What will Sakai do Next; Part something…

I always like reading the “What Sakai will do next” entries but as usual they are vague and open for interpretation. If you haven’t been keeping track, so far we know the next Phantasy Star game will not be a PSPo2 port to PC/Console. In addition, the game will be something “brand new” that may somehow commemorate PSO’s 10th anniversary.

Shougai PSO linked to an interview with the man behind Phantasy Star’s current generation, Satoshi Sakai. This time he sorta kinda answers questions regarding PSO’s 10th anniversary. We also learn of some interesting little tidbits about age groups.

Game Bridge: What was the aim for switching over to Phantasy star Portable?

Satoshi Sakai: Porting to Phantasy Star Portable was decided when I was in the process of making PSU. During those times, players were experiencing the Game Cube version of Phantasy Star Online. Since multiplayer games were great around that time, [...] there was the idea of having a portable version. Though usually the age group in the handheld market is young [kids], yet when “Phantasy Star Portable 1″ came out,  the age range was higher.  Also there’s the thought about “wanting a PC version, Console version, etc etc…” We want the  “Phantasy Star” brand as something that should be seen for a long period of time, so that everyone [of all ages] can become familiar with it.

Game Bridge: Is it possible you will return to the console market*?

Satoshi Sakai: I don’t know… (laughs) Since this year is Phantasy Star Online 10th anniversary I want to start something big…

OK so there you have it, I guess we can expect to see something huge for Phantasy Star in the future since he dodged the question. He could have just said Yes or No, but notice how he transitions quickly to PSO10th anniversary out of nowhere…. You can of course interpret this quote any way you want, it’s up to you. Additionally we can make an assumption that the next generation of Phantasy Star games will try to cover all bases again, PC version, Console version, Portable versions, you name it.  But there’s more…

Gamebridge: So there’s a desire for  younger players to know about Phantasy Star?

Sakai: Phantasy Star Portable 1′s player base was considerably young. As for  Phantasy Star Portable 2 player base, there’s many high school students.

Gamebridge: What is the age range for PSU players?

Sakai: Naturally there’s middle and high school students, but the median seems to be in their 20′s.

Gamebridge: Did the direction of the game change  when it transitioned from Hardware to Handheld?

Sakai: At first I was going to do a direct port of PSU, but by looking at the situation of PSU and the characteristics of the handheld gaming system, we had to come to a decision. Looking at PSU, there are too many MMO aspects  [to place within the portable version] so we had to make the game simpler. If anything, the handheld games are more closer in respects to PSO.

I did notice the age range for NA/EU PSU seems to be around 18, but also I do like the comparison of the Portable games with PSO. No more than 4 players in a party? I don’t think that was a hardware limitation at all.

[via shougaipso] [thanks yuki for translation help]

Challenge 2 Stage 3

Tomorrow, what’s being dubbed as Challenge (Season 2), we will see a brand new mission titled; チャレンジⅡ　ステージ3・絶影 Shadow Suppression. This mission you are tasked with protecting an object from being damaged by enemies. To make this mission harder, there will also be invisible enemies…  You can download this mission automatically by signing into Phantasy Star Portable 2 Internet Multimode, otherwise  you can download it from here.

Guardians Advanced Content

If all goes as planned, Monday July 19th – July 20th, will mark the first days for the Supplemental update coming to the Xbox 360 PSU servers. The update will be applied after the extended maintenance…  Enjoy!

??? > “Ah.. You’re Little Wing?

PSU Chronicle Movie

Phantasy Star Portable: PSP The Best

Phantasy Star Portable PSP the Best will feature 3 episodic movies chronicling the whole Phantasy Star Universe series. It first starts with the SEED INVASION, so that you may know more of the Gurhal Solar System and character history.  It’s great for those new players of Phantasy Star Portable 2. Sakai says it was very hard to edit over 30 chapters of video and images together to make one coherent story.

Ethan, Laia, and Lumia will be narrating each episode. The narration voice work is entirely new providing you a sense of feeling and emotion by their respective characters. Also, voice acting is now provided to the script of Episode 3.

However, since Episode 3 has multiple endings (based on S ranking mind you..) certain parts will not shown in the ending of the PSU Chronicle movie.

As for the opening theme of Phantasy Star Portable 2, the “official theme” and the “PSU Chronicle PSP2 opening theme” will be slightly different. Sakai wants you to compare the two openings. 

Oh and LOU GOT A NEW HAT… plus added minor info to character data.

[via pspo2: blog]

This video is a great example on how NOT to play the game.

