History VideoGame / PhantasyStarOnline2

[[/index]]
* ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Trading Card Game'': A CollectibleCardGame based on the game. Discontinued in March 2020. The game's artwork was later used for the ''New Genesis'' CardBattleGame, ''Line Strike''.
[[index]]

* ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Trading Card Game'': A CollectibleCardGame based on the game. Discontinued in March 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 online ActionRPG 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 on September 16th, 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, 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 on September 16th, 2020, due to waning support for the system and Sega wanting to break free of the Vita’s limitations to create better content.

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 in 2014. This version was licensed out by [=AsiaSoft=], a company infamous 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 to prevent people from play the Japanese version, ARKS Cash inflation, CutAndPasteTranslation, and egregious pay-to-win encouragement among other things, and by 2017, 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.

* ''Heroes: EPISODE 5'': Taking place shortly after ''EPISODE 4'', the ARKS are alerted to a black hole that has appeared where the planet 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 first Successor Class, the Hero Class, merging melee, ranged, and Technique combat into one.

* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2NewGenesis'': An upcoming sequel and major expansion that follows a new generation of ARKS 1000 years after the events of ''[=PSO2=]'' and their fight against the mysterious DOLLS on the planet Halpha.

* ''Code: EPISODE 2'' continues the story of the strange planetary incidents, which grow to encompass a new aquatic planet named Vopar. The emergence of a shadowy figure known as Luther sets into motion the final stages of a conspiracy that reaches back to the origins of the ARKS, and threatens their future. Introduced the Braver Class, a Japanese-themed class that fights with [[BowAndSwordInAccord Katanas and Bullet Bows]].
* ''Mission: EPISODE 3'' focuses on [[{{Wutai}} the feudal Japan-esque]] planet of Harukotan, which is split into the "White Territory" occupied by the Shironians and the "Black Territory" of the Kuronians. A delicate peace maintained by Harukotan's goddess, the Ash Shrine Maiden Sukuna-hime, is reaching breaking point as ''something'' is inciting the Kuronians to launch an invasion of the White Territory. Introduced the Bouncer Class, a master of aerial combat that uses Jet Boots and Dual Blades.

* ''Reborn: EPISODE 4'' takes place two years after the defeat of [[spoiler:the Profound Darkness]]. A recent influx of unusual ARKS members has created suspicion amongst the ARKS, and you are awoken from cryonic sleep to investigate the issue. When an introductory mission with one such ARKS known as Hitsugi takes a turn for the worse, the player finds themselves in the midst of a mystery sweeping the planet "Earth" and a video game known as [[GameWithinAGame ''Phantasy Star Online 2'']]. Introduced the Summoner Class, an unusual class that wields a variety of familiars known as Pets to battle.

* ''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 first Successor Class, the Hero Class, merging melee, ranged, and Technique combat into one.

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

* ''{{Webcomic/Pusonicomi}}'': The first official webcomic based on the game, running from January 2018 to January 2020. Has an anime adaptation.

* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2NewGenesis'': An upcoming online ActionRPG successor that follows a new generation of ARKS 1000 years after the events of ''[=PSO2=]'' and their fight against the mysterious DOLLS on an unfamiliar world.

* ''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, and the Etoile Class, a melee-oriented Successor Class wielding the Double Saber, Wand, and Dual Blades. Serves as the GrandFinale for the main story.

* ''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, and the Etoile Class, a melee-oriented Successor Class wielding the Double Saber, Wand, and Dual Blades.

->''"True Adventure Starts, NOW"''
--> -- {{Tagline}} (''New Genesis'' Trailer)

During the July 23rd, 2020 Xbox Live Showcase, SEGA revealed a major overhaul update titled ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k7MzIcPC8M Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis]]'' (officially shortened ''[=PSO2: NGS=]''), a current-generation update for the game set to be released in 2021 for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC in the West, with [=PlayStation 4=], PC, and Cloud service versions coming to the Nintendo Switch and PC in Japan. ''NGS'' will allow players to bring forward some of their ''[=PSO2=]'' data, including their character.

During the July 23rd, 2020 Xbox Live Showcase, SEGA revealed a major overhaul update titled ''Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis'' (officially shortened ''[=PSO2: NGS=]''), a current-generation update for the game set to be released in 2021 for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC in the West, with [=PlayStation 4=], PC, and Cloud service versions coming to the Nintendo Switch and PC in Japan. ''NGS'' will allow players to bring forward some of their ''[=PSO2=]'' data, including their character.

During the July 23rd, 2020 Xbox Live Showcase, SEGA revealed a major overhaul update titled ''Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis'' (officially shortened ''[=PSO2: NGS=]''), a current-generation update for the game set to be released in 2021 for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, [=PlayStation 4=], [=PlayStation 5=], and PC, with Cloud service versions coming to the Nintendo Switch and PC. ''NGS'' will allow players to bring forward some of their ''[=PSO2=]'' data, including their character.

* ''Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis'': An upcoming 8th generation ActionRPG in the ''[=PSO2=]'' subseries.

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 in 2014. 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 by 2017 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.

Sometime in the future, mankind has undergone a technological revolution thanks to the discovery of a new type of energy particle called "Photons". The pinnacle of this age was the creation of "Oracle", a fleet of {{Colony Ship}}s whose purpose was to explore the universe in search of new planets to colonise. Yet deep in the abyss of space Oracle soon encountered a deadly threat: the Darkers, an [[EldritchAbomination eldritch race]] who spread across the universe like a virus, [[TheVirus infecting and mutating]] whatever they come into contact with. When the people of Oracle discovered that Photons were the antithesis to the Darkers, they gathered together those talented in photon manipulation into a new organsiation known as the "ARKS" (Artificial Relicit to Keep Species). Using the latest in photon-powered weaponry and equipment, the ARKS are tasked with holding the front line against the Darkers and investigating the root of their evil.