IGN posted the first Phantasy Star Portable review outside of Japan, and gave it a score of 7.0. Comparing this score to Phantasy Star Universe, it is slightly higher from 6.6 for PS2 and 5.5 for PC. IGN reviewer Ryan Clements summed up his review as:

Despite its problems, including a terribly lackluster story.
poor AI and imperfect lock-ons, Phantasy Star Portable
is really satisfying, especially if you enjoy collecting loot and
seeing your deliciously fashionable robo-wizard level up.

He pointed out that “the game’s entire presentation feels extremely cheap” noting shops and cities have been reduced to a 2D representation of themselves. He also felt the AI was atrocious, stating,  “Never have I seen such incompetent, incapable party members like the AI-controlled riffraff of Phantasy Star Portable.“

We can assume the AI for Phantasy Star Portable acts the same as it does in Phantasy Star Universe. Most players use them for meat shields and healing support, they don’t tend to be useful in any other fashion.

He did point out excellent parts of the game, praising the wide assortment of cool looking weapons and the game’s multi player modes. He seemed to like the action pallete system describing it as, “…extremely handy, as attempting to navigate the game’s full set of menus with monsters leaping all over you is excruciatingly difficult (as it should be).” 

So in all, this is a very surprising review score coming from IGN after the horrendous scores of Sonic and the Black Knight and Sonic Unleashed. Maybe IGN isn’t so IGNorant after all?

[via IGN]

• Graphical Technic Nerf
  • Technics will now display as high as Level 21-30 to prevent slowdown. Though they did not specifically mention this, in the Japanese version the caster will still see level 31+ technics. We’re assuming this still stands.
• Machine Gun Glitch
  • The Machine Gun Glitch will finally be fixed, great news for Xbox360 players.
• Rare missions
  • A message will appear on the screen notifying the party that a rare mission has been received.
  • The calculation of rare missions has been changed so that solo players can now receive them.
• Photon Charges
  • Photon charges will now fully charge  a weapon in each hand instead of 50%. In other words, a photon charge will now work the same way as they do with 2 handed weapons. 
• Kicking Party Members
  • It will now be impossible to kick party members between “Trial End” and “Mission End”. This means you may no longer boot players when the boss or clear boxes appear. 
• Party List
  • When you select to join a party on the  mission screen. The party list will now display open parties at the top of the list.

[via psu_board]

During Sega’s Christmas party commemorating Phantasy Star Zero’s release, Sega announced the original soundtrack which will be released on January 28th, 2009. The cover is described to pay homage to Phantasy Star Online.

A question was raised if Phantasy Star Zero had any relation between the past Phantasy Star games.  Producer Sakai revealed that if you play quests after the completion of the main game and read the text thoroughly, you might see some relevance between past games.

In the first stage of development,
Phantasy Star Online was recreated on the DS.

Special Guest Kazuhiro Ozawa (left) from Comedy Duo Speed Wagon
and Idol Sayuki Matsumoto (right) both holding the Ps0 box.

Director Kawabata commented on how there weren’t any snowy areas in the previous phantasy star online games. He said he was determined to insert such a field this time!

PS0 Capsule figures on sale after February 2009.
You can get your hands on Sarisa, you perv!

[via gamewatchimpress and gamespot jp]

Read on for more Phantasy Star Zero News
The Story – The Weapons – The Classes

Sega released the theme song for Phantasy Star Zero, and gave a more indepth glimpse at the animated sequences. These anime scenes were developed by GONZO. They also displayed a few of the characters today including our first antagonist Reve.

The Video

Read on for more Phantasy Star Zero News

As new Magazine scans pour in, we get a glimpse of some of the old and new weapons that will be featured in Phantasy Star Zero. Taking a nod in the direction of Phantasy Star Universe, weapons will have their own unique attacks called Photon Arts.

Types of Weapons in Phantasy Star Zero

Phantasy Star Zero features an assortment of weapons lifted from Phantasy Star Online. Below is a list of available types of weapons in the game. There will be a total of 17 types of weapons.

Sept 19, 2009 Corrections Update:

• The weapon category “Launcher” was changed once the game was released in Japan.
• Launcher is now called Laser
• The weapon category “Bazooka” was changed once the game was released in Japan
• Bazooka is now called Cannon.

For more information, refer to this post. Sorry for the confusion but this was beyond my control at the time.

The Unveiling of 3 new Weapon Types

Introducing the GunSlash!  This weapon is a gun and a sword combined. Sounds quite similar to a weapon featured in another “Fantasy” game. Typically the Gunslash will attack with the sword. If you press the L trigger, the weapon will attack with the gun.

Brand new to the Phantasy Star series, the Shield can also be used in battle. By pressing the L trigger, you’ll be able to guard against attacks. You can thrust yourself into the enemy and use it as an attack.

You can now fight with your bare arms. Something similar to Phantasy Star Online, but much more powerful.