[thanks mysterious g]

Photoshop

Lou and Maya Shidow

(via anonymous of 2ch)

• What is “3 Step Technics”
  • Release 3 Technics consecutively.
  • You may only use this feature with the wand or the rod.
  • Unfortunately, Madoogs can not use this feature!
  • You can release Foie > Foie > Foie in quick succession. (read 3 step casting time)
  • You can also alternate between different technics.
• How to Alternate 3 step Technics
  • Technics can be alternated using the square and triangle buttons
  • (ex. □Foie > △ Barta > □Foie)
  • However, you must use the front palette or back palette to alternate technics.
  • (ex. Front□Foie > Front△ Diga > Front□Foie) = SUCCESS!
  • (ex. Back□Diga > Back△ Foie > Back□Diga) = SUCCESS!
  • (ex. Front□Foie > Back△ Diga > Front□Foie) = UNACCEPTABLE!
• 3 Step Technic Casting Time
  • The Casting time will be shorter based on which attack you are on.
  • The first attack will have a casting time of 100%
  • The second attack will have a casting time of 70%
  • The third attack will have a casting time of 50%
• Technics with range (AREA OF EFFECT)
  • A Technic with area of effect will hit a boss in multiple areas.
  • For example: Shougai PSO says how Rafoie would hit in multiple areas on a boss in PSO.
• Chain Combo (A quick Review)
  • When you do a regular attack your chain combo tallies up.
  • The higher the combo the stronger the Photon Art Damage
• Chain Combo FINISH
  • A “chain combo finish” means you have broken the combo.
  • This is where the damage of the Photon Art is increased…
• Triggering A Chain Combo Finish
  • Pressing the Triangle button will automatically finish your chain combo
  • Photon Arts will break your chain combo!
  • Charge Shots will break your chain combo!
  • Technics (assigned to the Triangle button) will also break your chain combo!
• Mirage Blast
  • Mirage Blast is similar to an SUV, you equip it like a unit.
  • Once your Blast Guage is full you will unleash the mystical creature!
  • Mirage Blast can be equipped at Level 10!
• Nano Blast
  • Nanoblast tattoo starts at Level 10!
• SUV
  • SUV can be equipped at Level 10!
• Shortcut Order
  • Shortcut order allows you to specify what your NPC should focus on,
  • This feature uses chat shortcuts to command the NPCs.
  • You can assign 7 shortcut orders!

[via shougai pso]

Confused?

Don’t worry, I was too! Here’s how Chain Combos work. All normal attacks will contribute to the chain combo. Since a normal attack is the default square button on PSP, you can spam square all you want to add to the combo. While doing so you won’t use up any PP and everything will be great! A photon art receives higher damage when you break the combo, this is known as a “Chain Combo Finish”.

Unlike Phantasy Star Zero, anyone can break the chain combo, even Techers. The button that is assigned to breaking a chain combo is the default triangle button. With this knowledge, you should strategically use the triangle button, not only for PP sake, but for your teammates.

If you want an enemy to die faster, you (if your soloing) or your team mates must rack up chains with the square button. Then unleash the final blow by pressing triangle which triggers your Photon Arts. Make sure your team is well versed on effectively using this feature.

• Story Mode
  • Story is advanced through chapters, it will also contain a side story.
  • Like PSP1, ALL your characters will share an illustrative database record:
    monsters defeated, weapons, and clothing.
• Multi mode
  • Internet Multi Mode is free!
  • Before a party is initiated:
    1) You will choose a room from a list of rooms.
    2) You can write a recruitment message for others to see
    3) Players can enter your room and join your party.
    4) However, they can not join your party if you are in a mission!
• Ranged Weapon Details
  • Elemental PA bullets are no more!
  • A ranged weapon will drop with an element attached to it.
  • The attack power of the gun is affected by the elemental attribute percentage:
    For example
    Gun ATP of 500 (x) 50% elemental (=) ATP of 750 .
    Gun ATP of 100 (x) 50% elemental (=) ATP of 150.
  • A bullet was added that can increase the percentage of the element.
    (*note: It will not change the element attached to the gun.)
    (side note: may be possible this bullet is of “power” type)
  • Based on the type of gun you have, the charge shot’s range and power will change. (see: charge shot animations)
  • “Accuracy” can alter the amount of damage given from the gun. 
• Combat (Chain System) 
  • When you perform normal attacks, the number of attacks is tallied up.
    The higher the number, the higher the amount of damage your photon arts will do.
  • You can even perform chain combos as a solo player.
• Combat (Just Guard and Guarding and Urgent Evasion)
  • Stated in a previous post, Just Guard can only be done through shields.
  • You can still guard with two handed weapons, except it will only reduce the damage recieved.
  • Guarding can cancel your attack animation. The time it takes to cancel will differ with Photon Arts.
  • While you are using Urgent Evasion (rolling) you will be invincible for a certain amount of time.
  • Once you complete the animation, you will not be able to move for a certain amount of time.
• Miscellaneous
  • The amount of classes you can choose from is reduced.
    Sakai says the reason for this is for “player enjoyment.”
  • Some data will be stored on the Memory Stick Duo for cache access.

