoworld/images/psu/famitsu/famitsu3.jpg
http://www.planetdreamcast.com/psoworld/images/psu/famitsu/famitsu4.jpg
http://www.planetdreamcast.com/psoworld/images/psu/famitsu/famitsu5.jpg

Posted by: AC9breaker Sep 8 2005, 11:48 AM

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Sep 10 2005, 09:56 AM

http://files.filefront.com/PSU_Trailer___09_09_2005/;4114605;;/fileinfo.html courtesy of Parn from PSOW.

Orgasmic.

Posted by: DivA Sep 10 2005, 11:40 AM

Posted by: Kazicht Sep 10 2005, 12:51 PM

I'm really impressed with the combat speed. Looks like we could look forward to some intense battles.

Posted by: Alisha Sep 11 2005, 03:34 PM

i havent been able to watch it yet but rwead on psow that the clip shows dimenians,gibbles and the arena for you fight dark falz as well as PvP? :O is it true?

Posted by: unitself Sep 14 2005, 08:19 AM

Latest news from an article from computerandvideogames.com
------

In a recent interview with IGN, Miyoshi-san explains that, while Phantasy Star Universe has an online mode, it's offline that's the core component of the game. The offline mode in PSU is story-based and Miyoshi-san says that Sonic Team "went back to the roots of what makes a good RPG" for the mode in an effort to deliver a strong offline RPG on top of which the online component is added. He also reveals that the team is aiming to give players a certain amount of freedom but wants to ensure that we don't get side-tracked from the main story. It sounds too like certain sections will be replayable, although it's a little unclear precisely what Sonic Team's plans are in this regard.
Phantasy Star Universe is of course in development for PS2 and PC (Miyoshi-san believes the game can "reach a wider audience" by being on these platforms) and both versions of the game will feature the same content although "PSU was created with the controller in mind", says Miyoshi-san. "As for the PC, you can also plug in a game controller so you get the same experience. In addition, you will get better graphics and higher resolution."

Downloadable updates are planned, although currently Sonic Team is only looking at new quests which, for PS2, "will be downloaded directly to your PS2's memory before play". And cross-platform play online remains unconfirmed, but apparently such is possible from a technical point of view and he says that the team would like to do it if they can.

Stacking up Phantasy Star Online against Phantasy Star Universe, Miyoshi-san says that the biggest difference between PSU and PSO is the lobby structure. In PSO it was simply a chat lobby but for PSU Sonic Team has created an entire city where you can meet up with people and chat to them. He likens it to an MMO where "you have a city with tons of people roaming around, exchanging items, chatting and hooking up with parties to go on quests or head out to dungeons" and explains there'll be different floors in the city with each floor designated a particular purpose - e.g. shops on one floor, transportation on another.

Touching on combat and the introduction of the duel-wield system in PSU, Miyoshi-san says that players can now wield a gun in one hand and a sword in the other and explains that the team has taken PSO's action palette "into each individual weapon so that each weapon has its own palette system through which you can improve the weapon as you play." Apparently this adds "another layer to the strategy element" and he adds that whereas in PSO you could have up to a three-hit combo in PSU this has been increased to six. Miyoshi-san also briefly talks about SUV weapons and Nanoblast, saying that the former is a type of race and the latter a part of the beast race and allows beasts to transform. Into something. Other than a beast. We guess.

And finally, speaking a little further about PSU's online mode, he says that players will be able to "select which planet or world you want to go to based on the quest that you pick" (there are apparently four worlds or planets in the game and the offline world and the online world are identical although Miyoshi-san says that enemy level will vary between the two modes) and that "Just like PSO, you can save a guild card and send out party invites to your friend." We don't have any friends but we're sure we'd like the guild card stuff if we ever got to use it.

That's that. No confirmed release date for Phantasy Star Universe yet but Takao Miyoshi says that the Japanese version will definitely hit first.

----

Posted by: DivA Sep 14 2005, 09:40 AM

Posted by: DarkEpyon Sep 14 2005, 02:12 PM

It does seem a tad squirrely, but at least it won't be an offline mode with a shitload of plot holes. Whether online mode is just "added in" or not, I seriously doubt it would influence anyone's buying decision.

