Difference between revisions of "News"

Revision as of 15:01, 9 October 2006

10/09/2006: Australian release date pushed back, new US X360 site

• JubeiSaotome of PSOW has posted in this thread about a news clip on the official XBox site about many release dates seen on the Australian PALGN list. It includes Australia's delayed release date for PSU: November 30th (October 31st originally). Your best bet is to pre-order the US version through Gamestop or NCSX (both ship worldwide) if you don't want to wait another seven weeks.
• In other news, the us X360 site is now up, although the only news is that it's rated T (like its predecessor) and will cost the average $60. The site is official but is not part of the Sega site. Asim 06:54, 9 October 2006 (PDT)

10/06/2006: Over ten new updates scheduled for next week

Simmerl of PSOW has posted in this thread about an update on the official site; uhawww also translated some the of the news. This update reveals a lare skew of updates which will occur October 12th, 2006 for the JP version.

PSU updates for 10/12/2006:

• Level raised from 50 to 60.
• Eight new weapon types will be unlocked in network mode: Double Saber, Axe, Twin Claw, Grenade, Laser Cannon, Crossbow, and Cards.
• Seven new Expert Classes for all classes (the link refers to all the new ones).
• Two new S-Rank missions and the last one being an online Story Mission.
  • The Damaged Communications Thoroughfare (Guardians' Colony).
  • Retake the Plant (Linear Line: Central Relay Terminal).
  • "The Masked Woman", a new Guardians' Colony story mission for Episode 2, Chapter 1. (Yes, there are episodes).
• New clothing and parts (Cast parts).
• Many Room Goods (including the PM Device Zero, which resets your Partner Machinery stats) and Reform Tickets.
• Weapons and Armors with Ranks 5*-7*, and basic Items with Ranks 6*-8*.
• Two new SUV weapons.
• New Techniques additions and Photon Arts.

These updates will be scheduled for PS2 and PC. Asim 12:04, 6 October 2006 (PDT)

10/02/2006: US PC Beta opens only for game medias

If you were lucky like Jonathan_F or IGN, you would be playing a Beta version of US PSU right now! This Beta version, which is open to another hundred important media staffs (although 10 or less came to play), has the same content of JP Closed Beta Trial and has been opened since Friday. From this we can expect a flood of previews (some sites, such as IGN have already got on the case) from game sources. The version will only be active until the 8th, and we can also expect that there will probably not be a EU Beta. Jon_F has posted in this thread about his experience online. Asim 19:45, 2 October 2006 (PDT)

09/29/2006: New X360 Phantasy Star Universe (Japanese) site and release date revealed

Makiro of PSUPedia has informed the PSUPedia staff that a new X360 site has been open by Sega. Although scarce of new information and barely updated, we learned that the release date is December 14th. uhawww also translated originally for PSOW that Japanese players who registered credit card information will have to re-submit it. Free trials will end November 1st, as well. We would also like to remind everyone that there will also be maintenence from October 4th 10:00AM to October 5th 5:00PM (JST). Asim 12:41, 29 September 2006 (PDT)

09/22/2006: Moatoob and a mass of new missions

uhawww of PSOW has posted in this thread about updates on the official sitethat maintenance times for JP PSU and SegaLink will be from October 4th 10:00AM to October 5th 5:00PM (JST) while Sega fixes up:

• Parum missions
• Neudaiz missions
• Moatoob missions (along with the planet itself)
• Mission bonuses and mission parameters (more objectives, simply)

While the maintenance is short, you still won't be able to play the PC version offline (Including Extra Mode) between the hours. Other updates revealed that Sega would add more universes for Worlds1 and 2 and allow access to SegaLink data from the server side. Also, it is speculated that there is a new level arriving a few weeks later. Asim 15:07, 22 September 2006 (PDT)

09/16/2006: Separate Xbox360 servers now confirmed

SoA representative Clumsyorchid has posted here to quash the recent rumours going round about the Xbox360 servers being connected with the PS2 and PC servers. The rumours originated from this forum thread on PSOW. Be aware of this if you are looking to buy the Xbox360 version of PSU! Mewn 16:28, 15 September 2006 (PDT)

09/14/2006: October 31st release date confirmed for AU

That would be the rarely abbreviated Austrailia. UniKoRn of PSOW has posted in this thread that all versions; PS2, PC, and X360, of PSU are being released October 31st. So far the release dates are:

• October 24th for US
• October 31st for AU
• November 24th for EU

All the system version release dates will be simultaneously released per country, as well. Asim 15:15, 14 September 2006 (PDT)

09/12/2006: US and EU link confirmed

Clumsyorchid (GM of PSO:BB, Sega of America employee) has confirmed the above, in a post stating the following:

US and EU servers will be linked, I don't think anyone will have any problems with me releasing that info. The release date for EU is November 24, as seen by their version of the site. The other main difference for the EU site is the included movie, we had a few issues with our ESRB tag and should have a site update soon to include a US trailer.

