Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is launching today. But what is this MMORPG actually about and what sets it apart from its competitors? MeinMMO author Patrick Schulz summarizes the essential features for you.
Why is PSO2NG so interesting? Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is based on the original PSO2 from 2012. The creators have provided the game with a completely new game engine, content, and a story that takes place 1,000 years after the first part.
Furthermore, New Genesis now offers you an open game world, while PSO 2 focuses more on small areas to explore. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese developer SEGA implements the game world in a comic-style anime aesthetic.
- In character creation, you can choose between 4 races and 6 classes. The extensive editor allows you to customize your character down to the smallest detail. This results in some extremely absurd characters that can bring a smile to many.
- New Genesis offers a fluid action combat system with fast-paced encounters. A good comparison would be DC Universe.
- You can even fly and glide to thoroughly explore the vast game world.
- You can jump back and forth between the original PSO2 and New Genesis. Thus, you also have access to the old story from the “first part”.
All about the release of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
When does PSO2 NG launch: Today, the highly anticipated free PSO2:NG is being released. You can already play the approximately 96 GB MMORPG via Steam and on PC, as well as on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
How large is the game file: If you have already installed the PC version of PSO2, you need to download about 35 GB; altogether, it occupies a hefty 103 GB of space on your hard drive. Xbox owners will have to download the game again; after that, it will also take about 100 GB on your Xbox.
What is available besides the Free2Play version? If you like, you can treat yourself to the Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis “Start Dash Rappy Edition” for 48.99 Euros, which allows for an easier start in the game. This includes the following:
- Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis
- N-Rappy Suit [Fu] (complete)
- MTN: Idle – Rappy (Change Motions)
- MTN: Glide – Rappy (Change Motions)
- STP: Rappy – Love (Stamp)
- Premium Set (15 Days) x2
- Material Storage Use (15 Days) x2
- N-Rare Drop Rate +50% x3
- N-EXP Earned +10% x3
- Salon Free Pass
- N-Half Scape Doll x5
- Monotite x30
- Dualomite x30
- Trinite x30
- Photon Chunk x50
- Photon Quartz x50
The contents of the special edition can also be purchased in-game through the cash shop.
PSO2:NG offers you a dynamic open world and numerous activities
What content does the open world offer? According to developer Sega, the so-called “Open Field” includes a large area where you can discover a lot.
- World events regularly take place that you can complete together with other players.
- In the Open Field, you can complete quests.
- So-called cocoons lead you and your group into instances.
- Central City is a large town that functions as a hub. You can find 100 players here per server.
- In Central City, you can team up with other players, accept quests, trade, or craft.
- To shorten running distances, you can use teleporters or swim to special locations in the Open Field.
YouTuber MadMaster played Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis in beta and is thrilled.
What classes are available?
New Genesis offers you 4 races, all of which have access to the 6 different classes:
- Hunter – A melee fighter with a sword and quite a lot of health points.
- Fighter – A melee fighter with relatively low health points but more damage.
- Ranger – A ranged attacker at medium range who can also support teammates.
- Gunner – A character armed with pistols who has many movement abilities but fights more at mid-range.
- Force – A type of elemental mage.
- Techer – A ranged attacker from long range who can support allies with technical toys.
A particular highlight are the subclasses in New Genesis. Here, you can completely freely decide which second class your character may learn. For example, you can go into melee combat with the Fighter, but thanks to the Force subclass you choose, you can alternate with magical attacks from a distance.
MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch has compiled some more details about the combat and movement system and reveals why you should keep PSO2:NG on your radar.
Leveling up in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
How does leveling work? The developers give you a lot of freedom here; you can choose to complete quests, team up with friends in dungeons, or celebrate successes in world events with other players.
New Genesis makes no secret of being a group-focused MMO, but you can also complete the content alone. However, there is no permanent group compulsion.
Reached max level in New Genesis – what now?
What does the endgame look like in PSO2:NG? Unfortunately, the max level in the beta was only level 17. This means that there were unfortunately no clear statements about the endgame.
It seems that over time, better gear will be collected to master dungeons and world events at higher difficulty levels. SEGA is currently keeping very quiet on this topic. Alternatively, you can occupy yourself with the old content of Phantasy Star Online 2 for a change.
YouTuber Entenburg has taken a closer look at Phantasy Star Online 2 and live-streamed for three hours:
Player versus Player content and Phantasy Star Online 2: NG
Is there PvP in New Genesis? The important thing first: There is PvP in the form of a small arena; however, this seems rather inconsequential. PvP is not possible in the Open Field. The game is geared towards group cohesion, and therefore the player-versus-player system probably won’t play a significant role in the future.
Moreover, SEGA seems to listen to the community, which vehemently opposes PvP as a game element.
Andreas Bertis from MeinMMO has evaluated player feedback and reveals how players felt about the beta of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis:
German localization in New Genesis
Is there Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis in German? To the dismay of many players, SEGA is repeating its scheme from the predecessor. Because PSO 2 itself was not available in German.
New Genesis is currently only available in English translation for you.
Pay2Win in New Genesis
What items are available in the cash shop of PSO2:NG? Regarding the items you can purchase in the cash shop, there are clear statements. Primarily, the items should be cosmetic and should not provide a direct advantage.
However, there are items that increase XP and drop rates. However, you can also obtain these items with the common in-game currency.
Graphics and Performance in PSO2:NG
How well does the MMORPG run? During the beta, it became clear that there are still some optimization works to be done. In addition to low frame rates, there were also unpleasant micro stutters that occurred even with reduced details.
Aside from that, the graphics in New Genesis have been extensively revised and make the MMORPG shine in a new light. However, the outdated user interface appears cluttered and has been consistently criticized in the beta. It is riddled with confusing menu arrangements and lacks any recognizable scheme.
The target audience of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Who is the game interesting for? The MMORPG is primarily aimed at fans of the original and players who are not confused by the user interface and can find their way around the nested menus.
Furthermore, New Genesis is also aimed at players who crave fast-paced combat, many movement options, and the typical anime style. Grinding is, of course, the order of the day – but it’s fun! – and is a prerequisite for better equipment.
MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch believes in the success of New Genesis: I predict: These 3 new MMORPGs will succeed in 2021.
