Well finally Producer Sakai, whom I nicknamed as “Mr. Beat around the bush” finally spilled the beans on some game changing aspects. Shougai PSO also updated and this post will reflect what was stated in both areas for clearer understanding.

• Photon Arts Changes
  • You will not level photon arts as you did in PSU and PSP1.
  • Photon Art Disks will include the Photon Art with a level attached to it.
  • You can find Photon Art Disks in missions, shops, or as a reward for achieving a title.
  • You will remember ALL photon arts you have ever learned, (side note: The 36 PA cap would be removed).
  • Details uncertain about what Photon Arts each class can use.
    

• Common Storage Box
  • The Common Storage Box can be shared by all your characters.
  • You can access the common storage box  at any shop.
  • While you are in a mission, you can send extra, unnecessary items to the common storage box, even if you are full.
  • Sending an item while in a mission is free!
  • The Max number of items stored in the storage box is 1000.
  • The max stack of items in the storage box now becomes 999.

• No Grinders!
  • You will not use Upgrade Grinders to grind a weapon.
  • Instead you will grind them by paying with meseta!
  • The price is based on the “Grade” and the number of times you can grind the weapon.
    
  • The numerical value to strengthen your weapon is still random.
  • Some items can change if  you grind them (side note: similar to the PSP1 weapon “Beefedge Raria” becomes Beefedge Media )
  • There is a secret the producer doesn’t want to say at this time.

• Drop Item Icons
  • Similar to PSZero, the drop icon changed into an 8 sided shape (octahedron).
  • Rare Item is still a red box.
  • A rainbow colored shining box was also added.

End notes

Well I believe that paying for “weapon grinds” with Meseta is just for convenience. In Phantasy Star Universe, it’s a pretty annoying process to first match the grinding grade, buy the grinder base, synth the grinder, then carry said weapon and grinders to the specific planet who manufactured the weapon, then grind the weapon (and pray it doesn’t fail).

I don’t think Phantasy Star Universe players will be happy about the Photon Art change. At least it stops us from AFK bullet leveling. (Darn you Sega!)

[via pspo:2 blog]