Phantasy Star Universe Jumps to 360

Sega's on- and offline Phantasy Star game meets Xbox Live. No word yet on exactly what additions there will be.

Most RPGs are deliberately designed to either tether you online of off, but not Sega's upcoming Phantasy Star Universe. The game, which brings both singleplayer and online multiplayer parts, is now coming to the Xbox 360 too.

Over the past few years, the online-only Phantasy Star games have left fans of the series' roots yearning to ease into a full singleplayer experience. Yuji Naka and Sonic Team have finally heard the call and crafted a 40-hours-or-so experience you can play before you go online.

And what about those online bits? Like the previous Phantasy Star Online games you'll be able to team up with friends, something Xbox Live should make a lot easier. You'll be able to travel between the game's three planets in new vehicles and thwart all manner of new beasts from the game's 20 species (200 enemies in total).

"From its roots way back in the late eighties, Phantasy Star has become synonymous with quality RPG adventure," says Sega's Matt Woodley. "Now developed as both a singleplayer and an online multiplayer game, Phantasy Star Universe delivers RPG fans their greatest adventure yet."

There's no word yet on what enhancements there will be to the game during its next-gen transition. Also unconfirmed is how the subscription service for the game will work on Xbox Live.

Empty promises? Find out when Phantasy Star Universe hits PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 this autumn. For more info, check out our exclusive interview with producer Takao Miyoshi.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games