Phantasy Star Universe Open 360 Beta! Update: Now Available! [Mobile/Archive]

Foolman

10-09-2006, 06:33 PM

SEGA is proud to announce the start of the Open Beta for Xbox 360 on October 11th!. This will be the first chance to play the newest addition to the long running Phantasy Star series. The Beta test period is expected to run until October 18th and will allow participants to play through a portion of the online game. We encourage users interested in the Multiplayer aspects of Phantasy Star Universe to check out all there is to see in the Beta environment!
Getting started is extremely easy! If you want to participate you must have an active Xbox Live Gold account. The Beta will be available for download on the Xbox Marketplace between October 11th and October 12th. Once you have the beta downloaded, you'll be able to play immediately! Once online, we highly recommend the following activities to get the most out of this Open Beta period: http://www.phantasystaruniverse.com/news_beta.php

Oh man, this is going to be a good week.

EDIT: Well, it has been postponed to an unannounced date.

EDIT2:Posted by the PSO board admin:
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 untinterrupted weekend play, the multiplayer open beta will be available for download for two days only, and will be playable through to Oct. 18.

paz9x

10-09-2006, 06:34 PM

awesome, ive been on the fence with this game, this should help me out

Wolfgame

10-09-2006, 06:38 PM

very cool indeed, I enjoyed PSO1&2 for the xbox so im definently looking forward to trying this out.. thanks for the update.

rodeojones903

10-09-2006, 06:42 PM

Great news. :D

deadite76

10-09-2006, 06:42 PM

Thanks OP I'll keep an eye out for it!!!

sonicfreak5

10-09-2006, 06:52 PM

this is great :)

Monsta Mack

10-09-2006, 06:57 PM

Oh shizit. This is awesome news. I wasn't going to buy PSO this holiday but the open beta will give me a good chance to see if It's worth my money.

CAG 79

10-09-2006, 07:11 PM

Sweet, thanks OP.

mr ryles

10-09-2006, 07:15 PM

this is the best use of the marketplace yet.

pimpinc333

10-09-2006, 07:17 PM

Good Stuff. I'll be playing on my day off the 11th :)

VanillaGorilla

10-09-2006, 07:18 PM

this is the best use of the marketplace yet.I agree. Looking forward.

flybrione

10-09-2006, 07:21 PM

This blows my 360 is broken and I probably will not get my replacement until the 19th of October. Thanks MS.

LinkinPrime

10-09-2006, 07:22 PM

Is PSO an Action RPG like Diablo or turn based liked the FF series?

If its action, I'm in!

carpwrist

10-09-2006, 07:24 PM

Oh man, this is going to be a good week.

DAMNIT IT ALL TO HELL!!! I have Finals this week... WHY PSU! WHY!?!

Fuck

mr ryles

10-09-2006, 07:25 PM

Is PSO an Action RPG like Diablo or turn based liked the FF series?

If its action, I'm in!

Action. But not really like diablo as far as how the game is played.

Tha Xecutioner

10-09-2006, 07:27 PM

amazing news, I want to get this game so bad but the online fee is what kills it for me.

VanillaGorilla

10-09-2006, 07:33 PM

DAMNIT IT ALL TO HELL!!! I have Finals this week... WHY PSU! WHY!?!

FuckPfffph, you can go to college any time, PSU online beta testing is once in a lifetime! I'm sure your professors will understand.

Bazz

10-09-2006, 07:48 PM

Awesome can't wait to try it.

bisquit

10-09-2006, 08:08 PM

sweet!!! guess it's time for me to use that gold card i picked up.

swetooth9

10-09-2006, 08:17 PM

finally, i can see what the hype is about these phantasy star games...never played one :(

i'll be sure to d/l the beta

Logain8955

10-09-2006, 08:26 PM

Hell yeah! Thanks OP, I've been waiting for this game for awhile now, and 2 weeks early is good by me.

Apossum

10-09-2006, 09:17 PM

NICE! great fucking news

BREVITY

10-09-2006, 09:44 PM

awesome, ive been on the fence with this game, this should help me out
Ditto

I AM WILLIAM H. MACY

10-09-2006, 10:02 PM

Sorry this a very n00by question but will the beta testing cost money like the game? (I'd assume not)

R1V3R5

10-09-2006, 10:16 PM

Sorry this a very n00by question but will the beta testing cost money like the game? (I'd assume not)

No, betas are free. The one exception would have been when Sony Online Entertainment charged $5 for the "Star Wars Galaxy" beta discs on the pc. Cheap bastards.

I AM WILLIAM H. MACY

10-09-2006, 10:25 PM

No, betas are free. The one exception would have been when Sony Online Entertainment charged $5 for the "Star Wars Galaxy" beta discs on the pc. Cheap bastards.
Sweet, this should be cool then, even if it is a bit buggy.

