The Phantasy Star Universe expansion pack,
Ambition of Illuminus, was
formally announced today on the official NA/EU web site today. The announcement reveals a few new details and also sheds some more light on what exactly will be included in this continuation of the Phantasy Star franchise. According to the article,
Ambition of the Illuminus will feature a new central character (previously Ethan Waber) in the game's storyline, you! Players continue where PSU's story left off, restoring peace to the Gurhal System using their customized online character. The title will feature a number of single-player missions, as well as a "greatly expanded" multi-player experience. Here's a current list of features mentioned on the official site:
Expanded character customization. Players get many more options to customize facial features, hair styles, body types, color palette, and clothing options.
Enriched player-to-player interaction. New lobbies, including the Casino Voloyal which features games like roulette and slots, provide more social experiences for players.
New weapons, combat abilities and classes heighten the intensity of real-time battles. With additional weapons types and new special fighting abilities, such as SUV-weapons, Photon Arts, and all new classes, players will have more ways to expand or specialize the character's role within the Universe.
New levels, enemies and bosses. With new areas to explore, such as the ruins of Old Rozenom City and the Granigs Mine, and new enemy types including new bosses, players face brand new challenges in all-new environments.
The user’s personal avatar is the star. In Phantasy Star Universe, players experienced the Universe through the eyes of Ethan Waber. Now they navigate the missions using their own customized avatar, working to restore peace in the Gurhal System.
According to some
news posted by Gamespot regarding this announcement, the expansion will be available as a download to Xbox 360 players (presumably over Xbox Live Marketplace for a fee, similar to Oblivion's expansion). Players of the PC and PS2 versions will be able to pick up a stand-alone edition of the expansion in stores.
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