-- Info -- Title: Phantasy Star Online Release: 2000 Previously: Project "PSO"

   As the title suggests, Phantasy Star Online revives the classic Sega RPG series, and gives it a very modern twist: the online works. Basically, it's a mutli-player RPG in the Phantasy Star world, which should be enough to have fans of the series streaking through the streets screaming: "ALICE!"

   Okay, a new Phantasy Star is good and all, but from Sonic Team? Well, it's not entirely left-field. The man himself, Yuji Naka, has previously worked on at least three of the major PS games. That, however, is the only connection. The actual Phantasy Star team is working on Eternal Arcadia, another game entirely. Regardless, the latest installment of Sega's flagship RPG is in very good hands indeed.

   Gameplay details are scarce, but it will reportedly be quite different from Western network RPGs. The game will revolve around a linear storyline (the heart of any self-respecting Japanese RPG). The big kicker is that you'll be able to dial up to the 'net via the oh-so-convenient Dreamcast modem and play world hero with three of your friends, who control other characters in your party! This should introduce us avid RPGers to a whole new paradigm of existence: social interaction. Yes, it's new and scary, but think of the possibilities! You'll also be able to play it alone like a standard RPG, but that sort of kills the concept, dunnit?