[via shougai pso and mike]

Blog Updates 09/09/09

• Rappy Kid made a poll asking if he’s needed at the blog.
  991 Voters say he is needed
  64 Voters say they don’t want him there.
  341 Voters say they don’t know who the Rappy Kid is.
• Rappy kid makes a comment about the collaboration.
• He says we of course expect to see a collaboration with an in house SEGA character…
• So he asks what  if there was a collaboration that is not from SEGA.
• Something to be seen at Tokyo Game Show…

The following features transfer over:

• Race
• Sex
• Underwear color
• Eye color
• Lip color
• Skin color
• Body shape
• PM name
• PM type
• The parts/clothes you are wearing

The following features DO NOT transfer over:

• Level
• Voice type
• Voice pitch
• Anything besides body type, skin color, and lip color that is appearance related
• Accessories
• Items in your inventory
• Meseta
• Type levels
• Photon arts
• Stored items
• Titles
• Item collection

[via Mike]

Item Get!

Clear the table, The exam starts now!
Igzam (Exam)

When you transfer your save file you will receive the Exam Saber. Based on the type you choose after importing your character, you will receive one of four auras.

UMD Video

We previously mentioned the UMD Video from the Fun! Fan! post. If you didn’t catch the information, read below:

“Phantasy Star Portable [PSP: The Best]” will include a 63 minute movie UMD disc. The movie, titled “Phantasy Star Universe Chronicle“, will sum up the Phantasy Star Universe series starting with: Chapter 1: The SEED Invasion; Chapter 2: Ambition of Illuminus; and ends with Chapter 3: Seal of Rykros. The video is a collection of event scenes throughout the history of the game and is reorganized to create a fluid storyline. Ethan, Lumia, and Laia, will provide narration for the movie.

The website particularly mentions how Episode 3 is a must see because it features excellent voice work from all the original voice actors. The UMD disc also contains the opening movie for Phantasy Star Portable 2. They say this is a must-have item for all fans! They urge you to watch this video before enjoying Phantasy Star Portable 2.

Official Blog Update 9/04 – 9/05/09

• Producer Sakai says there are still some secret bonus elements when you transfer.
  (May be in reference to the weapon)
  
• He won’t say what it is at this time.
• The Rappy Kid will release the Opening Movie with English subtitles in two weeks.
• The Rappy Kid is starting a new blog project  called “The Little Wing Information Section Questionnaire”

[via pspthebest and 4gamer and pspo:2 blog]

New Fields! New Enemies!

Phantasy Star Portable 2 will feature brand new original fields as well as others from the previous games. The field shown in the screenshot is called, “Seabed Relics.”

This new area contains a brand new enemy known as “Svaltia”, as well as Phantasy Star Online’s “Evil Shark“.

Remixed Versions of Old Fields!

Phantasy Star Portable 2 will feature old fields from the previous games with a new twist! There will be differences towards the  length of the mission as well as the the enemy spawns.

You would not expect to see a Goldova appear right before the boss!?

Be prepared for changes to all your favorite missions. You might even see a new enemy appear out of nowhere!

Urgent Evasion

Urgent Evasion has your character swiftly rolling on the ground to avoid enemy attacks. You will consume Photon Points each time you roll!

Shield

Note how the shield has it’s own icon on the right hand slot.

The shield is now a new weapon category. The shield takes up the left arms slot which is normally used by guns or mags. You can use the shield by pressing the R button.

While the shield is in use you will not be able to attack, your PP will be consumed , and the damage you receive will be greatly reduced. 

Fortunately, you can attack an enemy by using your shield at the right moment. This is known as the “Just Guard“. If you successfully pull off a “Just Guard”, the damage you receive will be reduced to zero and your Photon Points will not be consumed.

Guarding is also possible with two handed weapons (ex. the spear), however, you can not guard with the rod.

Photon Points

Sorry time attackers… You can’t spam Photon Arts anymore.