Maklershed

10-09-2006, 10:42 PM

Sweetness

AdvOfJet

10-09-2006, 11:23 PM

Perfect. I was hoping to see something like this come along. I really hope they have done some things different from PSO; mainly by finding ways to eliminate the rampant cheating and fake item creation that occurred. Cant wait for the beta.

guyver2077

10-09-2006, 11:25 PM

cant wait!

levi333

10-09-2006, 11:49 PM

Excellent. Missed out on the free poker when my 360 was down, but hopefully ill remember to DL this.

2Fast

10-10-2006, 02:13 AM

I'm all over this!

62t

10-10-2006, 02:57 AM

i wonder if you can earn achievement in the beta?

DomLando

10-10-2006, 03:10 AM

Nice!

-Never4ever-

10-10-2006, 10:43 AM

Sweet, I'll be dloading it asap.

pimpinc333

10-10-2006, 10:44 AM

I wondering when they will put it up? Midnight or sometime during the day.

Foolman

10-10-2006, 06:01 PM

Don't shoot the messenger but...
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 (http://boards.sega.com/psu/viewforum.php?f=2) for more information. Thank you for your patience, we look forward to seeing everyone online very soon!

Sorry guys.

OGHowie

10-10-2006, 06:55 PM

Don't shoot the messenger but...

Sorry guys.

wtf

Prepster

10-10-2006, 07:34 PM

Don't shoot the messenger but...

Sorry guys.

well fuck!:bomb:

KaneRobot

10-10-2006, 07:43 PM

Very cool. I'll never play a monthly-fee online RPG, but free is good.

Wolfgame

10-10-2006, 07:51 PM

now says:

I regret to inform everyone that the Start Date for the Open Beta has been changed from Oct 11th to a 'very soon' date. We anticipate the release of the Demo to Marketplace will be in the coming days, but we do not have an official date at this point.

I want to apologize for the confusion this will cause, and request that posters distribute this info as much as they can. We will be updating our Announcements section with new information on the date as soon as we receive official confirmation.

Thanks

It cant possibly be that much longer, unless im mistaken the games already due out by the end of the month, so the beta has to be starting soon.

Logain8955

10-10-2006, 07:58 PM

It's due out on the 24th. I bet this is a one or two day delay, that's all.

EDIT: Fuck. They just announced pricing on the monthly fee.
SEGA finally sent out word on their pricing for the upcoming online RPG Phantasy Star Universe for the US. The Guardians license, which is what you'll need to take the game into the expansive and persistent online world, will be available for purchase on October 24, 2006 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and PC online users for $9.99. Those playing on the PlayStation 2 and PC can also purchase a six month license for $49.99 to save some money.

Although the game will cost 10 dollars more on Xbox 360 with an MSRP of $59.99 and there won't be any initial options for purchasing an extended online license, all is not gloom and doom in 360 land. That is because this Wednesday, October 11 and continuing Thursday, October 12, the Phantasy Star Universe multiplayer open beta will be available as a free download. The free open beta will run for a week and conclude on October 18, 2006. It will be open to all Xbox 360 owners with an Xbox Live Gold account.

Phantasy Star Universe will ship on October 24, 2006 for PlayStation 2, PC and Xbox 360 and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

So, 10 bucks a month. That's not too bad, but I was expecting a cheaper price on the 360 and needing Gold access. The fact that we cant buy a year subscription is really fucked up though.

EDIT Again: Hmm, looks like we might be able to buy Guardian's Licenses with Marketplace Points.

Q: How do I play Phantasy Star Universe online?

A: Playing is simple, and available on 3 different platforms! First you'll need a broadband connection, a PS2 and a network adaptor, or a PC meeting the minimum specs for the PC game. Then just grab a Game ID and a GUARDIANS License, and you can hop online!

For the Xbox 360 version, you'll need a broadband connection and an Xbox 360. You'll need to set up an Xbox Live account with a Gamer Tag, if you don't have one already, and then grab your GUARDIANS License from the Xbox Marketplace, and you'll be good to go!

OGHowie

10-10-2006, 09:54 PM

$10 a month seems alot to me actually. $120 a year just to play online? Maybe I'm just not used to these MMO costs since I stopped playing PC games.

Maklershed

10-10-2006, 10:25 PM

flashburn

10-10-2006, 11:04 PM

That's discouraging to hear about the $10 a month fee. Which brings up a question ... why do MMORPG charge monthly fees when they seemingly do the same thing that online games like Halo and BF2 do. Do they require more servers/maintenance? What is it about MMORPG that justifies charging monthly fees?
Of course they require "more servers/maintenance". They also update most MMO's with new content constantly. Phantasy Star Online might not be an MMO, but they do update it on a regular basis.

Bazz

10-10-2006, 11:14 PM

Microsoft doesn't know how to keep a date imo. Tiger Woods Demo finally came out today and it was suppost to be out like last month.

