Waiting for Sega releases in Europe? January has a lot of goodies in the bag for everyone. Condemned 2 (Xbox 360, PS3), Superstar Tennis, Viking: Battle of Asgard (Xbox 360, PS3), and NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams are all coming soon. See the detailed version to find out when these will drop and what else is inbound.

What you will be seeing here is a little over a minute's worth of Sega's trailer for the next installment in Phantasy Star Universe. People, welcome to the Shadow of Arkguard. This preview of the upcoming sequel to the moving comic shows a new mission: confronting the prelude to destruction.

It appears that central to this installment of the PSU franchise would be a new threat in the form of multiple terrorist bombings. It is obvious that these events are shrouded in mystery and it is up to you to determine who is behind these attacks. The only problem is, there is no one you can trust, for a conspiracy may very well be turning the wheels. Are you up to the mission?

Check out the preview trailer over at Full Article and see for yourself.

Fans of the Microsoft Xbox 360 game console are about to get Sega's expansion of Phantasy Star Universe come November 20, 2007. Titled Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus, this expansion heralds the arrival of an all-new dimension to an already rich RPG experience.

All the standards such as new locales, enemies, items, and personable characters will be added, bringing the cost of this Xbox Live MarketPlace downloadable content to 1,600 Microsoft Points.

PC and Sony PlayStation 2 versions of Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus are also available with a discounted GUARDIAN License that lets players exploit the game's most interactive features. The GUARDIAN License sells for US$ 49.99 and is valid for six months.

 

One of the biggest drawbacks in playing online games from a console is the time it takes to type a message to another player. It's the problem that almost every online console gamer can empathize with. How many times was it that you tried to call out for help while you helplessly watch your character get chopped into mincemeat? About a hundred? There you go.

Blue Orb is trying to curb this problem by introducing the Texter (quite an original name, really), an innovative device that lets people type messages using the Xbox 360 or PS2 controllers, using the analog joysticks. Basically, letters are spelled out according to the direction you tilt the analog joysticks to. It seems quite hard to get used to at first glance, but it looks like it's something that can be mastered over time, like the key tapping system on a mobile phone keypad.

For now, the Texter is targeted at Phantasy Star Universe players. "We've worked with SEGA to make this Special Edition Texter the next great tool for the Phantasy Star Universe gamer. Every aspect of the design and packaging was driven by people who love the game-and it shows," says Walt Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Orb, Inc. Wilson is referring to the Phantasy Star Universe Special Edition Texter, which comes bundled with extra stuff such as posters, stickers, and gives the purchaser a chance to get a free Phantasy Star Universe t-shirt. Sounds like quite a juicy offer.

Phantasy Star Universe Special Edition for the Xbox 360 is priced at US$ 39.95, and will be available June this year.

 

RPG fans looking for a good and economic XBOX360 title can get one from Amazon which recently dropped the price of Phantasy Star Universe by $ 20 to only $ 9.99.

New to the series is the Single Player mode which the fans have always been hoping for. Players will run around the colorful universe as Ethan Waber, your casual teenage hero trying to save his sister from evil forces known only as THE SEED. This offline mode promises more than 40 hours of gameplay focused on our young 17-year old cadet battling his way to save the kidnapped sibling.

Offline play will obviously be different, since PSU online allows players to create their own characters from the variety of races then team up with other adventurers to explore the world of PSU which includes the three planets of Gurhal solar system. Sega also promises updates, and that the world will constantly evolve with new content through the years.

It's almost a steal to get such quality title in a low price, so don't forget to check the link below.

We're sure a lot of people have been waiting for announcements regarding Phantasy Star Universe's much anticipated expansion, Ambition of the Illuminus. We just got official word - plus screenshots.

After keeping mum about the expansion, Sega finally announces the release date for Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus for the Xbox360, PC, and PS2. The expansion naturally continues the storyline of Phantasy Star Universe. A new Human Fundamentalist faction called the Illuminus wreaks havoc in the Gurhal System and Gurhal Government.

So what's new in the release? New levels including the Ruins of Old Rozenom City and the underground Granigs Mines will be added. Of course, along with new levels come new enemy types. According to the release, players will be able to meet Ethan Waber from Episode 1 and GUARDIAN instructor Laia Martinez.

New gameplay and customization features were also added along with expanded lobby areas. One of the additional lobbies will include the Casino Voloyal where players can win special in-casino items from the slots and roulette.

Character and weapon customization will also get an ample expansion with new weapon types, armor, Photon Arts, and clothing. Guardians' individual rooms were upgraded with a new grid system that will allow players to decorate and customize with interactive items.

