From now through August 4
It’s a pretty good time forPhantasy Star Online 2right now: on multiple levels. So we havePSO 2still going strong in the west, after a lengthy period in which it was exclusive to Japan. Every time I log in the lobbies are dotted with people heavily geared and still playing. Then we haveNew Genesis,which is a brand new take on thePSOformula, and more open world/action based. It’s in its infancy, but there’s plenty of room to grow. And amid all this, thePhantasy Star Online 2 9th Anniversaryis happening for both games.
As noted on the official siteSega is running aPhantasy Star Online 29th Anniversary event for the game from now through August 4. The festivities range from your typical Sega login bonuses, to specific challenges for rewards, to more in-depth item/stamp design contests. Glissen is also a go, and will be the first elemental weapon series inNew Genesis, dealing with lightning elemental damage. Conveniently, many enemies in-game (typically denoted by a special anniversary symbol on their heads) will be weak to lightning during the event. Then there’s AC scratch tickets: of course there’s plenty of scratch tickets, it’sPSO2!
Here’s a breakdown of the contest element, if you’re interested: “Players are encouraged to use their artistic skills to partake in celebratory contests: Item Design Contest, Stamp-Drawing Contest, and Screenshot Submission Campaign. Submit outfit and accessory designs to the Item Design Contest; the item you design could be a huge hit in-game! Design anniversary and general stamps for the PSO2 Team Global to review. Winning Items and Stamps will be featured in PSO2 andPhantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, so send in your best entries.”
At the moment I’m enjoying popping intoPSO 2proper and watchingNew Genesiscontinue to iterate. I think by the end of the year the latter will be a pretty formidable free-to-play action game.
