SEGA Europe Confirms Phantasy Star Universe News

The increasingly close synergy between SEGA Europe and SEGA America was again highlighted today, as both companies today confirmed the release of Phantasy Star Universe within the respective regions.

The latest chapter in the popular RPG series is currently in development for the Playstation2 and PC, wisely eschewing the GameCube market although the lack of an Xbox version is confusing.

Thankfully the report does shed some light on the subject, and as first reported the game isnâ??t entirely based around its online multiplayer features this time around, as PSU offers a single-player experience spanning multiple planets along with a robust online multiplayer component.

The game is currently in development at SEGA Studios under the watchful eye of Yuji Naka, and itâ??s believed that the game is in response to long-standing fans of the series whoâ??ve clamoured for a return to its single-player origins â?“ the first major Phantasy Star title in more than a decade!

The single-player adventure contains more than 40 hours of gameplay, an emotionally engaging story, traditional cut-scenes and strong character development, ensuring that every facet of the original series is faithfully brought back. The game focuses on the exploits of Ethan Weber, a 17 year-old cadet intent on saving his sister, who is living on a planet that has come under siege from a mysterious race known as The Seed.

In the online mode, gamers can create their own characters from a wide range of races and must travel the three planets in the Gnarl solar system. Gamers can travel in squads or enter urban areas sprawling with hundreds of other players and build their avatars into powerful warriors.

SEGA promise player controlled vehicles to traverse the enormous environments quicker then by foot, with more than 15 major bosses to challenge throughout the game. Those hoping that the online side doesnâ??t suffer can rest assured that SEGA are labelling this as the â??best Phantasy Starâ? online experience to date, with a game world that will evolve with new content for years to come.

"From its roots way back in the late eighties, Phantasy Star has become synonymous with quality RPG adventure.â? comments Matt Woodley, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe, â??Now developed as both a single-player and an online multi-player game, Phantasy Star Universe delivers RPG fans their greatest adventure yetâ?

Development on Phantasy Star Universe is progressing rapidly, however the game is still some way off with a release slated for Spring 2006, setting up some suggestions that an Xbox360 announcement could follow; weâ??ll have more on Phantasy Star Universe soon.