Phantasy Star Online 10th Anniversary

Sakai updated this morning with a new post about our PSO 10th anniversary. It appears PSO was released 10 years ago on December, 21, 2000 (Hmm my vacation senses say to pay attention to that date.)

The 10 in the PSO logo is actually Pioneer 2. Originally it was thought that the PSO10th anniversary logo should use the original logo, the one with the three rings.  The new logo suggests how PSO has exceeded it’s 10th anniversary, and continues to sail forward.

Please expect future developments that commemorate PSO’s 10th Anniversary.

IDOLA The Immortal Memories

In Phantasy Star Universe, several PSO monsters appeared. PSPo2i plans to reveal the deeper connection between it and PSO.

For now Sakai will reveal 3 new kinds of enemies that appear in PSPo2i.

Chaos Bringer

Garanz

Olga Flow

Sakai says he misses the PSO fans and wants to bring back some enemies you might remember. Back in the day, he actually designed Olga Flow and Chaos Bringer, so he has a deep attachment with them. He has spruced up their model, animations, and effects. The hardest one to pull off was Olga Flow in particular. But rest assured, Olga Flow is now powered up! What new tricks he has up his sleeve will be revealed at a later time.

Tomorrow the official site will update with Rapico’s corner.

[via pspo2iblog]

Of course a castle wouldn’t have AC… Oh Hi I’m still on Vacation. Today we’re going to look at the Dumans. We’ll learn about what an Infinity Blast actually is and how it looks.

Meet The Dumans

Sakai updated this morning about the Dumans. First he’d like you to know that you can obtain Nagisa’s sword, “The Steel Hearts” in the game. Where will it drop? Who knows…

Default Outfit for Male Dumans

The Dumans are pretty much like a 魔法剣士 or Magic Knight or Rune Knight class. They are very proficient with Hunter and Force weapons, however they have one big drawback. Their defense skills are severely lacking. Dodge Rolling is the key to survive with this class for close range attacks.  This might be a good race for those who play as a Vanguard.  (That’s funny, Sakai uses Vanguard instead of Braver, hmm)

The Male duman default outfit is in the style of a bullfighter and while the females have a flamenco dress. The style of clothes were based on the Middle Ages. The race is supposed to present  a Medieval or “Dark Hero” of sorts.

Infinity Blast

The Dumans can invoke a new ability called the Infinity Blast. The blast is actually condensed photon that was stored inside the body. The Dumans can unleash it and use it like a weapon. There are four different styles, based on each of the battle types. The Infinity Blast can be used for a limited time, you can extend it by attacking enemies in a chain. You can additionally charge your attack. It appears you can move freely as you use the blast.

As a Hunter, your Infinity Blast is a sword!

As a Ranger, your Infinity Blast is a beam!

You can also play Episode 1 as a Duman!

[Vacation Mode]

Still on vacation in a new location! This morning Sakai, our fearless leader, wrote a new post ALL about Nagisa. For now her full name is just Nagisa. You can always click on ALL images to see a larger view.

Nagisa

Nagisa is 18 years old belonging to a new race called the Dumans. She may be polite but she lacks common sense, which can make things go sour unintentionally. It’s not that she does this on purpose, she doesn’t really mean any harm.  The reason she is this way is because she’s been fighting all of her life.

Her purpose is to complete a very big mission, this will be revealed within Story Mode.

Nagisa Design

Nagisa was designed by the talented Mizuno. She had to have three specific characteristics; black hair, a uniform, and eye patch. Her design was meant to use a  monochromatic contrast, given that she has black hair and pale white skin while wearing a white uniform and black leggings.

The Yin and Yang aspects come to play in regards to Nagisa and Emilia. Emilia represents the Yang side of light and positivity. Nagisa represents the Yin side of dark and shadows.

Steel Hearts

Nagisa’s sword Steel Hearts

スティールハーツ Steel Hearts is Nagisa’s signature sword.  Near the handle there is a trigger which sets off a carousel of photon bullets located at the handle end of the sword. When you pull the trigger, the photon will shoot out like a jet at the bottom. You can see this concept at the bottom right hand corner.  This concept will be shown in a new FMV sequence.

[via pspo2iblog]

[vacation mode]

Infinity Blast

Shougai PSO has added some information within this month’s Gemaga Magazine. (Scan Pending). Infinity Blasts are available at Level 10. They are usable only for a limited time, however you can extend it by performing a “Chain Combo.” This is essentially attacking an enemy continuously for as long as you can.

