Site Update for January 27th

[Ryna]

The System and Screenshot areas were updated this week. In the "System" area, new information about "Extra Mode" was released. Also, it seems we will be able to infer some things from the screenshots.

If someone could extract the images and provide translations, I'll work on a front page news story later.

[Lovejuice]

Images from 'system' base (I'm not sure if these are actually new, but I don't remember seeing them before):

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftix.jpghttp://i1.tinypic.com/mmfuqg.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftlc.jpghttp://i1.tinypic.com/mmftoi.jpg

Images from 'Extra':

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftqr.jpg
Large: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex01.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftrp.jpg
Large: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex02.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmfts9.jpg
Large: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftzt.jpg
Large: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex01_p1.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftw9.jpg
Large: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex02_p1.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftww.jpg
Large: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03_p1.jpg


New Screenshots (fullsize & linked):

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_60.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_61.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_62.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_63.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_64.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_65.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_66.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_67.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_68.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_70.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_72.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_73.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Lovejuice on 2006-01-27 05:15 ]</font>

[DarK-SuN]

Not sure if anyone noticed, but some of the new pictures from the offline story mode are, apparently, using the PC version's HUD (meaning it's the PC version).
Notice how the buttons for the attacks are arrows (as in, keyboard arrows, which are the default action buttons in PSOBB and PSOPC for the action pallete) instead of the PS2 pad buttons (normally seen as square and triangle).

Also, in this pic: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
We can see what happens if you're equipping a weapon without a skill "installed"; it doesn't have the second PP using attack button normally assigned to the triangle button.

And in this pic: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg
It shows how we can use the one handed force weapon mix wielded with a handgun.
That's something I'll have to update in the weapons guide.

In this pic: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg
We also see the brother on the right with a dual wield handgun equipped (hurray for everyone who wants to use handguns akimbo style).
Yet another update in the weapons guide for me to do.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DarK-SuN on 2006-01-27 06:06 ]</font>

[Dhylec]

Well, Maya using a red slicer, or sawcer, should confirm the weapon's existence. ;]

[Ryna]

I'll offer some thoughts on those screenshots:

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex02.jpg
That is the best shot we've ever seen of a Partner card.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
Cool, a weapon without a special attack and Maya is using a slicer (as mentioned by Dhylec and Dark-Sun)

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03_p1.jpg
I never realized Lou was that short

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_61.jpg
As Dark-Sun mentioned, this picture has arrow key directions for PC use

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_67.jpg
It looks like Jellen has been cast on the party.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_68.jpg
Onma Gohg has a rock-throwing attack.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg
These guys look cool, whoever they are.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg
You can dual wield one of the Force weapons with a gun (as mentioned by Dark-Sun). Also, we get to see where some of the spels have been shortcutted.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_72.jpg
I do not recognize the weapon icon here. Is Ethan using a Knuckle weapon?

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_73.jpg
Awww......Bil De Bear killed Lou! Bad Bear! Also, I think that is an item box in the background.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg
It looks like the Vol Brothers have Shifta cast on them.

[OdinTyler]

On 2006-01-27 06:11, Ryna wrote:
I'll offer some thoughts on those screenshots:

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex02.jpg
That is the best shot we've ever seen of a Partner card.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
Cool, a weapon without a special attack and Maya is using a slicer (as mentioned by Dhylec and Dark-Sun)

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03_p1.jpg
I never realized Lou was that short

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_61.jpg
As Dark-Sun mentioned, this picture has arrow key directions for PC use

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_67.jpg
It looks like Jellen has been cast on the party.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_68.jpg
Onma Gohg has a rock-throwing attack.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg
These guys look cool, whoever they are.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg
You can dual wield one of the Force weapons with a gun (as mentioned by Dark-Sun). Also, we get to see where some of the spels have been shortcutted.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_72.jpg
I do not recognize the weapon icon here. Is Ethan using a Knuckle weapon?

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_73.jpg
Awww......Bil De Bear killed Lou! Bad Bear! Also, I think that is an item box in the background.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg
It looks like the Vol Brothers have Shifta cast on them.


