(note: this will likely continue to be updated as more information is found throughout the day.)

First off, let me say that info about the Episode IV download edition has come out, however its not good. It will not see a release until Spring 05. Sorry to everyone who won't be able to join the first group.

Blue Burst's main page got a makeover this morning. Along with that many new quests have been announced.

It appears as tho episode 4 willl be released slowly. This means no seeing the end boss for a while... Click read more for more information about what's going on.

2/3: Phantasmal World 3


Valentine lobby. (Please not that Episode 4 city is mentioned as well in the update.


Valentine quest (note this is limited to female characters only.


Gallon's Shop (Valentine version)


9-1 "Chasing the Investigation Unit"


9-2 "Investigation data collection manuvers"


2/15: Valentine stuff taken down, Government quest 9-3, 9-4. Wilds (south path), Wilds (north path)

3/1 or 3/3: Government quest 9-5, 9-6, crater area released, Phantasmal World 4, White Day Lobby, White Day quest, "The Gift of the Governor-General

Late march: Government Quest 9-5, 9-6, White day stuff taken down.

Also coming in a few days appears to be the remake of Maximum attack. Now whether this is Maximum Attack ver 2 or Maximum Attack 2 which was the original Maximum attack on the gamecube is up in the air.

Also if you haven't noticed it yet, look at the character names in the pictures.

With the release of Episode IV, Sega has redone the level requirements for each game.
Hard - Episode 1: 20
Hard - Episode 2: 30
Hard - Episode 4: 40
Very Hard - Episode 1: 50
Very Hard - Episode 2: 60
Very Hard - Episode 4: 70
Ultimate - Episode 1: 90
Ultimate - Episode 2: 100
Ultimate - Episode 4: 110

The beginner ship is now going to be marked as ship 99.

Anonymous writes, "The easiest way to get hold of Episode 4 is through Play-Asia.com. In a mail conversation they say that they are going to sell Episode 4. "

Thanks for the tip, here's a direct link to it for everyone.

Getintothegame writes, "Well now you can! I have just submitted my application, we'll see how this goes...

This is most likely for the US release of Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst.

I don't know if you have to be living in the area of San Francisco, but here's the link to the requirements and such:link If you want to apply, read this very well. You have to email them an application or send it via mail.

Enjoy, and if you apply, keep us updated in this thread."

this could be a very interesting job opportunity. Here's something Armion has added to the pot.

Your online history will be evaluated. (Not such a bad thing.) This is a serious position, so if you cannot be serious, you shouldn't apply.

I'm just about to send my application in myself. Good luck to all who participate in this.

Just a short update this time. A length of time has now been given for Episode IV. The total time should take 9 hours, from 10:00 to 19:00 Japan time. ...as for episode 4 being retail only... I don't know. If anyone is able to translate episode 4 info page fluently, please PM me, otherwise, your choice. One thing is for certain. A recent update to Blue Burst has updated the files to make it compatible with the episode IV weapons.

Ok so here's the deal, one last time.

You will have to buy and have shipped to you the retail box. On that box is a code that will activate your account. That page will go up on the 30th. The disk that is included IS NOT the same stuff that is on the website. It includes new files, and as such you will have to use the install file on the disk to upgrade yourself to Episode IV

IMPORTANT: If you install Episode IV before the server goes down on February 3rd, you will be unable to log in until the server goes up again.

This is what i hate about web translators...

ST made an official press release concerning episode 4 today.

1. A demo license will remain Episode I & II only, up to level 20 for 15 days.

2. on the 30th, ST will launch a page for purchasing an activation code for the download edition to add Episode IV, at 3000 yen (about $30) (guess I messed up on that one guys. sorry. We must have been on two different topics when I spoke to Armion)

3. The music cd will not be included with the download edition. (I'd suspect that things would still be in .OGG tho, so just get winamp and convert them to .wav)

4. Only 1 activation key can be linked to an account, and once activated, can not be used on any other accounts.

5. You can continue to play Episode I & II without purchasing an activation key

6. (would someone check me on this?) Purchasing either the retail version or the download version activation keys will give the player a new rare item. 150 new items are being added to episode IV, and they will be recognized even with players who don't have an activation key.

7. February 3rd ST plans a maintenance to activate Episode IV. Please do not connect at this time. The maintenance and game reactivations have no set ending time so please be patient.

the press release can be found here.

Hey everyone, I've got good news for those of you on Blue Burst but don't speak Japanese. That's right. The US will be getting Blue Burst, and with it English mode (and possibly others.) The current release date given is Spring 05, and can be seen here on the left side.

Credit goes to RicoRoyal and Eihwaz for this find. Discuss it here.

The chinese version of Blue Burst will be opening in open beta soon. January 18th to be specific. Information about signing up and downloading the client can be found in this thread.




Well, apparently there are problems registering. Apparently you need either a passport or a military ID to register.