High up in the list of longest-running video game franchises at 33 years and change, Phantasy Star has touched the lives of many and inspired quite a following. And, that journey is set to continue. Today, we’re happy to announce that our action-RPG Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis comes to PS4 on August 31. If you’re new to the series, let me give you a quick primer.
A brief history of the futuristic RPG series
Phantasy Star has morphed over the last three decades, but some concepts remain the same. Initially developed for the Sega Master System in 1987, these single-player RPGs eventually became a quadrilogy and, though mostly set in the same star system, could each be enjoyed as a standalone adventure. The inclusion of sci-fi and classic fantasy thematic aspects made these games unique at the time, while players journeyed across multiple planets, explored dungeons, and fought fearsome foes. The four titles were highly acclaimed for their gameplay and visuals.
In 2000, the series inspired one of the first console games that featured online multiplayer: Phantasy Star Online. The game’s party-based systems and combat-based PvE play made it one of the earliest pioneers of online gameplay in the console market. 2006’s Phantasy Star Universe would carry on the series’ penchant for having each entry feature a new setting and story, while evolving its hallmark sci-fi-infused 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 the PS4. It’s a massive update, as the game system and graphics engine were completely overhauled and exploration changed from hub-based to true open-world, as well as featuring a new story and cast of characters set over 1,000 years after the events of PSO2.
Players of New Genesis are still able to explore the content of PSO2 with their character by accessing an in-game device and teleporting to the original world at their leisure. This makes New Genesis the perfect entry point for newcomers, as they’ll have access to both games. And all this is 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 compelling, story-driven quests and intense real-time combat sequences as you explore and battle your way across the landscape of the planet Halpha.
While quite engaging as a solo adventure, New Genesis is also fun with friends and others, as players can form parties of up to 4 and play in the Exploration Sectors – where up to 32 players can be at a time. There are also Urgent Quests, where tougher enemies and Bosses reside, that allow up to 2 parties or 8 total players to participate.
When it comes to party dynamics, this isn’t 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 (such as damage or defense buffs, or area-wide healing) there are no strict roles in NGS.
In addition, you don’t gain Skill Points or abilities simply by leveling up. In order to place points in your Skill Tree, you need to earn them by visiting Trainia and Cocoons, where you’ll vanquish foes and solve puzzles in simulated environments. These can be done in a party and are repeatable for in-game currency and experience (but no additional Skill Points after the first completion). You can also create parties for Urge