Phantasy Star Online 2 - Official Pre-Release Topic

[SEGA RedWolf]

I have goosebumps after watching those videos. They've done an excellent job with the music this time around. If I may ask, what graphics card are you using on your computer? I'm trying to get a computer built that can run this game.

[ezodagrom]

I have goosebumps after watching those videos. They've done an excellent job with the music this time around. If I may ask, what graphics card are you using on your computer? I'm trying to get a computer built that can run this game.

I have a Radeon HD6850.

[SEGA RedWolf]

Ah, thank you kindly. That is very helpful. I've been trying to find the right setup that can run PSO2 on it's maximum settings without a hitch.

[ezodagrom]

Pre-Open Beta Test and Closed Beta Test report:

Sakai posted a message following the Closed Beta Test report:

Thanks to everyone who participated in PSO2′s Closed Beta Test. During the test they had several network problems with disconnections and lag. After some investigation, it was discovered that the main cause of the problem was due to their machine settings. They want to arrange the opportunity to run the test again to make sure the network problems do not occur in the Open Beta Test. So the next test will be called the “Pre-Open Beta Test“. Unfortunately he can not announce the exact schedule at this time but this Pre-Open beta Test starts in late June.

On May 23rd, 2012, he will start registrations for the Open Beta Test. New registrants will also be able to participate in the Pre-Open Beta Test. For those who participated in the Closed Beta Test, you do not need to register again. If there are no major issues in the Pre-Open Beta Test, he will then start the Open Beta Test. The data from the Open Beta Test will be transferred to the Official Game.

From the Open Beta Test, he will collect feedback and reports and assemble a list of responses based on the feedback.

He thinks there’s still some ways to go and aims to make the game as enjoyable as possible.

Closed Beta Test Report

- About 147,000 Downloads
- About 131,000 Logged in user
- 23,500 simultaneous connections on April 21st
- Average 21,000 simultaneous connections a day
- 63,000 Average Logins a day.



The blue bar represents simultaneous connections while the red bar shows logged in users each day.

The simultaneous connections value is quite low, this is due to the network troubles that occurred on the server. Also he believes since you were generally able to connect at anytime during the day (compared to alpha tests), less people decided to log in at the same time.

Race
- 38.9% Humans
- 31.6% Newmans
- 29.5% Casts

Gender
- 28.8% Males
- 71.2% Females

Race/Sex Ratio
- 13.8% Human Males
- 25.1% Human Female
- 4.8% Newman Male
- 26.9% Newman Females
- 10.3% Cast Male
- 19.1% Cast Female

Class
- 40.8% Hunters
- 31.2% Rangers
- 28.0% Force

Interestingly (or uninterestingly…) the ratio is about the same as Alpha Test 2. 70% of players play as Female characters. He guesses women play an active role in the Arks.

Per each race and sex, the most popular hairstyles and outfits are:
- Human Males: Short Wolf + Close Quarter
- Human Females: Casual Layer + Southern Dream
- Newman Male: Casual Layer + Sensous Coat
- Newman Female: Casual Layer + Viola Magika
- Cast Male:  Ronia Head, Ronia Body, Fouma Leg, Fouma Arm
- Cast Female: Faunen Head, Faunen Body, Deal Leg, Deal Arm

The most popular hairstyle seems to be Casual Layer.

Character Stats
- 228,000 created characters
- 57.7% or 76,000 logged in users reached passed level 10
- 28.8% or 38,000 logged in users reached passed level 20

Each person made an average of 1.7 characters.



Class level distribution. Each section pertains with characters levels. The red bar represents hunters, blue bar represents rangers, and yellow bar represents force.

- 22,000 hits for feedback/requests
- 11,000 bug reports
- 43,000 BBS posts

Compared to last time, there were less feedback and requests, but there were more bug reports and BBS posts.

There were about 37,000 submissions to the survey.



Whether or not they participated in previous tests:
- 56.9% of people did not participate in previous alpha tests
- 26.1% participated in the alpha test 2
- 15.8% participated in alpha test 1 and 2
- 1.2% of people participated in alpha test 1 only.

