At the top of the list of oldest video game franchises at 33 years and changing, Phantasy Star has touched the lives of many people and inspired many followers. And, this journey is set to continue. Today we are happy to announce that our action-RPG Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is coming to PS4 on August 31st. If you’re new to the series, let me give you a quick overview.
A brief history of the futuristic RPG series
Phantasy Star has evolved over the past three decades, but some concepts remain the same. Originally developed for the Sega Master System in 1987, these single-player RPGs eventually became a quadrilogy, and although mostly set in the same star system, each could be enjoyed as a standalone adventure. The inclusion of sci-fi and classic fantasy themed aspects made these games unique at the time, as players traveled across multiple planets, explored dungeons, and battled fearsome enemies. All four titles were highly praised for their gameplay and visuals.
In 2000, the series inspired one of the first console games to feature online multiplayer: Phantasy Star Online. The game’s party-based systems and combat-based PvE gameplay made it one of the early pioneers of online gameplay in the console market. 2006’s Phantasy Star universe would continue the series’ penchant for each entry to feature a new setting and story, while evolving its signature sci-fi combat. Finally, in 2012, Phantasy Star Online 2 launched its own stellar journey to the stars.
A new genesis
August 31 marks the launch of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis on PS4. This is a massive update, as the game system and graphics engine have been completely overhauled and exploration has moved from a hub to a true open world, along with a new story and cast of characters set more than 1000 years after the events of PSO2.
New Genesis players can still explore PSO2 content with their character by accessing an in-game device and teleporting to the original world at will. This makes New Genesis the ideal entry point for newcomers, as they will have access to both games. And this is all F2P, as a Playstation Plus subscription is not required to play the Playstation 4 version of New Genesis.
New Genesis: Combat and exploration, solo or with friends
Like its predecessors, New Genesis is built around gripping story-driven quests and intense real-time combat sequences as you explore and battle your way through the landscape of planet Halpha.
While quite engaging as a single-player adventure, New Genesis is also fun with friends and others, as players can form parties of up to 4 and play in exploration sectors – where up to 32 players can be both. There are also Urgent Quests, where tougher enemies and bosses reside, which allow up to 2 groups or 8 players in total to participate.
As far as group dynamics go, it’s not your typical healer, tank, and two damage classes. No, none of that is necessary here. While some classes have abilities to support the play of others (like damage or defense buffs, or area-wide healing), there are no strict roles in NGS.
Also, you don’t gain skill points or abilities simply by leveling up. In order to place points in your skill tree, you must earn them by visiting Trainia and Cocoons, where you will defeat enemies and solve puzzles in simulated environments. These can be done in groups and are repeatable for in-game currency and experience (but no additional skill points after the first completion). You can also create groups for urgent on-demand quests, called trigger quests, accessible through a quest counter in one of the three towns.
Finally, areas in New Genesis are sequestered into blocks and rooms, so you can teleport to a block in a sector or town where your friends are, or create a private room that only you and your friends can access. Exploration sectors allow up to 32 players and combat sectors up to 8.
Dynamic Interactions and Quests in NGS
While there are quests available from NPCs in the three main cities, much of the experience players earn in NGS comes from dynamic interactions that occur on the ground. Emergency Trials appear frequently and may require defending downed aircraft from enemy hordes, destroying a strong enemy alongside other players, or other scenarios. Storms can hit the landscape and spawn particularly powerful enemies, known as Gigantix. You will need the help of several players to send them. Rewards for defeated enemies can be in-game currency, experience, weapons and armor (some very powerful or rare), and boosts to upgrade your gear. Certain enemies in certain locations can even drop cosmetic items to further customize your character.
A class above
You’ll choose from nine main classes and can select a subclass, supporting a player’s individual playstyle and goal. Prefer to keep your enemies close? Try a Fighter/Hunter class combination. Like casting spells from afar? Discover a Force/Techter combo. Are you thinking of changing it? Simply visit the class counter in any major city and change classes at will. There are 17 weapon types available in the game, and all but one class (the newly released Waker) have a small handful to choose from. The skill trees for each class also allow you to tailor your active and passive abilities to your playstyle and preferred weapon type.
New Magic in New Genesis: Photon Arts and Techniques
Players can use Photon Arts (PA) or Techniques, giving them an arsenal of options in battle. Photonic arts vary depending on the player’s weapon choice, and the weapon choice depends on the player’s class.
Switch weapons during combat to really make your gameplay interesting. Want to throw the perfect uppercut after defeating your enemy as a fighter? Hit some Knuckles and use the Thousand Blows PA. Enemy still alive? Simply switch to your Double Saber and spawn a tornado using Quick Gash. As a Fighter class, you can wield Partizans, Double Sabers, and Knuckles and have up to 6 weapons on your weapon palette to switch quickly in the heat of battle.
Some classes use techniques instead of Photon Arts, and some can be safely suspended while others target nearby enemies. As a Force, players can use the Staff or Talis to cast Techniques, all of which have some sort of elemental affiliation.
Use the Grants technique with a staff and call down Swords of Light at your opponent, then follow it up with Gimegid to splash Dark Photons at enemies that close in on you. Casting elemental techniques also has another benefit besides only dealing damage, as many enemies have elemental weaknesses. Target an enemy with a technique that matches the element they’re weak to, and you can inflict an Elemental Down, which is a special downed state where the enemy is unresponsive for a period of time. Inflicting Elemental Downs will make you popular with other players as they are able to freely damage the enemy during this time without fear of retaliation. Physical Downs from enemies are also possible, and these can be obtained by targeting an enemy’s weak points, where the damage is amplified.
Have a good time at Halpha
PS4 players will discover that 3 regions of the planet Halpha are ready to be explored: Aelio, Retem and Kvaris.
Aelio is lush and verdant, filled with scenic peaks and valleys, as well as enemy-infested lab ruins and Mount Magnus.
The Retem region is a harsh desert landscape. Quicksand surrounds a massive pyramidal structure, with a large mountain residing to the southwest. Various Tames, or Passive Beasts, inhabit the area and tend to congregate around the few oases found in the area.
In direct opposition to the desert heat is the freezing cold of the Kvaris region, which players have been exploring since June 2022. The presence of snow provides players with a new mode of transportation, that of the Floating Board, or snowboard, and the area is dotted with interspersed jump and acceleration pads. West of Kvaris is the murderous Rayjord Gorge, an area that challenges players not only by harboring dangerous enemies, but also subjecting them to freezing temperatures that can kill if not properly addressed. The most dangerous enemy, the Ancient Enemies, will appear occasionally, and players will need the help of other players (up to 32) to deal with them. If players can survive the environmental effect and powerful enemies, the potential rewards of exploring this region are quite desirable.
There’s so much more to discover about this game, so mark your calendars and take the time to check out Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis on Playstation 4 when it releases on August 31st!
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