This certainly puts us Brits at ease!

09/12/2006: World1 and World2 server division

-STE- of PSOW has posted in this thread about an update on the PSU (Japanese) official site that there will be a division of JP servers; World1 and World2. Characters will be bound to one world once they are created in that world. Although they are different servers/worlds, you will still only have four characters. At the moment, there is only World1. Once Sega establishes World2 in two days, you can make a one time migration to another World (everyone is on World1 as of now) but after that, you will be separated from everyone in World1. There will be 100 univeres (or servers) once World2 is established. Worlds, which Sega sees as being much larger than a universe, are mainly for server space. This trend is also expected on the US/EU version of PSU. Asim 13:25, 12 September 2006 (PDT)

09/10/2006: November 24th release date confirmed for EU

zaff100 of PSOW has posted in this thread revealing that for those living in any area in Europe, if you log on to the PSU (English) official site you will see a banner on the top page that reads, "THE BATTLE BEGINS NOVEMBER 24TH", meaning the release date will be November 24th (although if you live in North America, along with countries such as Spain, you will see the release date is October 24th). It's safe to say this is not an error, as Europe usually gets its games late of Japan and North America. Although there are different release dates, the US and EU will still be connected. Asim 09:38, 10 September 2006 (PDT)

09/06/2006: Phantasy Star Universe (English) site unveiled, server back tonight EDIT: Oct 24th date confirmed for US PSU

• The English site is up. It looks like a revamped PSO:BB site. The most notable thing is that the game ID you used for PSO:BB can be used again; it's still done through PlaySega. You can also register for the Guardians' Express, which usually gives you two newsletters per month. Ahzi @ EVE 00:11, 6 September 2006 (PDT)
• Shimarisu of PSOW has posted in this thread that the relaunch of the Network Mode servers for testing has been delayed, for an unspecified period of time.
• EDIT: Along with the new site, the date of Oct 24th for the US version of Phantasy Star Universe has been confirmed. Mewn 02:41, 6 September 2006 (PDT)

09/05/2006: Sega wipes all existing accounts, servers back tomorrow

• Kaply of PSOW has posted in this thread about an update on the official site that announces all existing accounts on the JP servers will be deleted, along with Partner Card data.

As translated by uhawww

• "On September 3rd, we halted server operations.

This report (Sept 5, 11pm JST) concerns the reopening of the Network servers.

As previously announced, we will be reopening the game servers for Phantasy Star Universe tomorrow evening. As also noted previously, almost immediately after the servers were opened, there were reports of network stability issues, and as the population increased, we saw a congruent increase in character data failure reports. We have verified the server and character errors, and through an extended overhaul of the network system, have hopefully rectified it.

We then came to determine how best to proceed into the future. Unfortunately, the possibility of the introduction of game balance issues (NOTE: If people exploited the errors before the rollback data was saved) has forced us to enact a complete initialization of the Network data. In effect, we will have to wipe all characters, equipment, items, partner cards, and etc. prior to reinitializing the system.

Furthermore, as noted in the server stoppage and server testing announcements, adjustments in any and all scopes of server and character data may be enacted in the process of maintaining the integrity and playability of the game.

We apologize again for any inconvience this may cause. We have been attacking the network problems with full force and we ask for your cooperation and suport once the servers reopen.

For further information, please refer to the previous announcements regarding the server stoppage." Asim 09:38, 5 September 2006 (PDT)

09/04/2006: Sega announces reopening Network Mode Service, tackles problems, and renews one month

uhawww of PSOW has posted in this thread about an update on the official site that announces several duties Sega will follow throughout the next two months for the JP version of PSU:

• September 6: Reopening the Network Mode Service for normal use to the players.
• October 1: Official service will restart. All players will have their free month renewed (Ending November 1)