Whether or not they will pay cash items and play the game when it officially starts:
- 61.7% don’t know if they’ll purchase cash items but will play.
- 21.1% will purchase cash items and will play.
- 10.1% won’t purchase cash items but will play.
- 5.5% don’t know if they will play.
- 1.1% will not play the game.

PSO2 CBT Grading:



What systems people will play PSO2 on and Control Schemes used:



- 61.9% of people will play PC only.
- 14.6% will play on PlayStation Vita and PC
- 11.2% will play PC version and Smartphone
- 7.8% will play all systems
- 4.5% Other

- 38.9% played with keyboard and Mouse
- 44.1% Gamepad and Keyboard (kb only for chat)
- 17.0% Gamepad and Keyboard



This asks which aspect should be strengthened the most.
- 20.3% More Weapon Categories
- 11.1% Increase the variety of PA and Skills
- 8.8% Improve Character Creation
- 8.1% Improve elements where lots of people can play.
- 7.1% Add more map variation
- 6.9% Improve Character Actions
- 6.8% More weapons
- 6.2% Improve areas other than battle
- 6.1% Improve World and Story
- 5.9% Improve chat functions
- 3.5% Improve Enemies
- 3.0 Add Something you can raise other than characters like Pets.
- 2.5% Add Competitive Elements
- 2.0% More luscious graphics
- 1.7% Improve My Room Functions

Again like in Alpha Test 2, “increase weapon categories” was the most requested.  In second place just like last time, people want more PA and Skills. It seems many of you wanted them to improve the action portions of the game.

The number of weapon categories have already been decided when the official game starts. In a future update expect additional weapon categories.

http://bumped.org/psublog/phantasy-star-online-2-pre-open-beta-test-and-closed-beta-test-report/

[CrazyT]

I am very glad how a great part of the feedback has turned out. I still think the game needs a much better balance and also being able to rush through a dungeon by just running past enemies should be adressed.

All in all im looking forward to the next closed beta ^^

[ezodagrom]

I am very glad how a great part of the feedback has turned out. I still think the game needs a much better balance and also being able to rush through a dungeon by just running past enemies should be adressed.

All in all im looking forward to the next closed beta ^^

Next test is not a closed beta, it's a small pre-open beta test followed by the open beta test (no invitation required, anyone can register).

[ezodagrom]

Pre-Open Beta Registration Guide.

Last night, PSO2 Pre-Open Beta Registration page opened up, so today we’re going to discuss the purpose of this test and how to sign up. Despite all that has happened, Sakai is still pushing for his “early summer” release, even on the Pre-open beta page.

Pre-Open Beta

- The contents of this test will be discussed at the official site at a later time.
- The schedule for this test will be announced at the official site and twitter.
- Those who registered in Alpha Test 1, Alpha Test 2, and Closed Beta Test are automatically included in this test.
- Those who registered after the closed beta test for the email newsletter are also included in this test.
- There is no need for people to register again if they fall in the above conditions.
- The purpose of this test is to carry out a stress test on the servers.
- The Pre-Open Beta Test Data will not transfer over to the Open Beta Test.
- The Open Beta Test data will transfer over to the Official Game.
- A special gift will be given to those who participate in this pre-open beta test.

Pre-Open Beta Test Registration Guide

Head to http://pso2.jp/preentry and click the big blue button!



Type in your email address then press the blue button!



The next page is just informing you that you should receive an email from Sega within 10 minutes. Check your email for a message from SEGA ID, click the link inside to continue registration.

Type in your birthday and desired username.
Birth year then month then day. Please note that the month and day must be two digits. For example: February 2nd is 02月 02日. Type in your desired username below and be sure to click the button underneath it. It will pop up blue if the ID is available, or red if the ID is unavailable.



Type in your password and confirm it.



