Phantasy Star Online 2 – New Genesis
What is PSO? The online role-playing game Phantasy Star Online 2 was originally released in Japan in 2012. In this online RPG, science fiction elements are mixed with fantasy. The game finally made its Western debut in 2020.
You explore alien worlds, using an active, action-rich combat system to fight against enemies. To do this, you utilize the abilities of 9 different classes. It is possible to switch classes at any time.
You did not previously expect an “actual” MMORPG experience, but rather a cooperative RPG where you enter game areas together from hubs, similar to Guild Wars 1. However, this is set to change with New Genesis.
What is happening in 2021 with PSO 2? On June 9, the new MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be released. This is a kind of sequel, but it’s intended to play more like an MMO:
- The game will receive a new engine
- You will be in a new open world rather than in small areas
- You will encounter more players in the world
- The class system will be revised
- New abilities will be introduced
- The story takes place 1,000 years in the future
- Exploration will be more emphasized
At the same time, however, you should also be able to play PSO 2. Even your characters should be able to switch between both worlds.
Who is this interesting for? PSO 2 values numerous PvE content and cooperative missions. It relies on action-packed combat, though the mechanics aren’t modern anymore.
Even so, PSO 2 has established a fan base. More than 5,500 players are logged in daily on Steam (via Steamcharts), and the game can also be played through its own client, even though it is already 9 years old.
With New Genesis, not only new content will be integrated into the game, but the game will become more modern and more like an MMO. This will likely attract even more players: Therefore, MMORPG fans should keep Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis on their radar.
Project TL
What is Project TL? Project TL was originally called Lineage Eternal and was supposed to build on the huge success of the NCSoft game series. However, in 2017, the MMORPG, which was almost complete, was completely overhauled and renamed Project TL.
The game switched to Unreal Engine 4, all mobile content was removed, and it is supposed to come out for PC and possibly consoles.
So far, we only know that the MMORPG will be played similarly to Lost Ark in the isometric perspective. The last gameplay was shown in 2017:
What is happening in 2021 with Project TL? NCSoft itself has officially announced the release of Project TL for 2021, along with 2 other new MMORPGs. However, it is still unclear whether the game will actually be playable in the West.
Also, there has still not been any new gameplay shown, which is unusual for a game that is supposed to release this year. Thus, behind Project TL lingers a question mark, despite the official announcement.
Who is this interesting for? The game primarily targets fans of Diablo and games like Lineage. However, it is currently difficult to assess how exactly it will play. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping an eye on Project TL. It is an important title for NCSoft as it is the company’s only new PC and console game.