Weedy649

10-10-2006, 11:21 PM

That's discouraging to hear about the $10 a month fee. Which brings up a question ... why do MMORPG charge monthly fees when they seemingly do the same thing that online games like Halo and BF2 do. Do they require more servers/maintenance? What is it about MMORPG that justifies charging monthly fees?

Its the same reason you buy to add maps to a game like ghost recon, more production is put into the game after you initially pay. So there is monthly maintence, constant updates and game masters who look over the game. The only thing is that PSO just wasnt deep enough to warrant pay per month and i feel PSU will be the same.

I wish it was free again like PSO 1 on dreamcast :(

TheRock88

10-11-2006, 03:34 AM

It would be cool if you can buy a Guardian License with marketplace points. Way easier for us peeps without credit cards.

Francis

10-11-2006, 09:54 AM

I would be wary of this game, at first atleast. Seems like Sega doesn't have their shit together.

terribledeli

10-11-2006, 12:15 PM

Sega/Sonic Team has never delivered in the past, so its not surprising they show up again asking for money and making promises that they may deliver. I'm picking it up for offline play only. After getting burned on three different online Phantasy Star games, I'm done dealing with their crap.

guyver2077

10-11-2006, 12:17 PM

i honestly wont be able to play this game like i used to in the old dc days.... but ill pick it up just because pso is like my favorite game..

shieryda

10-11-2006, 12:28 PM

I've never played the original title, but this may be worth a look-see.

dobiewan

10-11-2006, 12:31 PM

Sega's Phantasy Star Online support has always sucked. They totally abandoned gamers on PSO on DC and GC/Xbox. But they still took their monthly fee happily. People were doing shit to not only erase or damage your character profiles, and generally ruin the in-game experience...but also stuff that could potentially damage your hardware. Yet, Sega did nothing to stop or prevent this type of thing. I like Phantasy Star games, and I've sunk many hours into them, but Sega can go shit a brick on this one.

mykevermin

10-11-2006, 12:36 PM

I'll second dobiewan's assertion. I don't quite understand what was so amazing about PSO; it was fun, IMO, but (1) the lack of diversity in the game made it worth far less per month than $10, and (2) the amount of cheating in the game made it ludicrous to think that Sega was using the money for upkeep in the game.

They put together a fun game, but one that wasn't diverse, and one that wasn't well-kept or updated after release. I can't support Sega this go-around. Even if I did, I'd have to go with a PC or PS2 release, since the monthly subscription is substantially cheaper.

seanr1221

10-11-2006, 12:44 PM

Wow the monthly fee kills this for me. Dont forget I bet they will charge you more for added content.

zewone

10-11-2006, 01:29 PM

Aren't the characters saved server side to prevent cheating in PSU ~ala PSO:BB?

Foolman

10-11-2006, 04:55 PM

This was posted on the PSO boards by the admin.
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 untinterrupted weekend play, the multiplayer open beta will be available for download for two days only, and will be playable through to Oct. 18.
Well, I'm not going to be home all weekend. I'm screwed.

mykevermin

10-11-2006, 04:59 PM

This was posted on the PSO boards by the admin.

Well, I'm not going to be home all weekend. I'm screwed.

4 day beta? Whoopie shit! With all the problems that came with the Japanese launch, you think they're take their sweet time with this.

Apossum

10-11-2006, 05:01 PM

i was hyped for this game, until i remembered my connection sucks :(

my computer handles PSO with no problems for the most part...occasionally it slows down. but I can't play a straight game of doa4 online. i hope it won't effect PSU. glad there's a beta. even if it's a weak one.

zewone

10-11-2006, 05:05 PM

4 day beta is wack. Still getting it though.

VanillaGorilla

10-11-2006, 05:58 PM

This isn't even a beta, it's an online enabled demo. The game comes out a week after the beta ends, so even if people find problems with the game, like bugs or glitches, it would be way too late for SEGA to even do anything. They shouldn't call this a beta, it's a demo.

pete5883

10-11-2006, 08:56 PM

No, Sega can't change anything on the disc, but playing online does require connecting to game servers which have - gasp - software on them. Don't you think Sega can fix things on their end? :roll:

terribledeli

10-11-2006, 10:18 PM

Don't you think Sega can fix things on their end? :roll:

You're making an awfully large assumption Sega is going to do something they haven't done in the past.

Monsta Mack

10-11-2006, 11:18 PM

Still can't understand how they charge $9.99 per month for this either, especially since games like Guild Wars and Diablo 2 (oldy but goody) are free online.

Eitherway look forward to downloading the beta this weekend.

pete5883

10-12-2006, 10:43 AM

You're making an awfully large assumption Sega is going to do something they haven't done in the past.
Don't get me wrong, I know about Sega's poor track record with PSO's, but just because the game discs have already been made, doesn't mean Sega can't make any improvements based on this beta. To me it sounded more like a server stress test anyway.