Based on your battle type (Hunter, Ranger, Force, or Vanguard) the type of attack can change. If you are a Hunter, your Infinity Blast will be that of holding a one handed sword and attacking at a close range. If you are a Ranger, your Infinity Blast will be that of a laser beam that shoots enemies.

PSP2 Contents

Sakai makes a post about the meaning of PSP2 Infinity. The name means that it will break the usual limits set in place within the series, so that you can continue to play this game endlessly. (You can see this system within Reincarnation, though it sounds like more features will be breaking other limits…)

All contents of Phantasy Star Portable 2 are within Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity. This includes Story, Mission, and Items, etc. This allows for all contents of PSP2 save data to carry over to PSP2 Infinity. This includes your character’s appearance, level, all your items in possession and shared storage, titles, any data you can think of carries over.  Infinity will of course include enough content that is equal to that of a new game.

All Download Item Data for Phantasy Star Portable 2, will carry over to Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity. You do not need to purchase the items again.

[via shougai and pso2iblog]

[vacation mode]

Updates and news articles may be delayed during this time. If all else fails, a recap of this week’s Gemaga and Famitsu magazine scans will be posted on Friday.

There’s still a spot open for Guest Blogger!

The official site is now open with a new logo and 6 videos. The 6 videos aren’t particularly showing anything new except for the Dumans. Most of the footage was taken from PSPo2, including scenes from its story mode and party list. So far these videos are for users to catch up to speed with PSP2′s mechanics and universe.

The Infinity Blog

The PSPo2 blog has now upgraded to Infinity and will be covering information regarding the game. So far Rapiko made a somewhat cryptic blog post about the new information.

Rapiko says Friend Search is the THIRD network function among Multiplayer Mode and Online Multiplayer Mode. It requires your PSP to come in contact with another PSP. During this mode, data will be transmitted. Rapiko also says Infinity presents itself with the concept of breaking limits. Where one can play this game endlessly. (I’m sure this is referring to Reincarnation.)

Screenshots

New Lobby where online players meet up!

A Duman using the Infinity Blast

Duman close up!

Story

Nagisa the Duman!

“Episode 2″ is centered around a lonely girl named Nagisa, who is 18 years old. She’s comes from a new race called the Dumans. She is seen wandering around Gurhal for some reason. She’s polite but one side of her doesn’t know much common sense.

The Dumans

The game features a brand new race.  The Duman’s gene structure has been changed from humans. A mighty powerful darkness is hidden within the eyes. They are very aggressive and can overpower the other races. As for the birth of this race, it is thought that they may have been some type of connection with the SEED  who were sealed 3 years ago.

PSO 10th Anniversary

It has been 10 years since Phantasy Star Online. Contents in this game will commemorate PSO. One such thing will be the Visual Lobby feature as well as monsters who appeared in PSO.

Chat up and meet with Players! (literally…)

In PSP2 players could only join a party by selecting one from a list. In this game the players can chat and recruit other players in a visual lobby.

The story of Episode 2 will feature a huge relationship with PSO. (details withheld)

Infinity Rank

Bruce’s Dungeon on Infinity?

The mission difficulty of “Infinity” ∞ is added to the game.

Reincarnation

The reincarnation feature allows one to reincarnate their character of the same race. Parameters can be set to strengthen a character from level 1. Though the level cap is still 200, this feature enables one to train a stronger character.

Friend Search

You can exchange your “character” and “mission code”. When you obtain a character, you can go on a mission together. When you obtain a mission code, you can participate in a special mission.

Screenshot

Take a screenshot of the game by holding down the select button.

Phantasy Star Portable 2 will be available this Winter!

Additional Comments:

Boy some things were left out, well aside from that, the game is expected to come out in 2011 Winter, which means January – February. This is according to an advertisement Shougai PSO found where it states you can transfer your PSP2 Item and Level data over to Infinity.

In the Friend Data screenshot you can see it lists “Cream” stats, including her weapon palette. It calls this a “Friend Partner” and since you can go on missions together, this seems like friends will become partner characters. But we’ll see.

[via famitsu]

[Scan 0] [Scan 1] [Scan 2] [Scan 3] [Scan 4] [Scan 5]

The way we do things here with scans, (especially the very blurry ones) is that we update information periodically taken from Japanese Official sites, Japanese Bloggers, and 2channel.

Updates 8/27:
+Added Rapiko’s description of Friend Search
+Changing 絡みます from argue to entangled as it fits more with famitsu website description of Nagisa

• Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity
  • New Scenario “Episode 2“
  • Degree of Difficulty “Infinity” added.
  • All existing races Default characters have been redesigned.
  • There will be a “HUGE CONNECTION” with this game and PSO.
  • Game is currently 50% finished.
    
