Siliconera is reporting there will be some "western" magazine tie in items that may possibly replace the Famitsu weapons and shield. Whether these items will be re-branded or completely brand new will still have to be seen.
For the Japanese version, these magazine collaboration items could only be obtained through inputting a password within the vision phone inside your room.
Possibly Sega can create a new model to replace this Dengeki Magazine mascot.
Siliconera also reports the Valkyria Chronicles 2 weapons and uniforms are confirmed to be within the US/EU version of the game. You can take a look at a list of items that will currently have licensing issues for Sega of America and Europe.
So lets round up the news and information regarding Phantasy Star Portable 2's US and EU release. Though, I do apologize, for some reason there aren't that many news sites covering hands on impressions of the game. There are lots and lots of news regarding the E3 trailer and screenshots however. If you need information about the game ahead of time, check the sidebar which will have it's content periodically updated to reflect the English version of the game.
The trailer features the beginning Prologue which was supposed to tell of the story leading up to 3 years since Episode 3. So next we move into the climactic introduction screen. Here the music plays from the "Entrance Universe: -Living Universe REMIX-" choosing specifically the instrumental portions. So no more sing along for you!
E3 Impressions
Though we're still waiting for IGN, Kotaku, and others to post their impressions, we'll leave it to Gamespot and 2d-x. Gamespot says:
The game's visuals aren't exactly new, but they are still impressive, especially during the battle sequences where there is a lot to look at… There is also a new character class called "vanguard," which will be a hybrid of the attack classes and defense classes.
So the English version has 4 classes, Hunter, Ranger, Force, and Vanguard. Vanguard appears to be replacing the "Braver" class which is mainly used as a jack of all trades for the first three classes.
Another site, 2d-x, posted their impressions, of note:
There was also a mandatory opening cutscene that could not be skipped, with several unskippable scenes afterwords.
For 2d-X and all others out there anticipating the English version of the game. You can skip ALL cutscene (FMV or Text) by holding down the Start button.
I asked the SEGA employee on the floor if the Japanese version’s product placement tie-ins like Evangelion plugsuit armor and Pizza Hut pizza box swords would make it stateside but got a noncommittal “maybe” response.
As far as we know, Fate/Stay Night's clothes are within the game as shown in the previous E3 Interview post but here's hoping the "maybe" for the rest of the items becomes a reality.
You can read more impressions of Phantasy Star Portable 2 on 2d-x and Gamespot websites.
Meanwhile at the Hall of Japan…
Challenge 2 Stage 2: The Mind's eye has already kicked off in full gear. Take out your shields and block your way to glory. Make sure to finish the Challenge 2 Stage 1 to access this mission.
If you are really good, you may be able to damage enemies by using gimmicks.
To recap; this new download mission has players attacking by using shields. If you block at the same time an enemy attacks you, they will receive damage. Sakai says to pay attention to the elemental attribute of the shield and be sure to choose the opposite against the enemy. You can download this mission now for the Japanese Phantasy Star Portable 2.
Sega of Japan is kicking off another item design contest!
Oh my a non-japanese related post; Gamespot released a video interview of Brody Phillips, Producer for Phantasy Star Portable 2. He informs us that at E3 that the Trial version will be available. Watching the video we noted of some changes for the U.S version from the Japanese version.
Notes from E3 Video
Clad 6 becomes official term for the Resort Colony.
AutoWord (Automatic Text) is available.
Seabed Relics becomes Undersea Relics.
Fate/Stay Night clothing is available.
Koltova Suit clothing is available.
Lack of voices for text scenes.
Infrastructure and Ad-hoc available.
Extra Mode becomes Tactical Missions
Free Missions become Open Missions
Voice for Emilia (sounds like Pre4kids:Amy Rose)
My only gripe from this E3 video is the lack of voices for text scenes. The Japanese version has voices for pretty much every chapter's text scene. Other than that, we're happy to see that some Fate Stay Night costumes will make an appearance.