Wolfgame

10-12-2006, 12:55 PM

thats one big problem with PSO, it has a monthly fee and still runs rampant with cheating, if sega cant even keep an equal online playing field what exactly are we paying for? just gonna have to wait and see with PSU but I doubt it will be any different.

coolieman2001

10-12-2006, 02:42 PM

I'll be picking this up when the price drops, theres to too many good 360 games coming out next month. Iam also not down for the $10 monthly fee. I'll just be playing the single player mode.

Zingela

10-12-2006, 05:14 PM

You're making an awfully large assumption Sega is going to do something they haven't done in the past.
To be fair, they've continually fixed problems and bugs with PSO:BB, even in the English release.

However, Blue Burst is a PC version and is much easier to patch than a console game. Time will tell how much attention we get for PSU. :(

Logain8955

10-12-2006, 07:35 PM

3 day beta now, thanks to MS pulling Live down on the 17th. However, you may still be able to play that day.

If it's like FF11, you can log in and stay logged in when Live goes down. However, if you log off, you wont get back in.

So log in the 16th and leave the 360 on.

Thanks MS. =\

Logain8955

10-13-2006, 06:43 AM

Beta is up NOW. Just under 1g to download.

gunm

10-13-2006, 06:46 AM

Yup, dl'ing NOW. :)

spoo

10-13-2006, 06:47 AM

Going so slooooow.

Logain8955

10-13-2006, 06:59 AM

Yeah, pretty slow for me too, but it's kind of a good thing. >.> Otherwise, I know I'd end up ignoring this 10 page story I have to write for class tomorrow.

Francis

10-13-2006, 07:11 AM

Stuck at 6%

spoo

10-13-2006, 07:21 AM

Don't worry about it going slow or being stuck mine finally downloaded but now I am getting server issues before it will let me even log in... If it is like this @ 5am (local time) this beta will be a mess.

Logain8955

10-13-2006, 07:38 AM

People are starting to get in and play, according to the official forums. It looks like too many people slammed it at once.

gunm

10-13-2006, 08:01 AM

Actually, it's probably worth noting in the OP that the beta isn't a stress test, and that there will only be limited number of concurrent sessions/players at any given time. If you can't get on, it may very well be by design, and you may just need to wait and try again later.

$hady

10-13-2006, 08:18 AM

Also getting it now, I just finished Saints Row (except for some side missions) and saw this on the marketplace.

flashburn

10-13-2006, 08:19 AM

91% done...looks like I will be a little late to work. I really want to check this out.

FaintDeftone

10-13-2006, 08:22 AM

Just got it finished and the server isn't working. Nice...

spoo

10-13-2006, 08:46 AM

Ok I got on and played through the tutorial then got into a party then the server booted me for some odd reason. Meh I will try again latter.

Bazz

10-13-2006, 10:25 AM

Downloading now and can't wait to play this online.

guyver2077

10-13-2006, 10:26 AM

fukk always when im at work

seanr1221

10-13-2006, 10:37 AM

Downloading now....damn you work in 3 hours!!

Sporadic

10-13-2006, 10:46 AM

mykevermin

10-13-2006, 10:52 AM

Allow me to add:

:lol:

pimpinc333

10-13-2006, 11:10 AM

Ok all DL'ed. Now time to play the waiting game for Zewone and Trakan.

megabadd

10-13-2006, 11:30 AM

Servers are UP now!

I'm on, add me as a friend if you're on too!

thrustbucket

10-13-2006, 11:34 AM

Please inform us poor responsible assholes that have to work how the game is while we sit at work and rot...

Sporadic

10-13-2006, 11:46 AM

Alright, I was going through the tutorial and it froze on me.

AWESOME!

megabadd

10-13-2006, 11:55 AM

same here, but you can just play without listening to it.

The game is very pretty, and my wireless logitech keyboard works with it, yay!

seanr1221

10-13-2006, 12:40 PM

Yea um my DL has been at 99% for 5 minutes now..

shipwreck

10-13-2006, 12:56 PM

Well, that's about what I thought it was. I guess I still don't like Phantasy Star Online. Oh well.

Apossum

10-13-2006, 01:15 PM

*download completes*

Hooray! \\:D/

*awaiting response from Phantasy Star Universe Server*

8-)

*connection to Phantasy Star Universe Server failed*

:-s

*retry*

*connection to Phantasy Star Universe Server failed*

:-k

*retry X 10*

*connection to Phantasy Star Universe Server failed*

:cry:

*retry X 25*

*connection to Phantasy Star Universe Server failed*

:wall:

*retry X 50*

*connection to Phantasy Star Universe Server failed*

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2559/emotsuicidejs2.gif

:lol:

currently DLing it. I started this morning, then like a dumbass, set my laptop on stand by before I left for class (my 360 gets its signal from there.)

probably won't be going out tonight, so add me or message me if you wanna play some PSU!

