SEGA explains decision to make Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis

Fans of Phantasy Star Online 2 have been waiting for a new title in the franchise. Instead of developing Phantasy Star Online 3, however, SEGA opted to develop PSO2 New Genesis.

In an interview by Dengeki Online, Navigator of New Genesis Hiro Arai explained the decision. He states that the main reason is to allow players of Phantasy Star Online 2 to continue utilizing items they acquired over the past nine years. He also states that SEGA’s plan to support Phantasy Star Online 2 led to the decision. The 2020 launch of PSO2 in North America was likely an additional influencing factor.

We wanted to continue supporting Phantasy Star Online 2 while allowing players to still utilize items they’ve acquired over nine years. If two separate titles, such as Phantasy Star Online 2 and Phantasy Star Online 3, were available simultaneously, it’s possible that players would be spread out between both games. So, we decided to instead release it as a major update.

Hiro Arai

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis acts as a standalone game provided as massive update to the original game. New Genesis provides a new story along with tons of added content. However, since the game works as an update to PSO 2, it allows players to transfer all of their data from the previous entry.

Since its launch on June 9, over nine million players joined Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. SEGA plans to provide consistent support and updates for the title. Every few months, they plan to release updates to fix various issues with glitches and lag. In addition, they have a major update slated for sometime in Winter.

What is Phantasy Star Online 2?

For those unfamiliar with PSO 2, it is a free-to-play MMORPG. The game first launched in 2012. Until last year, however, it remained exclusive to Japan. The story focuses on Oracle, an organization that travels the universe using Photons. Their mission is to find new planets to colonize. In their quest, the come up against an adversary known as the Falspawn. The Falspawn is a group of aliens created by the evil Dark Falz. Their only purpose is to destroy the universe.

The game allows players to create unique custom characters. The name, gender, race, class and physical traits can all be customized. The gameplay of Phantasy Star Online 2 focuses on combat. There are a number of weapon types and playstyles to choose from as players engage their enemies.

Where can I play Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis?

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis is available globally for PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. In Japan, the game is also available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

You can watch the official trailer below.

Via Siliconera