New Genesis: is it phantastic?

PC, XSX, XB1

Long before MMORPGS became mainstream, Sega introduced console players to Phantasy

Star Online and the magic of connecting with randoms on the internet to fight epic bosses together. It’s a shame its sequel took so long to reach Western shores… but here to set things right is a new version, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis.

It’s PSO2 for a new generation, set on the planet of Halpha, where you’re part of an elite band of operatives called ARKS. A new graphics engine does wonders for both the more detailed character models and the lush new open-world environments, which you’ll be sharing with other players as you roam beyond the city hub and go fighting monsters.

Most importantly, the core combat of PSO2 remains – so that, even when playing with a controller, New Genesis feels like a proper fast-paced action game as you time your attacks or target individual enemies’ weak points.

But the real game-changer is the open-world design, especially with greater traversal abilities – such as being able to wall-kick up to higher areas or glide across great distances. There’ll also be huge incoming threats showing up from time to time: gigantic aliens known as Dolls, requiring everyone to join forces to take down.

The best part is that, rather than making us wait another eight years, New Genesis is out this month worldwide. And for anyone playing the original PSO2, the two games will actually co-exist – you’ll even be able to transfer your old character over.