OGHowie

10-13-2006, 01:31 PM

same here, but you can just play without listening to it.

The game is very pretty, and my wireless logitech keyboard works with it, yay!

Wait, there is voice right? Why would you need keyboard if you have voice?

Logain8955

10-13-2006, 02:12 PM

Wait, there is voice right? Why would you need keyboard if you have voice?

To talk in the lobbies. Voice only will go so far, so you're not spammed with some dumb kid going LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOOLOLOLOLOLOOLO forever.

If you are having trouble connecting:

Back out ALL THE WAY to the start screen, where you choose Xbox Live. For some reason, if it doesn't connect, you have to do that or it'll just keep saying no connection.

Bazz

10-13-2006, 02:16 PM

Game is cool , but still learning item system and attacks it all seems weird at moment. Will see how it turns out though.

coltcannon

10-13-2006, 02:32 PM

Anyone know how to get back to the tutorial? It froze during it. I have never played a phantasy star game so I have no idea what im doing.

Bazz

10-13-2006, 02:39 PM

Anyone know how to get back to the tutorial? It froze during it. I have never played a phantasy star game so I have no idea what im doing.In your room talk to little robot thing and their an option for tutorial.

jojoschump2000

10-13-2006, 02:40 PM

You can redo/restart the tutorial in your room. Talk to the Personal Robot guy "Talk" and then you can select Tutorial somewhere there. I had the tutorial freeze on me twice - guess that is why it is a BETA. But finally got through it. Decent game so far - but hate those subscription games. CHEERS!

FaintDeftone

10-13-2006, 02:48 PM

I cannot get this piece of shit to connect what so ever. I've tried and I've tried. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrr x100

zewone

10-13-2006, 03:00 PM

I had the tutorial freeze on me twice. Can someone tell me where I can start missions at?

Bazz

10-13-2006, 03:02 PM

I cannot get this piece of shit to connect what so ever. I've tried and I've tried. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrr x100restart your system and try again. I had problems in the morning.

zewone

10-13-2006, 03:04 PM

I had the tutorial freeze on me twice. Can someone tell me where I can start missions at?
Nevermind. Found it.

TheRock88

10-13-2006, 03:27 PM

Played through one mission and it was alright. Still have to get use to the new additions to the game.

Also, did they take out the light and heavy attacks? So there's only one attack button (the X button)? If so, it's basically just like a button masher now.

Let's get a CAG team(s) together for tonight.:D

megabadd

10-13-2006, 04:07 PM

I miss my MAG helping me in battle, oh well.

getmyrunon

10-13-2006, 04:54 PM

A quick play by play / demo-review for all those who are unfortunately stuck at work. I feel your pain.

A preface - I have never owned a subscription to any MMO before, have only sparing played or watched people play them on a PC, and have absolutely zero experience playing them on consoles. So, to put it plainly, I am a total n00b when it comes to games like this, and my opinion represents that of the extremely uninformed casual gamer who was semi-on the fence about the game.

The demo is 940 megs, and set to expire at 12:00AM local time on the 18th. Since XBL is down on the 17th, barring any "stay logged in" tricks, that pretty much means that the 16th will be the final day to play it? Seems like a pretty short window...

Character creation is fairly robust. There are a decent amount of selections for each criteria (around 4-12 depending), and plenty of options in between the classes. Creating a realistic character ala Saints Row is not so much a possibility unless you magically look like a preset, but there's enough variation to add a personalized touch to your character. Characteristics are pretty standard: face, body type, proportions (you can make a fatty!), eyebrows, colors, etc.

After you create your character (which forces you to use the d-pad instead of the analog, as seems to be the case for most menus) the demo opens up by offering you the chance to take a tutorial. The tut was doing an adequate job of explaining the game to me before it froze, forcing me to hard-restart the 360. The loading times are fairly speedy (5-10 seconds per window). For fear of freezing I decided to skip the tutorial second time around and head directly into the lobby.

I'm pretty impressed by the character animations - they don't look all that clunky walking around. The pre-configured moves are also really amusing. "Dance 1" seems ripped straight out of the Wild and Crazy Guys SNL skit featuring Dan Akroyd and Steve Martin. One obnoxious thing is that people with laggier connections seem to be darting all over the place and occasionally "warping in" right in front of my face, but I have no problem moving smoothly throughout the environment.

The visuals of the mall lobby aren't graphically mindblowing, but individual characters have an impressive amount of detail to them, and I think the models are really well done. The rest of the mall is pretty generic futurish, kinda feels like I've seen it before. Another thing that I think is extremely well done is the camera, especially in a closed environment, the tracking seems spot on.

