Phantasy Star Universe hops over to Xbox Live too afterall!

[Lee-yoshi]

Actually, they didn't on Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II for Xbox, but you can play with people worldwide on Xbox Live so i'd imagine there'd be regional servers alike Gamecube but servers that are worldwide accessible

[Alec Strider]

I really doubted that PSU would make it over to any of Microsoft's consoles. This is one of the rare instances in which I'm quite happy to be proven wrong.

Now I'll just have go to Gamestop tomorrow and get my pre-order deposit switched over to the 'Box.

[Vulcan]

SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Phantasy Star™ Universe will be available on the Xbox 360™.

Why doesn't it say SEGA of Japan there?
There is a rumor that SoJ NOT bring out a japanese version on the 360, it would be shocking to say the least, especially since PSO was so popular on the DC+GCN in Japan. Maybe because of the lack of interest in the 360 in Japan they have decided to not bother with regionalisation and the extra costs because of that and translation?

[Lokin Modar]

Why doesn't it say SEGA of Japan there?
There is a rumor that SoJ NOT bring out a japanese version on the 360, it would be shocking to say the least, especially since PSO was so popular on the DC+GCN in Japan. Maybe because of the lack of interest in the 360 in Japan they have decided to not bother with regionalisation and the extra costs because of that and translation?

I think you have a point here! Maybe this can be true, since the Xbox 360 is selling less than its predecessor...

[Lee-yoshi]

It is most likely the case that SEGA wont bring PSU out on Xbox360 in Japan because it'll cost more then it will bring money in - Especially considering the Gamecube easily outsells the Xbox360 in Japan per week!

Then again Microsoft may pay a bit for SEGA to bring it out on Xbox360 in Japan as part of their 'Make the Japanese people see that the console isn't so bad afterall and will have lots of Japanese friendly games on it' plan :O

[Vulcan]

'Make the Japanese people see that the console isn't so bad afterall and will have lots of Japanese friendly games on it'

Thats one helluva crap project name. I think Microsoft just call it 'world domination'.

[Daan]

SEGA of America and SEGA Europe today announced that Phantasy Star Universe will be available on the Xbox 360. Scheduled for release in Autumn 2006, the highly-anticipated role playing game (RPG) will release on multiple platforms including the PlayStation 2 and PC. Phantasy Star Universe offers two complete RPG experiences - a single-player action adventure spanning multiple planets and a robust online multiplayer component that will support Xbox Live.

Since its humble beginnings in 1988, Phantasy Star has revolutionised the RPG genre by creating new standards in innovative gameplay and online capabilities. Phantasy Star Universe offers a compelling story, both offline and online, that rebuilds the foundation of role-playing games with stunning cut scenes, sharply drawn personalities and a cohesive narrative. The game revitalises the Phantasy Star brand heritage while staying true to its roots.

"The reinvigoration of this beloved franchise on the Xbox 360 signifies another step for SEGA towards next-gen leadership," said Scott A Steinberg, Vice President of Entertainment Marketing, SEGA of America. "Phantasy Star has a rich history, and now with Phantasy Star Universe in support of the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, gamers can enjoy a fantasy role-playing experience of unprecedented depth both online with their friends and offline in the robust single-player game."

Developed by SEGA Studios, Phantasy Star Universe offers long-time fans the single-player experience they have been clamouring for. The solo adventure features more than 40 hours of gameplay, as well as an emotionally engaging story, stunning cut scenes and a strong cast of characters with very distinctive personalities. The title's hero is Ethan Waber, a 17-year-old cadet who begins his epic journey by first rescuing his sister at the GUARDIANS, a colony under siege by mysterious life forms known as THE SEED.

In Online Mode, players are given the opportunity to create their own characters from a range of races as they explore all three planets in the Gurhal system. Fans can travel with their friends as a squad of six adventurers, enter urban sprawls teeming with hundreds of other players and build their avatars into powerful warriors.

Key Game Features

Epic story: Phantasy Star Universe offers a suspenseful single-player adventure that fans have been clamouring for.

Phantasy Star heritage: Since 1988, the franchise has evolved and produced seven series to date - building itself as one of the most well established RPG franchises.

Real-time battles where players choose their own strategies: Choose from over 200 weapon variations in over 20 weapon categories for melee, technique or ranged-type combat. Players can also select numerous Photon Arts to defeat enemies.

World-class score: Soundtrack produced by premier orchestras and vocals from Poland, Hollywood and New York.

Online gameplay: Offering the Best of Both Worlds
Create a squad of up to six players to explore the universe and complete challenging quests.

Endless gameplay: In addition to over 40 hours of offline gameplay, gamers can spend endless hours online customising characters, searching for rare items, levelling up and joining friends for exhilarating new quests.


Variety in transportation: Player-controlled vehicles offer a new type of gameplay for the Phantasy Star franchise.

Character customisation: Go beyond standard customisation for your character with precise measurements, an endless colour palette and outlandish outfits.

Massive enemies: Over 70 unique enemy species, totalling more than 220 enemy variations.

Phantasy Star Universe will offer a rich and constantly evolving world that will provide months of entertainment to fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts.

Source: http://www.sega-europe.com/en/NewsStory/1132.htm

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!