I can add some insight & opinion here:

1. The Partner Card does look good, Ill agree.
2. Thats actually may not be a slicer. It might be a dagger. The daggers I used were short like we're used to. Not trying to disagree here. I hope it IS a slicer. However, shes holding the handle, which makes me infer a dagger, much like the red box rare daggers from PSO.
3. Yep, Lou is real short. You best see that in those SUV pics posted awhile back. You can tell shes a midget. Cute! http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif
4. Definitely PC. I dont need to comment here.
5. If Jellen is in, the other support techs shouldnt be far behind. Good news indeed!
6. I love that rock attack! Thats gonna be fun to dodge. LOL
7. Im guessing those are assassins that work directly for Magashi. They may appear human, but, I believe theyre most likely androids. That or theyre guardians of the COG. Cant get a real feel for where that background is.
8. The spell appears to be Gifoie. Im sure you can put up all types of spells tho.
9. I dont think its a knuckle. The small box reminds me of the handgun target. Seeing as how is left arm is positioned, I think hes firing at semi-close range.
10. Yep, Bil De Bears are bad. But, Ill be sure to help make them PAY! http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif
11. Supposedly, the Vol Brothers are supposed to be a bunch of clowns. Maybe thats deceptive on their part to lull their enemies into a false sense of security? That or they really NEED Shifta as their attacks blow? LOL

[lostinseganet]

Is this the new rappy????
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg
Ewwww????

[OdinTyler]

Awww, those things are cute with their big green eyes. Im sure they might just be native to Moatoob. Good guess on them being 'the new Rappy' as you can see it from their feet. Wonder what those lil furballs are called? Slappies? Yeah, Ill SLAP 'em alright! http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

[Olskooldatru]

See from what im seeing now i have a better understanding of the weapons guide.

[OdinTyler]

Also, remember, you get 3 regular attack hits per hand. So, lets go with Ethan's saber & handgun equip set up. You could attack with his right hand 3x, then switch to his left handgun & attack with that 3x. There will be a slight pause inbetween, but, you can pull off 6 hits that way. I also noticed that the saber has a special attack where you get 2 power hits. So, you can basically pull off an 8 hit 'combo'. Thats not counting techs or Photon Arts (which werent accessible when I played). Theres gonna be ALOT to play around with & those are just 2 possible weps to use of MANY.

[Kimil]

Hmm.... I think, judging by these shots, that Humans DO havfe a special Look at the yellow bar under Ethan's info bar.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_60.jpg

Does anyone know what that bar is for? because we know that the blue bar on the right is the TP bar, so what is that yellow one?

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 06:41, OdinTyler wrote:
2. Thats actually may not be a slicer. It might be a dagger. The daggers I used were short like we're used to. Not trying to disagree here. I hope it IS a slicer. However, shes holding the handle, which makes me infer a dagger, much like the red box rare daggers from PSO.
9. I dont think its a knuckle. The small box reminds me of the handgun target. Seeing as how is left arm is positioned, I think hes firing at semi-close range.


2. The only thing that makes me think it is a slicer is because she appears to be holding it the wrong way. It looks like the weapon extends away from her hand. On all of the dagger pictures we've seen, the blade is like a hook. Depending on the position of the hand, a dagger should be perpendicular to the to the arm or curve back toward it.

Dagger:
http://www.pso-world.com/images/psu/weapons/dagger.jpg

Slicer?
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg

That isn't enough to say it is a slicer for sure, but it is interesting to speculate.

9. You can also see the icon here:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg

That isn't a normal Handgun icon. You can see the regular one here:
http://www.pso-world.com/images/psu/weapons/handgun_i.jpg

After looking at the "Battle Of" video again, I'm pretty sure these are Knuckles. If you go to the 56-58 second mark in the video, you can see Ethan using Knuckles. The icon in the video and the picture are almost identical. Another thing to note is that Ethan appears to be in Subjective Viewpoint Mode in this picture. Could Knuckles be a ranged weapon? Also, what weapon is the Vol brother on the left using?

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 07:19, Kimil wrote:
Hmm.... I think, judging by these shots, that Humans DO havfe a special Look at the yellow bar under Ethan's info bar.