The controls are simple enough. The D-pad enters preconfigured speech, X opens up your lobby menu with the various character animations. Left analog controls movement, right analog controls camera, and left bumper centers camera / enables strafing. A serves as the "action" button, and everything else seems to have no purpose because I am weaponless.

The music is driving me nuts - some kind of synthesized elevator-to-the-max escalating pattern with a piano and electric violin that is making me want to turn my sound wayyy down, punctuated by static bursts whenever someone says anything.

The first mission wasn't especially engaging or fascinating, but I could see how the experience would be vastly improved if you had a lot of friends to go around playing with and leveling up.

This demo pretty much confirms my initial thought, which is that the game isn't really for me, being that I'm a casual gamer and there are simply too many things you need to learn to fully enjoy the game/warrant paying $10 a month. I'll leave it up to the true fans to weigh in on whether or not it's a good game as far as MMOs go, as I'm not qualified to answer that.

Oh god, I just saw someone running around dancing as a midget girl. Hilarious.

jrutz

10-13-2006, 05:21 PM

I miss my MAG helping me in battle, oh well.

No MAGs?!? Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit ...

Jeremy

Brak

10-13-2006, 05:24 PM

This is a little on the dated/unimpressive side.

thingsfallnapart

10-13-2006, 05:42 PM

I love this game. The graphics are great on 720 P. The only thing i hate is the mag isnt there anymore, but ill wait and reserve judgements is the missing MAG...but who knows if sega is presenting to us a complete taste of whats to come in the final.

thrustbucket

10-13-2006, 05:46 PM

getmyrunon - thanks for your review so far!

OGHowie

10-13-2006, 05:52 PM

Not sure if I'm correct yet since I'm at work, but I believe EGM said something about certain races able to have followers like mags but that actually can even become mini humans that help you fight or something?

anomynous

10-13-2006, 06:46 PM

I have no idea what to do in this game, I just go around dancing

thrustbucket

10-13-2006, 06:55 PM

I have no idea what to do in this game, I just go around dancing

Don't fret, there are literally thousands that feel the same way in World of Warcraft as well.

paz9x

10-13-2006, 07:58 PM

where the hell do i go to get a mission?

xmrblondex

10-13-2006, 08:17 PM

missions are on the 4th floor. go to the back near the elevator and then to the right.

This game is pretty fun. I got to level 7, and I have had a blast. The higher level challenges are really hard. I need some better equipment.

Kendro

10-13-2006, 08:23 PM

Is it confirmed that the Tutorial will freeze your 360? I don't want to take the chance of having to manually re-start my 360. Anyone go through it smoothly?

xmrblondex

10-13-2006, 08:32 PM

Is it confirmed that the Tutorial will freeze your 360? I don't want to take the chance of having to manually re-start my 360. Anyone go through it smoothly?
It just froze the PSU game. I was able to go to the dashboard and log in again.

bisquit

10-13-2006, 09:13 PM

Is it confirmed that the Tutorial will freeze your 360? I don't want to take the chance of having to manually re-start my 360. Anyone go through it smoothly?

it froze mines too. I just went back to the dashboard and loaded the demo up again.

carpwrist

10-13-2006, 09:17 PM

tomoyochan

10-13-2006, 11:17 PM

wow this demo is pretty horrible, and that's coming from somone who played PSO I & II on the regular xbox.

Apossum

10-13-2006, 11:42 PM

Is this constantly booting anyone off Live or is it just my connection? quick answer would be much appreciated.

Zoglog

10-13-2006, 11:51 PM

agreed, this game plays horribly, tutorial is horrificly boring, and the lag. This beta plays more like an alpha.

Honestly with this horrible a beta, I doubt they're going to take the time to fix the cheating that was so rampant in PSO I And II. Really really not worth a monthly fee

guyver2077

10-14-2006, 12:01 AM

still getting used to it but there are some familiar mechanics.. ill be picking this up anyways since im a huge pso fan

carpwrist

10-14-2006, 12:05 AM

you guys should still be thankful you even got to play. alot of us still haven't connected!!!

VanillaGorilla

10-14-2006, 12:08 AM

I tried playing it earlier today, but after about 10 failed attempts to connect, I just gave up. Maybe I'll try some more times tonight.

Kendro

10-14-2006, 12:11 AM

Wow, why are the graphics so EFFING bad? I know it is a port of the PS2 version, but the low-res textures and massive jaggies ruin it. For god sakes, even the fucking startup screen when the Sega and Sonic Team LOGOS pop up have jaggies and are low-resolution.

The tutorial froze on me and I had to perform a hard-reset as the guy above. Game wise the lag is unbearable. I couldn't follow my teammates because they were all teleporting like Nightcrawler (they can't all have bad connections, and it couldn't be mine, I have 5 mb cable). I finally resorted to looking at the map / radar to find them.

