Phantasy Star Online 2

Players can choose to start a quest or join another party's quest, then take to the field. Part of the purpose of the alpha test was to see how well some of the new systems performed. One new system will allow players to create their own continuous combos of normal attacks and special Photon Arts abilities. PSO2 will also include a jumping ability, allowing for new aerial action, and the option to participate in multi-party quests of up to 12 people. Famitsu describes battling in the Multi-Party Area as feeling a lot like an MMORPG. "Exciting battles can unfold, different from those with typical 4-player parties."

Famitsu was clearly impressed with the options available for character creation. "Creating characters is intuitive, and infinite variation has been included. You could say this is the ultimate system." As in the original PSO, players can choose between three races (Human, Newman and Cast) and three classes (Hunter, Ranger and Force). There are ten design bases to choose from, but these can be modified in almost any way imaginable: players can adjust facial elements, hairstyle, the size and shape of body parts, and choose from a substantial selection of costume and accessory options. "You really can create a character that is unique in the world."

After creating a character, players move to the game lobby where they can choose a quest. In the alpha test the lobby includes a Quest Counter, Skill Counter, Weapon Shop and Item Shop, but the presence of several shuttered areas implies that more will be revealed in future.