History VideoGame / PhantasyStarOnline2

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pso2_title.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:''Infinite Adventures'']]

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A version for the UsefulNotes/Playstation4 was released on April 20th, 2016, supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC counterpart. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018, with that version later released for the PC on December 19th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and officially launched on April 16th, 2020, with a PC release on May 27th, 2020. There was also a UsefulNotes/PSVita version that was released on February 28th, 2013 and ran for over seven years before shutting down in August 2020, due to waning support for the system and Sega wanting to break free of the Vita’s limitations to create better content.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A version for the UsefulNotes/Playstation4 was released on April 20th, 2016, supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC counterpart. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and officially launched on April 16th, 2020, with a PC release on May 27th, 2020. There was also a UsefulNotes/PSVita version that was released on February 28th, 2013 and ran for over seven years before shutting down in August 2020, due to waning support for the system and Sega wanting to break free of the Vita’s limitations to create better content.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A version for the UsefulNotes/Playstation4 was released on April 20th, 2016, supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC counterpart. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and officially launched on April 16th, 2020, with a PC release on May 27th, 2020. There was also a UsefulNotes/PSVita version that was released on February 28th, 2013 and ran for over seven years before concluding in September 2020.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A version for the UsefulNotes/Playstation4 was released on April 20th, 2016, supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC counterpart. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and officially launched on April 16th, 2020, with a PC release in May 2020. There was also a UsefulNotes/PSVita version that was released on February 28th, 2013 and ran for over seven years before concluding in late 2020.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A version for the UsefulNotes/Playstation4 was released on April 20th, 2016, supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC counterpart. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and PC. There was also a UsefulNotes/PSVita version that was released on February 28th, 2013 and ran for over seven years before concluding in late 2020.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A version for the UsefulNotes/Playstation4 was released on April 20th, 2016, supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC counterpart. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and PC. There was also a UsefulNotes/PSVita version that was released on February 28th, 2013 and ran for over seven years before being terminated on August 19th, 2020.

* ''{{Webcomic/Pusonicomi}}'': The official webcomic based on the game. Has an anime adaptation.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A UsefulNotes/PSVita version was also released on February 28th, 2013, and a UsefulNotes/Playstation4 version was released on April 20th, 2016, both supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC title. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018. After originally being announced in 2012 before being subsequently forgotten about, a Western release of the game was officially re-announced at E3 2019 for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne and PC.

The game is notorious for its [[TroubledProduction troubled localization history]]; a North American version of the game was originally announced for release in 2013, but after 2013 came and passed SEGA stayed quiet on the topic and most fans presumed that [[{{Vaporware}} the localization had been quietly cancelled.]] For the next seven years SEGA would evade the topic of the ''[=PSO2=]'' localization by simply passing it off as "delayed", with most known outlets of official information closing as the years passed. However, SEGA would then shock the world by [[SavedFromDevelopmentHell re-announcing the game's localization]] at E3 2019 for the Xbox One and PC in 2020, featuring all content released in the Japanese version up to that point. [[LateExportForYou Talk about your eight year wait!]] A closed beta test for the Xbox One was held in early February 2020, which showcased how dedicated Sega was to bringing the game to the states, in addition to an English dubbed voice acting (with the original Japanese voice work still available as an option).

The game is notorious for its [[TroubledProduction troubled localization history]]; a North American version of the game was originally announced for release in 2013, but after 2013 came and passed SEGA stayed quiet on the topic and most fans presumed that [[{{Vaporware}} the localization had been quietly cancelled.]] For the next seven years SEGA would evade the topic of the ''[=PSO2=]'' localization by simply passing it off as "delayed", with most known outlets of official information closing as the years passed. However, SEGA would then shock the world by [[SavedFromDevelopmentHell re-announcing the game's localization]] at E3 2019 for the Xbox One and PC in 2020, featuring all content released in the Japanese version up to that point. [[LateExportForYou Talk about your eight year wait!]]

* ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Trading Card Game'': A CollectibleCardGame based on the game.

[[quoteright:320:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pso2_logo_9075.png]]
[[caption-width-right:320:''Infinite Adventures'']]

* ''Stars: EPISODE 6'': Closing the black hole has inadvertently given rise to a new foe: Shiva, the Goddess of Demise, who seeks to reclaim what the universe took from her. Facing a threat unlike any other before, the Guardians must now join forces with allies both old and new to seek a way to stop the universe's impending destruction once more. Introduces the Phantom Class, a stylish Successor Class that combines the powers of the Katana, Assault Rifle, and Rod.

* [[spoiler:''VideoGame/IDOLAPhantasyStarSaga'']]: [[spoiler:StealthSequel that takes place [[DistantSequel some unspecified time long after]] the events of the core ''[=PSO2=]'' continuity.]]

* ''Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle'': TheAnimeOfTheGame. Unlike ''The Animation'', ''Episode Oracle'' is a faithful adaptation of ''EPISODE 1'', ''EPISODE 2'', and ''EPISODE 3''.

The game is notorious for its [[TroubledProduction troubled localization history]]; a North American version of the game was originally announced for release in 2013, but after 2013 came and passed SEGA stayed quiet on the topic and most fans presumed that [[{{Vaporware}} the localization had been quietly cancelled.]] For the next seven years SEGA would evade the topic of the ''[=PSO2=]'' localization by simply passing it off as "delayed", with most known outlets of official information closing as the years passed. However, SEGA would then shock the world by [[SavedFromDevelopmentHell re-announcing the game's localization]] at E3 2019 for the Xbox One and PC in 2020, featuring all content released in the Japanese version up to that point.

