[Multiplatform] Phantasy Star Universe

Phantasy Star Universe English Website
Official Phantasy Star Universe Blog
Release Date: October 24th, 2006


Since the US version of the game launches in 3 days I have decided to start a thread here. Who here plans on picking up the game next week? What we can do is figure out who is getting what version of the game so we can meet up and exchange partner cards.
The way the partner card system works is kind of like a buddy list. When you trade cards with other players you gain the ability to see when they are online and what universe/group they are in. You can mass mail everyone on your list and form parties this way. The best way for everyone to exchange their cards is through a timed meeting in parum. That's how PSO-world handled it during the Japanese version release and I managed to gain a ton of cards that way. Of course if we only have a few people here getting the game then there wouldn't be a point in setting up a huge meeting.

First of all, if you'd like more information on this game and how it works you should visit the official website. You can also check out the very detailed FAQ posted on there.

Now what version of the game you get is important because it determines who you can play with. Here are some facts about all three versions to give you an idea of what you get.

PC Version:
* Shares the same server as PS2 users
* Server is separate from the JP server
* Can switch between 30 - 60 FPS
* Offline mode requires internet since your offline data is saved on Sega's server. The good thing about this is you can resume your offline game on any computer as long as you know your account info
* Requires a huge chunk of HD Space (10 GB I think) due to it being both online and offline games being installed
* You can access your online account on the PS2 version as well

PS2 Version:
* Shares the same server with the PC version
* Server is separate from the JP version
* Game runs at 30 FPS
* You can access your online account on the PC version too as long as you know your account information
* You don't need an internet connection to play the offline game. Data is all stored on your memorycard
* Game patches are stored on your memory card. You might need a whole new fresh one depending on how big the patch sizes get

XBOX 360 Version:
* Separate server from the PS2/PC version
* Server is shared with Japan and Europe. You can play with Japanese gamers
* Allows voice chat
* Currently the only wide-screen supported version of the game
* Runs at 60 FPS
* Probably the version containing the most bugs, unless these bugs have been corrected since the beta was completed
* Still requires a monthly fee to play online
* Both Silver and Gold Xbox Live accounts can purchase a GUARDIANS License

PC Requirements: (based off back of Japanese version)
Operating System: Windows 2000 (SP4 or later)/ XP (SP2 or later)
Processor: P4 1.6 GHz or higher
Memory: Minimum 256MB RAM Recommended 512MB
Video: higher than Geforce4 series / ATI RADEON 8500 VRAM 64MB/128MB
Disk Space: 9GB
Connectivity: Online Broadband recommended
Control Options: Keyboard or Game Pad

The monthly cost for the online game is $9.99 and they will add more content to the game as time goes on. You do not have to pay a dime to play the 40 hour offline RPG. You get access to that just by purchasing the game.

Character List:

Cobalt Katze
Character Name: Cobalt Katze
Race: Beast
Battle Type: Hunter (Currently)
Game Version: PC/PS2 Version

DarkMageOzzie
Character Name: Michael Blackthorne
Race: Human
Battle Type: Hunter
Game Version: PS2 Version

Manny Biggz
Character Name: Frosty Buns
Race: Beast
Battle Type: Hunter
Game Version: PC

Miles
Character Name: kilometers
Race: Human
Battle Type: Hunter
Game Version: PC/PS2 Version

Para
Name: Para / Ayane
Race: Human(or maybe cast / Newman
Battle Type: Probably Hunter / Hunter Force
Game Version: PC

SailorDaravon
Name: Daravon
Race: Cast
Battle Type: Ranger
Game Version: PS2

SCHNEE-3
Name: Cinnamon Spice
Race: Newman
Battle Type: None yet (Just completed the tutorial), probably going to be Force
Game Version: PC

SOLDIER
Character Name: Darius Force
Race: Human
Battle Type: Hunter (Currently)
Game Version: PS2 Version


Oh, and if you have any questions about the game feel free to ask them here.

Most amazing jew boots

I updated my post. Sorry for forgetting them. ;_;

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Well, today is officially the shipping date of the game. Start sniffing around a store near you the next few days to find yourself a copy since most stores will carry them Wednesday or Thursday. Here is a random gameplay video to hold you over: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTa-dnccFCg

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I heard that the US version of the game COMES WITH NO CD KEY. So all you'd really have to do is install the game on your PC using a friends DVD or downloaded copy and register a playsega account and pay the monthly fee. I can't believe Sega would do something this stupid. This will only hurt game sales in the end. =\

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Cobalt Katze

This is likely so people can play both PS2 and PC versions with the same account, which I know a few of my friends plan to do.

And, billing is started. Now to just get the game and install/patch!