We had 5 people in the party so it was a little "fun." Co-op can make Pong fun so I don't give PSU that much credit. I only gave the game about 2 hours so my opinion might be premature, but this shit ain't worth $10 a month. All your doing is walking around fighting enemies.

I'd rather pay $10 a month for 6 player co-op of X-Men (the arcade game). ZOMG. How fucking awesome would that be if it landed on XBL Arcade?

VanillaGorilla

10-14-2006, 12:19 AM

Still no luck connecting. Seems like this Beta is just gonna end up alienating people who can't even connect, and who see no answers to this problem from SEGA. Jesus, SEGA needs to just go out of business, they have been making nothing but pure $hit for the last 5 years. Just die already.

Brak

10-14-2006, 12:20 AM

Originally, I deeply sorrowed that I couldn't take part in the online realm of Phantasy Star Universe, due to the subscription fee...

... after playing this, I'm no longer lusting for the online play.

Hell, I was going to buy it for single player... This beta saved me $60.

Apossum

10-14-2006, 12:50 AM

Anyone know how to activate voice chat? me and Rolento are on a mission-- he can hear me but I can't hear him, help please?

Zoglog

10-14-2006, 01:08 AM

Anyone know how to activate voice chat? me and Rolento are on a mission-- he can hear me but I can't hear him, help please?

that's a connection issue that happens quite often on live.

AdvOfJet

10-14-2006, 01:26 AM

Played for a little over two hours around mid-day. No freezing during the tutorial; no connections issues any of the 3 times I logged in.

I can understand how people who didn't enjoy PSO probably won't like the game since that game was definately not for everyone. To me this seems like an updated version of PSO with a slightly more in depth item creation system.

If they put any effort into controlling the cheating that ran rampant in PSO, I will be picking this up shortly after launch.

By the way, has anyone read what the level cap is for the game at this point ? Not the demo, just the game as it hits retail.

JDMxB

10-14-2006, 01:29 AM

Thanks for saving me the download fellas.

And they want to charge monthly for this? Bah.

Wolfgame

10-14-2006, 01:46 AM

I really enjoyed PSO, but this almost seems like a step back, the problem is sega previous track record doesnt really give any hope that the game will improve. of course maybe the game does have a deeper appeal than it seems, but it would be a difficult desision for me to buy it and give it the chance to improve simply because this beta completely underwhelmed me (excluding any dcs and other problems) the gameplay in general just didnt hook me the way PSO did.

Weedy649

10-14-2006, 01:53 AM

My download has been going like all day, luckily too since i had work to do.

I want to like this game even though i wont pay for it even if i do. I play ffxi and theres no way im paying for more than 1 game a month. Wish they would make this free to play online or at least add multiplayer offline :(

I AM WILLIAM H. MACY

10-14-2006, 02:08 AM

Wow strongly disliked it, but I did have a good time dancing and rubbing against other confused players

Apossum

10-14-2006, 02:15 AM

just played for a few hours...
okay, so it's the same thing as PSO, pretty much, except it's faster and you can hit multiple enemies at once and you don't have a mag.
let's not forget there's 10x as much neon. and a makeover store. ???

gotta love the continuing Phantasy Star tradition of giving you weird item names with no descriptions at all too.

Francis

10-14-2006, 02:56 AM

This really looks like a dreamcast game, a very good looking Dreamcast game but still. I can very easily understand how players not familiar with the first PSO on Dreamcast could wonder what the big deal over this game is.

I'm really disappointed that there are monthly fees for this. If it were free, I'd be all over it because it brings back fond memories.

62t

10-14-2006, 03:23 AM

seeing how there is no gameshark for X360, i wont worry about it for now.

FaintDeftone

10-14-2006, 05:09 AM

I still cant fucking connect. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

pete5883

10-14-2006, 10:35 AM

I think there is some replacement for Mags, but you have to feed them for a bit before they fight with you.

KaneRobot

10-14-2006, 12:22 PM

Not much in the way of problems connecting, but the game is pretty underwhelming anyway.

Zoglog

10-14-2006, 02:50 PM

Monsta Mack

10-14-2006, 04:25 PM

Yeah this looks like a big expansion the PSO for the DC. The graphics are fugly and the lag was horrid, but it looks like a decent game if it weren't for the monthly fee. I don't plan on getting it unless all my friends start playing like it was WOW.

Apossum

10-14-2006, 04:40 PM

Actually you could hit multiple people in pvious PSO's as well with certain weapons.

great, so then it's pretty much the same game :lol:

infamyRISE

10-14-2006, 04:53 PM

I played it briefly last night. Got fed up after it locked up once, then when I couldnt find my way out of the endless city zones. I want to fight something dammit!

megabadd

10-14-2006, 05:00 PM

Having loved PSO on the DC, I really like the Beta. I haven't been having a lot of the problems you guys have been having (save the demo freezing). I played for about 6 hours straight yesterday and got to lvl 8. I'm definitely picking this one up when it comes out.