The Guest Weapons of Phantasy Star Zero

For everyone who reserves the game they will have the privilege to get one of four trading cards with a special guest item loaded into their game. If you collect these 4 cards and place them together, they create a larger illustration. You can pick up your card at any of the game stores that sell this game if you have it reserved. On the back of each card, there will be a password that you can type in at a special website located within the official Japanese Phantasy Star Zero site. This will allow you to obtain some “original digital content.”

Selvaria Spear from Valkyria Chronicles for PS3

Valiant from Blazer Drive, a manga series.

Blade Canon of Seena Kanon from Shining Wind for PS2

Hatsune Miku’s Leek from Hatsune Miku -Project Diva- for PSP

Techniques

Techniques are seperated into two, normal and charged. For example a normal technique Zonde, will shock one enemy in range. If a player charges Zonde, it will become Razonde, and will shock all enemies in range. As in previous games, you can learn a technique by obtaining it’s disc. The list of  techniques in the game include:

• Attack Techniques
  • Foie, Rafoie, Zonde, Razonde, Barta, Rabarta, Grants, Gigrants, Megid, Gimegid. 
• Recovery Techniques
  • Resta, Alresta, Anti, Alanti.
• Buff Techniques
  • Shifta, Alshifta, Deband, Aldeband, Jellen, Aljellen, Zalure, Alzalure.

Elements

Special items called grinders can increase the strength of the weapon. According to Shougai-PSO, grinders may be able to enhance other properties of the weapon like attribute value and force power. Elementals can be applied to weapons. For example the “Heat” element can be applied to a Saber, thus the saber will become a “Heat Saber” with the power of “combustion” granted to that weapon. There will be different type of attributes set to enemies. So far, Native, Beast, Altered Beast, and Dark were given.

Mags return in Phantasy Star Zero

Mags will return in Phantasy Star Zero. At character creation screen you will be able to change the color of your Mag.  You’ll still be able to feed your Mag and increase it’s Power, Guard, Hit, and Mind. Based on your character, be sure to power up a particular level that will be of great use to you. Mags will retain the use of Photon Blast, powerful attack/support that can be used in battle. Photon blasts are only usable once a Mag reaches its second stage evolution after Level 10.

[via gamekyo and famitsu]

More Phantasy Star Zero News
The Mini Guide – The Story
The Weapons – The Classes

Hidden update
Minor spawn changes to White Beast.
A key location has been changed.

PM GH 490

This new Partner Machinery is loosely based after Moomins. It carries it’s own rappy backpack and wields very interesting weapons. You will be able to obtain PM GH490 at “The Collector” by Parn Leaf Cafe . Remember those Megashi Arms, Legs, Torso, and head, we’ve told you to collect? Well this is the reason why you’ll need it. But wait there’s more! if your looking to wear Howzer’s disco outfit in the future. I suggest holding on to this EX Device.

Please Note: Your PM’s Battle Stat or B.Stat must be 100. You can raise your battle stat by bringing your PM to missions with you. You can raise it faster by S ranking C level missions.

Neudaiz Move Pass

Now you’ll be able to transfer your room to Neudaiz using the Neudaiz: Transfer remodeling ticket. Players can enter their rooms through the Neudaiz Guardians building. However you’ll need to bring a few items to “The Collector” before you can obtain it.

• Scroll
  Collect these items inside boxes scattered across Mizuraki Conservation Disctrict
• Paper Latern
  Buy 20 “Neu Wood” and “Neudaiz Souvenir” at MA-GRMS Neudaiz
• Kakwane Figure
  Buy Kakwane Figure at MA-GRMS Cylez and synthesize with 3 Kakwane Tails and 10 Gra-Photon
  Suggest buying Kakwane Tails or hunt at White Beast but the majority of you should have them already.

New Collector Exchanges

Some brand new creative decoration items should be available, including the music discs that feature songs from Neudaiz. Most of these item exchanges require specific drops from specific enemies.

Expected Downtime

All Phantasy Star Universe servers will be down at an unannounced time in the future for ISP maintenance. The date has been moved from October 11th.

The Trailer

Story

EspioKaos has translated some new information regarding the story and characters. The plot follows “The Hunters”, whom have discovered weaponry based on an ancient civilization. They are using this weaponry to combat against an unnamed enemy.  We are also introduced to two new characters named Kai and Sarisa.

Kai is on the left is depicted as a “veteran hunter”
Sarisa on the right is depicted as a “young girl from a forgotten race”

Other Details

There will be different types of attacks, including photon arts and techniques. Photon Arts are unique attacks that a player can initiate based on weapon type. For example, a player could unleash an attack by spinning around with a sword while hovering, this move is shown in the trailer.

Evasion will also be initiated by the player through it’s very own button, the player will roll to dodge attacks as shown in the trailer and in this screenshot.

The trailer also gave a brief glimpse of the chain attack system. Famitsu mentioned the music will be dynamic similar to Phantasy Star Online.