Wanna know and see more about Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition Of The Illuminus? Then head over to Full Article!

Everyone wants deals and price cuts when buying his favorite games. That's why were posting this little bit of news in case some of you are interested.

Online retail store Amazon just placed the Xbox 360 version of Phantasy Star Universe (360 and MMO) in a huge bargain basket. The game can be purchased normally for US$ 39.99, just like any regular video game. But the retail store slashed US$ 22 off its original price, bringing it down to just US$ 17.99.

We wonder if the rumored expansion Ambition of Illuminus has something to do with this. That long-awaited follow up title is rather elusive, news about it disappearing and resurfacing every now and then.

Phantasy Star Universe was originally released in North America on all platforms last October 24 and on November 24 for Europe. It is a hack-and-slash MMO game that is set in the fictional universe of Gurhal Star System.

Until now, there are still persisting rumors that Sega is planning to collate PSU's universe with that of its sister title, Phantasy Star Online. Anyway, if you want to know more about the deal, including details on shipping and handling, the Read link should take you to Amazon's product page.

This is not entirely new. But somehow, people just stopped talking about the expansion to Phantasy Star Universe (360 and MMO), Ambition of Illuminus. This was actually first revealed around of August of last year but Sega remained mum about it. After all of sudden, a handful of updates emerge.

According to various articles posted by online site Shougai PSO, the expansion is expected to go on sale this year. It is still not clear if this is going to be a downloadable content or a full-retail expansion altogether. Shougai PSO added though that as of now, there are plans to conduct a network wide trial to do some final "brushing up".

Furthermore, it was also reported that Sega is considering to bring the PSO's costumes and weapons from PSU. Likewise, PSO's battle mode and lobby soccer are also expected to make a return. The Photon Arts, however, are unlikely to be increased. Don't worry, we'll update you as soon as new details appears.

 

Phantasy Star Universe has earned a lot of respect and even love from their players. But apparently, the same can't be said for its online community. Why is that? The guys behind the Phantasy Star Universe Online Community is dishing out all their aces to ensure that a lot of people will consider the PSU online experience. Sega recently announced that on Saturday, February 3 at midnight PST, they will be unleashing a super Sonic Demo Weekend.

So how would this go? To participate, you must have an active Xbox Live Gold account to be able to download and play it. By joining the PSU Xbox Live community, you will receive a limited edition Sonic Statue room item with your account. Users must play the demo from February 3-4 and purchase a GUARDIANS License for the PSU XBL community by February 28th to be eligible. Only one Sonic Statue per GamerID and GUARDIANS license.

Basically, they are offering you the chance to create your own character and meet new people by visiting various weapons, items, and clothing shops. If you feel like it, you could also join a squad and accomplish missions together.

The demo would let you explore three expansive planets -  Parum, Moatoob, and Neudaiz. You could also try out three different job types - Hunter, Ranger, and Force. Aside from that, you could also create your personal online space thanks to this feature they call MyRoom. Design it the way you want and create new weapons and items to aid you in your battles. You could also trade or sell your items.

As some of you guys probably know already, Sega has just started doing this weekly update thingy for their hit RPG, Phantasy Star Universe (PC, Xbox360, PS2). Ever since the game's release in October, Sega's Sonic Team has been continually working their butts off to improve your whole gameplay experience by providing downloadable content for PSU.

After putting up eight new downloadable missions for the game, Sega is now releasing a gazillion updates including new weapons, classes, AND to keep up with the holiday vibe, this week's content update will also have holiday themes and goodies up for download like Christmas room decoration, Wreath room item, Christmas lobby décor, and Christmas rappies. The level cap is also increased to 60 with Photon abilities and Technics now capable of reaching level 30. Oh, and 10 new S Rank quests are also opened up.

Information overload? Oh but that's not all! A new series of offline Guardian missions will also be made available with this week's update, with the first mission (The Masked Girl) now available from the Guradian HQ. Now, this is an offline mission but take note that you'll still need a subscription to get it. So anyway, here's the full list of contents you'll get in this week's update:

New Classes:

• Fighgunner
• Guntecher
• Wartecher
• Fortefight
• Fortegunner
• Fortetecher
• Protranser

Weapons:

• Card (Neudaiz)
• Grenade (Moatoob)
• Axe (Moatoob)
• Double Saber (Parum)
• Claw (Neudaiz)
• Twin Claw (Neudaiz)
• Laser Cannon (Parum)
• Crossbow (Moatoob)