The online RPG Phantasy Star Online 2 is finally coming to the West 7 years after its release. However, it was uncertain whether we could play it from Europe. Apparently, there are no plans for a region lock.
What is the problem? Phantasy Star Online 2 was officially announced for the West at E3 2019. Microsoft will publish the game in collaboration with the Japanese developer SEGA for PC and Xbox One.
However, the RPG has only been announced for a release in North America. Whether Phantasy Star Online 2 would be playable from Europe was previously a big mystery.
Will there be a region lock? A fan of Phantasy Star Online 2 asked on Twitter whether the Western version would have a region lock.
In response, the game’s Twitter account stated that there are currently no plans for such a lock in Phantasy Star Online 2.
This gives many fans from Europe hope, even though there will initially be no official release on our continent. After all, many had already given up on Phantasy Star Online 2 back in 2017.
Hi there! There are no plans to region lock Phantasy Star Online 2 at this moment. Thanks for reaching out! ?
— Phantasy Star Online 2 (NA) (@play_pso2) January 30, 2020
The successful online RPG from Japan is finally coming to us
What is Phantasy Star Online 2 anyway? PSO 2 is an RPG that mixes elements of fantasy and science fiction. It is played in small groups and in instanced areas.
In Japan, the game has already received 6 expansions with new classes, content, and new story. It offers you:
- 4 different playable races (Humans, Franks, Androids, and Deuman).
- 9 different classes and 18 weapon types that change the playstyle respectively.
- An action combat system with many combos
- Countless quests and diverse areas
- PvP in arenas
The American version will feature the original voices from Japan, as well as an English dubbed version.
Why are so many looking forward to PSO 2? The “Phantasy Star” series has a long history. The first game was released in 1987 for the Sega Master System, then still as a single-player game.
In 2000, the first online version of the series was released, which received a successor in 2012 with Phantasy Star Online 2, which has been very successful in Japan.
In times when we hardly get new MMORPGs in the West or the new ones are often failures, players are looking forward to any innovation, even if it’s just a well-functioning game from 2012.
Moreover, the combat system is described as very action-packed and is praised by many. A good contrast to Final Fantasy XIV, which has a more classic and sluggish combat system.
What is the current status of the online RPG? On February 7, the first closed beta test for Phantasy Online Star 2 in the West will start, but only for Xbox One. Interestingly, there will be no wipe after the beta. Progress in the test will thus carry over to the release.
The game’s release is planned for 2020, both for Xbox One and PC.
It is considered by us at MeinMMO as one of the most promising new MMOs of 2020.
