Just How good is PSO2 overall after 7 years?

[StreetFighter2242]

I'll be quick I'm wondering if PSO2 is still good despite being 7 years old...... I'm also wondering that since we also indeed live in a era where MMO's die out very quickly if it will survive in the west.....Because if not......RIP Phantasy Star.....

[ArcaneTechs]

Its all downhill from here bobby

[Kondibon]

It arguably got better.

[Stormwalker]

I'll be quick I'm wondering if PSO2 is still good despite being 7 years old...... I'm also wondering that since we also indeed live in a era where MMO's die out very quickly if it will survive in the west.....Because if not......RIP Phantasy Star.....

It's still a lot of fun to play in a lot of ways. It also still has a lot of flaws. Some of the flaws it had at the start have been improved, some have been exacerbated (the biggest in my opinion being the way everything revolves around scheduled Emergency Quests) On the whole, I think it's a better game than it was when it launched.

[Flatflyer]

PSO2 is one of the only MMOs I've played that uses a combat system that feels fast paced and fluid other than Warframe (which is more of a third person shooter, so theres still a significant difference) and its the main reason why I come back to and enjoy this game, as long as they dont mess up the combat at any future point then I think the game will do fine.

of course the actual progression of stuff needs some work, EQs are very time sensitive and force you to pull out of whatever you're doing to hop onto it at a scheduled time just to actually progress your gear near endgame, but I think with the intoduction of ultra hard free fields we have some better options that arent time sensitive which makes things feel a lot nicer.

overall EP6 is pushing the game in a good path and im sure as long as it continues the way is has, the game will still live, even in the West assuming nothing is changed on that server.

[StreetFighter2242]

PSO2 is one of the only MMOs I've played that uses a combat system that feels fast paced and fluid other than Warframe (which is more of a third person shooter, so theres still a significant difference) and its the main reason why I come back to and enjoy this game, as long as they dont mess up the combat at any future point then I think the game will do fine.

of course the actual progression of stuff needs some work, EQs are very time sensitive and force you to pull out of whatever you're doing to hop onto it at a scheduled time just to actually progress your gear near endgame, but I think with the intoduction of ultra hard free fields we have some better options that arent time sensitive which makes things feel a lot nicer.

overall EP6 is pushing the game in a good path and im sure as long as it continues the way is has, the game will still live, even in the West assuming nothing is changed on that server.

I hope so

[Dark Mits]

How would each of you try to tackle the issue of the game's dependence on EQs? We have to consider the following:

- If EQs were "active" all the time and without limitation, for example like Free Fields, then the rewards from them would have to be reduced significantly
- If EQs were "active" all the time but each player had a limit per day (for example only 3 runs per day per type of EQ), players would rush these runs when they login and players who do not login during rush hours would have trouble finding groups, similar to how it is hard to find a group if you login at x:20 and later.
- If EQs frequency was increased so that there's one every hour, Sega would again have to reduce quantity of rewards, there would be massive burnout and players would end up not caring at all after a couple of days/weeks.
- If EQs were limited to "triggers", then it would be a massive chore to find up 11 others for the average player, especially in a game where people show that they dislike socializing. I know that rematches are 4man, but these do not feel like massive scale battles (12man don't feel either, but they're the best the game currently offers).

[Kondibon]

How would each of you try to tackle the issue of the game's dependence on EQs?

By adding relevent non-eq content alongside them, or multiple relevant EQs on the schedule at once. The problem isn't EQs existing, it's a single EQ being the only current worthwhile content. They're kinda getting better about that, but with the way content, equipment progression, and grouping up works, there isn't really a lot of relevant stuff in older content.

I can't speak for everyone but when I complain about the game's reliance on EQs, I just mean that there's often no way to meaningfully progress while no EQs are going on, not that the EQs themselves are a bad idea. I guess farming emper embrace and meseta works. Zara weapons for Doom Break II if you're crazy.

[Zyrusticae]

Biggest issue with the game currently, and this is related to the EQ dependency, is the sheer uselessness of the vast majority of the game's content. Advance Quests, Extreme Quests, Challenge Quests, etc., etc. - it's pretty much all completely useless outside of getting that weekly meseta. There's no reason to visit it basically ever.

If there's a PSO3, my biggest wish besides HANDS WITH FINGERS THAT MOVE is them figuring out how to keep every game mode relevant going forward instead of just becoming completely pointless and irrelevant over time.