Posted by: Vitamin D Sep 14 2005, 05:27 PM

Well online games aren't played for their stor anyway, the stories are truly just icing on the cake haha. If it there's multiplayer fun with friends, i'm positive there's nothing to worry about. Im guessing that the offline mode for me would be like something to do during maintenance, or if I'm having connection troubles haha.

Posted by: Crushinator Sep 15 2005, 12:54 AM

I think the term "add-on" may have been a translation misinterpretation. Sonic Team no doubt knows that the core PSU audience is PSO devotees, and if they shirked on the online mode there'd be hell to pay.

I still am fully confident that this will be the greatest game to ever grace the PS2.

Posted by: Alisha Sep 15 2005, 05:23 PM

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/phantasystariv/media.html

developer interveiw
good stuff but i could barely hear it buts thats probally because i lost hearing in 1 ear

randoom maps and spawn locations sounds like good stuff though

random spawns would of been a riot in the seabed im sure you guys remember the choas with the delbiter in the narrow hallway

Posted by: Knightsword Sep 15 2005, 11:28 PM

To bad sega is chaining the quality of the pc version to that of the ps2, as with the ps2 ffxi I bet the ps2 psu will look like crap

Posted by: DarkEpyon Sep 16 2005, 06:08 AM

If it means the two can play together, I say it's a worthy tradeoff.

Posted by: Wiryu Sep 16 2005, 06:55 AM

I hope you guys are right about this game being beautful. I hope for my first PS experience to be an excellent one ;)

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Sep 16 2005, 11:08 AM

I think you guys should check out the official site this time. Namely, the Network section. They show Cast customization! And lobby info! With chat bubbles and stuff! And something about rooms! Just go check it out!

Posted by: DivA Sep 16 2005, 11:28 AM

one of the casts reminds me of RAcaseal...chat boxes ~ that's promising, but what's with my room ~ is that like a personal room that can be customized? from the look of the different images, each looks different in color, style & texture......i wish the images were bigger though..

Posted by: DarkEpyon Sep 16 2005, 02:05 PM

Hmmmmmm.... those casts look interesting. Can February hurry up and GET HERE?

Posted by: Alisha Sep 17 2005, 02:42 PM

new trailer from tgs... im downloading it as i type this

http://media.pc.ign.com/media/729/729460/vids_1.html

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Sep 17 2005, 02:56 PM

Hmm actually that's the video they had up in PSOW & the main site =T

Posted by: Alisha Sep 17 2005, 03:05 PM

yea it is it does look cleaner though

Posted by: Alisha Sep 20 2005, 03:22 PM

a quote from the front page of psow...

Posted by: Vitamin D Sep 20 2005, 06:01 PM

Whoa... that trailer was damn cool haha. By the looks of things i'll be more into the offline story than I thought.

Posted by: Kazicht Sep 20 2005, 06:58 PM

New GameTrailers ONLINE demo on PSOW. You guys must check it out! http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=7714&type=wmv
Shows alot of character create mode, lobby chat, personal room and the new "mags".

I love the new facial explosion thing that you can do in the lobbies, it actually uses your own custom face! And I like the fact that all the humanoid characters can pretty much share all the same options for looks. The main differnce would be the ears for beasts and newmans, nice.
SO MANY OPTIONS! I can't wait. ><;

EDIT: OMGWTF!? I WANNA BE A CAST!

Posted by: DarkEpyon Sep 20 2005, 07:53 PM

Oh man...... frothing demand increases....

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Sep 20 2005, 08:54 PM

1 word:
Holy shit.
AND DANCING!!

Posted by: DarkEpyon Sep 20 2005, 09:27 PM

Posted by: tanshin Sep 20 2005, 09:41 PM

he didn't get it.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Sep 20 2005, 10:15 PM

Either way..... CAN FEBRUARY GET HERE!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!? Unless online mode is importer friendly.

