Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis Gets Tons of Awesome Gameplay & Details; New PSO2 Engine Revealed

Today, during a broadcast from Japan, Sega showcased new gameplay and info about Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis.

First of all, we get to see a brand new version of the original cinematic trailer of the game with added vocals improved character models,

You can check it out below. It definitely looks impressive.

Sega announced Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis a few months ago. It will basically be a new game operated in parallel with the original Phantasy Star Online 2.

Next, we get to see the main visual art:

We then get to see a video providing an overview of the world in which the game is set. Interestingly, the story won’t be revealed during the upcoming closed beta, so we’ll have to wait for the official launch to know more.

The next video showcases action gameplay and the three playable classes. Incidentally, the over-the-shoulder view for the Ranger has been changed according to fan feedback.

We then get to see new classes, including the melee-oriented Fighter, the close-range and acrobatic gunner, and the long-range Techer.

The video also showcases Sub-Classes and the Multi-Weapon System that lets you use your sub-class’ weapon at the same time as your main class’ arms.

Next is a look at the basic traversal actions, Photon Dash, Photon Glide, Wall Kick, and Swimming. We also see Mag, your robot buddy that will play the role of a portable terminal in the story and assist you during your adventure.

The next video showcases the open field starting with the Ryuker Device that lets you teleport to faraway locations and acts as storage. You can also use the world map to teleport to any Ryuker Device you have previously visited.

Cocoons scattered in the map let you access instanced quests. These quests can be played solo and with a party including up to four people.

Emergency Trials are open-world quests that can appear as you explore the world.

Region Mags you can find in the field will give buffs to players.

The PSE System will include a gauge that fills up as you defeat enemies. The more it fills the more enemies appear.

Urgent Quests teleport your party in instanced areas where you can find giant bosses.

The next video is about Central City, that serves as the main hub of the game. In the city you can meet NPCs that will give you Tasks and visit shops like the food stand.

At the Item lab you can enhance weapons, affix augments, and set your multi-weapon on top of meeting with other players.

The city is seamlessly connected with the open field and features the same day and night cycle.

Next, we get to see a video on communication with other players and with the original Phantasy Star Online 2. Incidentally, one of the ways you can use to communicate is via finger movements, which wasn’t available in the original PSO.

We get to see for the first time a glimpse of the updated engine of Phantasy Star Online 2 and how you move between the two games.

Another video showcases the extremely advanced character creation in action.

Incidentally, you are not bound by gender or race, and you can select whatever physique you like on top of elements like ears, horns, and such. You can even fully modify basic physiques to make them look completely different.

There is also a full-fledged system to select color schemes, while accessories can be attached with a point-based system. You can attach whatever accessories you like up to 18 points.

You can see how it works below.

Lastly, we hear that another broadcast like this will happen after the closed beta test.

Speaking of the closed beta, the application period ends on January 4 and the form can be found here. At the moment, it’s only for Japan.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will come for the same platforms as Phantasy Star Online 2 which in the west is (for now) Xbox and PC, while in Japan it will release for PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

If you want to see more, you can check out the previously-released gameplay and see how much the game has improved since then.