Today Sega released a detailed Q&A about the future interaction between the original Phantasy Star Online 2 and the recently-announced Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis.
We hear more details about what will be shared between the two games, how the engine of the original game will be changed, cross-game chat, finger movement, and more.
You can read it all below.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY
| Q | How does the system allow you to move between the worlds of PSO2 and PSO2:NGS using the same account? |
| A | The worlds of PSO2 and PSO2:NGS will coexist in a single game. After logging in to the game, we plan to have a feature similar to the current PSO2 block movement feature, which allows players to move between each world. |
| Q | We have been informed that the graphics engine on the PSO2 side will be renewed. How will the graphics change? |
| A | In order to be able to play as the same character in PSO2 and PSO2:NGS, the graphics engine in PSO2 must be updated to be the same as in PSO2:NGS. For this reason, we will have to adjust the entire graphical presentation of the current PSO2 game.
Please note that the current PSO2 graphic settings will no longer be available after the engine update. Moreover, since DirectX11 will be supported and the recommended specs will be changed, it may not run on a PC that does not meet the system requirements. We will have more details on how PSO2 will change its graphics at a later date, as we are still working on it. |
| Q | When do you get to move the fingers? Will the fingers still be able to move when equipped with PSO2’s outfits and parts? |
| A | In PSO2:NGS, the fingers will be able to move in some basic and combat motions. Emotes that support finger movement will also be released. However, finger movements will only be reflected in PSO2:NGS-specific outfits and parts, and not in PSO2-specific outfits and parts. If you have PSO2:NGS-specific outfits and parts equipped, the fingers will be able to move within PSO2 as well. |
| Q | What exactly are the fashion elements of PSO2 that can be used in PSO2:NGS? |
| A | The following list details the fashion items and registration information obtained in PSO2 that can be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. *This includes all collaboration-related fashion items and registration information.
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| Q | What are the specifics on the compatibility between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS’ character creation features and fashion elements? |
| A | REGARDING THE PHYSIQUE CREATION
All outfits, wearable items, and CAST parts obtained in PSO2 will be available to use in PSO2:NGS. On top of that, outfits, wearable items, and CAST parts available in PSO2:NGS in new design specs can be equipped to play in PSO2 as well. The base physique of the character will morph to either a PSO2 or PSO2:NGS model depending on which game installment (PSO2 or PSO2:NGS) the equipped outfit, wearable items, or body parts originate from. A new design parameter of “skin glossiness” can be adjusted for both PSO2 and PSO2:NGS physiques. The following explains how “Finger Movements” and “Body Paint” works:
FACE VARIANTS AND HAIRSTYLES
Face variants and hairstyles of PSO2 are available to use in character customization in PSO2:NGS as they are. Moreover, face variants and hairstyles that are designed for PSO2: NGS will be added. Those face variants and hairstyles that are designed in PSO2:NGS specs are better in graphics with expanded customization options compared to those in PSO2. Face variants of PSO2:NGS are still applicable even when the character’s physique is based on outfits, parts, and wearable items from PSO2 (and vice-versa.) Also, hairstyles of PSO2:NGS can be used for face variants of PSO2. The same applies the other way around. However, “Pupil,” “Eyebrows,” “Makeup Patterns” will be exclusively available as new design features for face variants in “PSO2: NGS,” and therefore not applicable to face variants of PSO2. In the same manner, “Pupils,” “Eyebrows,” “Eyelashes,” and “Makeup Patterns” of PSO2 are not applicable to face variants of PSO2:NGS.
OUTFITS AND WEARABLE ITEMS IN PSO2:NGS
Compared to outfits and wearable items from PSO2, those of PSO2:NGS are better in graphics, and the character’s fingers move when equipped. *When equipped with PSO2 outfits and wearable items, their fingers do not move.
Regardless of the face variant option selected, outfits and wearable items from both PSO2 and PSO2:NGS are available to equip. Nonetheless, wearable items from PSO2 and PSO2:NGS cannot be equipped together at the same time.
CAST PARTS IN PSO2:NGS
Compared to arm, body, and leg parts in PSO2, those in PSO2:NGS are better in graphics, and the character’s fingers move when an arm part is equipped. *When equipped with PSO2 CAST parts, fingers do not move.