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_60.jpg

Does anyone know what that bar is for? because we know that the blue bar on the right is the TP bar, so what is that yellow one?


It was concluded in previous thread that the yellow bar indicates how much exp you have earned toward gaining another level.

Heh, they killed the Dr. in that picture.

[Dhylec]

2. Thats actually may not be a slicer. It might be a dagger. The daggers I used were short like we're used to. Not trying to disagree here. I hope it IS a slicer. However, shes holding the handle, which makes me infer a dagger, much like the red box rare daggers from PSO.

Well, now that you mention it, the way it is handled looks a bit different.
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

Maya holds it on the side, similiar to a tonfa, but the blade is curved like a slicer. It's unclear whether it's a true dagger or slicer - perhaps a hybrid or an all-new weapon?

[Non-Toxic-Crayons]

On 2006-01-27 06:11, Ryna wrote:

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg
You can dual wield one of the Force weapons with a gun (as mentioned by Dark-Sun). Also, we get to see where some of the spels have been shortcutted.





Looking at the spells set to shortcut... they dont seem to be any traditional spells.
they seem to say...
nosu zonde and damu foie (I dont know how those names would be americanized) New spells! =)


Also, about the slicer. My first glance said slicer, and I was really excited, but now that I look at it, I dont think its a slicer or a dagger.... I think it is a gun. If you look closely, you can see the top part running perpendicular to the photon part... It blends in with her leg so it's hard to see...


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Non-Toxic-Crayons on 2006-01-27 07:46 ]</font>

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 07:41, Non-Toxic-Crayons wrote:
Looking at the spells set to shortcut... they dont seem to be any traditional spells.
they seem to say...
nosu zonde and damu foie (I dont know how those names would be americanized) New spells! =)


New spells are to be expected. I'm eager to hear what EspioKaos has to say.



Also, about the slicer. My first glance said slicer, and I was really excited, but now that I look at it, I dont think its a slicer or a dagger.... I think it is a gun. If you look closely, you can see the top part running perpendicular to the photon part... It blends in with her leg so it's hard to see...


Did you look at this screenshot?
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

You can see the edge of the weapon there. You can also see there is a slight bend in the weapon. That wouldn't be good for a gun...

[Dark_Heal_v2]

I notice the enemies now have Lv.s as well, that should add a lot of dept in the game compared to fighting the exact enemies over and over again in PSO.

[Yummi]

On 2006-01-27 07:19, Kimil wrote:
Hmm.... I think, judging by these shots, that Humans DO havfe a special Look at the yellow bar under Ethan's info bar.

Does anyone know what that bar is for? because we know that the blue bar on the right is the TP bar, so what is that yellow one?


Maybe the yellowbar is exp, but check out the screenshots on extra mode when it shows the newman female. There is an extra segmented bar below the exp bar tho it's not filled in. Maybe that's the specials bar.

[OdinTyler]

Well, we can all agree that the weps look cool. Ryna, I think you & I were looking at 2 different ppl. I was looking at the person in the background & Im guessing you werent? Maybe thats the difference here. It could be a dagger or a slicer? Either way, it looks lethal as hell.

[Non-Toxic-Crayons]

Also, about the slicer. My first glance said slicer, and I was really excited, but now that I look at it, I dont think its a slicer or a dagger.... I think it is a gun. If you look closely, you can see the top part running perpendicular to the photon part... It blends in with her leg so it's hard to see...


Did you look at this screenshot?
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

You can see the edge of the weapon there. You can also see there is a slight bend in the weapon. That wouldn't be good for a gun...



I see what you are talking about. Though it doesnt look like a shape that could be used for a slicer or a dagger either... I guess we'll see



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Non-Toxic-Crayons on 2006-01-27 08:00 ]</font>

[OdinTyler]

If it were a dagger, I agree, it would strike differently. If it were a slicer, it wouldnt throw exactly right. You know what? When someone said it was a tonfa it got me thinking, what if its under a claw sub-section? You hold a tonfa in your hand & it extends so youd club someone with it. Throw in a curve & you could have a 1 bladed wep that acts as a claw would. It wouldnt so much have the atk pow that a claw would. However, it would make for an excellent defensive wep. Thoughts?