As translated by uhawww, Sega says,

• "We will have the problems with charater data and universe/My Room access repaired by this time. Please realize that due to load, you may have problems with Login, My Room, or disconnections between 9pm and 1am (JST). There is also the chance for other unexpected troubles during this time. We ask for your patience and understanding, and please report any issue to our inquiry site."
• "During September, we will be performing intense root cause analysis and verification of the both the cause of these failures, and our fixes for them. We ask that you make use of Network Mode to assist us to this end. Furthermore, if the need arises, we will be prepared to enact rollbacks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however we do not forsee this happening on a frequent basis."
• "Until the official service begins, you will no longer be able to purchase Guardian Licenses (Though you may still register your game key to play if you purchase the game after this point). All customers who have registered their Credit Card information with SEGAlink will have official correspondance sent via mail. You will not be billed until the end of the official service's first 30 day cycle." Asim 00:32, 4 September 2006 (PDT)

09/03/2006: Interview reveals current character level cap

• Zodd on PSOW has posted in this thread revealing on an interview conducted by 4gamer with the PSU developers and directors revealing little new information, however informs that the current network mode character level cap will be L50 (Character Level, not Class Level). In Beta the the level cap was L30, which was reached by hardcore players in less than two weeks, so the level 50 cap will probably be good for a month or so, although no one said anything about when Sega will increase the level cap.
• JP servers are back at last! Asim 01:07, 3 September 2006 (PDT)
  • Edit: The servers are back down for an indefinate period while Sega work on fixing the glitches that have plagued the servers. After they have sorted the server out the rollback will take place. Playing Story Mode on PC is still possible! Mewn 05:19, 3 September 2006 (PDT)

09/02/2006: Server glitches and a rollback

Sega has announced they they are investigating the glitches currently plaguing the servers, including the inability to switch Universes or enter My Room. In addition, due to a bug that has duped items and Meseta and has caused character data to be swapped (known as 'body swapping'), Sega has announced that there will be a rollback of character data. Mewn 07:32, 2 September 2006 (PDT)

08/31/2006: Expansion Disk announced

• Pogle on PSUPedia posted in this thread about a PSU expansion disc. Sega has updated it's website with a new page entitled "secret". The expansion disk will be entitled "Phantasy Star Universe: Illumines no Yabou" (Ganoop Ganayat claims on this IGN article this could translate to Ambition of Illumines, assuming Illumines is a character). Although Illumines may be a character, it's odd because Laya and Ethan are on the website picture. Accompanying the picture is text that reads, "The legend has just started." The expansion could be an online Story Mission (or an arc), although you'll probably need to pay for it. No release date has been announced. Asim 15:55, 31 August 2006 (PDT)
  • Please note that, while, yes, it is on IGN, this does not make it true; so far there haven't been any confirmation from sega. Ahzi @ EVE 03:16, 1 September 2006 (PDT)

08/30/2006: JP PSU Servers now open! Famitsu review PSU

• As of now it is 31/08/2006 7am Tokyo Time, so the PSU servers should now be up. If you are lucky enough to have a copy of the game already, good luck in the world of PSU and have fun! Many of us will be joining you shortly!
• Famitsu, the famous Japanese magazine, has rated PSU as being 35/40, in other words a pretty good score in a magazine that is notoriously tough at times. Mewn 15:00, 30 August 2006 (PDT)

08/28/2006: Premiere Disk ends today and small blog update

• The release of JP PSU is three days away, and with the game coming so close Sega has decided to end the activity of the Premier Disk.
• On the JP PSU Developer's blog network characters are discussed along with accessories they have as well as features such as cut-in-chat. Nothing new here; the developer basicaly boasts about how this game will be better than PSO! Asim 17:19, 28 August 2006 (PDT)

08/25/2006: New character revealed, information on Network Mode 'Story Missions' and the required Internet Connection on PC Edit: New merchandise announced

On the JP PSU Developer's blog several things have been revealed...

• The first is a new character, called Laya Martinez. Martinez is a 24 year old Female Beast affiliated with the Guardians. Despite apparently being famous throughout the Guardians' Colony she doesn't appear in Story Mode, and can only be found in Network Mode.
• The second is the idea of Story Missions, that take place in Network Mode. New Story Missions will be released periodically, and will add to the story of the Network Mode, which takes place after the events of the Story Mode. Apparently, these missions will only be playable solo, but you will be partnered with NPC teammates, including Laya Martinez.
• The third is about the constant internet connection required to play PSU on the PC. You will need to have an Internet Connection to play Story Mode on the PC, due to reasons of security, according to the blog. However you will not need a Guardians' License in order to play Story Mode (and Extra Mode, presumably). In addition, you can choose to use client-side or server-side saving for Story Mode save data, and if you use server-side saving you can continue your Story Mode game on another computer. This only applies to the PC. Mewn 12:56, 25 August 2006 (PDT)