Secret Question:
- 通っていた幼稚園（保育園）の名前は？ The name of the kindergarten or nursery school you went to.
- 生まれた町名は？ The name of the town/city you were born in.
- 最初に乗った車の車種は？First Car Make or Model.
- 子供の頃の憧れの選手は？ Childhood role model.
- 初恋の人のファーストネームは？ First name of your first love.
- 最初に飼ったペットの名前は？ First pet’s name
- 中学校三年生の時の担任は？Your (final year) middle school homeroom teacher.



Click the button below the page to submit. On the next page click the top button (at the bottom of the page) again to confirm.

Then click the Service Registration button to continue.



Scroll down until you see “ファンタシースターオンライン2”
Click on Service Registration button again.



Click on User Agreement



And once you see this you’re finished!

http://bumped.org/psublog/phantasy-star-online-2-pre-open-beta-registration-guide/

[ezodagrom]

Some news about the Snow area that will be introduced in the release version, and also about the pre-open beta schedule and arks cash fees:

The Frozen Tundra

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Frozen-Tundra.jpg

Phantasy Star Online 2 still plans to officially release in early summer 2012! In the official release, a new field called the Frozen Tundra will be added to the game. (4Gamer chose to say the game is releasing “this summer” while Famitsu held on to Sakai’s definition of “early summer.”)

New Field: Frozen Tundra

The Frozen Tundra is a field on the Planet Naberius covered in snow and ice! A complete change from the gentle climate of the Forest you all know. In this field, the native enemies have adapted to the harsh environment and continue to attack amidst the violent snowstorms.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Frozen-Tundra.jpg

The Frozen Tundra even extends to the forest.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Frozen-Tundra-2.jpg

Another area of the Frozen Tundra.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Frozen-Tundra-3.jpg

Enemies of the Frozen Tundra

The Snow Bantha is a mighty native class enemy that dominates the frozen tundra. Quick and agile, he scrapes you with his sharp claws.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Snow-Bantha-2.jpg

The Snow Banshee a mighty native class enemy that dominates the frozen tundra that teams up with the Snow Bantha.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Snow-Banshee.jpg

The De Malmoth, a native class enemy that lives in the frozen tundra. It swings its powerful snout around as a means to attack.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/De-Malmoth.jpg

The Malmoth is the smaller offspring of the De Malmoth. Normally it’s gentle but with its large body it can charge and attack which may cause a fatal injury.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Malmoth.jpg

King Yede, a native class enemy that lives in the Frozen Tundra. It can throw ice or curl up and perform rush attacks.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/King-Yede.jpg

Yede, a native class enemy that’s an offspring of the King Yede. They can appear in groups and throw snow!

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/King-Yede-and-Yede-PSO2.jpg

http://bumped.org/psublog/phantasy-star-online-2-the-enemies-of-the-frozen-tundra/

Pre-Open Beta Test and Billing Charges

Pre-Open Beta

The Pre Open Beta Test dates have finally been decided.

Pre Open Beta Test Dates:

Japan:
- 6/15/2012: 19:00 ~ 24:00
- 6/16/2012: 19:00 ~ 24:00

UK:
- 6/15/2012: 11:00 ~ 16:00
- 6/16/2012: 11:00 ~ 16:00

USA East Coast:
- 6/15/2012: 06:00 (AM) ~ 11:00 (AM)
- 6/16/2012: 06:00 (AM) ~ 11:00 (AM)

USA West Coast:
- 6/15/2012: 03:00 (AM) ~ 08:00 (AM)
- 6/16/2012: 03:00 (AM) ~ 08:00 (AM)

Due to the problems that occurred in the Closed Beta Test, PSO2 must undergo a stress test to see if network problems will arise again.  Because of this, the connection times for the Pre-Open Beta are very limited.

The goal of the Pre Open Beta Test is to see if any of the following problems will occur:
- Will unexpected communication delays occur?
- Will the server reach its limits on allowing a certain number of people to connect at the same time?
- Will large-scale disconnections occur?
- Will any other problems occur on the servers?

If there are no major problems, we will then move on to the Open Beta Test. Unfortunately your play data in the Pre-Open Beta test is reset once the test is over. If everything goes smoothly, Sakai plans to start the Open Beta within a week of the pre-open beta test. If there are no problems in the Open Beta test, they will quickly start the official game.

