Phantasy Star Online Version 2
- April 19, 2002 00:00 AM PST
Set for a tentative Fall release in the U.S., you�ll surely want to check out the latest info on the first GameCube online RPG.
Nintendo doesn�t seem to be in much of a rush to support any extra peripherals, even ones it developed. Sonic Adventure 2 was the first to utilize the GameCube/Game Boy Advance link cable; now it looks like Sega will beat the big N to the punch once more, this time supporting the proposed GameCube modem.Phantasy Star Online Version 2 (title not yet final) is the next evolutionary step in the series that proved that console gamers will indeed go for a game played over the Internet as long as the experience is compelling. GameCube users will enjoy everything that Version 2 for the Dreamcast featured, along with several exciting revisions. Three new classes�Hucaseal, Ramarl, and Fomar�will be selectable, and there will be many new stages and enemies. The lush forest you see in the accompanying screen shots here is the only unexplored area revealed so far.
PSO fans will enjoy familiar gameplay. Just as in the Dreamcast version, you�ll wander through vast mazes and open sections, meeting other online players to chat and trade weapons with. A revamped item-trading window will ease bartering, meaning you�ll no longer have to drop and pick up gear manually. To help players communicate a little easier, a specialized controller with a built-in keyboard will be made available at the same time the game hits stores. After casual socializing, you�ll be able to fight monsters by yourself or with a party, which will come in handy when taking on the big bosses. An optional, four-way split-screen will be available for offline play, and given the nature of the �party in a box� GameCube, many people may opt to play this way without going online.
Since PSO is not undergoing much visual alteration, it seems logical that Dreamcast players would be able to play along with GameCubers, but nothing has been confirmed. Phantasy Star Online is deserving of a much bigger following and hopefully the Gamecube will be a good home.