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 07:57, OdinTyler wrote:
Well, we can all agree that the weps look cool. Ryna, I think you & I were looking at 2 different ppl. I was looking at the person in the background & Im guessing you werent? Maybe thats the difference here. It could be a dagger or a slicer? Either way, it looks lethal as hell.


Just to clear things up:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_72.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg

I'm looking at the green icon in the lower-righthand corner. I'm fairly sure it is a Knuckle.

In these images, I'm looking at Maya's hand:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

I guess it should be classified as an "unknown" weapon for now. It could be a Tonfa

Also, I am wondering what the leftmost Vol Brother is holding in this image:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg

EDIT: In my excitement, I forgot to thank LoveJuice for providing the pictures. So...thanks LoveJuice. These are very nice images.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ryna on 2006-1-27 8:09 ]</font>

[Non-Toxic-Crayons]

I think he is holding a knuckle, If you look at it, he has an identical weapon on both hands. Interesting looking knuckle if that is what it is O_o

Unless you meant their left, in which case I would say handgun.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Non-Toxic-Crayons on 2006-01-27 08:13 ]</font>

[EspioKaos]

On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex01.jpg

Face - 5
Eyes - 6
Eyebrows - 19
Eyelashes - 13
Ears - 3
Hair - 17
Body Suit - 5
Skin Color - slider
Proportion - slider



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex02.jpg

Here are the PCs that this character, Amy, has on her:

Hyuga Ryght
Karen Erra
Leogini Santosa Berafort
Maya Shidow
Lucaim Nav
Tonnio Rhima
Lou

And here's Lou's PC:

Lou
Cast - Female
Hunter
==============
I am Lou of the Information and Research Department. I don't particularly have any interest in you, however, that will be fine for the time being.



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote: http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg

Lou is saying, "This is a very powerful enemy. Please be careful."



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_60.jpg

Enemy: Vahra
Photon Art: Tornado Break



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_61.jpg

Enemy: Distoba
Photon Art: Rising Strike



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_62.jpg

Enemy: Gol Dolba



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_63.jpg

Enemy: De Ragan
Photon Art: Tornado Break
Karen: "Waber! Where are you?"



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_64.jpg

Photon Art: Tornado Break



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_65.jpg

Enemy: Ageeta
Photon Art: Renkaibuyouzan



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_66.jpg

Enemy: Tengohg
Photon Art: Tornado Break



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_67.jpg

Photon Art: Assault Slash



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_68.jpg

Photon Art: Rising Strike



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

Enemy: Communion Guard Taguba
Maya: "Everyone split up!!"
Photon Art: Rising Strike



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_70.jpg

Enemy: Gohma Mesuna
Photon Art: Tornado Break



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_71.jpg

Enemy: Rapucha
Leogini: "This isn't a very calm situation!"
Triangle: Nosu Zonde
Square: Damu Foie



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_72.jpg

Enemy: Vanda



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_73.jpg

Enemy: Bil De Bear



On 2006-01-27 05:12, Lovejuice wrote:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_74.jpg

Enemy: Do Vol
Photon Art: Bogga Zuppa

[Lovejuice]

Ryna.. got excited? I always assumed androids were incapable of such. Teehee.

Interesting note on the 'Rappy' type enemy. And based on the lovely translations by dear EspioKaos, 'Rapucha' can't just be a simple coincidence..

I'm intrigued by the naming of the spells though - Nosu? Damu? Is this the new Default/Gi/Ra way of naming things? Although, based on screenshots of the past, we have previously seen the usage of things such as 'Gifoie' and 'Rabarta'. Very odd!

Lou's bio-data makes me chuckle. Oh those cheeky robot people..

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Lovejuice on 2006-01-27 08:36 ]</font>

[zandra117]

The slicer looks like a photon claw seen from an angle to me.

[Kent]

Yeah, I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks it looks like a claw...

Although, it does, to a slight extent, resemble a slicer... But definately not a dagger.

[Kano-Okami]

I'm more interested in the enemy levels and how they'll be applied and how it'll play part in the difficulty modes..
Will they always be around a standard level? or does it even out the levels of the actual players to put them on par?...its very interesting..