The Pre-Open Beta Test will add a special quest and the Desert planet among other things.

Those who participate in the Pre-Open Beta Test will receive the Bouquet Rifle if they clear the following quest:
- 【プレOBT限定】砂漠任務 Desert Mission

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/PSO2-Bouquet-Rifle-Present.jpg

The Bouquet Rifle will be delivered to you some time in the Open Beta Test. All classes may equip the Bouquet Rifle, however, only the Ranger has access to the Photon Arts.

The pre-open beta will add a special quest and the desert field. This quest has special requirements only for the Pre-Open Beta Test and is available to play at level 1. However in the Open Beta Test, you will not be able to play the desert field at level 1.

http://bumped.org/psublog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Desert-Mission.jpg

Some notes about the Pre-Open Beta and Open Beta tests:

- During the Pre-Open and Open Beta you will not be able to purchase Arks Cash, so My Room and My Shop will be available to all players during this time.
- While your premium set ticket is active, the FUN points you receive for logging in consecutively each day will increase.
- Using the Aesthetics counter, the following features are free: Eye Pattern, Eye Color, Eyebrows, Eyebrow color, Eyelashes, Makeup Pattern 1&2. 
- You can level up your character to Level 30 in Open and Pre-Open Beta.
- Planet Lillipa will be added along with new Robot type enemies and brand new Darkers.
- Elemental attributes weaknesses were added to some enemies.
- You can now obtain a mag at level 5 instead of 10.
- Instead of Level 50, a mag can evolve to its second form at Level 30.
- Food Device effectiveness has decreased.
- During the Pre-Open Beta, a special quest will be added so you can gain access to the desert immediately. If you clear this quest you will receive the Bouquet Rifle at the Open Beta. The Bouquet Rifle can be equipped by all classes.
- Hard mode is available for each quest if the character is level 20 or above. However, in order to access hard mode you must complete a specific client order.
- The time limit, enemy levels, and PSE occurrence rate has been adjusted in the Emergency Quest (City).
- Some new emergency trial variations were added.
- The second matter board was added. The matter board completion screen will also be shown in the camp ship after the quest results screen is shown.
- You can accept client orders even if you do not use the Matter Board.
- They will re-examine the locations of certain hard to find characters.  (I assume that’s for the pink haired Newman.)
- To reduce server load, there will be less chairs to sit on in the lobby.
- The Item lab and Tekker shop has moved down a floor.
- There have been changes to the structure of each class skill tree.
- EXP FULL will be displayed when you kill an enemy and you are at the highest class level.
- You will be notified on screen when the boost item effects wear off.
- 16 button gamepads are now supported and configurable.
- A max frame rate function was added.
- Virtual full screen mode selection.
- Full screen mode resolution selection.
- If you connect to PSO2 from a net cafe, you can receive net cafe points and use an exclusive shop.
- Optimizations to make the game run lighter will be carried out if necessary after the official release.
- For the Open Beta, they thought they could implement a video capturing mode, but this is now abandoned.

Pricing Plans:

Today we are announcing the pricing plans for Phantasy Star Online 2:

- Game: Free to Download
- Billing: The Basic Game is Free (supported by Cash Items)
- Premium Set: 1300AC
- AC Scratch: 1 Scratch is 200 AC
- Other Cash Items: 150 AC ~

PSO2 will be Free 2 Play and Free to Download. You can play quests and story missions for free. Free players will not have limits imposed on their class levels nor playing time. They will not allow the direct sales of highly over powerful weapons that could affect game balancing. Through updates you can enjoy new bosses, new fields, and new quests for free!

Through communication, you can gain FUN points for use with the Free Gacha “FUN Scratch.” In this scratch, you can obtain room items, music disks, and additional lobby actions. Through here, you can get some exclusive features for free, for example, you may receive a ticket that lets you open up your My Room and My Shop for Free for 3 Days!

For paying users, you can enjoy additional features through Arks Cash. The items included under Arks Cash are not required for playing. There are no direct sales of highly over powerful weapons nor cash quests. 1 AC = 1 Yen!