Posted by: Mute Sep 20 2005, 10:34 PM

@_@

So much for sleeping tonight..

Posted by: Vitamin D Sep 21 2005, 02:10 AM

Oh my God. I'll be spending so much time creating my character I'll doubt I'll get to play. Also the lobbies look like damn fun to hang out in again. God knows i've spent hours of PSO just hangign out in the lobby. Man, I can't wait to play haha.

Posted by: Kazicht Sep 21 2005, 04:13 PM

Full TGS video link from PSOW, right click and save: http://www.geocities.jp/tgs_data/R0017874.mpg 50 MB.
Big file and the quality is shit, but this is a MUST see. Especially the first two minutes. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED.

Thats all I will say.

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Sep 21 2005, 04:26 PM

oooo yea I forgot to post that. jawsome video. I had to change pants like 3 times.

Posted by: Vitamin D Sep 21 2005, 04:39 PM

I really need to stop watching these, or I'll go insane waiting for this game. Can this game get any more bad ass!?

Posted by: DivA Sep 21 2005, 06:02 PM

i'll take your words to heart about the 50+ meg download, but i think i'll not see it ~ simply because too many spoilers can have consequences.. ;} this is where the practice of patience is really put to the test ~ hopefully the game will be released on time & not delayed for US release..

Posted by: Alisha Sep 25 2005, 05:53 PM

omfg!!! that dancing looks great haha
btw did anyone see that dude that looks kinda like Akuma!! LOL!

Posted by: Dive Oct 1 2005, 07:38 AM

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/ has been updated recently. "Partner Machinery" has been detailed a bit and expanded upon. Here are some blatently ripped screenshots.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Oct 1 2005, 11:35 AM

Oh man... that puts the whole mag concept to shame.

Posted by: unitself Oct 2 2005, 11:24 AM

Well, after a long, hard day of snowboarding, it's good to have a little robot buddy to come home to.

Posted by: HC82 Oct 4 2005, 09:44 PM

These certainly look like they have much better potential then mags in PSO. They could really get crazy with these things and have tons of customizable options and helper features. I doubt they will go too over board and wind getting tamagotchi on our asses.


I actually got around to checking out the videos, but that last one (50meg big file) doesn't seem to be up.

Bum deal, eh?

Posted by: Azrael Oct 5 2005, 12:47 PM

Can't wait for this. Its why I dont look at the videos. I know I'd go crazy.

Posted by: Alisha Oct 6 2005, 08:01 AM

Posted by: Kazicht Oct 15 2005, 03:08 AM

Yesterday I got a chance to attend the first day of the http://digitallife.com/ convention in NYC at the Javits center. And you guessed it; a few playable demos of PSU were set up for attendees to try.

I got a chance to play part of the 1st level as Ethen and crew, and fight my way all the way to the dragon boss. It was SWEET.
The first thing I have to say is, it still feels like PSO, in most ways.
Enemy AI is alot better and tougher then it used to be. It actually feels like they would work as a team and set up thier own positions like pincer attacks or divide and conquer. Unlike in PSO as they would just come at you straight ahead if you were in range.
The new lock system is cool but gets some getting used to. Theres this little hard to see cursor that targets enemies based on where they are in front of your character and what weapon your using, like the great sword will give you multiple cursors if there are more monsters or targets in your attack range. Once you establish your target, hold down L1 and the camera will stay behind you and locked on your target. The handgun + Saber/Dagger combo works well this way. Lock on them and shoot from far, and as they get in range, unleash a combo.

Speaking of combos, I was restricted to 4 weapon combinations in the demo; handgun+saber, handgun+dagger, greatsword, and magic staff.
Mostly I was playing with the handgun+saber and greatsword. ;p
With the saber I was able to pull off a normal 3 hit combo with the square button, and with triangle a 2 hit leap and slash combo right after for a total of 5 hits. Same with the great sword, but the speed differnce of the weapons and attack delays were noticeable. But also the shear damage power of the greatsword. It will take some mastering as you pretty much attack a full 180 degrees in front of you depending on the swing.
With the magic staff I was restricted to normal attacks with the square button, and triangle let me do a 360 FOIE type AoE attack. So I guess magic really is restricted to magical type weapons. But no worries since its really fast to swap for differnce weapon combinations.

