Sega releases Phantasy Star Universe

New Phantasy Star title brings together single and multiplayer RPG elements

October 25, 2006

Sega has announced that it has released its adventure game Phantasy Star Universe in North America. THe game is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PC platforms.

Phantasy Star Universe weds the single-player action-RPG with elements of MMO gaming with both a full single-player story and online quests that are carried out with groups of six players. Sega suggests that the signle player adventure contains over 40 hours of gameplay.

The online version of the game will require payment of $9.99 U.S. monthly on any console, or $49.99 U.S. for a six-month block on the PS2 or PC. The online game allows you to create your own customized character and your own virtual living space, and gives you access to the common staging areas and the online quests. The online licensing is being dubbed the "GUARDIANS License".

Phantasy Star Universe is rated "Teen" by the ESRB. The game hits retail shelves today for about $60 U.S. (Xbox 360) or $50 U.S. (PS2/PC).