[via pso-world] [via famitsu scans translations]

Read on for more Phantasy Star Zero News

The latest issue of Famitsu Magazine revealed details of Phantasy Star Zero for Nintendo DS. A brand new world into the series of Phantasy Star. This game will be very loosely based on Phantasy Star Online, borrowing only its class types and interface. The rest of the game will be brand new with brand new characters and a brand new style! This game is expected to be released on December 25, 2008.

One of the few features Phantasy Star Zero will borrow from PSO will be the classes. In clockwise order starting from the Green Android figure at the top and ending at the center, the classes are:

• RAcast = Ranger Cast Male
• HUmarl = Hunter Human Female
• HUnewm = Hunter Newman Male
• FOnewearl = Force Newman Female
• HUcaseal = Hunter Cast Female
• RAmar = Ranger Human Male
• FOmarl = Force Human Female
• HUmar = Hunter Human Male

These are all the classes described so far. There are two brand new classes to the PSO series. One that appears to be a cross between a newman and a hunter in a bodysuit.

These brand new areas depict the visual departure away from Phantasy Star Online. There is definitely some Phantasy Star Universe influences going forth but this game will detach itself from both. You and up to 4 players will be hunting through these areas.

The top screen will show all the action taking place, while the bottom screen will show important information and stats, including what attacks you have equipped. Though the visual style is different, you can see that the HP bars borrow from PSO, however TP has been changed to PP. The attack icons also are very similar to PSO’s style.

The symbol chat of PSO has been expanded even further. This has been described as similar to PicToChat, where players can use their elite illustrative skills to send messages using the stylus.

Want more info? Click Phantasy Star Zero
Please check back frequently!

[Photos & Info via Wii Everyday & Gamekyo]
[mentioned by Harle & Zorin]

Ambitions End story mission has major plot changes and character devolopment as we are introduced to a brand new character named Obel. This is one of the few very hard story missions and this time, it doesn’t rely on time limits to increase the difficulty. However you have 6 minutes to complete it to gain S Rank results.

Ambitions End 1

At the start of the trial head forward and defeat all in front of you. For S rank purposes skip killing any Fire traps along the way. Some of them will give you keys to open a locked gate to the north. Avoid obtaining these keys as they will be a waste of time. Head over to the left and defeat the special assault ops. Get the key and head straight to the right, and defeat all the enemies to open the door to the next block.

Block 2

In the second block its very straight forward. Just try to kill them in the quickest amount of time possible. Eventually you’ll reach the end of the trial.

Magashi

Here you’ll fight several Magashi clones.  If you have 3 star luck, it would be a good time to fight Megashi to receive his special Arms, Legs, and Torso materials. Later on you’ll use these to create a new Partner Machinery not released yet.

Ambitions End 2

Here are the key points on getting S rank for this mission.

• Minimize outside distractions, skip unnecessary monsters
• Bring your strongest light weapon with the highest damage per second.
• Skip monsters that appear in narrow corridors.
• If you have a key, run to the nearest locked door or gate.
• In Block 2, you only need 2 keys, avoid the other set.

Block 1

When you start the trial, defeat the 3 galdeen, and head to the right, defeat the next set of monsters. Then head to the right and pick up the key. You should skip every monster that spawns until you open the door with the key.

In every narrow corridor you will be skipping enemies that appear, including the Delp Slami that appears next to the ceiling traps.

In this last room you’ll see some inactivated floor warps. Do not step anywhere in their vicinity. They will automatically spring a trap and teleport you back, as indicated on the map above.

Block 2

As you start, fight the 3 galdeen in front of you, run to the right and avoid waiting for the key to drop. Head over and fight the large crab, hit it’s weak spot for massive damage. Run back to the start of the block and pick up the key and open the door. Head through and skip the Galdeen. As you reach to the next area, skip the Galdeen again, and fight the giant lobster across the dip, then pick up the key.

There is a fake wall behind this Zasharogan, if you run through it, you will obtain a key.

Head to the lower area and fight all monsters here and obtain the key to open the gate. You may now skip these monsters ahead and run to the right and fight the last 2 Zasharogan to finish the trial.

This mission also contains a treasure trove of Nanopolymers, Ortapolymers, and Metapolymers. But you won’t be able to obtain a S rank if your trying to get them. You can find keys hidden around in monsters or secret rooms. The map above shows you the exact 4 locations on where to find the keys.

Next Page
Defeating Howzer

• Official Details for Friday’s Update
  • Chapter 5 Story Mission
  • New Free Mission on Neudaiz called Flowery Pursuit
  • Normal versions of Maximum Attack G missions
• Phantom Fissure Rare Neudaiz Mission
  
• Guardians Boost Road through Sept 26, 2008
  • Hill of Spores
  • Dancing Birds
  • Flowery Pursuit
  • Sacred Stream
  • White Beast
    
• New S2 Missions
  • Sakura Blast
  • White Beast
  • Hill of Spores
  • Dancing Birds
  • Flowery Pursuit
  • Sacred Stream
• Other Items
  • New weapons boards in shops
  • New Casino Items
  • De Ragan Breath And Fireworks Available until September 26, 2008