Finally I got to the dragon boss and man, I got my ass kicked. This time around he's more aggressive and the breath attack will actualyl hit you even if standing around his legs. And he dousn't nearly spend as much time on the ground, so running for your lives seems to play a bigger part of the strategy ;p
Also, since the camera isn't locked on the dragon this time as it was in PSO (except when he's doing the ground digging move), its tricky to move around and lock on the big guy at first. All and all, its a much more challenging fight (then again, I was distracted by my friends that were with me wanting to try out other games at the show, as well as check out the Xbox360 stuff).

Well, thats all I got. Im glad I got to try it out, as it eased the pain of waiting a few more months until finally being able to go ONLINE with it. Thats where the real fun is ofcorse!

Posted by: Dive Oct 15 2005, 08:06 AM

Wow that's so cool Kaz, thanks for the report. I'm assuming you played the PS2 version? Did they have any updated info on a release date?

Posted by: Kazicht Oct 15 2005, 08:30 AM

Yeah it was the PS2 version. Graphicaly it was abit jaggy and low-rez. Kinda looks like PS2 FFXI anyway, which isnt all that bad.

There were SEGA fliers around stating that the release is still on for FEB' O6.
I hope the internet rumors of it getting pushed back aren't true.

Edit: Oh I totally forgot. While I was there playing PSU with a friend, a photographer took a half dozen photos of her and I playing at the stand, and then took down our names, name of our college and where we were from. Maybe we'll see ourselves in a magazine or somthing next month

That be cool ;p

Posted by: HC82 Oct 15 2005, 09:26 AM

I was totally thinking of heading to the Javitis center this sunday just to play the PSU demo. The only problem is that if I play it, I'll be a total fiend for more in the future.

I STILL WANT TO PLAY!!!!

Posted by: Wiryu Oct 15 2005, 11:48 AM

The screens look unbelievable!

Posted by: AC9breaker Oct 15 2005, 11:51 AM

PSU will put an end to the war on terroism.


lol @ HC

Posted by: Vitamin D Oct 16 2005, 09:42 AM

Damn Kaz... that's tight. I'd love to get my hands on it. Dont know how much longer my patience can hold O_O.

Posted by: HC82 Oct 16 2005, 07:57 PM

So, I headed down to the Javitis Center and attended the expo called "Digital Life." Screw all the crap they had there and I'll get straight to PSU.


PSU PLAY GET!

Anyway, They had 4 PSU units there and each unit was being played on a "TEST PS2." There were tons of Sega games, but I mostly played PSU. I actually pressed the eject button on the PS2 and was looking at the disc. It looked like a bootleg copy. The disc looked like a regular white labeled readable/writable disc, so it seems like they probably have assloads of copies just lying around. In marker, the words "PSU PS2" was written on it. I seriously could of taken the disc and just walk out, since no one really cared. I certainly would of liked to have myself a PSU demo disc, and it was so incredibly tempting to do so. Perhaps if I were drunk I would of; although, I wouldn't of wanted to get the cute female attendant in trouble, now? Seriously though, I really wanted the demo disc...

WARNING, the DEMO was GLITCHY!


Moving on to the gameplay:

A lot of what Kaz mentioned covers the basics, but I'll get into some other points. First of, the AI is pretty different. In the forest stage, the AI was total ass, but in the ruins stage, the AI was far more aggressive. This time around, they just don't just walk toward you and swing at you over and over. When I played it, they weren't that aggresive at all in forest, but that's because I was always moving around a lot. If you stay still and just swing away, they will gang up on you.

Pressing down the R3 button puts you into 1st person mode and you can manually aim the cursor and shoot enemies directly. It also allowed you to target specific parts of an enemies body this way, assuming it has numerous body targets. It was possible for me to shoot just the dragon's head if I wanted to, although you're a sitting duck while in this POV.

