Follow TV Tropes

Following

Context VideoGame / PhantasyStarOnline2

Go To

1%% A cleanup thread for this game is going on in Short Term: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=15969441510A51033700&page=1#1
2
3%% Several terms and names here, including but not limited to Falspawn, Daybreaker and Nightfaller, Dragon X, and Dark Falz Luther, are official translations, and should not be changed, regardless of opinions on whether or not the ARKS-Layer translation sounds better.
4
5%% Image selected per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1590906636022286300
6%% Please do not replace or remove without starting a new thread.
7%%
8[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pso2_ep1_mainvisual2_5.jpg]]
9[[caption-width-right:350:''Infinite Adventures'']]
10%%
11->''"A never-ending quest awaits you!"''
12--> -- {{Tagline}} (E3 2019 Trailer)
13
14Developed 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 Platform/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 Platform/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 Platform/XboxOne and officially launched on April 16th, 2020, with a PC release on May 27th, 2020. There was also a Platform/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.
15
16Sometime 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 Falspawn, 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 Falspawn, 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 Falspawn and investigating the root of their evil.
17
18Much like its predecessors, the game has been divided into numerous "Episodes"; however, unlike previous entries, where an Episode would denote a major expansion pack, Episodes in ''[=PSO2=]'' serve to split the game into various "seasons", each featuring major content updates and a unique style.
19
20[[folder:List of Episodes]]
21!!Oracle Arc
22* ''EPISODE 1'': The original release of the game. You are cast as a new ARKS recruit who narrowly survives their graduation exercise when it is unexpectedly attacked by Darkers. Guided by the enigmatic Xion and her pre-cognisant "Matter Board", you begin to investigate the reasons behind the largest and most dangerous spike of Darker activity in recorded history.
23* ''Code: EPISODE 2'' continues the story of the strange planetary incidents, which grow to encompass a new aquatic planet named Wopal. 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. This episode introduced the Braver Class, a Japanese-themed class that fights with [[BowAndSwordInAccord Katanas and Bullet Bows]].
24* ''Mission: EPISODE 3'' focuses on [[{{Wutai}} the feudal Japan-esque]] planet of Harukotan, which is split into the "Daybreak province" occupied by the Daybreakers and the "Nightfall province" of the Nightfallers. A delicate peace maintained by Harukotan's goddess, the Ash Maiden Sukunahime, is reaching breaking point as ''something'' is inciting the Nightfallers to launch an invasion of the Daybreak province. This episode introduced the Bouncer Class, a master of aerial combat that uses Jet Boots and Soaring Blades.
25
26!!Earth Arc
27* ''Reborn: EPISODE 4'' takes place two years after the defeat of 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.
28
29!!Photoner Arc
30* ''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 DreamLand 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.
31* ''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 three new Successor Classes: the Phantom Class, a stylish Successor Class that combines the powers of the Katana, Assault Rifle, and Rod, the Etoile Class, a melee-oriented Successor Class wielding the Double Saber, Wand, and Dual Blades, and the Luster Class, a special Successor that draws out the full potential of the Gunblade. Serves as the GrandFinale for the main story.
32[[/folder]]
33
34----
35[[AC: The ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' subseries includes:]]
36[[index]]
37* ''Phantasy Star Online 2''
38* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2es'': Mobile game spinoff and companion app.
39* ''Phantasy Star Online 2 -ON STAGE-'': ScreenToStageAdaptation. Non-canon, but some of its elements were carried over to ''The Animation''.
40* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarNova'': DarkerAndEdgier spinoff title for the Vita. Based on ''EPISODE 1''.
41* ''Phantasy Star Online 2: Side Stories'': Short story compilation starring various minor characters. Based on ''EPISODE 2''.
42* ''Anime/PhantasyStarOnline2TheAnimation'': TheAnimeOfTheGame, featuring an original prequel story to ''EPISODE 4''.
43* ''Manga/PhantasyStarOnline2EPISODE0'': Manga that gives an alternate retelling of part of the game's events, starring Klariskrays II and the [[DoomedByCanon now-deceased]] Melphonsina.
44[[/index]]
45* ''Phantasy Star Online 2 Trading Card Game'': A CollectibleCardGame based on the game. Discontinued in March 2020.
46[[index]]
47* ''{{Webcomic/Pusonicomi}} / [=PSO2Comi=]'': The first official webcomic based on the game, running from January 2018 to January 2020. Has an anime adaptation. The English version began running in January 2021 on the Global version's official website.
48* ''Mani Mani ☆ ARKS'': The second official webcomic.
49* ''Anime/PhantasyStarOnline2EpisodeOracle'': TheAnimeOfTheGame. Unlike ''The Animation'', ''Episode Oracle'' is a faithful adaptation of ''EPISODE 1'', ''EPISODE 2'', and ''EPISODE 3''.
50* ''VideoGame/IDOLAPhantasyStarSaga'': A StealthSequel that takes place [[DistantSequel some unspecified time long after]] the events of the core ''[=PSO2=]'' continuity.
51* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2NewGenesis'': A 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.
52[[/index]]
53----
54
55The 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 showed how dedicated Sega was to bringing this game to the rest of the world, with the addition of an English dub (with the original Japanese dub still available as an option).
56
57Between 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, an edited translation, 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.
58
59Also in the interim, a large-scale FanTranslation project sprung up by the name of [[https://arks-layer.com/ ARKS Layer]]; this project is dedicated to the translation of many of the game's major elements, and this has contributed to a decently-sized influx of overseas players being introduced to the Japanese version of the game. The size of the foreign player-base [[http://www.pso-world.com/forums/showthread.php?198137-Interview-with-Satoshi-Sakai-regarding-PSO2-future-and-US-version has not gone unnoticed by the development team]]; they are generally rather appreciative of foreign interest, and are not against overseas players joining in on the fun.
60
61In 2020, SEGA announced a full-blown sequel for the game in the form of a massive update called ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline2NewGenesis'', which released worldwide on June 9th, 2021. Since the new update still runs on ''[=PSO2=]'' as a base, the original game will continue to persist and all content remains playable, but various features and functions have been scaled back considerably and no new content is planned for ''[=PSO2=]'' for the foreseeable future, thus unofficially "ending" the game's update cycle.
62
63----
64!! ''Phantasy Star Online 2'' provides examples of:
65
66[[index]]
67* PhantasyStarOnline2/TropesAToM
68* PhantasyStarOnline2/TropesNToZ
69[[/index]]

Top