*sigh* I'm putting my Mogic Cap back in the drawer again, waiting for a proper Phantasy Star V. Hell, I'll even take it on the Nintendo DS, Sega.

Sega Announces Phantasy Star Universe for PSP [1UP]

SEGA REVEALS DETAILS OF PHANTASY STAR UNIVERSE: AMBITION OF THE ILLUMINUS

Xbox 360 Expansion Pack for the Epic Sci-Fi Action RPG Soon to be Available for Download Via Xbox Live®

SAN FRANCISCO (October 25, 2007) - SEGA® of America, Inc. today released details for Phantasy Star™ Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Playstation®2 computer entertainment system and for PC. Phantasy Star™ Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus is an expansion to the epic sci-fi action role-playing game, Phantasy Star Universe, and will be available on November 20, 2007. The Xbox Live download will be available for 1600 Microsoft Points/$20 USD and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PC versions will be available at retailers across North America for $39.95 USD.

Whether tackling quests online with a party of up to six adventurers, or fighting through the next chapters of the exciting online story missions from the original game, Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus enables gamers to experience the wonders of the Gurhal System through the eyes of a personalized avatar. The expansion pack allows gamers to experience an even richer and more varied Phantasy Star experience. Players will explore exciting new levels, such as the Ruins of Old Rozenom City and the subterranean Granigs Mines, where they will encounter new and more powerful enemy types and bosses, and master additional versatile class types.

The expansion further enriches the online Phantasy Star Universe experience with newly created and enhanced gameplay and customization features. Players can commune in new and expanded lobby areas filled with colorful decorations and music, including the new Casino Voloyal where roulette and slots can earn players special casino-only items. Character and weapon customization is even deeper with the introduction of new weapon types, armor, Photon Arts, and clothing. Also, each Guardian's individual Room is upgraded with far greater options for customization.

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus continues the exciting single-player action-RPG storyline as a new Human Fundamentalist group, known as the Illuminus, disrupts the peaceful Gurhal System throwing the Gurhal Government into chaos. Using their custom-made Guardian, players embark upon a series of missions where they will meet familiar characters like Ethan Waber from Episode 1 and others including GUARDIAN instructor Laia Martinez from Episode 2.

Since its introduction in 1988, Phantasy Star has revolutionized the RPG genre by creating new standards through innovative gameplay, as well as being the first console RPG to offer an online experience in Phantasy Star Online. This new installment also expands the popular online adventure of its predecessor and continues the quest for peace in the Gurhal System.

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus is rated "T" by the ESRB. For art and assets, please visit http://segapr.segaamerica.com. Online play requires a subscription, for more detailed information, please go to the official website at www.phantasystaruniverse.com. Please note that the Xbox 360 download requires the original Phantasy Star Universe game.

It's the standard online expansion affair, new weapons, new areas, new armor, yadda yadda yadda. One of the more interesting additions are the new casino lobbies that allow players to gamble for rare and unique items. Sega is also adding to the game's single-player mode with the addition of new missions.

They also released nine new shots of Ambition of the Illuminus, which you can check out in our gallery. Anyone still go their Hunters License active? I haven't touched Phantasy Star since PSO for Dreamcast. Michael McWhertor

The holiday flood is right around the corner. Can you feel the game release HEAT?

Phantasy Star Universe (PC, PS2, Xbox 360)
Online and offline RPG, with bazillions of hours of fun.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent (GC, PS2, Xbox)
Sam infiltrates a terrorist organization in his fourth stealthy adventure.

Reservoir Dogs (PC, Xbox)
It's like the Quentin Tarantino movie, but... well, with more suck.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance (GBA, PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360)
X-Men Legends-style gameplay with Spidey, Capt. America, and more Marvel mainstays.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (PC)
The Source-powered first person RPG hits Steam this week.

F.E.A.R. Extraction Point (PC)
The horror FPS get's its first expansion. New weapons, new enemies, more sparks.

WTF (PSP)
Sony's mini-game collection screams Wario Ware rip-off that SCEA didn't wanna publish.

Resident Evil 10th Anniversary Edition (GC)
RE:make, RE0, and RE4 in one cheapass(TM) package.

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (PSP)
Remember when I said this was coming out last week? Oops!

