Updated Sept 20, 2008
Sega has launched the official site for Phantasy Star Zero. There isn't much new information from the previous blog entry but now you can see clearer screenshots and artwork for the game. Here we will break down the official site and translate some aspects of the game. Preorder through Amazon Japan to receive a discount.
Tokyo Game Show 2008
Phantasy Star Zero will appear at TGS 2008. New character artwork gives a brief glimpse of what the other 6 unannounced classes might look like.
It Begins With Zero
Phantasy Star Zero is a brand new game based on the original Phantasy Star Online. The meaning behind the title "Phantasy Star Zero" serves as a "return to the starting point," the beginning of a new adventure. Let's take a look at several locations you'll be visiting on your journey throughout the game:
Glacea Ravine
Ozett Swamp
Dylon City
Story Mode and Co-Op Play
Similar to Phantasy Star Portable, PS0 will feature its own original story mode where you'll be able to create your own character choosing from the three races; Human, Newman, Android (Cast). You will also choose from one of the 14 different character classes to play as. The stage will be set to take place on the "Earth" and the "Moon". Story Mode will feature the typical RPG setting.
A FOnewearl casts technics to support other players.
For Co op play, you'll be able to play with up to 4 players through Nintendo Wi-Fi. This game will feature beautiful 3D graphics and will challenge the limits of the Nintendo DS.
Action Palette System
During gameplay, the Action Palette System will be featured on the bottom screen. It was designed to be familiar among older players. The action palette system will also include powered up actions. You will have up to 3 combo attacks, including "evasion" to avoid enemy attacks and a "cumulative attack" where you continuously press buttons.
Visual Chat System
The "symbol chat" of PSO has now been enhanced into a "visual chat" in PS0. Using the stylus pen, players will be able to communicate with others by writing or drawing on the touch screen. You'll be able to choose from different types of chat bubbles including normal, shout and thought bubbles.
Phantasy Star Zero will allow you to save "shortcuts" of what other players drew. Share your artistic works to other players. The screenshot above shows another look at what has been revealed during Sega Consumer Brand New Title Presentation.
Release and Information
Title: Phantasy Star Zero
System Console: Nintendo DS
Release Date: Winter 2009 (U.S)
Price: Unknown
Character Designer: Toshiyuki Kubooka
[via official site translations]
[and; famitsu translations]
[and; espiokaos translations]
[and; psow name of location translations]