[DeathMachine]

Where were slicers?! Which picture? I need confirmation on where they are!!

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 09:30, DeathMachine wrote:
Where were slicers?! Which picture? I need confirmation on where they are!!


Look at the red weapon Maya is holding in these pictures:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

The truth of the matter is that we do not know for sure what type of weapon it is. In those pictures, it could be a claw or another weapon altogether.

[DeathMachine]

Yay! I get to crush COG members! Stupid technique using...And Slicers are supposedly back! Yay! Oh the joy when this game finally comes out. And, didn't you see one of the videos where the photon art on knuckles is to shoot off your fists?

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 09:40, DeathMachine wrote:
Yay! I get to crush COG members! Stupid technique using...And Slicers are supposedly back! Yay! Oh the joy when this game finally comes out. And, didn't you see one of the videos where the photon art on knuckles is to shoot off your fists?


Don't take the pictures as proof that slicers are back. Also, you can see that Knuckles Photon Art in the 'Battle Of' video.

[DeathMachine]

That's why I said SUPPOSED, and not definitely

[EspioKaos]

Here's my Extra Mode section translation.

"Extra Mode" becomes available as you progress through Story Mode. In this mode, you can create your own character to play as, form a party with the chracters you've met in Story Mode, and freely set out on adventures with them.

[01] Create a character to go on adventures with! Of course, since you'll also have your own room, you'll be able to raise your own Partner Machinery, too!

[02] You can freely choose your party and stage in this mode. The character and stages you can select from increase as you play through Story Mode.

[03] There is no ending to this mode. You can continue raising and leveling up your hero and Partner Machinery to your heart's content.

[Sinue_v2]

Meh... I have a hard time believing that those things are the "new" Rappies. A Rappy variant -at best-, but Rappys are a very traditional enemy. They've been around since Phantasy Star III on the Genesis (Called Chirpers back then) and have played a prominant role in PS ever since. I don't think Sonic Team would change them so drastically. Expecially after how popular they were in PSO.

[EspioKaos]

On 2006-01-27 10:58, Sinue_v2 wrote:
Meh... I have a hard time believing that those things are the "new" Rappies. A Rappy variant -at best-, but Rappys are a very traditional enemy. They've been around since Phantasy Star III on the Genesis (Called Chirpers back then) and have played a prominant role in PS ever since. I don't think Sonic Team would change them so drastically. Expecially after how popular they were in PSO.
Right. In one of the videos where you're taken on a tour of the SonicTeam office, the camera temporarily focuses on concept art for an actual Rappy (the cute, yellow variety we're accustomed to) as well as a pink version next to it.

[MinscTFA]

This would be neat, for close combat you use it as a slashing weapon then for a special do a ranged slicer type attack.

[Ryna]

Thank you for the translations EspioKaos. It is too bad they didn't include more details about Extra Mode in the update. I think the Famitsu scans had more detail. =/

[QuadTail]

On 2006-01-27 09:34, Ryna wrote:

Look at the red weapon Maya is holding in these pictures:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/system/detail/ex03.jpg
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_69.jpg

The truth of the matter is that we do not know for sure what type of weapon it is. In those pictures, it could be a claw or another weapon altogether.



Don't you see it's not just the red bit, but also a grey bit? It covers her left leg on the first picture, and most of the right on the second one.
It reminds me of the mechguns Shino had in PSO V3...
Or is it just me?

[Rain_1]

I really believe they're some sort of claws...
Nei-Like claws..

Metal with photon glow...

that wouldn't be so bad actually.. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[OdinTyler]

Two questions:

1. The slider for skin color, is it just light to dark or can we pick other colors from the pallette?

2. These guys remind me of the Pal Shark series or even the Dimenian series:
http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_65.jpg

Does anyone else notice this?

[Ryna]

On 2006-01-27 12:32, OdinTyler wrote:
Two questions:

1. The slider for skin color, is it just light to dark or can we pick other colors from the pallette?


I think it is just light to dark based on the character creation videos I've seen.

