Phantasy Star Online 2 Details Emerge

The alpha version of the game is rolling out to select players, and new gameplay info is making its way out to the public.

IGN is reporting on details the website gleaned from a translation of Japanese gaming publication Famitsu. Famitsu had the opportunity to dive into the new alpha test of the game, and had some choice tidbits to share.

One big new feature is the flexibility of the character creator. Players choose between the Human, Newman, and Cast races. There are also three core classes: Hunter, Ranger, and Force. Those concepts will sound familiar to players of the original game, but this time around you'll have more flexibility to craft the character into the visual appearance you like. Face and body parts are all customizable, and you'll also have plenty of initial clothing and accessory options.

Famitsu's article also included details on the central game lobby, which houses a Quest Counter, Skill Counter, Weapon Shop, and Item Shop, alongside other undisclosed options.

As far as in-game action? The alpha test shows off some new flexibility to the combat system which seems to emphasize a little more action than players of the previous game might have seen. In-game avatars can now jump, and create combos of normal and Photon Arts abilities. There are also multi-party quests that support up to 12 members.

At last note, Phantasy Star Online 2 is targeted for a release in Japan sometime before the end of the year.

Do you harbor any affection for the Phantasy Star Online universe? Would you play a sequel?