• The Dumans
  • Dumans are now the 5th race.
  • Dumans are mutated humans. Their mutation is thought to be related to the SEED attacks 3 years ago. The power of darkness is hidden within their eyes, and are overwhelmingly more  aggressive than the other races. They are noted for their pale skin and eye patch.
  • The female design suggests a flamenco dancer, while the male is that of a bullfighter.
  • Dumans have an ability called Infinity Blast which shoots a huge laser beam.
  • Dumans are proficient with Hunter and force weapons.
  • They seem to be very weak. (Glass Cannons I bet)
• Infinity Blast
  • Usable by Dumans.
  • A new blast that can only be used for a limited time.
  • If you want to use it longer, you need to attack enemies continuously.
  • (Basically keep on attacking to extend the blast)
  • The blast alters the aura of the weapon’s attack (not sure what this means yet.)
  • You can also charge the attack.
  • There are 4 kinds of different effects which are based on your battle type.

• Story Mode
  • 1.5 times the length of Episode 1.
  • Story takes place after the end of final mission of Episode 1.
  • An epilogue will be shown explaining what happens 1 year after Episode 1.
  • Episode 2 story will be told during the events of 1 year. Sakai calls this a “blank 1year story”
  • New Character. “Nagisa”, story is centered around her.
  • Nagisa is voiced by “Nana Mizuki“
  • Nagisa is 18 years old.
  • She belongs to a new race known as the デューマン “Dewman”.
  • She has a eye patch on her right eye. She carries a HUGE SWORD.
  • She is wandering around Gurhal for some reason.
  • Nagisa joins up with Little Wing becomes entangled with the main staff.
  • At the beginning it will be hard to know whether Nagisa is a friend or an enemy.
  • But she will go through her own character development.
• Visual Lobby
  • Shougai PSO’s speculations came true!
  • A new visual lobby!
  • The number of people who can join a lobby is the same as PSO’s
  • (This would be 100 people in a block, 12 people in a lobby…)
  • (Adding that this number may change in the final version)
  • You can chat with others and recruit people to your party.
• Enemies
  • From PSO Ruins: Chaos Bringer
  • From PSO Mines: Garanz
  • From PSOe2: Olga Flow. (Yah he’ll probably be called Orga Flow)
  • There is expected to be many more monsters than portable 2.
• Camera
  • Take Screenshots
  • You can take screenshot by holding the Select button.
• Reincarnation/Limit Break 
  • The type counter has a new feature called Reincarnation “転生”
  • The feature for reincarnation is enabled at Level 50 
  • When you are reincarnating, you apply “bonus points” to your character.
  • These points could be stats like (HP/PP/ATK/etc)
  • The bonus points you can apply to your reincarnated character is based in proportion to your current level.
  • When you reincarnate you return to level 1 with the bonus stats.
  • You can reincarnate your character a number of times but we are unsure by how much.
    
  • Reaching level 200 will be much easier to get to.
  • (In Scan #5, there is a counter where you spend points to keep some HP/PP/ATK/etc..)
  • (So essentially you would store these parameters and reincarnate as a level 1)
  • (It seems as if you are limited in which and the amount of parameters you decide to transfer over.)
  • (When you reach to Level 200, you would have over the max stats)
  • (Shougai says Reincarnation concept is somewhat similar to Extend Codes)
  • The maximum level is still Level 200.
• Communication
  • New feature Text input will be similar to that of a Mobile Phone. (This means nothing to us non Japanese people…)
• Friend Search
  • When you pass by another player, you can exchange your character and mission code.
  • Friend Search is a third network function among Internet Multiplayer and Online Multiplayer
  • (Data is transferred between two or more PSPs in close proximity with each other.)
  • (This means your friend’s character’s data is in your game.)
  • (Essentially you and your friend can join missions together. )
  • (Your friend will become an NPC you can add to parties.)
  • Mission codes allow you and your friend to do missions where the rare drop rate has significantly increased.
• Import PSP2 Save
  • You can transfer your previous character’s level and items.

• Satoshi Sakai Producer
  • Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity is not just a mere upgraded version.
  • The game’s title refers to how it will “break limits”
  • The game itself will have 50% more story than psp2 itself.
  • The game will make an appearance at this years Tokyo Game Show.
• Release Information
  • Platform: Sony PSP
  • Release Date:  Winter 2011 (January Feb?)
    