[kazuma56]

Looks like you can dual wield daggers now. http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_65.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mmftix.jpg

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_67.jpg

http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_61.jpg

Is it just me or does it look like their are 2 types of sabers, the onces that are modeled after the "musashi" type and the others modeled after the regular PSO saber type.

As for the Slicer debate, I'm with Dhylec on this once, they look more like tonfas then either a slicer or dagger. Guess if they are, i'll make a army Cast named Amphard.

[OdinTyler]

Only light to dark? BOO! With all the colors available, they shouldve had the same pallette added to skin colors. Maybe someone wants to be weird & make someone a different color. In my case, 1 of my chars is gonna be blue (as much as Ill be allowed to be).

[Tystys]

Hmm...is it me...or did the Hp stats go down a lil bit for PSU...I remember I had some more HP when I had lvl 20 in PSO...then again, it's an entirely different game, so bleh, lol

[DizzyDi]

On 2006-01-27 10:48, EspioKaos wrote:
Here's my Extra Mode section translation.

"Extra Mode" becomes available as you progress through Story Mode. In this mode, you can create your own character to play as, form a party with the chracters you've met in Story Mode, and freely set out on adventures with them.

[01] Create a character to go on adventures with! Of course, since you'll also have your own room, you'll be able to raise your own Partner Machinery, too!

[02] You can freely choose your party and stage in this mode. The character and stages you can select from increase as you play through Story Mode.

[03] There is no ending to this mode. You can continue raising and leveling up your hero and Partner Machinery to your heart's content.



K so seems to me like ST added extra mode for those who can't or aren't going to play the online game. Somethin for the kids to do after they beat the single player mode. I take back my previous statement about how I won't be playing it, I just may. I hope they add some offline quests and what not, maybe even a whole new story line for extra mode? Nothing too epic, of course, just a small lil story to follow and some quests would be nice for extra mode.

[Buriningwolf]

It just you dude. Look at one of the pictures where Ethan is at LV. 40 he had over 600 HP that a lot more than PSO Human class have in that level. The highest HP in PSO for a Human class was slightly is between the range of 380-420 that if your using a HUmar and if you gotten quite a bit of HP materials.

[Dre_o]

Ok here are my ideas on this latest update:

I think Maya's (I think is her name) red weapons are either slicers or elbow blades.

The strange new weapons we see Ethan using seem to be a little bit like a Katar. OR kind of like StarCraft's Zealot's Psi Blades, due to it's limited range and overlapping picture thing. Or it could simply be Knuckles.

I also noticed something else, I think someone else pointed this out, but in the picture with Jellen in it, the mini pictures of the weapons is set as one thing, not like when they have a pistol and a saber. Perhaps this could mean something like Asukas? (As was mentioned somewhere else)

And I'm pretty sure we already knew about the claw dual weild.

[DarK-SuN]

On 2006-01-27 12:51, kazuma56 wrote:
Looks like you can dual wield daggers now. http://phantasystaruniverse.com/image/screen/universe_65.jpg

You always could, there are many other pictures (and gameplay movies) showing Daggers being dual wielded.

According to EspioKaos translation of the Extra Mode info, I'd say we'll have it unlocked as soon as we finish the first area (or couple of areas) in Story Mode.
Would make sense, since by then we'd already have at least Karen and Hyuga's Partner Cards and at least one area to play in.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DarK-SuN on 2006-01-27 16:07 ]</font>

[therealAERO]

If you play that right you could end up doubling your play time for the one player game. "Get to an area with Ethan and his crew, beat the boss for it, Exit go make your own character, use the partner cards you have, get to the area, beat the boss." Than go back with ethan and complete the next area, and so on and so forth. To me that actually sounds like a lot of fun. Especially if you are given choices with Ethan and you choose one, but with the character you made choose a different choice just to see what happens. I can't wait to import this motha! I need to get a DVD drive though http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

[OdinTyler]

Dre, you & StarCraft. You talk about that game more than I do. LOL Still, I think you, Rain & I might be onto something. When someone said tonfa, it got me thinking of a possible claw or guard of some sort. Maybe its its own class or subclass (as Ive suggested earlier).

[ZulfiqarTheIV]

Bah, extra mode is sounding better and better, I don't care what the naysayers have to say.