Plus, I didn't think the game looked that bad. I really like the outdoor levels.

Also, after doing some research, if you evolve your Partner Machine enough, it can fight alongside you like another character (it gives you a Player card and everything).

DJSteel

10-14-2006, 05:06 PM

i played it a couple of hours...it was okay... I'm level 5 now..and I'm unimpressed...

Noodle Pirate!

10-14-2006, 05:32 PM

I played it briefly last night. Got fed up after it locked up once, then when I couldnt find my way out of the endless city zones. I want to fight something dammit!

Go to the 4th floor of the starting city. Head toward the opposite end away from the elevators and stairs. Look for lots of people milling about. You will see a glowy cube near the entrance to the mission center. I think its called like a line connector or something.
If you step into one and it asks you which planet you want to go to that is not the right one.
Pick the C class mission and when you finish that,rinse and repeat till you can handle level 5 creeps. Then next time when you finish the first mission, run across the room to another door and do the level C mission where you fight the seed boss. Everything in it is level 5 plus.

-----
I also didn't have all the trouble that everyone else is having. No lag or discons except for the ocasional lag spike and no jaggies at all. I play on a regular tv and try to pick a server high up in numbers with less people. The game was fun but I can't see myself paying for it. If it was free or like 5 monies or less a month I'd get it.

infamyRISE

10-14-2006, 05:39 PM

Thanks, Noodle.

I plan on giving it another go with a buddy after I get off work tonight.
I refuse to write it off completely yet. PSO supplied me with countless hours of fun.

Noodle Pirate!

10-14-2006, 05:47 PM

Np.
When you get tired of the level 5 missions from the starting city, move over a planet and do the C class level 10 missions. It's not the planet with the Asian writing, its the other one and the mission center is on the East siieeede. ;P

I'll edit when i look up the planet name :P

almasy82

10-14-2006, 05:49 PM

loved pso..very disapointed in sega yet again (why can't they make descent games recently)

seanr1221

10-14-2006, 11:27 PM

Played for like an hour with X....I'm not really impressed. Ugly graphics, confusing interface and a monthly fee turn me off from it.

RelentlessRolento

10-15-2006, 12:44 AM

Still pissed at how insanely confusing this is to newcomers... plus giftwrapping meat never gets old.

Mr Wahoo

10-15-2006, 01:48 AM

horse $hit, can not connect. I hate all the constant horse $hit that I have to deal with because the 360. So fucking annoying.

Maklershed

10-15-2006, 11:02 AM

Where does one go to download this? I cant find it anywhere.

spoo

10-15-2006, 11:48 AM

Where does one go to download this? I cant find it anywhere.
You are to late, it was only available to download Fri and Sat.

OGHowie

10-15-2006, 04:33 PM

Had no problems getting on a server or doing the tutorial last night. I guess I'm just lucky.

I probably won't buy it though since i'm not that into MMORPGs anymore and it seems pretty similar to PSO.

Bazz

10-15-2006, 04:37 PM

The server half time is always busy to connect.

Gojtron

10-15-2006, 05:21 PM

So there's easier missions? Damn, I couldn't figure it out and went right to the planet and was fighting the Lvl 10 creatures. Finally finished it by myself, got up to level 4. What server are people playing on? I'm using 14 out of respect for titania-14 in the past.

xmrblondex

10-18-2006, 09:29 PM

you peeps know you can still log on, right?
I'm playing right now

Kendal

10-18-2006, 09:53 PM

I can't connect to XBL so I am missing out. Is there going to be a offline mode to this game?

zewone

10-18-2006, 10:45 PM

Is there going to be a offline mode to this game?
Yes. This time with an actual story and seperate from the online mode (i.e. you can't take your offline-character online and vice versa.)

I was going to buy this game on day one, but this beta showed me how shitty it is. Saved me $70.

LinkinPrime

10-19-2006, 06:58 PM

Thursday 19-Oct-2006 12:10 PM Xbox Live beta of Sega's online adventure game extended to Saturday

Good news if, like us, you're currently hopelessly addicted to the Xbox Live beta of Sega's Phantasy Star Universe; you now have until Saturday 21st to grind your character to oblivion.

According to an announcement on the official Japanese PSU website (http://phantasystaruniverse.jp/xbox360/), the beta will now run until 4pm on the 21st in Japan (about 7am UK time) and considering that Japan is sharing the same servers as the US and us here in Europe, we can assume that we'll have the extra few days to play as well.

Unfortunately the beta has already been taken off of Xbox Live Marketplace, so if you haven't downloaded it yet you're out of luck.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=147867

Where do you start missions. All I find is the damn mall.