  • Price: Not Announced.
• General Observations
  • There appears to be a new lobby, it looks like another section of Clad 6.
  • The Little Wing logo can be seen on the wall.
  • Some have noticed Olga Flow’s sword in the upper left hand corner.

[via 2ch, shougai] [thanks yuki for translation help]

Phantasy Star Portable 2: Infinity

What is Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity? It is supposedly a new game that enables you to transfer your existing Phantasy Star Portable 2 data over.  This announcement is listed on the box for Phantasy Star Portable 2: PSP the Best.

Shougai PSO linked to a previous interview with Sakai from Connect!on Magazine. This interview took place in February 2010. In it he talks about the next game after PSP2. To paraphrase, he says he wants to improve on some methods within the software to make it easier for “Online Multiplayer” gamers to match up with each other.

Shougai speculates that it may be a sort of a visual lobby for matching up players.

[via shougaipso]

PSO2

What is PSO2? Shougai PSO found a domain that was registered by Sega Corporation in 2009.  The domain would be titled as PSO2.JP. It could be merely domain squatting, or it could be a new game. Either way we won’t have any news on this particular domain for now. So don’t get your hopes up. This is not an announcement.

I can tell I won’t be getting any sleep for the next few months, so I’ll be opening up a spot for a guest blogger!

[via shougaipso]

Why is this post on the front page again? Well according to an item dump from psupedia forums which lists every item data that is listed within the demo.  Whether these items will be accessible in the full version is still up to debate. However, it sounds like a very good chance we’ll be seeing a majority of these collaborations in some form.

As games are translated, game companies run into the issue of having to cut extra content out of games either due to licensing issues or features that an audience outside of the native language wouldn’t truly understand. Phantasy Star Portable 2 has a rich source of extra content mostly for aesthetic purposes, and others that bring additional life into the game like downloadable missions.

Item Dump Data

[via psupedia]

Official Confirmations

• This list below highlights green colors for items of Official Confirmations. 
• Licensing Issues for InternationalRelease
  • Bikini Models
  • Pizza Hut Room Items (Cheese-kun) Weapons, Outfits
  • Fanta Room Items, Fanta Quiz Battle Mission
  • Mobage Town Weapons
  • Hatsune Miku Outfits, Hairstyle, Leek Weapons
  • Gemaga Side Scrolling Mission***
  • Moyashimon, Ocha-ken, Pa-Panda! Room Items
  • Evangelion Plugsuits and Weapons
  • Famitsu, Dengeki, Connect!On Magazine Weapons
  • Fate Stay/Night Costumes and Weapons
  • Manga Artists (To Love-Ru, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Pyu to Fuku Jaguar)

 Looks like a good chance Magical Princess outfit will stay!

Luckily the game features collaborations within Sega’s franchises, so we expect, Resonance of Fate, and Valkyria Chronicles 2 to be saved. Additionally some of the items listed above may have a chance of appearing in the game, particularly the Manga Artists weapons and clothing. In reality the artist’s items may be based on a particular Manga but are actually original designs.

Extra missions like the Gemaga in particular can be rebranded to remove the tie-in sponsorship. That’s of course if downloadable missions will appear in the game. We know it was a devastating loss for Phantasy Star Portable 1 to remove such content.

Gravure Japan Bikini Models

Ruby Eclipse of Sega has been pretty vocal that they are striving to keep as much content as they can within the game. For example, the Gravure Japan room items in the Japanese version features women, some as young as 13  years old wearing nothing but bikinis. These items are optionally included within the game where a player must input a numerical password to receive them. Sega of America has instead held an art contest to replace this content:

the exact wall scrolls were originally for the bikini models in the Japanese version. Since we weren’t able to offer them in the west due to licensing, we decided to go with the next best thing – instead of cutting the items completely, we’ve replaced them and are letting the fans get their own content up there.

While some items getting cut will always be a reality of any game with deep licensing partnerships, I hope that fans can at least appreciate that we’re going to great lengths to try and replace that content in positive ways… ~Ruby Eclipse

In addition to a previous forum post Ruby Eclipse states:

I’ve been trying (and will continue) to push to get as much as possible in the US version.

Because of licensing issues it’s really hard sometimes, and PSZ is a good example of this – but there are people fighting to try and get this stuff included in our version too, and I just want to make that point known. ~Ruby Eclipse

So there you have it! We understand PSPo2 obviously can’t keep everything that is included within the Japanese version. As long as there is an effort to try to keep as much as possible, whether that be costumes, items, and downloadable missions and events, it will make Phantasy Star Portable 2 a sufficient replacement for the closing of PSU’s PC/PS2 servers.