[Lord_DS]

It's hard to beleive that the pics with the arrows are from a PC version as those pics look as ugly as all others: same aliasing, same resolution.... PC pics with the lowest configuration would have no sense. We have already seen PC pics with a high resolution and they look much more beautiful than all those pics. That's why I think its just the PS2 version with the commands on the keyboard.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Lord_DS on 2006-01-28 06:24 ]</font>

[Parn]

Or it's just the PC version running in 640x480 with no antialiasing and anisotropic filtering, which would make it look very jaggy and ugly.

After all, you could make Final Fantasy XI for PC look almost like the PlayStation 2 version of the game through some settings.

[Rain_1]

On 2006-01-28 06:18, Lord_DS wrote:
That's why I think its just the PS2 version with the commands on the keyboard.

Elaborate a valid reason why anybody would use the keyboard on ps2 (and why would that option even be there to being with) and your opinion might be allowed in the realm of reality.

[Lord_DS]

Lol there is no reason for ps2 players to do this, but those screens come from SEGA that show us the game, so maybe its just to SHOW how appears the PC command on the screen^^

Yeah Parn, i know. In all the cases ill never play this game on PS2 or on a crappy PC :/

[Alisha]

did anyone consider that the item in her hand could be an offhand item that doesnt attack at all? anyone that plays wow should know what im talking about.
imagine having a wand that boosts foie a foie merge and an offhand item that boosts foie

[Tystys]

Possible ownage?
Maybe.

[Parn]

A friend of mine made mention of the colored orbs in front of the monster names, and he thought they might be attributes like Native, Altered Beast, etc. I then realized that it's possible that the orb is showing what element the enemy is weak to. For example, the dragon has a green orb in front. Flying enemies usually are weak to wind, and wind is usually designated with a green.

Just some quick speculation, anyways.

[Russ2576]

It looks sort of like a handgun with a flashy red guard of some sort. Could be a Mechgun. Or perhaps just a new type of gun.

These pics give me a much better idea of the leveling parameters now. Such as the party being lv26-27 and still looking not too far along, and a pic of Ethan already at lv40. Looks to be along the same vein as PSO. Just wonder what the max level will be, 100 or 200? If they go with 200 again, I hope they make it much more feasible to reach, like getting to 100 back in the old DC PSO days.

[Russ2576]

On 2006-01-28 11:13, Parn wrote:
A friend of mine made mention of the colored orbs in front of the monster names, and he thought they might be attributes like Native, Altered Beast, etc. I then realized that it's possible that the orb is showing what element the enemy is weak to. For example, the dragon has a green orb in front. Flying enemies usually are weak to wind, and wind is usually designated with a green.

Just some quick speculation, anyways.



Attribute seems more likely to me. Green would be Nature, Purple would be Dark, etc.

It just seems rather odd to me for monsters to have, essentially, a big sign stuck to them saying "Hey! This is what I'm weak against!"

If it's their weakness, cool, just means we won't have to guess about it anymore.

[Parn]

On 2006-01-28 11:36, Russ2576 wrote:
It just seems rather odd to me for monsters to have, essentially, a big sign stuck to them saying "Hey! This is what I'm weak against!"
Isn't that basically what Native/A. Beast/Machine/Dark was anyways? It was an advertisement to get you to bring weapons with specific %s to do more damage.

Anyways, I don't think they're the old attributes from PSO at all. The Kotolbas which are native to Green Green Farms are shown with a pink/red orb. If you go further through the screens, those machine things also have a pink/red orb next to them. The same colored orb on an organic enemy and a mechanized enemy is contradicting if it followed PSO's attributes. They've got something different going on here.

I really think this is tied to elements, because not only does it make sense, but the various colors on the orbs are also featured in the shield line elements shown in the Photon Arts section of the official PSU site.

[OdinTyler]

I remember reading that green didnt have an element per se. I saw it in the mention of the elements & the colors here on the site. It could just be vulnerable to regular attacks as opposed to techs. As for why youd see a colored orb, imagine youre using a scanning ability or machine. A bestiary would be formed & it would tell you what it is strong or weak against. Not so much the monster is advertising as you being able to gain info & use it to your advantage.