The official PSU site has announced they are releasing four new merchandise items

• A pocket watch; although this item barely represents any relation to PSU, it technically is a PSU item
• A movie collection; the CD is believed to contain advertisements and other images of PSU. The name of the item might be misleading, however, the item just might contain many images.
• An alarm clock; this clock is has all the functions of a simple alarm clock and has a design of Karen Erra
• A card; the official site simply states it is a 'QUO card', although it probably a trading card.

We believe the items are only available at the Akiba / Akihabara store. For more information go to the latest update on the official website. Asim 17:36, 25 August 2006 (PDT)

08/23/2006: IGN preview PSU, a little info on Expert Classes

• IGN have posted a preview of the first three chapters of PSU's Story Mode, similar to the Gamespot preview. On the whole the article seems more optimistic about the game, and the writer seems more knowledgable about PSU, than in the Gamespot preview. They still make the 'Lamia' error though when referring to Lumia Waber. The biggest complaint of the previewer is the graphics on the Xbox360. Inspektahdek of the PSOW forums posted about this preview in this thread.
• On the JP PSU Developer Blog, a little information has been released about Expert Classes (aka Expert Types). Apparently they are individual classes, and in addition to classes that are a hybrid of the three basic Classes, you can also pick an Expert Class which expands upon the abilities of a basic Class. See the Expert Classes article for the information we currently have. Mewn 13:02, 23 August 2006 (PDT)

08/22/2006: NCSX to sell NetCash

The import site NCSX is to sell 3000Yen NetCash cards (good for 3 months of PSU) beginning August 31st (the release date of JP PSU). This decision was taken so that importers of JP PSU could pay to play online, as SIGN/SegaLink doesn't accept foreign CCs. If you order a NetCash card with the game itself, you will actually recieve the card, otherwise NCSX will send you a digital scan of the card via email, with the image compressed in an encrypted and passworded archive file (.rar or .zip) for security. The full news can be read here . Mewn 12:52, 22 August 2006 (PDT)

08/21/2006: 5 new PSU gameplay videos and detailed preview

BaZ2 on PSOW has posted in this thread that there are 5 new relatively short offline XBox 360 PSU videos on the GameSpot website. The following videos (in Japanese text and English voicing) include:

• 1: An introduction to the story of PSU.
• 2: In a cut-in scene, Pete wakes up a bothersome Ethan Waber inofrming him about a Guardians' orientation.
• 3: Ethan speaking to his siter, Lumia Waber.
• 4: Ethan speaks to a counter-lady much similar to the counter lady in PSO lobbies.
• 5: Ethan roaming Clyez City and speaking to Lou.

It has also been rumored that PSU will be an included feature on the next Gamespot's On The Spot feature, because it was delayed on 08/17/2006

• Gamespot also wrote an extensive two-page preview of the first three chapters in PSU stating the first three chapters are used mostly for setting the game up for players to learn about the story, characters, and mechanics. SAsim 19:39, 21 August 2006 (PDT)
• I should point out that Gamespot's preview is rather poorly written, and has numerous mistakes ('[Ethan's] sister Lamia', 'Karen Nerra', and 'Rangers can use technics' spring to mind). Mewn 02:36, 22 August 2006 (PDT)

08/19/2006: PS2 memory card requirements update

• This picture reveals the the Premiere Disc uses 2,680KB as opposed to 2,300KB that was speculated to be the memory usage. There might be a change for the official game, however, it is safe to presume that the PS2 version of Phantasy Star Universe will use 2,680KB of Memory Card space for a save file. Asim 13:47, 19 August 2006 (PDT)

08/18/2006: Pre-order gifts and telephone cards Edit: Net Cafe meseta giveaway

• EspioKaos on PSOW has posted in this thread that numerous retailers in Japan will give you a Visual Book and a Promotional Soundtrack when you pre-order PSU. Another nine track soundtrack can be found on the official site. It also appears that Sega released seven custom character designed telephone cards. These cards are free a long with a purchase of PSU at Laox, SofMap, Messe Sanoh, Imagine, and other stores. Each card design is exclusive to one store.
• Net Cafe has also announced a 30,000 meseta giveaway to anyone who participates in a Net Cafe event, but very little is known about the event. Asim 6:43, August 18, 2006 (PDT)