There weren't any boxes in this game, but instead there are these bushels of hay, which actually looked like the scenery. Wacking it leaves behind items and interestingly enough, some of the items seemed kind of crafting based. Items like "tanned leather" and "nuts" were left behind at times.

You really have to move around a lot and in my opinion, character mobility is way faster and more loose. I found it pretty easy to actually run behind an enemy and attack them from certain angles and the animation was super fluid. When fighting this big ruins like electric-stone soldier, it would often times block my attacks with an energy field and you the player could run around it's attacks.


I have no idea how to block attacks, but there is a slim possibilty that it is manually triggered by the player and not stat based. That would rock if it were the case.

Weapon switching:
Holding down R1 lets you use your secondary weapon. Holding down the circle button brings up a quick menu and you can switch to different weapons by pressing up and down. Pressing left and right actually lets you switch to another submenu, which I imagine would allow you to use items. When I started messing around with the quick menu's submenu, my character froze,(ie. stopping walking and attacking) so this demo was really unfinished.

Weapon switching problems:
When you hold down circle, you must press the direction pad to move the cursor up and down. This is problematic, because your thumb can no longer move your character around on screen, since it is fiddling with the directional pad. The R3 button moves the camera in and out, but when using R3 in the quick menus, it doesn't function in anyway to move the quickmenu cursor. If it did, you could still run around while changing weapons and items. BELIEVE ME, you won't give a damn about the camera angle when switching weapons, only getting your ass out the way of a flying dragon's breath.

This should be fixed in the final version, because the GC version of PSO used its right analog stick to access the quickmenu when you were in the quickmenu. I don't see why PSU can't either.


Weapon switching problem part 2 (probably temporary):
When you switch weapons in the middle of or toward the end of a combo, the weapon doesn't switch after the combo is over, yet the cursor is still on new highlighted weapon. In otherwords, weapon switching in the demo was slower then it was in PSO, because you had to leave the cursor on the wepaon intill the switch took place. This only applies for switching weapons in mid combo and not when you're passive. When you're not attacking, weapon switching is instant. This is just a demo, so it will probably be fixed.

Combos:
Different weapons have different combos and the amount of times you get can hit differs. Daggers and sabers were stuck to only 5 hits(3 normal + 2 special), but the sword was 6 hits(3 normal + 3 special). The "special" attack functions the exact same as the "Hard" attack from old PSOs. Slower, yet more damaging was the name of the game for special attack, and it would totally blow your opponents back. The only difference is that it drains a lot from your weapon's endurance.

Combo comments and gripes:
The combos, while longer then PSO, feels limited. You can't mix and match normal with special hits back and forth. Special hits will always be the combo ender. Sometimes, doing a long combo is not the best option. Special hits in the demo dealt way more damage and blew the enemy back. Sometimes letting lose a small combo that consisted of just special hits, then backing away was the best option. It was always at times a better option to blast away with one normal hit, then specials galore. Now, this is balanced by the fact that specials suck up so much weapon endurance, compared to regular hits.

Guns don't combo anymore, which is awesome. You just pop away as much as you want and you are free to strife and move about. I'll be honest, it was boring but incredibly effective for damage. In fact, the gun was better then the dagger, but I am guessing it's because the game is a still demo.

The saber was about the same speed as the dagger, so the dagger wasn't that useful in the demo. The sword was sooooo slow, yet it totally blew dudes away. Against faster enemies, you can get ganged up on if you try to use your sword up close. Despite the length of the sword, its reach is MUCH longer then the actual appearance of the sword.


Tech it up... slowly:
Techs are slow, but once you cast it, regardless if you get hit, the spell flies out. Tech useage was really limited, so I won't judge it much. I remember in PSO, beginner techs were slow, but get faster. It might be the same case. The tech was like a Gifoie that came up from the ground. It blew enemies away and would sometimes hits enemies twice in a row. Anyway, tech casting seems unchanged to be honest, yet melee combo is totally revamped. Tech Casters should be right at home, but it also might seem too much of the same thing.

