Sega details differences and connection between Phantasy Star Online 2 and New Genesis
Following the announcement of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis during the Xbox Games Showcase this week, Sega has followed up with more information and screenshots regarding the upgraded MMORPG.
A teaser website has opened for New Genesis, and Sega has posted a catch-all description of how New Genesis works with existing PSO2 characters and items. We've shared the follow-up post in full down below.
It's worth noting that while Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis has also been announced with PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch (Cloud) versions in Japan, the English post only mentions Xbox and Windows 10, with a note stating 'If PSO2 is added to new platforms, we plan to make PSO2: NGS available on those platforms as well.'
Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis Follow-Up Video
Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis (PSO2: NGS for short) was announced during the broadcast of Microsoft's Online Conference, the Xbox Games Showcase, on Thursday, July 23, 2020. This massive update will be released instead of a new episode, and is planned to launch after Episode 6.
This update may come as a surprise to those of you who are still playing Episode 3. In Japan, PSO2 recently celebrated its 8th anniversary and is gearing up for the end of Episode 6. Because the game system and graphics engine were created eight years ago, they may seem unrefined to modern players, especially to those of you whose adventures just began with the North American version. This is why the development team is preparing a massive update instead of a new episode—to give PSO2 the renewal it deserves. We are proud to present this dramatic evolution to you as Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis.
This massive overhaul will be released in 2021, the year of Phantasy Star Online's 20th anniversary. We sincerely hope that all you ARKS operatives will continue to enjoy the PSO2 universe for years to come.
Because the promotional video on the teaser website may not make it entirely clear how PSO2: NGS is related to PSO2 and how it differs, we have created a follow-up video and an announcement compiling what we can reveal at this point in time. For starters, please watch the follow-up video.
2021 will mark PSO2's largest update ever!
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Phantasy Star Online, we will be aiming for even greater heights and reshaping the story, game system, graphics engine, and character creation system. PSO2 will be reborn as an open-field online RPG, with a renewed battle system and game system to match!
The twin universes of PSO2: NGS and PSO2 exist side by side! Both are playable!
You can continue to enjoy the original PSO2 even after PSO2: NGS has been released. Accounts that have been playing PSO2 will be able to hop between PSO2: NGS and PSO2. However, because the game system is vastly different, we would like to explain what exactly is changing with PSO2: NGS below.
Create even more gorgeous characters with the new and improved graphics engine!
With the new graphics engine comes enhanced character models. In addition to the features present in the current character creation system, you'll now have even more detailed options, like changing the luster of your character's skin. Characters will also be able to move their fingers now! Furthermore, you'll be able to wear more accessories—as well as change their locations—creating even more customized characters. Because PSO2: NGS's character creation system is compatible with that of PSO2, players are free to decide which one they want to use.
Finally, PSO2's core graphics engine will also be overhauled, allowing you to use characters created with PSO2: NGS's system within PSO2 as well. Naturally, ALL character creation info from PSO2 (including items linked to emotes and other previously registered data) will be compatible with PSO2: NGS!
Note: The system requirements for the PC version will increase when PSO2 is updated to meet PSO2: NGS's standards.
Changes to the Game System
Because PSO2: NGS and PSO2 will have different game systems, some of their respective elements will be incompatible. The following points will summarize what we can announce at this time.
Note: While PSO2's graphics engine will be overhauled, its game system will not change. You can play the exact same content that you have until now.
Items That Are Not Compatible With PSO2: NGS
The following items obtained in PSO2 cannot be used in PSO2: NGS.
- Skill Rings
- Consumable Items used for battle, growth, and enhancement
- Boost Items
- Materials
- Furnishings
The above information is subject to change. We would greatly appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Regarding Player Data and Character Growth
Player Data
- AC and SG can be used in both PSO2: NGS and PSO2.
Because Meseta, FUN, and other currencies greatly affect the balance of the game's economy, these cannot be shared between PSO2: NGS and PSO2.
Character Growth
- Character growth will not be shared between PSO2 and PSO2: NGS.
Examples of Character Growth Elements That Are Not Shared With PSO2: NGS
- Level
- EXP
- Class Skills
- Photon Arts
- Techniques
Regarding Weapons, Units, and Mags
Weapons, Units, and Mags obtained in PSO2 can be used in PSO2: NGS as well. However, their functions, abilities, and appearances will change in accordance with PSO2: NGS's game system.
Note: These changes will only occur when playing PSO2: NGS. They will retain their original functions, abilities, and appearances within PSO2.
Weapons
While the fundamental weapon design will not change, their stats, augments, and potentials will. Additionally, some higher-rarity weapons may not be equippable until your character has reached a certain level. For weapons pertaining to classes that have not yet been added to PSO2: NGS, they will be unusable until the relevant class has been released.
Units
In PSO2: NGS, Units will become armor that is not visible. Even Units that have been obtained in PSO2 will become invisible in PSO2: NGS. Furthermore, similarly to weapons, their stats, augments, and potentials will change, and high-rarity Units may not be equippable until your character has reached a certain level.
Mags
Although Mags within PSO2: NGS do not affect your stats or aid you in battle, Evolution Device data from PSO2 will carry over.
Be sure to keep an eye out for more PSO2: NGS news, for further information on how data will transfer between the two games!
PSO2: NGS Release Information
Available Platforms
Planned for release on Windows 10, Xbox One.
Note: If PSO2 is added to new platforms, we plan to make PSO2: NGS available on those platforms as well.
Price
Free-to-Play (Some premium items available.)
Note: The information provided on this page is for a game still under development. The content and specifications may change at any time without notification.
PSO2: NGS Announcement Campaign
To celebrate the announcement of Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis, a "PSO2: NGS Announcement Campaign" will be held in PSO2. This campaign features some truly tantalizing items, so we invite all ARKS operatives who have taken a vacation from PSO2 to come back and have some fun while waiting for the release of PSO2: NGS! Click here for more information about this campaign!
We hope you continue to enjoy your time with Phantasy Star Online 2. Good luck out there, operatives!
