Forum in Aggro

The character customization looks very in-depth and fun! I have never played the first PSO, so how does the gameplay compare to Ragnarok Online, or WoW? Perhaps I'll pick this game up once it comes out!

I just wish there were more races and classes!

Hi Ryozo! XD Phantasy Star Online is a very different series/game compared to RO and WoW; I'd say that it has a similar structure to Diablo 2, but sci-fi themed and a lot more action oriented. You have one pub town where you buy gear, upgrade, accept quests, etc., and all battle fields are randomly generated instanced corridor-like maps sporting different themes based on the zones. A lot of the fun in the game is hunting for gear and items (which drop plentifully from monsters and chests). Gear you find on the field all have random "enchantments" and/or "elemental attributes" so there's always a chance you might find something better than what you have for certain situations. Oh, and there are bosses too of course. XD

Your level up stats are predetermined, but you get a pet called a "mag" that floats by your side to which you can feed items. Depending on what you feed the mag, it will level up, gain stats on its own, learn skills, and evolve. The mag does not attack on its own, but its stats will add to your character's stats, giving you some freedom in character stat customization. In situations, the mag may buff or help in battle, I think I read you even have access to some of its skills by hotkey-ing them. They even have a bar for a "limit-break" you can activate and even combine with other players' "limit break!"

There's a lot more info on it, but I think that's enough to give you a general sense of things. ^^
Go and for more info! Though there are only three classes for now, it's still cool. =) Three additional classes were announced to be added this autumn.

The game is free to play and there is no region lock for the Japanese version so you can even play it today if you like! XD (in Japanese of course.)

Mags do attack on their own now! Depending on which Mag you have, some do magic, some attack, and some make items for you or restore your mana; it's great

I have been playing this game like obsessively hahaha and I really enjoy it, but it would be great if I had some people to enjoy it with

I have unlocked the "Mines" area, so I will probably be seeing that giant mech boss that is in that video soon... I'm scared!

Hi Fei! The random generated stats does sound a lot like Diablo! Based on just the screen shots and limited information that I know, it looks like I'll have to go ahead and pick this game up! As much as I want to play now I'll probably wait until the English release (sorry Carlos, but I'll be happy to play the English release with you ). I'm kind of surprised that the open beta character will carry on to the actual retail version! I wonder if the same will be true for the US version of the game. I really do like the character designs and styles!

Yeah I was surprised when they said that all Open Beta characters would be kept, but I guess it was because the game released immediately after the beta ended.
It's ok if you don't wanna play now I understand that it can get annoying not knowing what everything says and not knowing what is going on. I have sort of become desensitized by it, and I use the translation blog they have for the game (http://bumped.org/psublog/category/phan ... -online-2/). This is the only way I am able to figure out how to unlock all the fields haha.