The JP version had a CD KEY. It was required to set up your account so even if you had the PC version installed you still couldn't play unless you bought at least one version of the game. But the US version just lets anyone register an account. So as long as you have some sort of copy of the game (downloaded or friends copy) you don't need buy it in order to play. Only have to pay the monthly fee.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I'm online now. If anyone wants to trade cards with me I'll be on AIM. Send me a message and we can meet up.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Okay, it seems like a lot of people are having issues getting online, including myself. I guess we should start a list of names of players and think up a Universe to stick to. I'll edit the first post as people post their character info and version here. Maybe post something like this:

Character Name: kilometers
Race: Human
Battle Type: Hunter
Game Version: PC/PS2 Version

FELIPE NO

I've been playing on Universe 2 a bit. Formed up a few decent parties with people. Some of them had a hard time not dying though and screwed up our S-rank. We seriously need to set up a meeting date on a random Universe to exchange cards. It makes forming parties with freinds MUCH easier.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

You guys up for a meeting tomorrow night? I've only been in a few good parties. Most of the other people I played with don't talk or listen to anything you say and suck at teamwork. I get really annoyed when we can't get an S-rank because some moron runs into a group of hard enemies by himself without waiting for everyone else.

How about a meeting at the juice stand on parum October 27th at 10PM EST? There we can exchange cards and form a group or two. It'll be great fun!

And SOLDIER, I'll try to answer some of the questions I know.

Quote:

1. The game suffered serious slowdown when the area crowded with enemies and six party members. Any chance an update could fix this later on?

This is just the PS2 version. I experience no lag when playing on my PC. I don't think there's any real way to fix it unless you played the game on a PC. If your PC is good enough you could download it and play with lag free battles.

Quote:

2. I also dislike the lag in having characters appear (they start of as greyish dolls that later materialize after 10 seconds or so). Can an update fix this too?

This is pretty normal for this game. I did notice them loading faster on the PC version though.

Quote:

3. Is there a way to keep Party Chat on after each text entry? I would switch it to party chat, say something, but then it's back to Public Chat after.

Not sure about this one. Normally I hit R2 twice to switch to party chat. I don't recall it going back to normal chat for me. I'll have to read the manual to see if there are other methods.

Quote:

4. When making chat macros, can you save the cut-in feature for each macro (ie. always have an angry expression when bringing up a saved sentence)?

I believe so. I'll have to give it a try though.

Quote:

5. When joining a mission already in progress, is there a way to find out how far ahead the group is before joining the mission? I hate having to catch up, then have the mission end before I even get to attack anything.

I usually guess by how long the mission has been played. If it's 5 minutes into the mission it's fairly easy to catch up. Ifr the party is 30 minutes into it I assume they're close to the end or done. Sometimes I still join anyway just in case they plan on doing another run.

Quote:

6. When synthesizing materials, does the PM's stats/rank increase with each successful synthesis?

I think when you level it up through feeding it the partner machine gets better at synthesis, but I could be wrong. I haven't messed with the system much yet.

Quote:

8. What's a good way to make money (one person told me to get high ranks in the missions)?

By getting S-ranks. With a good party, you can do multiple S-rank runs over and over again and enjoy a nice flow of cash. If the other planets were unlocked we can do some even better meseta rewarded missions.

Quote:

9. What is the purpose of mission poitns?

I think those are what boost your battle type exp.

Quote:

10. How do you upgrade weapons? Do you go the upgrade shop or can you upgrade yourself via synthesis?

You take them to a shop and use grinders.

Quote:

11. How do you open the shortcut for items (healing items, etc)?

You set them just like you do weapons. Then when you go to switch weapons you push left and select the healing item from there. F2 should bring up the item menu.

Quote:

12. I purchased a technic, and then "learned" it. Is that all I need to do, or do I have to equip it to something?

You have to bind it to a weapon through the item menu. Just click on the weapon and the option should be there.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

How about Universe 16?

By the way, anyone try out Story mode yet? I'm up to chapter 5 now. Been using it to buy and try out other weapon types. Ethan is like a super hunter with access to better weapons than your average hunter. You can also gain access to areas and bosses that are currently locked in the online game. All the characters are pretty goofy in this game. Chapter 4 actually gave me quite a few laughs.

The only major problem I have with Story mode is the AI controlled characters. They get stuck very often for NO REASON. And when you go back to grab them they only get stuck again. Come on Sega! 3 Years of development and you couldn't fix this annoying bug?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

We were doing multiple dragon runs 10 minutes each with our party. Gotta love the constant flow of money and EXP there. Dragon tried to light me on fire. =D



And then of course during the GFF meet we spammed in the city:



And then I came across this line from an NPC while playing the offline game. Silly Sega!



This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

You'll make your force sad. =(

Well, I'll force you to level your force when you play with me.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I plan on playing again when the next content patch comes out. I'm pretty much burned out on doing any more Dragon runs right now.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Great timing! Right before Zelda and the Wii comes out. Oh well... I'll get around to playing the new areas eventually.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by SailorDaravon

Really? I remember you (but not the name). Mainly the tall beast guy who wouldn't shut up about the shotguns.