I have this feeling that this game can get WAY more intense then PSO, because the character mobility is way more loose and fluid. If sega does it right, this game can ROCK, due to it's enhanced fluidity with movement. Combos are still rigid. If the AI is not up to par, then it will feel like PSO ver 3.5

Posted by: Wiryu Oct 23 2005, 10:18 AM

i think it should be released now. But so I hear it got pushed back to may -.-

Posted by: Crushinator Oct 29 2005, 12:25 AM

It sucks that you can't move while you're in the first-person mode, but otherwise sounds fantastic.

Thanks for the awesome impressions guys.

Posted by: hamstar Oct 30 2005, 01:18 PM

Posted by: DarkEpyon Oct 30 2005, 03:00 PM

There's also a rumor going around that it got pushed back to May. I really hope this isn't the case.

Posted by: Wiryu Oct 30 2005, 07:09 PM

Who knows for sure, i'm just saying off the info i got from work(EBGames). It could be inaccurate regardless because the PC ver. isn't listed at all, only ps2. I just assumed they would be released together.

EDIT: However on the site it says winter 06 -.-;

Posted by: Alisha Nov 11 2005, 12:27 PM

new psu video and info!
im to lazy to link it all so just click here :D

http://www.planetdreamcast.com/psoworld/viewtopic.php?topic=105190&forum=20&10

edit: shit that photon bow looks awesome
edit2: i cun spall gud

Posted by: HC82 Nov 12 2005, 05:28 PM

Here is a link to some of the translated info on sega's PSU website.

http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~japangaming/forum/viewtopic.php?t=615

This doesn't have anything to do with the above link, but supposedly it is possible to link techniques to photon arts for elemental damage.

Posted by: Alisha Nov 13 2005, 02:02 PM

Posted by: Crushinator Nov 13 2005, 11:14 PM

Posted by: unitself Nov 14 2005, 08:41 AM

a-freakin'-men Mr. Chrushinator!
As a former gun totin' HUcast, I am 100% looking forwards to the day when I can run and shoot and run and shoot and set a trap and shoot and run and shoot again.

But, if you read her equation, it says that HUcasts with guns are GREATER than RA(casts, i am assuming) with guns. Which, as a former HU yourself, you can completely agree with. even if the little quote had nothing to do with either HU or RA casts.

Posted by: HC82 Nov 14 2005, 08:50 AM

Are there even classes in this game anymore? You'll notice that Ethan can use pretty much every weapon in the game.


It seems like your weapons determines everything about your character. You need to have wands/canes/staves equiped in order to use techniques. Thus, you really can't run around with a big sword, casting rafoie.

Switching weapons on the fly is a reality, so it almost seems like you can switch your class on the fly. That might be an overstatement; although, seeing as the aspect of weapon proficiency is supposed to be implemented in this game(or so say rumors), it might be possible to focus in the areas you want.

Race seems to determine class focus, more so then anything else.

Posted by: Crushinator Nov 15 2005, 12:34 AM

*puts 1000 proficiency points into Mechgun*

Man, its less than 4 months before this game is out (supposedly)! When is Sega going to throw us a few bones and get more damn game info?

Posted by: Alisha Nov 22 2005, 05:21 PM

quote from psow front page

Posted by: Vitamin D Nov 24 2005, 08:01 PM

Shit... so February was the Japanese release date? Well hopefully Monster Hunter will drop before the US release gets here, that would be tight haha.

Posted by: Kazicht Nov 24 2005, 08:23 PM

I was told by my girlfriend (who works at EB) that the NA release date got pushed into March... so a month delay isn't so bad... I guess

Posted by: HC82 Nov 25 2005, 01:39 PM

Well, that shouldn't be too much of a bad thing, seeing as how I have classes in spring. If PSU came out earlier, I would be sure to fail.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Nov 28 2005, 08:00 AM

Seems my prayers were answered... my PC can run it. Bet your ass I'm importing this bitch!

