Gaming News - April 2006
San Francisco, CA (April 19, 2006) - SEGA today announced that
Phantasy Star Universe will be available on the Xbox 360 in fall of 2006.
From SEGA:
Scheduled for release in Fall 2006, the highly-anticipated role playing game
(RPG) will release on multiple platforms including the PlayStation 2 and PC.
Phantasy Star Universe offers two complete RPG experiences – a single-player
action adventure spanning multiple planets, and a robust online multiplayer
component that will support Xbox Live.
Since its humble beginnings in 1988, Phantasy Star has revolutionized the RPG
genre by creating new standards through innovative gameplay and online
capability. Phantasy Star Universe offers a compelling story, both offline and
online, that rebuilds the foundation of role-playing games with stunning cut
scenes, sharply drawn personalities, and a cohesive narrative. This game
revitalizes the Phantasy Star brand heritage while staying true to its roots.
"The reinvigoration of this beloved franchise on the Xbox 360 signifies
another step for SEGA towards next-gen leadership," said Scott A. Steinberg,
Vice President of Entertainment Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Phantasy Star
has a rich history, and now with Phantasy Star Universe in support of the Xbox
360 and Xbox Live, gamers can enjoy a fantasy role-playing experience of
unprecedented depth both online with their friends, and offline in the robust
single-player game."
Developed by SEGA Studios, Phantasy Star Universe offers long-time fans the
single-player experience they have been clamoring for. The solo adventure
features more than 40 hours of gameplay, an emotionally engaging story, stunning
cut scenes, and a strong cast of characters with very distinctive personalities.
The title's hero is Ethan Waber, a 17-year old cadet who begins his epic journey
by first rescuing his sister at the GUARDIANS, a colony under siege by
mysterious life forms known as THE SEED.
In Online Mode, players are given the opportunity to create their own
characters from a range of races, as they explore all three planets in the
Gurhal system. Fans can travel with their friends as a squad of six adventurers,
enter urban sprawls teeming with hundreds of other players, and build their
avatars into powerful warriors.
Phantasy Star Universe will offer a rich and constantly evolving world that
will provide months of entertainment to fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts.
The game is slated to ship in Fall 2006.
Key Product Features:
- Epic Story: Phantasy Star Universe offers a suspenseful single player
adventure that fans have been clamoring for.
- Phantasy Star Brand Heritage: Since 1988, the franchise has evolved, and
produced seven series to date – building itself as one of the most well
established RPG franchises.
- Real-time battles where players choose their own strategies: Choose from
over 200 weapon variations in over 20 weapon categories for melee, technique,
or ranged-type combat. Players can also select numerous Photon Arts to defeat
enemies.
- World Class Score: Soundtrack produced by premier orchestras and vocals
from Poland, Hollywood, and New York.
- Online Gameplay: Offering the Best of Both Worlds
- Multiplayer: Create a squad of up to six players to explore the universe
and conquer quests.
- Endless gameplay: In addition to over 40 hours of offline gameplay,
gamers can spend endless hours online customizing characters, searching for
rare items, leveling up, and joining friends for exhilarating new quests.
- Variety in transportation: Player-controlled vehicles offer a new type of
gameplay for the Phantasy Star franchise.
- Character Customization: Go beyond standard customization for your
character with precise measurements, an endless color palette, and outlandish
outfits.
- Massive enemies: Over 20 unique enemy species, totaling over 200 enemy
variations.
 |
