Sonic Team: The Phantasy Star Interview

Get the latest Sega happenings and PSU details direct from Sonic Team, as we offer this detailed interview with Takao Miyoshi. Plus: Phantasy Star, Next-Gen?

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Kikizo: Obviously the game has both online and offline elements. For the online gameplay, are you going to try to weave the main story of the game, or is it something completely separate?

Miyoshi: In the singleplayer, the player controls Ethan Waber only, having many adventures through the storyline. But in the online mode, the players make their own character, taking that adventure online with other people. But the timeline is totally the same, online and offline. So players experience through Ethan Waber in the offline mode, but the online mode is a unique experience to each player.

Kikizo: Online RPGs typically have a lot of freedom, it's hard to tell a really concrete narrative. How do you plan to get around this with the online mode of Phantasy Star Universe?

Miyoshi: Well, in technical regards, I am taking care of the synchronisation of the network, because it is important that the players feels they can get into the game-world - otherwise, they lose the motivation to play online. Additionally, I am very aware of making the communication easier among all the players themselves - that's always a challenge, and it's certainly a challenge with PSU.

Kikizo: Yes, I remember that for PSO, one of the cool things was that there were common phrases used, so that players around the world could communicate with each other across languages. Now, you seem to have the emphasis on more open communication...?

Miyoshi: PSU will have the same type of communication, but it will be enhanced from PSO.

Kikizo: In order to use the big MMO aspect of PSU, is there a subscription fee that you need to pay?

Miyoshi: This is under consideration... because there are many differences between Japanese and the US system. We are just evaluating what is the best. Additionally, this is a business issue. SOA and SOE will decide finally.

Kikizo: Sure. But, for the Japanese market, is this something that you would only have to consult with SOJ?

Miyoshi: Yes - we're still considering things.

Kikizo: Is it true that the high-resolution mode has been removed from the PlayStation 2 version of the game? If so, why was that decision taken?

Miyoshi: Sorry, we are unfortunately not including widescreen and progressive scan in the PS2 version... but the PC version has high resolution!

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