[Dark Mits]

@Kondibon: You just gave me an idea. What if equipment, all equipment including weapons and units, was also available as CFs or through stone collection, with this CF/collection progressing with every single bit of content cleared at a very small rate, but with EQs progressing it at a significantly higher rate?

For example I could select CF to get Lightstream Sword. Clearing ARKS Quest at SH increases it by 0.01% (before RDR bonuses). Clearing XH Free Field progresses it by 0.1%. Clearing any EQ progresses it 0.3%, and clearing the EQ tied to it (Specter of Destruction) progresses it by 2%.
This way equipment can be acquired with all content done, but the EQ would remain the best way by a significant margin to speed up the acquisition (since the EQ gives the highest progress, and also has a chance to drop it as a spoil)

Of course the numbers above are for example purposes only.

[zandra117]

I feel like pso2 went uphill from episode 1 through 3. the story went downhill in episode 4 while keeping good gameplay. the gameplay went downhill in episode 5 though the story was an improvement over episode 4. so far episode 6 feels like an improvement in both story and gameplay. I feel like we've finally returned to the level of fun that the game had at the end of episode 3 when mining base demise released.

[StreetFighter2242]

People not socializing in a social game? Where does the time go?


That's kind of a shame, I feel that the main draw of PSO2 is the multiplayer of course the same can be said for any MMO (Especially FF11 :) ) But there's something about it that draws you in. But I guess the game is more of a Solo game Like from PSO onwards Not that going at it alone is a bad thing... (I'll admit, being a lone hero is cool sometimes) I don't mean to sound so biased but I at least feel they are Phantasy Star Games when it comes to the multiplayer (Most definitely when it comes to fighting Dark Falz and friends.) even if it's for a short while.

[ArcaneTechs]

People not socializing in a social game? Where does the time go?


That's kind of a shame, I feel that the main draw of PSO2 is the multiplayer of course the same can be said for any MMO (Especially FF11 :) ) But there's something about it that draws you in. But I guess the game is more of a Solo game Like from PSO onwards Not that going at it alone is a bad thing... (I'll admit, being a lone hero is cool sometimes) I don't mean to sound so biased but I at least feel they are Phantasy Star Games when it comes to the multiplayer (Most definitely when it comes to fighting Dark Falz and friends.) even if it's for a short while.

People do all this in game though, even today. Naturally more prevelant in teams and certain blocks

[Maulcun]

A little boring and no innovation. But... The gameplay remains incredible, although the game does not have many fun things to do nowadays. Episodes 1,2 and 3 were the best episodes of this game.

Many people still play PSO2 because they love their characters more than the game itself.

[GHNeko]

game's still good

balance has been questionable a handful of times

[jooozek]

9/10 if you are new
1/10 if you are jaded
7/10 if you come back once every few months

[Kondibon]

@Kondibon: You just gave me an idea. What if equipment, all equipment including weapons and units, was also available as CFs or through stone collection, with this CF/collection progressing with every single bit of content cleared at a very small rate, but with EQs progressing it at a significantly higher rate?

For example I could select CF to get Lightstream Sword. Clearing ARKS Quest at SH increases it by 0.01% (before RDR bonuses). Clearing XH Free Field progresses it by 0.1%. Clearing any EQ progresses it 0.3%, and clearing the EQ tied to it (Specter of Destruction) progresses it by 2%.
This way equipment can be acquired with all content done, but the EQ would remain the best way by a significant margin to speed up the acquisition (since the EQ gives the highest progress, and also has a chance to drop it as a spoil)

Of course the numbers above are for example purposes only.I meant more like the game needs something other than getting good weapons and affixes as evergreen rewards that are still useful to equipment progression. I'm fine with things like lightstream, which will likely be BIS for most, if not all of episode 6, being tied to specific content. Even something as simple as adding new things like weapon badges to old trade in shops would be nice.

Something as simple as adding weapon badges to old trade in shops like they did with Pyroxines would be nice. That way they can have a consolidated collection of evergreen rewards for older content in the weapon badge shops instead of needing to tie everything to specific content. In fact going through and updating the rewards for old stone shops in general would probably help. I would live my life in XQs if I could get the units as accessories (that's not really progression, but you get what I mean). Maybe make it so the lumimech trials or whatever give gold badges instead of cubes. Just little things like that.