Photon Points (PP) have changed considerably since PSU. Now, PP are attached to your character and not your weapons. To increase strategy, Sega has removed photon charges from the game. This is to prevent us from relying too heavily on Photon Arts. Sega wants players to mix up their attacks instead. (Note: We are unsure how this will apply to Forces.)

• In order to regain PP, you can do either of the following:
  • Wait for natural regeneration of Photon Points.
  • Use normal attacks against an enemy.

As a side note, we do not know if PP Cubes will return before each boss at this time. Although it has not been confirmed for this game, in Phantasy Star Universe, you can regenerate a larger amount of Photon Points by performing “Just Attacks”, (where you time the button presses of each normal attack.)

Charge Shots

Note the gigantic sparkle!

Charge shots is a new feature for ranged weapons, it allows you to shoot a more powerful bullet. Charge Shots will use a considerable amount of PP, so it’s best not to use it over and over. This action will also change the shooting animation as you can see in the screenshot above. The player tends to jump backwards from the recoil.

[via pspo:2]

The official site updated with a beautiful teaser image of the box art. We finally know the official spelling of the main character names, Emilia and Yuto. Also we learn that Yuto is actually a newman! The site opened up some new details about the story and the functions of the internet multi-mode. We can see how these changes are almost mirroring Phantasy Star Zero in design.

Yuto : I’ll defend everyone in the village!

Emilia: What? We are partners…??

Clad 6: Space Resort

Clad 6 Central

Instead of the Guardians Colony, the game takes place on Clad 6, a space resort colony where anyone can go to chill and relax. Clad 6 is described as a beautiful colony with  its big screen TVs and other gorgeous electrical spectaculars! Even in dark space, this colony shines particularly bright.

Little Wing

Within Clad 6, is a private military group known as “Little Wing”.  It was formed by it’s parent company, “Sky Clad“.  Sky Clad was a general trading company that focused on  clothing and the resort business. Up until now, the company had no involvement with military affairs.

“Little Wing” was formed as an unexpected business expansion. It very quickly became a heated topic within the main headquarters of Sky Clad. Apparently, one of the more powerful executives strongly pushed for Little Wing’s existence.

You could say, working as a member of Little Wing is not so much different than that of a “handyman”. They will accept any type of  work whenever it is available. Sometimes amongst the confusion, they could accept a job that could be considered a crime. Though, the accuracy of their work is not so bad, and at least their reputation is rising…

Internet Multi Mode

One of the major complaints with Phantasy Star Portable is how each planet was set up as a 2D map, as you click on which area you want to go to. In Phantasy Star Portable 2, “ Little Wing Control Center” is your 3D city, (or lobby) and will act as a replacement for all 2D maps. Little Wing can only accommodate up to 4 players. It appears you will be doing all your shopping throughout Clad 6, whereas mission selection will take place conveniently at one counter.

Another change compared to Phantasy Star Universe, the character you create in story mode can also participate in multi mode and internet multi mode.

• Some tidbits about multi mode
  • Mission selection at one counter.
  • You can chat during battle and in the lobby.
  • You can type with an integrated simple keyboard within the game.
  • Chat Shortcuts are now available to save time.
  • Lobby Actions can be done within the city.
  • You can perform a limited amount of lobby actions within a mission.

New Screenshots

GameWatch has posted their own article with some new screenshots. It pretty much sums up everything that was said in the Famitsu article.

Sonic is using Charge Shot against ubakrada (aka annoying boat.)

In PSU we normally see the Goldolva during Fire SEED contamination.

[via pspo:2]

Story

It’s been 3 years since the SEED invaded Gurhal. Now that all four races defeated and sealed off the SEED, a new issue takes center stage. The resources in Gurhal are quickly diminishing. Because of this, a “Sub-space sailing theory” was set in place, where Gurhalians migrate to outer space. The player will participate in a private military group known as “Little Wing” on Clad 6, a space colony resort.

Emilia Percival is described to be innocent but somewhat lazy. There isn’t much talk at all about her past and no record of it has been kept either.

Yuto, a newman, lives in a very protected and cultured area on Moatoob. He is from the Kersch/Karsh? family. He seems to excel in utilizing the mysterious “photon” energy. Since he was secluded from civilized society, he lacks a bit of common sense. He will share duties with Amelia.

These main characters will act as the center stage for the story. Your character will develop the story around their adventure.

Notable Screenshots

Tonnio and Liina Sukaya appears in story mode. Tonnio is the dark skinned beast with the orange hair. Liina is the white beast in pig tails. They may look like teenagers but they are actually adults. By now, Liina is 25 years old and Tonnio is 29 years old.

