Phantasy Star Online 2’s PC exclusivity to the Microsoft Store is coming to an end, as the game will be launching on Steam as soon as next week, August 5th. It’s also been confirmed the game will support crossplay and cross-progress with other versions of the game, and that the Steam version will drop alongside the Episode 4 content update.
This also seemingly marks the official European release of the game, as the Steam page is available in select European territories. We don’t have a full list of who can and can’t access it right now, but we at least know that the UK is good to go, and the Netherlands are sadly out of luck as the page simply won’t load in that region.
The best part of this announcement however, is probably the new items announced to commemorate the launch. You’ll be able to get your hands on gear inspired by Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2 and Portal 2 as part of the game’s Steam launch. This isn’t wholly surprising, but it’s weird to see Gordon Freeman in PSO2 nonetheless.
PSO2’s PC launch was mired in technical issues, so hopefully the Steam launch will mark the end to that. Going off previous blogposts, it’s a safe assumption that Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, the upcoming overhaul of the game, will also land on Steam at some point next year – though whether it’ll have timed exclusivity to Microsoft again remains to be seen.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, a brand new expansion for Phantasy Star Online 2 called New Genesis will launch worldwide for PC, Xbox One and Xbox One Series X in Spring 2021.
For North American players, Phantasy Star Online 2 is still a PC and Xbox One exclusive, but this new expansion will be launching on all currently supported platforms in Japan as well. These include Nintendo Switch and PS4, but only in Japan. You can watch the reveal trailer below:
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis promises “limitless adventure and unparalleled character customization”. The expansion will launch in Spring 2021. A European release for Phantasy Star Online 2 is still unconfirmed.
The previously Playstation Vita exclusive re-release of Atlus’ beloved RPG Persona 4, Persona 4 Golden, has arrived on Steam; marking the series’ first ever PC outing.
Due to be revealed at the PC Gaming Show 2020, but let slip a bit too early, Persona 4 Golden for PC costs £15.99 (with a £19.99 Digital Deluxe Edition, including a digital soundtrack and artbook). It comes with a slew of enhancements over the Vita version, such as improved framerates, dual audio, and higher resolution support.
Many have cited Persona 4 Golden as one of the main (or rather, only) reasons to own a Vita, so suffice to say it making the leap to PC is very welcome. Hopefully, there’s more where this came from down the road; Persona 3 next, perhaps?
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
SEGA has detailed what exactly their plans are for Phantasy Star Online 2’s Western release over the coming months, in a hefty content roadmap.
Currently, only content up to Episode 3 of the game is available for Western players, whereas Japan is currently on Episode 6. That, and the game is technically only available in North America right now; and on the Windows Store, which has rendered the game’s launch a bit of a mess for many, who’ve had to deal with a slew of bizarre installation issues.
Apparently that’s all set to change; SEGA is aiming to get the game “to reach parity with the Japanese servers eventually, with simultaneous releases moving forward to ensure that both services deliver the best experience possible to our players.” As the above visual shows, the aim to have that parity reached before the year is over; which is great, and there’s a lot of excellent features in the later episodes!
There also seems to be some reprieve on the way for those who can’t stand the Microsoft Store, as the blog notes that “more PC platforms” are coming soon. Presumably this means Steam, as it was mentioned in a manual for the game during the beta; but there’s every chance it could also mean the Epic Games Store. The plural has us hopeful, at least.
Crucially, they also state that:
We are also working hard to introduce this legendary online action RPG to a global audience this year. We will have more information about the regions where the game will become available in the near future.
Given the initial furore European fans had in response to the blind-eye turned towards fans beyond America (or perhaps that was just me…), it’s about time we heard more on plans to expand globally; even if there’s pretty much nothing to stop said non-American fans getting the game right now anyway.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for PSO2 fans in the West. Episode 4 is currently planned to release in August 2020, bringing with it great features such as crafting and an increased level cap.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
Developed by Merge Games and Jankenteam with publishing duties also being helmed by Merge Games under license from SEGA, Alex Kidd in Miracle World is getting the remake treatment. Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX has been revealed for PC, Switch, Xbox and PlayStation with a release date set for the first quarter of 2021. Because neither model of Xbox or PlayStation are specified, this could mean the title is also cross-generational as the PS5 and Xbox Series X are releasing soon.
This new version of the Master System classic features a new art style, new stages, new modes and “alternative” boss fights. It also features the option to switch between the new art style and the look of the original Master System version, similar to the Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap remake by Lizardcube. Check out the reveal trailer below:
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX has already been listed on Steam so if you want to wishlist it and you’re a PC user then click here.
True to their word that it would drop before the end of May, SEGA has announced that Phantasy Star Online 2 is coming to PC next week, on May 27th.
Phantasy Star Online 2 will launch as a Microsoft Store exclusive. Whilst technically only a North American launch, the process of getting the game in the UK and other non-US regions for Xbox One was extremely simple, so hopefully that’ll be the case here too. The PC version will allow players to fight alongside those on the Xbox One version, which isn’t too surprising but is very welcome all the same.
Alongside the announcement, PSO2’s first major Western collab has been announced and kicks off today in the Xbox One version; in a move I can only conclude is specifically trying to get me to make the jump from the Japanese version, it’s with VOCALOID. There’ll be a concert with Hatsune Miku and co, as well as their outfits being up for grabs.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
In the latest Streets of Rage 4 trailer we get confirmation of the game’s release date. The game arrives on digital storefronts on April 30th 2020.
Along with the release date news, the latest trailer also confirms that the battle mode from previous Streets of Rage games returns, except now you can fight with up to 4 players in local multiplayer. Check it out:
Streets of Rage 4 is being developed by Lizardcube and Guard Crush Games with Dotemu publishing under license from SEGA. It will release on PC, Switch, PS4 and Xbox One on April 30th for $24.99. There is currently no word on UK pricing. The game can still be pre-ordered physically from Limited Run Games.
IGN have a treat for us today as the website has gone hands on with Streets of Rage 4 and uploaded 5 minutes of in-game action. Check out the entire roster in action, including the unlockable retro characters in the video below:
Streets of Rage 4 appears to be very close to release with the video now promising the game will be “available soon”. It will release for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One and is being developed by Guard Crush Games and Lizardcube with Dotemu publishing under license from SEGA.
Streets of Rage 4 is not mucking about when it comes to bonus content. The latest trailer reveals that the game will feature 12 unlockable retro characters and the ability to use music from the original Streets of Rage 1 & 2. Check out the reveal trailer for these retro unlockables below:
It also appears that the release of the game is getting pretty close. The trailer also promises the game will be “available soon” and that the digital release will be priced at $24.99. Physical copies of the game are still available from Limited Run Games, but you better be quick because pre-orders end one week after the digital release.
Streets of Rage 4 is being developed by Lizardcube and Guard Crush Games with Dotemu publishing the game under license from SEGA. It will release on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
A new Streets of Rage 4 trailer is upon us, and with it brings news of a brand new, 5th playable character in the form of Floyd Iraia. Floyd is a big, heavy-hitting character in the style of Max from Streets of Rage 2, but with the wacky, mechanised arms of Dr. Zan from Streets of Rage 3. Check him out in action by watching the latest trailer below:
Alongside the news of Floyd’s addition to the character roster, Streets of Rage 4 will support 2 player online co-op and for the first time in the franchise, 4 player co-op action will be supported in local multiplayer. Streets of Rage 4 is due to release at some point in 2020 for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.
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