Phantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play, coming to iOS and Android

Phantasy Star Online 2 will be free-to-play, as so many games tend to be nowadays. Like other online games, microtransactions will monetize the gameplay experience.

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It's been over a decade since Sega released the first Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast. The MMO space has changed quite dramatically over the years, and the upcoming Phantasy Star Online 2 reflects the evolution of the genre.

Perhaps the most significant announcement from Sega today: Phantasy Star Online 2 will be free-to-play, as so many games tend to be nowadays. Like other online games, microtransactions will monetize the gameplay experience.

In addition to the already-announced PC and Vita versions, Sega has also announced a smartphone version, coming to iOS and Android. According to Andriasang, the phone versions will differ from the PC and Vita versions. Instead of being the "full" experience, it will offer simpler character creation, simpler controls, and a more "personal" experience. Instead of of-erring cross-platform play, it will simply share data with the PC/Vita versions.

The PC version will be available in Japan by early summer. The smartphone version will follow next, in Winter. Finally, the Vita version will be available next year.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 26, 2012 1:30 PM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Phantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play, coming to iOS and Android.

    Phantasy Star Online 2 will be free-to-play, as so many games tend to be nowadays. Like other online games, microtransactions will monetize the gameplay experience.

    • reply
      March 26, 2012 1:39 PM

      so no news of a US release eh?

    • reply
      March 26, 2012 1:50 PM

      I can't help but feel excited for this game. I still remember playing the original on the Dreamcast with my dial-up connection and paying an extortionate amount of money just to play. I'd like to think the free-to-play announcement makes up for that.

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      March 26, 2012 2:32 PM

      I am all for the Vita version. As long as there is stuff for me to do while not connected to a wifi location I am in.

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      March 26, 2012 2:55 PM

      I hope it hits the US. A proper PSO game would be pretty fun on Android.

      The Phantasy Star Portable games were fun but it felt pretty empty running around alone.

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      March 26, 2012 4:17 PM

      The original was great before they started charging for it.

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      March 27, 2012 8:36 AM

      Come on, Sega! Where's my 360 or PS3 version?

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