Fans of the original Phantasy Star Online are still playing the franchise with new players, especially with the western release of Phantasy Star Online 2. In the beginning though, PSO was actually meant to be a new IP instead of being in the Phantasy Star franchise. Here’s what Lead Programmer Akio Setsumasa had to say in an interview with Polygon:
“I don’t remember the original title, but it wasn’t Phantasy Star-themed. It was originally supposed to be a new IP with an original universe. It was scheduled to be a sci-fi RPG, but the specifics of the game world had not been decided.”
The series is approaching it’s 20th Anniversary so we can’t wait to see what comes in PSO 2. Lastly, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis releases next year for PS4, Switch and PC in Japan with a western release for Xbox One and PC. Stay tuned at Final Weapon for the latest Japanese gaming news!
