First, the big shocker: the Team's aiming for a simultaneous release in all three major territories (Japan, US, & Europe). Which means no waiting on our sorry American asses while those cheeky Japs and arrogant importers indulge in Phantasy goodness months before those of us who don't happen to be in the same tax bracket as Bill Gates. Even better news: we'll all be able to play together! As it turns out, there won't be that much text interaction going on at all. Most of the interfaces will be visual, which means that you'll be able to relay your intentions of seeing if you can make the dragon scream by casting a flame spell on its butt to your Japanese playing partner Makoto via a series of pictures. (Well...you could probably suggest attacking the dragon, anyway.)

   The story, as hinted at in the fall '99 TGS teaser, revolves around a mysterious explosion on the surface of the planet (Motavia?). You take on the role of a character sent to investigate the mysterious boom.

   Some sources state that the game will be out as early as this summer, but the official date is still a vague "sometime in 2000." Still hungry? Of course you are. Sonic Team should be serving up the third course at the Tokyo Game Show in just a week. I'll be there. Uh...in spirit, anyway.

   -- Green Gibbon!

Compiled and arranged by Jared "Green Gibbon!" Matte. Hosting provided by Emulation Zone and Emulation World.