Regardless of head parts option selected, arm, body, leg parts from both PSO2 and PSO2:NGS are available to equip. Nonetheless, arm, body, and leg parts from PSO2 and PSO2:NGS cannot be equipped together at the same time.
ACCESSORIES
All accessories obtained in PSO2 are available to use in PSO2:NGS. Also, new accessories available to obtain in PSO2:NGS will have more expanded customizability than accessories of PSO2. Regardless of face variant, hairstyle, head part, equipped outfit, wearable item, arm, body, and leg part option selected, accessories from both worlds can be used. |
| Q | What happens to the duration and expansion of content that was redeemed with AC/SG items in PSO2? |
| A | The duration of Premium Set will be effective and shared in both PSO2:NGS and PSO2. There are also some exclusive features available in PSO2:NGS while the pass is active. In addition to that, use of “Character Creation Permit,” the duration of “Material Storage,” “Extended Storage,” and “Personal Shop,” as well as the expansion of “Character Storage” and “Sub-Palette” are also shared in both worlds. However, please note that as the game system in PSO2:NGS is different, “Inventory Expansion,” “Skill Tree Addition”, the duration of “Expand Max Orders Limit” and “Personal Quarters Use,” and additions of “Mags” and “Auxiliary Partners” do not receive the same benefit. Please be assured that they will still remain the same in the world of PSO2. |
| Q | Can Weapon Camouflages obtained in PSO2 be used in PSO2:NGS? |
| A | Yes, they can be used. However, please note that if in case an applicable weapon category is not released, they will not be able to be used. |
| Q | Will the Titles be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | This is considered a character growth feature, so it will not be shared, just like other character growth features. |
| Q | We have learned that “Meseta” will not be shared. What will happen to the Personal Shop? |
| A | There will be a separate Personal Shop specifically for PSO2:NGS, aside from the one for PSO2. In the PSO2:NGS Personal Shop, an in-game currency specifically for PSO2:NGS, which is not “Meseta”, will be used for the transactions. Furthermore, the items you can put up for sale will be limited to items you have obtained through contents for PSO2:NGS. The duration of putting up an item to sale to the Personal Shop will be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. |
| Q | Will the “Item pack” be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | You will own separate “Inventory” between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS, and information about expansions will not be shared. As an additional note, the inventory for PSO2 can only store items that can be used in PSO2. The inventory for PSO2:NGS can only store items that can be used for PSO2:NGS. |
| Q | Will the Storage for PSO2 and PSO2:NGS be shared? |
| A | All “Storage” information including expansions, but excluding the “Alliance storage”, and “Meseta Storage”, will be shared, and you will be able to stock and take out items obtained from both PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. |
| Q | Will “Partners”, “Friends Avatars”, “Auxiliaries” be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | The “Partners”, “Friends Avatars”, “Auxiliaries” function does not exist in PSO2:NGS, so they will not be shared. |
| Q | Will “Friend Information” be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | Yes, it will be shared. You will also be able to exchange “Mails” across PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. The “Blacklist” will also be shared. |
| Q | Will Alliance Information be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | Yes, it will be shared. You will also be able to communicate through “Alliance Chat” across PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. However, the “Alliance Quarters” exists only on the PSO2 world, as well as the “Alliance tree”, and “Alliance storage”. |
| Q | Will the “Symbol Art” be shared between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | Yes, it will be shared. You will also be able to create new ones. |
| Q | Will you be able to chat between PSO2 and PSO2:NGS? |
| A | You will be able to “Whisper chat”, “Alliance Chat”, and “Group Chat” across PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. Chats functions other than above, which includes but not limited to Voice Chats, is limited to players within the same area/block, which is as same as PSO2. Thus, you will not be able to communicate across PSO2 and PSO2:NGS. |
Phantasy Star Online 2 is available in the west for Xbox One and PC. A few of days ago, we heard that the western version enjoyed a “strong start” and that it passed one million players.
You can also check out content just announced for Japan and likely coming west down the line.
If you’re interested in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, it’s basically be a new game operated in parallel with the original Phantasy Star Online 2, coming for the same platforms. You can also watch an extensive video explaining what it’s all about.
