Article: Phantasy Star Universe

[Saladwood]

As you most likely already know, Sega has announced a new game for the PS series mysteriously called "Phantasy Star Universe."
Here's the full article by IGN:
May 12, 2004 - Phantasy Star Online fans who were disappointed that Sonic Team declared Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution the last installment in the PSO series or those turned off by the card based nature of Ep. III had better turn that frown upside down. In Sega's booth at E3 2004, Sonic Team held its "stealth announcement" of its latest project -- Phantasy Star Universe.
What exactly is Universe? According to Sonic Team, "it's a rebirth of a legend." But, we don't really know. IGNcube learned from Sega that this title is so far in the future that they aren't allowed to release any details. The trailer, which aired every two hours, was merely there as a teaser for fans of the series -- telling them that there is something coming. Platforms weren't even revealed, although we imagine that it will definitely be on GameCube because of the large PSO user base (and it's the traditional PSO platform now that the Dreamcast is defunct). There have also been rumors that a PSO game is slated to appear on PS2, so Universe might be Sonic Team's initial foray onto Sony's console. Xbox is a possibility because Episodes I & II were released in 2003 -- heck, it could even be a PC title (we doubt it since PC is getting Blue Burst. Pure speculation.
The only other concrete details we learned was that this is going to be an action MMORPG. Does this mean it'll be akin to Phantasy Star Online? Or, will it resemble Final Fantasy XI? All we know is that it's going to be a while before we find out -- especially since the trailer revealed "just started..."
The trailer itself lasted a little under four minutes. The first minute and a half was a brief introduction to the new title. Apparently, it will be Phantasy Star Online 2 because it's a whole new game that takes place in a whole new world. The rather ambiguous thing is that the trailer references both Phantasy Star Online 2 (which is what we think this is) and Phantasy Star V.
The rest of the trailer was composed of highly detailed full motion video. The most noticeable thing? FMV sequences. Next? Sonic Team has overhauled the art style for universe -- everything looks a bit smoother (although it does maintain some similar elements). The trailer roves from lush grass to a futuristic city. You watch as a character jumps out into the air onto a hover board, activates some sort of suit, and then zips off into the horizon. Later, a similar theme is displayed when a different character morphs into a beast. For the finale, a group of adventures fight a giant two headed dragon/lizard creature. The trailer is simply amazing. Watch it here.
Trust us, we'll report back with more on Phantasy Star Universe as soon as details are available. It's gonna be a long wait, so watch the trailer now , seriously.

Check out IGN's media here.

[Mixfortune]

The rest of the trailer was composed of highly detailed full motion video. The most noticeable thing? FMV sequences. Next? Sonic Team has overhauled the art style for universe -- everything looks a bit smoother (although it does maintain some similar elements). The trailer roves from lush grass to a futuristic city. You watch as a character jumps out into the air onto a hover board, activates some sort of suit, and then zips off into the horizon. Later, a similar theme is displayed when a different character morphs into a beast. For the finale, a group of adventures fight a giant two headed dragon/lizard creature. The trailer is simply amazing. Watch it here.

Yes, and we all know that all the things the characters do in preliminary FMVs are able to be done by the players in-game, on the fly. Heh...

While I was surprised to see this video at E3, the FMV didn't really say much, as it seemed more like an intro video you would see to a fighting game. I'm not saying it will be a fighting game, that would be...strange, but the intro FMV isn't really meant to tell everyone what the gameplay will be like.

Now...

The only other concrete details we learned was that this is going to be an action MMORPG.

and then...

The rather ambiguous thing is that the trailer references both Phantasy Star Online 2 (which is what we THINK this is) and Phantasy Star V.

Quite interesting powers of deduction, IGN...

its coming to the playstation 2 only

[LordCronai]

That's just a stupid rumor going around, there's no way of telling what platform it's for yet. GameCube is the most likely because that's where most of the PSO fanbase is at right now.

[NeoLon]

It isn't on Nintendo's E3 game list so it probably isn't for GCN

[MakoSOLDIER]

Ya there is no way it would be PS2 exclusive. They would be insane to do that.

[MakoSOLDIER]

I highly doubt that it wouldn't come out for GCN. That would be a huge mistake due to the huge fanbase on cube.

[MakoSOLDIER]

"Platforms weren't even revealed"

Its so funny how gamesites always contradict each other. Gamespot has it coming out for all three systems.

[atomisk]

didnt you guys read? they said sega WOULDNT SAY what system its coming out for, and i think the only reason gamespot has it as all three is because it would confuse people to have none listed

[J311Y_M4N]

I don't know if anyone realises this, but Nintendo's working on a brand spanky new platform, to replace the GC.

Chances are it's gonna be out on THAT.

Am I joking? No.

Do I know anything more about it than that they are working on it? Nope, but check the internet for any conformation you might need.