On April 15, the online RPG Phantasy Star Online 2 officially launched in the USA and Canada on the Xbox One. How is the game doing now and when is it set to be released for PC?
What is Phantasy Star Online 2? The online RPG PSO 2 offers a mix of fantasy and science fiction. You explore foreign worlds where you face enemies using an active, action-packed combat system. You utilize the abilities of 9 different classes. It is possible to change classes at any time.
You should not expect a “true” MMORPG experience, but rather a coop RPG where you enter the game areas together with friends from hubs, similar to Guild Wars 1.
The online game was already released in Japan in 2012.
When did the release occur in the “West”? Officially, PSO launched on April 15, 2020, for Xbox One. However, so far only in the USA and Canada.
When we will officially be able to play in Europe is still unknown.
A somewhat older but still good online RPG
What do early reviews say about Phantasy Star Online 2? You can tell Phantasy Star Online 2 is aging. Graphically, it does not look like a game that was newly released in 2020. However, the exciting combat and extensive content make up for it, even if it is not a “true” MMORPG.
- MMORPG.com – 84%: “The problem is, Phantasy Star Online 2 feels like a game that is approaching the end of its first decade … It is a bit outdated … Nevertheless, Phantasy Star Online 2 is a fantastic game that has a lot to offer.”
- Destructoid – 80%: “As is often the case with many extensive online projects, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new, exciting world.”
- IGN – 70%: “Phantasy Star Online 2 offers a great combat system wrapped in bloated and sometimes confusing MMO-lite mechanics. The charming anime flair sets it apart from the competition.”
What do players say? On Metacritic, players gave PSO2 an average score of 8.0. Here are a few voices summarized for you:
- WDPIR32K3 gives 10 points and explains: “I love this game and it is clear to me how much I missed PSO. I’m glad it is available on Xbox and coming to PC soon. Try it out if you’re a PSO fan. I like the game.”
- Xbox_Alive rates it 8 points: “SEGA has managed to write another incredible story in the Phantasy Star universe and provide us with an incredible sci-fi environment with fantasy elements. A JRPG that becomes an MMORPG in an almost endless game, that is a dream for fans of this genre!”
- Nerevarinho on the other hand is less enthusiastic and gives only 2 points: “I loved PSO on Xbox in 2003, but this game feels strangely different in the wrong way. Strange running animations like slippery steps, a mainstream combat system, complicated menus, sounds that make your head explode, loot that doesn’t feel significant… I’m very disappointed. I waited so long. I’d rather play the older PSO again.”
A PC version is coming
What is the status of the PC release? The team behind Phantasy Star Online 2 has not yet announced a date for the launch of the PC version. It has been said so far, that it should be in May. However, there is a hint on reddit that we could learn the date sometime this week.
There was also a hint regarding a potential release on Steam. However, this has not yet been confirmed.
Can players from outside the USA and Canada also participate? Yes, there is no region lock. This means that if you set your Xbox to the USA or Canada, it is possible to find Phantasy Star Online 2 in the shop and download the game for free. Then you will be playing regularly. Whether it is possible to transfer your hero to a potential European version is unclear.
If you want to prepare for the adventures in the online RPG Phantasy Star Online 2, read the MeinMMO article about the 9 classes to find out which is best for beginners.