Also Miles gets on for the first time in weeks (?). Messages me that the game is dead, I'm the only person on his card list. Universe 1 is totally full, and 2 nearly full, which overall is nearly the busiest I've ever seen it (I can only recall one time Uni 2 was full, I think a day or two after launch), and I have 12 people on my card list on, which is more than usual. As I'm replying to this he logs off. It's as busy as ever Miles, don't know what you're talking about~

Well, I was just saying out of a card list of 40 people you were the only one online so it seemed to me like no one plays anymore. But Wii > PSU.

FELIPE NO

The launches of the PS3 and wii killed it for me. I'd like to return eventually, but with all this hacking I hear about maybe I should avoid it until Sega learns to prevent these things.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I had a few Japanese player friends when I played FFXI. I liked to stick to Japanese groups just because things would usually run more smoothly that way. But I also played on a server that didn't have many people on anymore, so if you wanted to party with a full group, you had to team up with Japanese players.

They never seemed that hateful to me. Maybe I just haven't played long enough. ;_;

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Looks like a sequel to PSU is already in the works. I'm actually kinda of surprised since I thought PSU didn't do al lthat well. Anyway, here are some scans and information pulled from psoworld:

Scan 1
Scan 2
Scan 3

Weapons Types - Three new weapon types including a Photon Whip, Slicer, and the Madoog. The Madoog is a left-handed TECHNIC weapon that resembles a Phantasy Star Online Mag. Known Madoogs include the Soniti and Sato.
Weapons - Several new weapons will be added, including several classic Phantasy Star Online ones. Examples of the PSO-type weapons include the Holy Ray and a Durandal replica.
SUVs and Photon Arts - The scans show two new SUV attacks that include a very large sword and another with a Heavens Punisher type attack. Also, new Photon Arts will be introduced.
Stages and Enemies - The scans state that one of the new fields will be based in the remnants of Rozenom City. Also, there will be new enemies, one of which looks like the Grass Assassin, and bosses. Based on the pictures, it looks like one of them is based on Del Rol Le.
Clothing - PSO-style clothing will be included in this game. On various screens, you can see a character wearing an Ash-type Humar outfit.
Rappy-Themed Casino - One of the screens features a Rappy-themed casino.

This might be enough motivation for me to finish the offline story mode of PSU and to fully explroe the online mode. I made it to level 30 or so before growing bored of it. I heard about the cheating and everything. Is the online mode like fully unlocked now? Is there actually an end boss or anything like that?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I forgot to deactivate my online account after I stopped playing. I logged on yesterday just to see how things were doing online. All universes were empty. Universe 2 had 3 stars. I actually feel kinda sorry for this game. I remember when this game was first announced that I was thinking this would be the coolest online Phantasy Star game ever. And now look at it. The game didn't even last half a year. I liked the new ideas they had with this game. The only reason I stopped playing because of Sega keeping so much content locked. After I've explored everything I want to go on rare weapon hunts like the good old PSO days. But to this day I don't think there aren't any ulocked, and if there are, you have to go through a long process of finding the rare pieces and hoping you can build it with a really small chance of success.

I wanted to play again once everything was unlocked to see all the photon arts and bosses. But now I wonder if I could even manage that since it would be fairly impossible to find a team to work with.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I should meet up with you online then. I have trouble finding a good team to play with. ;_;

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Get on then! I hate playing with random retards. =p

I was speaking idiomatically.

We did a run with the last boss last night and I must say it was pretty lame. No where near as awesome as the seabed/olga battle was in episode 2. The design of the level was very boring and basic. The final boss only had 1 part to it and his attacks weren't very cool looking or anything. I guess you have to play on S-rank to see his second form? And all the enemies are like level 90+ on S-rank.

I guess I was expecting something as cool as OLGA. I like battling bosses on elevators or fast moving rafts. ;_;

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Bruce's dungeon on B is insane when you get an S rank. The 70MP reward you get each time you complete it nearly gave me a heart attack. The A hive runs I normally do only gives like 24 mission points and it takes 20-30 minutes. But I was also doing Bruce's dungeon with a bunch of high levels.

I'm level 41 now and I'm getting sick of the hives. Only problem is no one else plays anywhere else. Just hives hives hives. And I'd do more Bruce but it's hard to get invited to a B group at my current level.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by reflectiVe

Hey, I haven't been here in awhile and I'm looking for people to play with. A bunch of my friends from my friends list disappeared (most likely quit).

I'm a level 69 FiGunner. Usually caught in uni 2.

That's the reason I stopped playing. No one on my friends list plays anymore either. And a lot of strangers I play with aren't that great. (stop killing our s-ranks and go buy some damn dolls).

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I'm doing the crimson beast runs right now for fast leveling/MP. If you run into anyone named kilometers, that's me.

Jam it back in, in the dark.