Between the failed original localization and the 2020 release, there was one other known attempt at bringing the game outside of Japan: the Southeast Asia/Taiwanese version, released in English as well as local languages. This version was licensed out by [=AsiaSoft=], a company despised in the region for its heavy AllegedlyFreeGame practices, and the SEA/TW version [[BadExportForYou was subsequently plagued by issues]] including an IP block for the SEA region (making it more difficult to play the Japanese version from SEA for no particular reason except [=AsiaSoft=]'s greed), ARKS Cash inflation, CutAndPasteTranslation, and egregious pay-to-win encouragement among other things, and within just a few years the SEA/TW versions quietly shut down. It wasn't all for naught, however; this version of the game also introduced content not featured in the original Japanese version, some of which was backported to the original game as new cosmetics and gear.

The game is notorious for its [[TroubledProduction troubled localization history]]; a North American version of the game was originally announced for release in 2013, but after 2013 came and passed SEGA stayed quiet on the topic and most fans presumed that [[{{Vaporware}} the localization had been quietly cancelled.]] For the next seven years SEGA would evade the topic of the ''[=PSO2=]'' localization by simply passing it off as "delayed", with most known outlets of official information closing. However, SEGA would then shock the world by [[SavedFromDevelopmentHell re-announcing the game's localization]] at E3 2019 for the Xbox One and PC in 2020, featuring all content released in the Japanese version up to that point.

-->{{Tagline}} (E3 2019 Trailer)

The game is notorious for its [[TroubledProduction troubled localization history]]; a North American version of the game was originally announced for release in 2013, but after 2013 came and passed SEGA stayed quiet on the topic and most fans presumed that [[{{Vaporware}} the localization had been quietly cancelled.]] For the next seven years SEGA would evade the topic of the ''[=PSO2=]'' localization by simply passing it off as "delayed", with most known outlets of official information closing. However, SEGA would then shock the world by re-announcing the game's localization at E3 2019 for the Xbox One and PC in 2020, featuring all content released in the Japanese version up to that point.

Between the failed original localization and the 2020 release, there was one other known attempt at bringing the game outside of Japan: the Southeast Asia/Taiwanese version, released in English as well as local languages. This version was licensed out by [=AsiaSoft=], a company despised in the region for its heavy AllegedlyFreeGame practices, and the SEA/TW version [[BadExportForYou was subsequently plagued by issues]] including ARKS Cash inflation, CutAndPasteTranslation, and egregious pay-to-win encouragement among other things, and within just a few years the SEA/TW versions quietly shut down. It wasn't all for naught, however; this version of the game also introduced content not featured in the original Japanese version, some of which was backported to the original game as new cosmetics and gear.

Developed alongside ''Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity'' for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary]] of ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'', ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' is a free-to-play {{MMORPG}} from {{Creator/SEGA}}'s ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' series, and SpiritualSuccessor to the original ''Phantasy Star Online''. Using all of what they learned from the ''[[VideoGame/PhantasyStarUniverse Universe]]'' series, Sega has built the game in a style much like ''Online'''s, but incorporating features and aesthetics from ''Universe''. After several alpha tests and a few beta tests, the game was released for PC on July 4th, 2012. A UsefulNotes/PSVita version was also released on February 28th, 2013, and a UsefulNotes/Playstation4 version was released on April 20th, 2016, both supporting cross-play capabilities with its PC title. In addition, a cloud gaming service version known as ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud'' was released for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch on April 4th, 2018.

There have been a few attempts to bring the game outside of Japan; a Western version was originally announced as far back as 2012, but [[{{Vaporware}} has since been more or less unofficially cancelled.]] An actual English release and a Taiwanese version were released to Southeast Asian countries in 2014, but suffered greatly from [[BadExportForYou a lack of updates, P2W elements, and an overall poor localization]], which caused that version to tank after just three years. However, there is an unofficial English translation for the Japanese version produced by dedicated series fans, and while playing overseas violates the Terms of Service, [[http://www.pso-world.com/forums/showthread.php?198137-Interview-with-Satoshi-Sakai-regarding-PSO2-future-and-US-version according to Phantasy Star Crew]], they don't really mind either way.

----

* ''Heroes: EPISODE 5'': Taking place shortly after ''EPISODE 4'', the ARKS are alerted to a black hole that has appeared where the planet [[spoiler:Xion]] was once located and discover it leads to a parallel universe known as "Omega": a wartorn DreamWorld of [[MedievalEuropeanFantasy knights, magic and monsters]], created from the fragmented pieces of the AkashicRecords. Guided by the spirit of Alma, who resembles the legendary "Klarisklaes I", the ARKS must investigate the mysterious "Bloomless Flowers" whose demonic magicks are fuelling the endless wars and stop the black hole before it consumes the real world. Introduces the Hero Class, a Successor Class which combines melee, ranged and technic combat.
* ''Stars: EPISODE 6'': Closing the black hole has inadvertently given rise to a new foe: Shiva, the Last Goddess, who seeks to reclaim what the universe took from her. Facing a threat unlike any other before, the Guardians must now join forces with allies both old and new to seek a way to stop the universe's impending destruction once more. Introduces the Phantom Class, a stylish Successor Class that combines the powers of the Katana, Assault Rifle, and Rod.

Much like its predecessors, the game has been divided into numerous "Episodes".

[[AC: The ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' subseries is as follows:]]

The entire ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' subseries is as follows:

* ''Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle'': TheAnimeOfTheGame. Unlike ''The Animation'', ''Episode Oracle'' is a faithful adaptation of ''EPISODE 1'' ''EPISODE 2'', and ''EPISODE 3''.