Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis looked fantastic, but what exactly is it?

Xbox owners have been playing Phantasy Star Online 2 in North America for a while now, so seeing the game on the Xbox Games Showcase wasn't much of a surprise. However, something different from what we played was revealed at the event: Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. What?!

Was it an extension? Completely new game? As it turns out, it's actually both.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a massive update that will be released after Episode 6 instead of a new episode. Now it's worth noting that the US and Japan have different episode numbers as the game is clearly more advanced. In Japan, PSO2 is gearing up for the end of Episode 6, while in America we are still playing Episode 3. To give you a better time frame, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be released in 2021.

When I say it's a massive update I mean it's a massive update. It almost looks like a brand new game. As you can see in the trailers, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will completely rebuild the game, from the graphics engine to the character creation system to the gameplay itself. It will transform PSO2 into open-ended online role-playing games with a "revamped" combat system. This trailer pretty much sums up everything that will change with the launch of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis.

The tricky thing about Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis - and it can get a little confusing here - is that it will co-exist with Phantasy Star Online 2. Not only will the update replace the current game, it will co-exist and you can play both games. simultaneously jump between the two games as you wish.

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The character creation system is compatible with both games. PSO2 characters, including items related to emotes and other recorded data, will be compatible with New Genesis (NGS) and vice versa. That's pretty cool considering the level of detail in New Genesis (including finger movements!).

However, there are some restrictions on what cannot be used. Skill rings, upgrade items, materials, equipment and consumables for battle, growth, and upgrades cannot be used in the NGS.

In addition,  PSO2 Meseta and other currencies will not transfer to PSO2: NGS to avoid an economic collapse. Character development such as level, experience, class skills, graphics and photography techniques are also not shared between the two games. So you are actually playing a double of the same character.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will remain free and premium items will be available for purchase. The launch is scheduled on Xbox One and Windows 10. Note that as PSO2 arrives on new platforms, New Genesis will be added to those platforms as well. I assume this means PlayStation, although nothing has