The only thing I want for CFs is for them to add some sort of equivalent to the 13* pet CFs for normal weapons, but I don't know what weapons it would be for, since you can just buy good 14*s now.

[isCasted]

A lot of the game's issues, even the most inane ones like the old control scheme, have been fixed since the game's release. There's still plenty room for improvement (skill tree system is still garbage, units are still a complete mess to set up etc), but the progress is undeniable, and EP6 clearly has more to come.

Content-wise, EP3-5 had been a complete drip-feed (but at least EP3 offered some fantastic memories with UQs and TD4; EP4-5 were largely repetitive and mediocre at their best). But, once again, after mere 2 months into EP6 I already see some massive improvement in the quality of quest and enemy design, as well as content pacing. It's like the game is finally starting to become what it was always meant to be. As long as we get more UQs, UH for more quests (UQs especially so, been waiting for UH Nab since they nerfed the enemy AI to the ground), more things to do outside of EQs - it's absolutely on the right track.

[Zipzo]

I'll be quick I'm wondering if PSO2 is still good despite being 7 years old...... I'm also wondering that since we also indeed live in a era where MMO's die out very quickly if it will survive in the west.....Because if not......RIP Phantasy Star.....
Wait, you mean to tell me that you haven't played PSO2 yet? Weren't you saying in the other thread how the series has jumped the shark or something?

[Anduril]

Wait, you mean to tell me that you haven't played PSO2 yet? Weren't you saying in the other thread how the series has jumped the shark or something?
From what I can tell, he's only played the classic Phantasy Star games.

[StreetFighter2242]

Wait, you mean to tell me that you haven't played PSO2 yet? Weren't you saying in the other thread how the series has jumped the shark or something?

Yes i was.....But i did some reviewing and tbh it's not all bad, I mean the other stuff is just cosmetic (I wish Ep 4 was though.) and doesn't really affect the gam,e that much.... As long as the game play holds up, i'm cool with it.

[StreetFighter2242]

From what I can tell, he's only played the classic Phantasy Star games.


Pretty much yes

[Sizustar]

Pretty much yes

You do know that unless you live in China, there is no region blocking for the official version, and there is a english translation team that has alot of content already translated into English and you can just try it out yourself instead making assumption?

[StreetFighter2242]

You do know that unless you live in China, there is no region blocking for the official version, and there is a english translation team that has alot of content already translated into English and you can just try it out yourself instead making assumption?


Yeah I would if I could but I can't... I really can't explain the details of my current situation here, (Let's just say it is REALLY impossible for me under current circumstances to do what you have suggested which i already know of.) and I can simply check out the game on YT so "just assuming" doesn't exactly apply unless of course the lewd stuff in EP4 is just me "assuming " what I was seeing.

And even if I have the opportunity to play at this second I'm not interested in getting a criminal record for violating foreign TOS policy, nor I would be willing to learn a second entire language just to play a videogame, I rather just wait for the upcoming official release rather than to give law enforcement a excuse to put me in prison of my own accord, sorry if you feel offended or if you feel I'm just blowing this out of proportion or as you say "Assuming" but that is just how I see it happening.

I have without a doubt that PSO2 is an amazing game in it's own right. But I refuse to break the law in order to play just one game

[Kondibon]

And even if I have the opportunity to play at this second I'm not interested in getting a criminal record for violating foreign TOS policy, nor I would be willing to learn a second entire language just to play a videogame, I rather just wait for the upcoming official release rather than to give law enforcement a excuse to put me in prison of my own accord, sorry if you feel offended or if you feel I'm just blowing this out of proportion or as you say "Assuming" but that is just how I see it happening.

I have without a doubt that PSO2 is an amazing game in it's own right. But I refuse to break the law in order to play just one gameHold up, hold up, hold up. You think breaking a ToS is ILLEGAL?

EDIT: To clarify, unless you do something illegal while setting up your account (using a real address that's not yours or something), you aren't breaking the law by playing the game. A ToS is just a list of rules you "agree" to in order to use the service, the most they can do is deny you the service. Lying about breaking the warranty on something you're returning would be more illegal than breaking the ToS in a game.

[Anduril]

Hold up, hold up, hold up. You think breaking a ToS is ILLEGAL?

