Phantasy Star Online 2 torpedoes iPhone, Android for free this winter

In search of a Japanese-style sci-fi fix on your smartphone? (We've certainly narrowed that number down.) Sega has announced that its upcoming online PC and PlayStation Vita Japanese role-playing game (JRPG), Phantasy Star Online 2 (PSO2) will be free-to-play (F2P) and is slated for iPhone, iPad and Android this winter, according to Andriasang.

Of course that means that the high-flying JRPG will feature in-game items and boosts for sale using real, government-issued tender. However, Andriasang reports that the iOS and Android version will be markedly different from the PSO2 that will hit PCs this summer and the PS Vita in 2013. On smartphones, players will still go toe-to-toe with alien beasts with all sorts of beam swords and blasters, but in a simpler format.

Mobile PSO2 players will see a simpler character creation feature and controls than that of their PC and Vita counterparts. Plus, the iPhone and Android version of the game will sport social elements that the other versions won't. Finally, although PC and Vita players will get to play together, the mobile versions of PSO2 will only share bits of data with either the PC or Vita.

Based on this information, we get the feeling that PSO2 for iPhone and Android will be more of a companion to the PC and Vita versions of the rather, rather than a full-blown game. Regardless a 24-hour closed beta test is scheduled for up to 100,000 players in late April. Still intrigued by the prospect of slaying alien bugs on the go? Stay tuned to this space (with Google Translate equipped).

[Via Pocket Gamer]

Are you psyched for any version of PSO2? Do you think/hope the mobile version will be worth playing? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.