Author: Ricardo

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]

Well I guess this is part of the "new information" the Rappy kid was talking about on the official blog. I'm sure there will be more news as the day progresses. This Gamespot article pretty much sums up everything that was revealed already and adds some minor new elements. The mission counter shows us exactly which monsters and what weapons will appear. The article also includes new screenshots for the default characters.

Charge Shot Animation

When you use charge shots, your character will perform a new animation. Let's take a look at the charge shot animations.

 

Handgun

Twin Handgun (jump backwards)

Rifle

Note the amount of PP each charge shot use. Since this game does not have any photon charges, you shouldn't constantly use Charge Shots all the time.

 

Notable Screenshots

A Ground elemental Shield.

 

Neutral Elemental Shield
About 20 PP is consumed when the shield blocks enemy attacks. 

Shop

The "Variety Shop"

 

This counter shares the same logo as the makeup counter.
Though AMY talks about how cute her wand is.. 

Just Guard Updates

• Shougai PSO updated information related to Just Guard.
  • Just Guard can only be performed with the shield.
  • You can not use Just Guard with two handed weapons, but you can still defend with them.
  • While defending with two handed weapons, the damage received is reduced.

Official Blog Updates 8/31 – 9/1/09

• Improved enemy AI, to make formidable opponents.
• 3 times the number of missions than the previous game.
• New fields, new boss, new items, new weapons…
• He hints that characters from the previous game will appear in this game.
• He asked if there was a character  from the previous games that appeared in the opening movie.
• Rappy Kid says lots of new info may be given on Thursday.

[via gamespot jp and inside-games.jp and 4gamer]

 

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My goodness, there's so much news going on!

We can confirm, Humans and Newmans do indeed receive a new summoning ability known as Mirage Blast! You can watch the Promo Video at Zoome.jp. The quality is very low though, makes me wonder if this was leaked.

Observations from the Promo Video

• I see Pal Sharks, add that to the enemy list.
• I like the Infinite Storm PA. It seems so useful.
• We get a great shot of Clad 6.
• Photon Arts and Charge Shots take a huge chunk of PP.

[via rexenos]

Official Blog Updates 8/29 – 8/30/09

I realize there is a Rappy kid who blogs on the official site. His posts are marked by an image of a baby Rappy from Phantasy Star Zero. He says he's in charge of advertising PSPo:2.  He's supposed to be all cutesy saying things like, "kyunkyun" and "uuuu". It  seems he can't give away too much information.

• Blah Blah Blah Propaganda!
• Rappy Kid talks about the game's advertising slogan. "Advance with 4 people, Evolved RPG!"
• He says this game is great playing alone, but it's best with 4 people.
• Something new to come out around Monday of next week.