With that mentality, I'm surprised he would even be on a forum that openly discusses how to perform the "illegal act of violating a foreign ToS" and be an accomplice to those who would do so through said discussion.

[StreetFighter2242]

Hold up, hold up, hold up. You think breaking a ToS is ILLEGAL?

EDIT: To clarify, unless you do something illegal while setting up your account (using a real address that's not yours or something), you aren't breaking the law by playing the game. A ToS is just a list of rules you "agree" to in order to use the service, the most they can do is deny you the service. Lying about breaking the warranty on something you're returning would be more illegal than breaking the ToS in a game.


True... But. . I don't see the urgency in getting to a party wasn't invited in to begin with

[StreetFighter2242]

With that mentality, I'm surprised he would even be on a forum that openly discusses how to perform the "illegal act of violating a foreign ToS" and be an accomplice to those who would do so through said discussion.

Well that and the fact that it's really not to my tastes.

[Kondibon]

I guess I should also mention that in most places, ToS aren't considered legally binding contracts so you couldn't be sued as a "breach of contract" either. The only way you could end up in jail for breaking a ToS is if the thing you did to break it is illegal independent of the ToS.


True... But. . I don't see the urgency in getting to a party wasn't invited in to begin with

I mean, that's fair, and plenty of people don't like the idea of playing a game it's against the ToS for them to be playing. It just feels like you have a lot to say about the game and "the direction it's going" without having actually played it. There's skimpy outfits and stuff in it, but that's not all there is to the game.

[ArcaneTechs]

everytime you login to play PSO2, you're breaking international laws

https://66.media.tumblr.com/bad671d3d321a0d4c359ebb7320f2919/tumblr_np6pvywbfU1qbdjqao1_400.gif

[Flatflyer]

How would each of you try to tackle the issue of the game's dependence on EQs? We have to consider the following:

Its completely my personal opinion but I think it'd be neat if triggers could drop from other 24/7 content in the game in addition to the current system, perhaps drops of specific triggers could be increased or decided based upon the region/field the quest takes place in. (for example, you could get triggers for Elder from Naberius more often, Mining Base from Lilipa more often etc.) and also the difficulty/type of quest (SH AQ's could have a further boosted drop rate for example), this would allow people to play both new and old EQs on their own time.

Of course ideally all of these EQs should drop stuff that is somewhat relevant, like how when 14* drops were first being added, some were able to drop off of older bosses like loser and PD for example. an alternative solution would be to just have all the EQs drop some general "EQ currency" like the crests we've been getting that you can use to purchase relevant gear and stuff

Getting players would definitely be the hardest part to tackle, the only thing I could think of other than keeping the current trigger system would be to make it more like extreme passes where everyone would need a trigger to enter (drop rates for them would likely have to be higher then), and it would just matchmake you with other people who have triggers. I think making stuff like EQ boss health scale with player count would further help with the issue of not finding a full party of people, since you could start with a lower player count and as long as everyone pulls their own weight you can still clear it.

[StreetFighter2242]

I guess I should also mention that in most places, ToS aren't considered legally binding contracts so you couldn't be sued as a "breach of contract" either. The only way you could end up in jail for breaking a ToS is if the thing you did to break it is illegal independent of the ToS.



I mean, that's fair, and plenty of people don't like the idea of playing a game it's against the ToS for them to be playing. It just feels like you have a lot to say about the game and "the direction it's going" without having actually played it. There's skimpy outfits and stuff in it, but that's not all there is to the game.



I'm well aware... But there's the fact that people only play it for different reasons, it being a PS game isn't one of them.

But that's fine ... There's indeed a lot more to the game

And I'll be honest with you... I really have no issue with the skimpy outfits and whatever else that is offered for females ... If the game had only that I would actually still play it.... Yes liked "WTF?" Right? But tbh I had thought I had it all figured out...but after more carful examination... It's absolutely fine.... I actually like that stuff... Hell I've played many games like it and STILL liked it, It can be whatever it wants to do... As long as the the core gameplay holds up

[Selphea]

7 years makes for a lot of junk. They need to debloat and declutter. The amount of exchanges and stones now is just ridiculous. Zieg went from like, 5 exchanges to 30 and there's a Nab UH, Nab UQ and Nab AQs which, in various episodes, served the same purpose of being a harder free field with exclusive drops.