Phantasy Star Online 2 is making the big move from PC to console in Japan next year.
A PS4 version is currently in the works but there’s no word on whether this will be a boxed product or a free-to-play download like the PC version. Other MMORPGs that have seen PS4 release like Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn have been sold as a boxed product but this game works on a subscription service with the purchase of a boxed copy essentially signing you up for 30 days.
There is still no word on a Western release for Phantasy Star Online 2 on either PC or PS4. There was a glimmer of hope when the IP block on the Southeast Asian version was removed but this was only temporary. SEGA have still yet to announce any sort of cancellation either.
After an exciting few days of the Western world finally being able to access Phantasy Star Online 2, the IP block that previously kept the West out of the game has returned.
The IP block was removed in order to help alleviate stress on the servers for South East Asia IPs as these regions have been suffering from connection issues and maintenance needed to be done without the IP block to help resolve this. Players in the Western world are now being met with connection errors when they try to access the PSO2 servers.
This is obviously a huge blow to Western fans of the franchise because despite there being this English version of the game available to play for South East Asian IPs, there is still no official confirmation of the game being made available to Western users. The removal of the IP block felt like the first step into this direction but sadly it was not to be.
Hopefully these events have helped SEGA recognise how much of following the franchise still has in the West. All we can hope is that this whole ordeal makes an official Western release even more likely. Always believe!
Is this the year of dreams coming true for SEGA fans? The Western IP lock for the English version of Phantasy Star Online 2 has been removed. The game was previously exclusive to South East Asia IPs.
It is currently unknown as to why this has been done so please be cautious while downloading the game. The IP block might be restored at some point but it’s unclear at this time.
Click here to go to the game’s official website and download the game. Phantasy Star Online 2 is a free-to-play MMORPG so if your PC can handle it you have no excuse not to give it a try.
Please be aware that because this is the South East Asia version of the game, the English translation isn’t the best. However the game is playable if you can excuse this.
Yakuza 5, Shenmue 3 and now Phantasy Star Online 2. Always believe!
An anime series based on Phantasy Star Online 2 is due for release in Japan next year.
The series will be called Phantasy Star Online 2: The Animation and is being created to mark the 15th anniversary of Phantasy Star Online.
Details are currently scarce with some minor plot points being the only thing revealed at the moment. The series will feature an original story and be based on Earth. An official website is available to view by clicking here.
We don’t normally talk figures on SEGADriven because it can be a bit dull, but SEGA have published their financial results for the year ending March 31st 2014 and it does make for some interesting reading.
Here’s SEGA’s top sellers from the past year:
1) Total War: Rome 2 – 1.13 million copies sold
2) Football Manager 2014 – 790,000 copies sold
3) Sonic Lost World – 710,000 copies sold
4) Company of Heroes 2 – 680,000 copies sold
5) Ryu ga gotoku Ishin! – 390,000 copies sold
SEGA’s profit was 30.7 billion yen (178 million pounds) for the financial year. This profit was down 8.2% on last year.
SEGA have also confirmed a continued focus on digital with further support for Phantasy Star Online 2 (get on that Western release guys!) as well as casual gaming for mobile devices.
SEGA have commented on the Phantasy Star Online 2 Western release situation. Yesterday a SEGA representitive apparently made a comment that a Western release of Phantasy Star Online 2 was completely out of the question.
However, Kellie Parker of SEGA America has said:
“Originally slated for an early 2013 launch, SEGA can officially confirm that PS02 has been delayed. We don’t have any specifics but will update everyone as soon as there are more details to share.”
While this obviously means the game is still not due for release in the West any time soon it does mean that a release is still on the cards. Hopefully a revised release date will be announced soon.
SEGA have announced they have no plans to release either Phantasy Star Online 2 or Phantasy Star Nova in the West. A comment from a SEGA America representative has announced that “there are currently no plans to release Phantasy Star Nova in the western market. Should this change, we will ensure the information is shared as soon as possible.”
TSSZ have also been in contact with a SEGA employee who has also revealed that despite there actually being a fully English-translated version of Phantasy Star Online 2 there are still no plans to bring it to the West. The English version of PSO2 has actually been developed for English-speaking regions of Asia.
The latest Phantasy Star Online 2 trailer showcases a variety of different SEGA-themed statues and costumes. Check out the trailer below and marvel in the weirdness that is the Sonic the Hedgehog costumes:
SEGA have sparked a deal with Asiasoft to develop an English-language version of Phantasy Star Online 2 for release in South-East Asia regions. Asiasoft support games released in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.
A Western release for Phantasy Star Online 2 is still in doubt, but at least an English language version of the game will now exist.
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