08/17/2006: Visual Book release date, blog update, and Games Convention

• Gamefront.de has reported on August 14th that the PSU Visual Book will be released in Japan as of August 31, 2006.
• There has also been a large update on the Developer's Blog on the official site discussing simple information about Network Mode and Story Mode. The update also sports a mini developer interview.
• A PSU booth demonstration booth in Leipzig, Germany will also be running through the 24rd - 27th this month, in one of the Games Convention halls. Asim 3:45, August 17, 2006 (PDT)

08/15/2006: Four commercials now up on the official JP PSU site

EspioKaos on PSOW has posted in this thread that there are now 4 videos of commercials currently airing on Japanese TV on the official site. These videos can be found here. Of note is the third commercial, which has not been seen by the community yet, and appears to show a SEED Vance in Raffon Meadow, whereas in the Closed Beta they only appeared in the Linear Line. Mewn 10:49, 15 August 2006 (PDT)

08/14/2006: PS2 Premiere leaked Edit: Several rare weapons revealed

On another forum, Sodaboy has recently posted videos, music and an ISO of the PSU PS2 Premiere Disc. Tycho 07:06, 14 August 2006 (PDT)

• I'll take this opportunity to state that links to the ISO or to forum posts with links to the ISO are not allowed here. Mewn 12:07, 14 August 2006 (PDT)
• Nisshoku has uncovered a picture of what may possibly be rares. Tycho and Mewn will be on the case to analyze the text and pictures. SAsim 3:07, 14 August 2006 (PDT)
• A lot of the names were quite hard to make out, but anyway, here is the result. Tycho 15:20, 14 August 2006 (PDT)

08/11/2006: JP PSU Developer's Blog now up Edit: SIGN apparently does not accept foreign CCs

• Ryna on PSOW has posted in this thread that a new Developer Blog is now up on the official site. There appears to be little of interest at the moment, mostly talking about the Premiere Disc and the previous release date postponements from what I can see, but it is of course possible that important or otherwise noteworthy information may be revealed here! Mewn 06:19, 11 August 2006 (PDT)
• Edit: beatrixkiddo informs us that the new payment system for Sega online games - SIGN - does NOT accept foreign CCs. Segalink stated this to kiddo's source, when asked about the possibility of the system accepting foreign CCs. Apparently SIGN uses the same overall template as SegaLink. This means you will have to rely on NetCash or a JP credit card. Mewn 15:00, August 11, 2006 (PDT)

08/10/2006: For Brighter Day track listing revealed, Premiere Disc mini-site and servers up

EspioKaos (again, heh) has posted more information in this thread on PSOW, this time posting links about the track listing of the For Brighter Day OST, the second of PSU's two soundtracks. He also reveals that the PS2 Premiere Disc mini-site is now up. It will have FAQs, server announcements and the like. The Premiere Disc servers are now up, too. Mewn 09:43, August 10, 2006 (PDT)

08/09/2006: Lottery winners receive PS2 Premiere Disc, PC PSU Net Cafe trial, SIGN website up Edit: PSU OP movie added

• First off is that those Japanese residents lucky enough to have been selected in the various magazine lotteries for the PSU PS2 Premiere Disc have received their disks and are now exploring the beginning of PSU's Story Mode. The JP PSU Image Dump may sate your curiousity somewhat (check out the Cast with clothes!). Still, if you live in Japan (or have a willing friend there) and a PS2 capable of playing JP region games you can still try to pick up a limited copy at selected stores in a few days time.
• Secondly, EspioKaos of PSOW reports in this thread that Sega will be running a two-day trial of the PC version of PSU at a Net Cafe. It is interesting to note that the servers for this trial and the PS2 Premiere Disc will be linked.
• Thirdly, the SIGN website is now up, according to Lyrise of PSOW. While no payment systems have been introduced for any game on this system yet it is hoped that foreign Credit/Debit Cards will be accepted. If you have an account on SegaLink it will have been automatically carried over to the new website. Mewn 10:36, August 9, 2006 (PDT)
• Edit: A movie showing PSU's opening, taken from the PS2 Premiere Disc, has been uploaded to YouTube by Umisenshi. The movie shows most of the major characters of PSU, including Mirei Mikuna in what can be assumed to be her Maiden of the Phantasmal Vision outfit. The musical accompaniment is, of course, the theme of PSU, Save This World. Mewn 13:18, 9 August 2006 (PDT)