Article: Developer Interview

[Ryna]

An interview was held today with a developer on the <a href="http://blog.phantasystaruniverse.jp/">Phantasy Star Universe blog</a>. While the interview did not contain any earth-shattering revelations, it did contain confirmations for several pieces of news. Here is a brief summary of the most important information:

• PC and Playstation 2 owners will play on the same servers and online accounts will be interchangable.
• There is no offline-multiplayer mode. Given the strain that Phantasy Star Universe puts on the Playstation 2, it was simply impossible to incorporate a split-screen mode.
• The online game flow will work like this: city-> mission -> resupply area -> mission -> goal lobby.
• Missions are expected to take between 15 minutes and 1 hour to complete.
• Goal lobbies will contain relaxing settings such as hot springs.
• For online play, the servers will handle most of the data processing. If any glitches are discovered, it will be easier to issue patches. If a client patch is needed for the Playstation 2, the patch will be downloaded to a memory card. The HDD is not supported. Online cheating will simply be impossible according to the developer.
• Online character names will not be unique.
• The Playstation 2 version will not have a screenshot function due to its memory limitations and lack of an Internet browser.
• Sonic Team is hoping to release a fan site kit that will contain things such as banners and fonts.
• Even when you are not online, time will continue to pass in the online world. For example, people will be able to visit your room and buy items from your Player Shop - if it has been setup.

<img alt="" src="/images/psu/news/08-18-06/groupshot.jpg" border="1" height="170" width="530">

You can discuss this update in our <a href="viewforum.php?forum=20">Phantasy Star Universe forum</a>.

[MrPOW]

"Online cheating will simply be impossible according to the developer."

Wow....just wow. I'll believe it when I see it, but if that's the case, awesome.

[gjb-sensei]

"Online cheating will simply be impossible according to the developer."

Hahaha, not a chance. It's not a matter of if, but when Phantasy Star Universe will get corrupt because of the cheaters. Those infamous "hackers" out there, who shall remain nameless, are already evidently planning on making PSU the next PSO if you know what I mean, unfortunately.

[Luno]

Online character names will not be unique.

hm...how's that one gonna work out?

[Skye-Fox713]

sweet info and if i will be able to play online i will personaly track down every cheating player in the game, mark them, and then savigly beat them to a pulp cave man style in the game for trying to ruin such a great game. indeed

[FANTASHEVA]

Everything Beautiful...but something about "unique names" could be done.

Try to think how many characters called "Sephiroth & Friends" we'll have on the servers ...

[Ryna]

>How is that going to work out?

You can expect to see a hundred Naruto and Sephiroth clones.

[butzopower]

It gets tiring, but hardly ruins the gameplay.

Personally, I think unique character names can be a pain, though I guess I shouldn't expect anyone to take "Luv'o'saurus".

After seeing the list of things that the PS2 version won't be able to surport because of it severe limitations make me think it was a major waste of time and money to bring this game out for the very underpowered and outdated PS2...

[Iecur]

Gee I wonder what Sega was thinking about ? $$$