The Premium Set:

Premium Set:
- 30 Days = 1300 AC
- 60 Days = 2500AC
- 90 Days = 3600AC

The Premium Set will cost 1300 AC or 1300 Yen. This will open up additional and exclusive features for paying customers. The premium set is most suitable for players who’d wish to pay monthly for the game.

Premium Set Contents:
- My Room
- My Shop
- Premium Storage Box
- Item Trader
- Premium Block
- FUN Points Boost

Don’t forget you can still get a ticket for free to use My Room and My Shop for 3 days. My Room, My Shop, and Storage expansions could be purchased separately for 700 AC. You can also take out items from your expanded storage box after the ticket expires.

Arks Cash Items:

The items included in the AC Scratch are not required to play the game. The scratch is for players who want their characters to be stylish, or for those who want items to enjoy the game more.

AC Scratch: 200 Yen
AC Scratch Gold: 500 Yen

Various items are included in the cheaper 200 AC scratch, however the Gold version only contains clothes and parts.

AC Scratch contents include:
- Clothes, Parts and Accessories.
- Additional voices and lobby actions.
- Boost Items, Items that assist in weapon grinding or mag raising
- Etc.

AC Scratch GOLD contents include:
- Clothing and Parts

Other Cash Items:
- Additional Characters, Aesthetics Salon: 500 AC
- “System Type” Items: 300 AC ~
- Consumption Items: 150 AC ~

*As for the Aesthetic Counter, the following changes occurred:
- You may now change the Eye Pattern, Eye Color, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, and Makeup Pattern 1&2 for Free!
- Items you’ve obtained through AC Scratch (costumes, hairstyles, and accessories) can be changed for free at the counter.

http://bumped.org/psublog/phantasy-star-online-2-pre-open-beta-test-615-through-6162012/

[Happy Cat]

fuck

[ezodagrom]

fuck

Is it about the pre-open beta schedule or about the prices?

Also, a rumour about the Open Beta, if the Pre-Open Beta goes through without problems, the Open Beta might start on June 21:
http://bumped.org/psublog/open-beta-porori-rumor/

[tarpmortar]

Not sure about Shadi, I live on the west coast however and that schedule blows for me.

[Happy Cat]

sorry lol

just depressed i cant run the game on my current computer, shit GPU crashes on me all the time.

no worries though, buying a 13in Macbook pro later this year, and that has intel HD 4000 graphics, and PSO2 runs surprisingly well on that GPU, apprently intel HD 4000 is a huge improvement over HD3000, i can tell from this video lol

http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm17905566

so im good, won't be my main machine in the long run of course, but after buying an expensive laptop.. yeah i wont have any money to build a new computer for a while, and I really need a laptop. so that's how its gonna be.

edit: battlefield 3 on intel HD 4000
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G41OA0qZiBY

yeah, PSO2 would definitely run fine on this

[Radrappy]

Yeah I played the closed beta on a 13in mbp i bought last year and it ran fine.  Word to wise though, dl some fan control software because otherwise your unit will overheat and shut down occasionally which can be annoying. 

[Happy Cat]

Yeah I played the closed beta on a 13in mbp i bought last year and it ran fine.  Word to wise though, dl some fan control software because otherwise your unit will overheat and shut down occasionally which can be annoying.

Edit: according to these users on neogaf it runs just fine on the old 2011 macbook air! wow! that was intel hd 3000, too. LOL

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37177281&postcount=617
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37177315&postcount=618


Neat

Think i'd be setting myself up for trouble if I tried to play it on a Macbook air? In a way the 13inch pro seems worse then the 13 inch air, such as lower resolution.

Air has lower power processor of course, but they both got same graphics, same ram, and Air has the advantage of being lighter and having an SSD.

what thinks you? think it would run too hot if i tried to play PSO2 on it?

[Barry the Nomad]

I see you're talkin all Mac, but I thought PSO2 was PC only. How does one go about playing PSO2 on a Mac? With Boot Camp or something?