Since tomorrow is my birthday, I'm hoping that publishers will just send me each and every release on this list. What are you lords and ladies picking up this week?

The Phantasy Star Universe Beta has been tumultuous. First, it was announced. Then it was postponed. Then it came online... with the end date basically a couple days away. Then it turned out that the Beta fell right in the middle of the Xbox Live downtime. Leaving people with not much more than a 900 meg ISO on their hard drive.

Well, good news, at least. The PSU beta has thoughtfully been extended on account of all these difficulties. You've got until tomorrow, midnight PST to keep on playing. A good move by Sega, who seem to have experienced a string of bad luck with this beta. Florian Eckhardt

Numerous Kotakuites have emailed us, informing that the Phantasy Star Universe demo is now up for download over Xbox Live. But....

No one can play it yet as the servers aren't up. Nice try Sega!!!

The download clocks in at 980 meg, with online multiplayer only, which shocks some of our readers, but we're not sure what they were expecting with an open beta of an MMORPG. These same readers seem to think 980 meg is tiny. Man, I'd love to have their pipe: you could drive a Caddy down it. Florian Eckhardt

First it's on. Then it's off. Now it's on again.

The Phantasy Star Universe Xbox 360 Open Beta will be uploaded to Xbox Live Marketplace this weekend, so get ready to download and play with your friends! In order to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this exclusive free beta, with extended uninterrupted weekend play, the multiplayer open beta will be available for download for two days only, and will be playable through to Oct. 18.

Me? I've stopped caring...

But wait a second. When it was announced to start on the 11th, it was scheduled only to go to the 18th. Now, it's scheduled to start on the 14ths and 15th, and it will still end on the 18th? Seems like a very short window to play if you've got to download a whole friggin' ISO to play. Florian Eckhardt

According to the official site:

We apologize, but the BETA release dates have changed. The release date will no longer be Oct 11th, but should see release very soon after. Please watch this page, as well as our Official Phantasy Star Universe forums for more information. Thank you for your patience, we look forward to seeing everyone online very soon!

So if you threw open your curtains and sang a song to the birds in rapturous anticipation of the PSU beta, Sega says suck it. Florian Eckhardt

Phantasy Star Universe [Official Site]

360 owners who want to take Phantasy Star Universe for a free demo spin will be in luck starting later this week week, when Sega will launch a free, open beta. Starting October 11th, players can download PSU directly through their Xbox Live Gold account and play the open beta until the 18th.

It's going to be a huge download though: the open beta will literally involve downloading the whole game. Possibly to cut down on the bandwidth, Sega is only allowing people to download the beta on the 11th and 12th. Florian Eckhardt

Phantasy Star Free Open Beta Test [1UP]

To celebrate the launch of Phantasy Star Universe in Japan, Sega is selling a limited edition T-shirt which, judging by the childish design, was created with the help of Acme Label Maker 2000. Fortunately, you can only buy it in Japan. Brian Crecente

Phantasy Star Universe Shirt [GameBrink]

Sega just announced that they will be releasing Phantasy Star Universe for the Xbox 360 this Fall. The role playing game will also hit Playstation 2 and PC.

The game includes a single player and online multiplayer experience, according to the release. Hit the jump for the full presser with game details.

SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Phantasy Star Universe will be available on the Xbox 360 . Scheduled for release in Fall 2006, the highly-anticipated role playing game (RPG) will release on multiple platforms including the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system 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 revolutionized the RPG genre by creating new standards through innovative gameplay and online capability. 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. This game revitalizes 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, Inc. "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 clamoring for. The solo adventure features more than 40 hours of gameplay, 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.

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. The game is slated to ship in Fall 2006. For screenshots and more information, please visit the SEGA FTP site at: ftp://segapr.segaamerica.com.

Key Product Features:

Epic Story: Phantasy Star Universe offers a suspenseful single player adventure that fans have been clamoring for.
Phantasy Star Brand 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
- Multiplayer: Create a squad of up to six players to explore the universe and conquer quests.
- Endless gameplay: In addition to over 40 hours of offline gameplay, gamers can spend endless hours online customizing characters, searching for rare items, leveling 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 Customization: Go beyond standard customization for your character with precise measurements, an endless color palette, and outlandish outfits.
Massive enemies: Over 20 unique enemy species, totaling over 200 enemy variations.