Posted by: Kazicht Dec 1 2005, 02:08 AM

Interesting news concerning PSU's online pricing:

[Taken from PSO-World]
"Sega announced in the latest issue of Famitsu that the online fees for Phantasy Star Universe will be 1260 yen (8.94 EU/ 10.53 USD) for your first 30 days online. After that, it will cost 1050 yen (7.45 EU/8.78 USD) to renew your account each month if you use the automatic renewal service."

So it seems playing PSU will be cheaper then it was playing PSO. If I remember correctly anyway.

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Dec 1 2005, 02:05 PM

Well there's always the possibility that the NA release will be delayed so who knows.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Dec 1 2005, 03:30 PM

If they do a simultaneous release (cold day in hell, I know) then I'll get the domestic version.

*goes back into panicked study mode*

Posted by: Riel Dec 1 2005, 06:47 PM

Wow nice cover art...this game is shaping up well indeed.

Posted by: Knightsword Dec 1 2005, 08:44 PM

Posted by: Alisha Dec 2 2005, 08:50 AM

Posted by: DarkEpyon Dec 2 2005, 09:11 AM

Posted by: Alisha Dec 2 2005, 09:18 AM

ahahahaha chocobo pwnage

theres an update on the psu site!
check system/ride

Posted by: DarkEpyon Dec 2 2005, 03:17 PM

OMG

That looks like some freaky gene splicing right there.

Posted by: Sgt. Retehi Dec 6 2005, 04:58 PM

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/673/673509p1.html

The game even includes five underwear settings for this particular class! There should be other options besides this as well.

Awesome.

*Edit* How could I leave this out?

it appears that the PC and PS2 servers for Phantasy Star Universe WILL be connected, allowing players from both platforms to converse and team up which each other

$$

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Dec 6 2005, 05:02 PM

$$

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Dec 20 2005, 03:34 PM

Jacked from PSOW :D

"It's time to shoot them down!"

Posted by: Riel Dec 21 2005, 07:05 AM

reminds me of the tiny FOmarl's with bazooka's in PSO...

That's one huge mechgun

Posted by: Alisha Dec 24 2005, 10:38 PM

new image MERY CHRISTMAS FEMALE BEASTS LOOK AWESOME!

Posted by: Knightsword Dec 25 2005, 12:36 AM

Blue cat girls. yup this is a jp rpg

Posted by: Crushinator Dec 25 2005, 06:39 PM

Ah god, as if the Mithra in FFXI didn't look freaky enough, Sega goes the next step. PSU has PVP right? I think I might have to get a few furry-skin rugs for my apartment

Posted by: Angel of Enders Jan 4 2006, 09:34 PM

Haven't been here for a long while, probably didn't post much to be very memorable but I remember playing with some of you guys a few times. Look forward to playin with you guys among others for some PSU insanity.

Posted by: Zorya Jan 4 2006, 11:55 PM

Posted by: Knightsword Jan 5 2006, 12:30 AM

Posted by: Dive Jan 5 2006, 12:56 AM

Posted by: Knightsword Jan 5 2006, 02:05 AM

I should have stated it was the off line portion of the game, but this is ST and I still have a bad taste in my mouth of how the US was treated with requards to pso

Posted by: Zorya Jan 5 2006, 07:22 PM

I'll play it, as long as it's not party-based.

Posted by: Woe Jan 6 2006, 06:12 AM

Posted by: DarkEpyon Jan 6 2006, 08:26 AM

I don't know whether to be pleased or pissed at this... PSU's Japanese release has officially been pushed back to Mar. 30, which as we all know, happens to be my birthday. I'll have mine the following week thanks to transit time.

Posted by: Zorya Jan 6 2006, 06:20 PM

What's up with the pirate in that PSU ad?

Posted by: DarkEpyon Jan 6 2006, 08:54 PM

Posted by: Alisha Jan 7 2006, 01:06 AM

maybee this will leave some time to play monster hunter 2 before psu come sout :o

Posted by: Alisha Jan 13 2006, 11:02 AM

new psu swag!!!! stolen from psow

Posted by: Woe Jan 13 2006, 02:49 PM

The player characters look like something straight out of that adult swip cartoon "S-cry-d" or whaterver its called.

