Sega have released an announcement and video, clarifying exactly what Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is.
Sega and Microsoft announced Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis during the Xbox Games Showcase. However, many were unsure as to what it exactly was. The game had only just come to North America officially on May 27th.
Sega have now cleared things up with an announcement and follow up video. In short, New Genesis is its own game, coming after Episode 6 in the original. However, both this and the original game will still be supported. For comparison, Japan is up to Episode 6, while the US is on Episode 3.
Sega explain that the game was created over eight years ago and “may seem unrefined to modern players, especially to those of you whose adventures just began with the North American version.” As such, the development team are working on an overhaul of the game- New Genesis– instead of the next episode.
As explained in the video, New Genesis takes place 1000 years after the Oracle’s battle. Now with wider areas, players can dash and glide through environments that change based on the time of day. Players will also face a new threat against giant robotic enemies called DOLLS.
You can find the follow-up video below.
Along with releasing in time for the game’s 20th anniversary, the update will be “reshaping the story, game system, graphics engine, and character creation system.” The game will also be “reborn as an open-field online RPG, with a renewed battle system and game system to match!”
However, despite being an update, the original Phantasy Star Online 2 will remain playable, and players can use their accounts with either branch of the game.
Going into depth with the changes in New Genesis; these include improvements to graphics and character creation (including changing the skin’s luster, and moving fingers), being able to wear more accessories in more locations, and still use the character creation system of the original game. Further, characters designed in the original game will be compatible in the new game, with all items, emotes, and other registered data.
While not all changes to the Game System were announced at this time, the announcement confirmed players “can play the exact same content that you have until now.” Skill Rings, consumable items, boost items, materials, and furnishings would not be compatible with the update; though this is subject to change.
AC and SG can be used in both games, but other currencies such as Meseta, FUN, and more cannot be shared between the two. Character levels, EXP, class skills, Photon Arts, and Techniques cannot be shared between the games.
While weapons, units, and mags from Phantasy Star Online 2 can be used in New Genesis, their functions, stats, abilities, and appearance will change in New Genesis. Certain high rarity weapons and units may not be equipped until characters reach a certain level. Weapons for classes not yet available in New Genesis will be unusable until those classes are released.
Units will now become armor that is not visible on characters. Mags will also not affect stats or help in battles in New Genesis, however the Evolution Device will carry over.
To celebrate the announcement, a “PSO2: NGS Announcement Campaign” is taking place in the original game. Hinting at new items, Sega “invite all ARKS operatives who have taken a vacation from PSO2 to come back and have some fun while waiting for the release of PSO2: NGS!”
For players who log in at least once before September 18th, they will earn an SG 100 Ticket, five Triboost +150%, five EX Triboost +100%, and one 132: Overjoyed. Players who log in each day during this period can earn five EXP 100,000 Ticket per day- up to a maximum or 5 million EXP.
Players who have not logged on since June 24th will also gain one SG 100 Ticket, three Triboost +150%, threeEX Triboost +100%, and one 130: Operating Terminal. Those that are part of an Alliance will net this reward for all members of that Alliance.
You can find a rundown of the game via the Microsoft store page below.
The long awaited Free-To-Play Online RPG PHANTASY STAR ONLINE 2 has finally come!
With its revolutionary gameplay features, such as endless adventures, Hybrid Custom Action, and unprecedented character customization, this is an RPG that will surpass all your expectations.
So what are you waiting for? Become an ARKS Operative today! Adventure awaits!
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis launches 2021 and will be free-to-play for Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X
Phantasy Star Online 2 is available and free-to-play Windows PC (via the Microsoft Store), and Xbox One worldwide; and PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch in Japan.