This is a very notable screenshot, why? Well, remember when PSO had an enemy called the Evil Shark in the “Caves” sections?

Lobby actions again! As you can see, all characters are sitting down and showing off their new chat symbols. Chat shortcuts are back once again! Take a closer look at the icons underneath each of the players’ names. Notice how it changes to from a lock to a sword when they are currently in a mission.

The space colony, Clad 6, has 5 rooms encircling a larger center room. The center appears to contain a teleporter, but where does it teleport to? This room looks strikingly similar to the one in Phantasy Star Zero.

In this new Relics area, Sonic is wielding the PSO weapon, Last Survivor.

[thanks to yeongene and touka]

Phantasy Star Portable 2 boxart is now on Amazon.co.jp. Amazon also added a few official screenshots so you can have a clearer look at the new lobby, emoticons in chat, shields, and a new photon art known as Infinite Storm.

Emelia Percival looks pissed.

You can’t have a Phantasy Star Universe game without the De Ragan.
Note the PP is based on character not weapons!

Emoticons in the lobby! Amy is showing her delicious cake emoticon.
Players seem to have a different icon in the lobby.

Sonic has his new photon art Infinite Storm!
Note the shield icon on the R trigger.
The enemy is called Dakamazri.

The cast girl on the right seems to be Maya’s spiritual replacement.
Story Mode will also include choices similar to the first game.

Yuto looks quite odd as a main character.
He’s a Newman from Moatoob.

Chain attack, a concept from Phantasy Star Zero!
A level 30 Svaltia.

[More Screenshots]

Phantasy Star Portable 2 Official Site

The Game

Shougai PSO added some information to their site. We have updated according to the information stated there.  The game takes place on a brand new “resort” colony named Clad 6. Your character will be a part of a private military group known as “Little Wing”. It  takes place 3 years after the PSU Episode 3′s story, so you’ll be sure to see some familiar faces.

Every character has been redesigned from the ground up. As you will soon see in the scans below, each default character has a unique and stylish look. The game will up the ante by bringing in twice as much story and voice work. The game will increase the challenge for solo players by including new types of traps. Let’s hope it doesn’t end up as difficult as “catching the beast boy” on Episode 2: Chapter 9 in PSU.

Main Characters

Yoot Yun Yunkaas  ユート・ユン・ユンカース (VA: Miyuki Sawashiro) Yoot is 15 years old and hails from Moatoob. He is described to lack common sense due to his environment.

Amelia Percival. エミリア・パーシバル (VA: Chiwa Saitō). Amelia is 16 years old. She is a human and belongs to the private military group “Little Wing”.

Races

Default Human Male

Default Cast Male

Default Newman Female

Default Beast Male

Lobby Action and Chat

Yuri Lowell and Estelle err I mean..

Players can perform lobby actions and chat online! You can play the game either through Infrastructure mode which uses your internet, or through Ad-hoc mode which uses the PSP as the server, however other players need to be within your vicinity to play with you. Similar to PSU, you can also exchange partner cards. You may also search for other party members to play with while online.

Aside from entering text in Japanese, players can now insert symbols in chats. These small emoticons will appear in your text bubble. This is something that I would have loved to see in PSU. The picture above shows that you can insert any elemental symbol, smileys, and even some miscellaneous icons.

New Battle Actions!

The Urgent Evasion has your player somersaulting to avoid attacks. This function was first introduced in Phantasy Star Zero. I’m sure fans requested this action since there are Casts in Phantasy Star Universe who would annoyingly somersault to dodge your attacks. Well now we can stick it to them!

Charge Shots lets you shoot a more powerful bullet by charging your gun. In this case the player will use a new animation while shooting the bullet. You can see this animation at the top of this screenshot.

Your shield can now block enemy attacks. If you use your shield at the right moment, you can damage your enemy through a Just Guard attack. This is reminiscent of the Just Counter in PSU, you would immediately counter attack if you press the attack button as soon as you block. You can use your shield as the left hand equipment or include it as an extra slot when you have both hands full.

The chain system from Phantasy Star Zero will return in PSPo:2.

Redesigned HUD

The HUD is redesigned to fit more appropriately on the PSP. A huge change is how Photon Points are now based on character stats and not weapons. Players will have a sword icon while in a mission. If they are in a lobby the icon changes to something else we are unsure of at this time.

Game Details

Game: Phantasy Star Portable 2
Console: Sony Playstation Portable
Cost: 5040 Yen
Release Date: December 3rd, 2009 (Japan)
Developer: Alfa System
Network: Infrastructure Mode and Ad-Hoc Mode

[via scan 1 and scan 2]