Posted by: Crushinator Jan 13 2006, 05:59 PM

Man, I want to be that robot guy in the explosion. He looks like the perfect Crushinator 2.0.

Posted by: tanshin Jan 13 2006, 06:06 PM

Yea, it looks like he has that head fin thing.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Jan 13 2006, 09:31 PM

Do you have any gre pou pon/?????? I'm not drounk.

Posted by: HC82 Jan 16 2006, 08:17 PM

Stat-y goodness. Weapons define your class, now. I guess ST decided to give people a sense of customization via the weapons.

Despite that, it allows for people to really focus in the areas of their choice, creating a diverse character, or maybe a really crappy character with a lot of weak skills.

Don't fubar the balancing!!!

Posted by: Crushinator Jan 21 2006, 04:20 AM

Bad news, looks like Sega has changed the US release date for PSU to "Fall 2006" . Will we end up playing this on PS3 through backwards compatibility before it's all said and done? A March or April delay I could handle, but fall is re-fuckin'-diculous. And if it's still scheduled for a March release in japan, then what the hell? All those damn japanese players will already be level 100 and will have found out all the good items, shitty glitches, and dupes.

http://www.sega.com/games/game_temp.php?game=psu

News report on it from 1up that I can't seem to access at this time:

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3147297

Posted by: Knightsword Jan 21 2006, 04:24 AM

Typical ST, I saw this coming a few miles away

Posted by: DarkEpyon Jan 21 2006, 10:15 AM

I'm so glad I'm importing.

Posted by: Castoth Feb 2 2006, 06:30 AM

Still on the fence about getting this. Then again, FFXI is winding down for me now and not much else on the horizon that I want gaming-related still.

Posted by: Riel Feb 9 2006, 01:24 PM

This makes me want to play this game NOW!!!! damn it ;)
Megidrain

Razonde

Posted by: Zorya Feb 9 2006, 04:29 PM

Oooooooo!

Posted by: Alisha Feb 10 2006, 10:38 PM

new 11 minute PSU trailer OMG!
http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=9286&pl=game&type=wmv

Posted by: DJ_Donkey Feb 14 2006, 11:39 PM

PSU delayed again! This time there's no definite date. Just "2006" <-someone make that an emote.
Source from the official site.

Posted by: tanshin Feb 15 2006, 12:29 AM

my life is over.

Posted by: DarkEpyon Feb 15 2006, 12:48 AM

http://dvnooooo.ytmnd.com/

Well, there goes my birthday gift.....

Posted by: Wiryu Feb 15 2006, 03:15 AM

i'm so glad i've never played a PSO game, it makes it that much easier to wait

Posted by: Crushinator Feb 15 2006, 03:52 AM

Man, what a pain in the ass! I don't want to import, but I also don't want to wait a whole damn extra year to play this game. They better bring out a damn X360 version at the same time with all this delay PS2 is old hat.

Posted by: Riel Feb 15 2006, 06:58 AM

Posted by: Crushinator Feb 16 2006, 04:15 AM

Although I hate the idea of double-dipping on a game, for PSU i'll gladly do it. And the character-on-server carrying over thing (if it's true) will make it a lot less painful.

And i thought the same thing on the 250 hours comment I think I might have gotten that many in the first month of DC PSO. Here's to hoping PSU has the same pull

Posted by: HC82 Feb 16 2006, 07:17 PM

250 hours = N00b

No offense to the Q, but I must of had at least 70+ hours in the first week of PSO (I kid you not).

Now, I know that it isn't healthy to log in 70 hours in a week, but maybe because I'm a freak, the rumors I make up are more credible. I actually wouldn't mind if it was moved to the X box, but this is what I see as being more reasonable:

You see how xbox got a PSO port? I wouldn't be surprised if PSU made a transition over to Xbox 360 in the future, especially if the characters are server side saved.

Posted by: kyori Apr 11 2006, 02:38 PM

So... did anyone here sign up for the japanese pc beta? :D

Posted by: Frosty Apr 30 2006, 12:03 AM

I WILL be on the PS2 version...holla atcha boy!