First Phantasy Star Online 2 screenshots and trailer

Hack n’ slash MMO Phantasy Star Online has got quite the legacy. For many console gamers back in the early 00’s it was their first taste of MMOs, or in a lot of cases just online gaming in general. As such, it holds a special place in a lot of peoples hearts despite the fact the series has never really managed to retain that “wow” factor that made the original game so influential. And while there’s been plenty of spin-offs over the years such as the truly bizarre C.A.R.D Revolution, the very successful Monster Hunter “inspired” Phantasy Star Portable and the ill fated Phantasy Star Universe, in the eyes of many there has never been a TRUE sequel as such.

Well that may soon change now that we finally have some footage and screenshots of the highly anticipated Phantasy Star Online 2. Previously announced way back at TGS last year with nothing but a teaser trailer and a logo, it’s nice that we now have a chance to see if PSO2 is more than just another cheap rehash of the original. So how does it look?

In my opinion? Pretty damm fine. A considerably faster paced combat system than before, fluid and elaborate attack animations, a higher degree of movement (OMG JUMPING), a much more traditional/practical User Interface and some truly gargantuan swords all point towards PSO2 being one to watch.

At the moment it’s only scheduled for a PC release, but given the current state of that market outside of Japan I wouldn’t be too shocked at a PS3/Xbox360 port popping up before long. Sadly the launch date is still TBA, which is often MMO developer speak for “Hell if we know”.