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Another Fortnight, Another Hunters Gazette! The Hunters Gazette is back once again, but with a shockingly ace revamped style, so whether you're a keen reader of them or not, you have to click the link below. Another reason to look into this fortnights Hunters Gazette is because we cover all the rumours and speculate about Phantasy Star Online Portable, yup, thats a portable version of PSO. Its something that was highly rumoured last year after E3, and we go back in time going thoroughly through all the evidence, so take a peek A.S.A.P!  Hunters Gazette - PSO Portable
Click Here to go to the Hunters Gazette! Also in the newly improved Hunters Gazette, you can have a chance to say anything you like relating to the main article in the issue. If you've got something to say, click here or click 'Comments...' in this news posts header to go to our forums. |
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SEGA have posted on their website (SEGA of Europe) that they're currently in production of 'Comdemned' - a horror title being produced for the next generation of games consoles and PC's.
The following comes from the news post:
"Condemned represents SEGA's dedication to the acquisition of market-leading next generation games." commented Matt Woodley, European Marketing Director of SEGA Europe. "Our previous launch software has demonstrated how quickly SEGA adapts to new innovations, by publishing ground-breaking games that push new formats to the limit. We're also delivering in our desire to work with the most talented development teams the west has to offer."
This is interesting because it shows just how committed SEGA are already being to the next generation of consoles. They also have said they're constantly adapting to new innovations, aswell as graphical improvements, so lets hope to see some huge pushes into the future of Phantasy Star games!
Condemned is also announced for a late 2005 release, so does this mean new next generation consoles before the end of the year? Xbox 2 has most definately been rumoured for such a release. For the whole news post on Condemned, click here. |
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This months Nintendo Official Magazine includes a conversation with Yuji Naka. You may have heard of him, he's the president (of Sonic Team!).
Creator and genius with works including NiGHTs, Samba De Amigo, oh, and of course Phantasy Star Online, was at hand to talk about his latest gaming incarnation - Project Rub for Nintendo DS. NOM of course was more then happy to change the subject half-way through though for discussions on other subjects ;)
Included were talks on Sonic DS, a new Sonic Gamecube title, the possibility of Mario and Sonic in the same game, the posibilities of a new NiGHTs game, and a question about Phantasy Star Online!
Nintendo Official Magazine UK:
"Phantasy Star Online is a major title in online games. With the first Dreamcast game, Sonic Team embraced the possibilities of online play. What's happening with the PSO series now?"
Yuji Naka:
"I want to keep the Phantasy Star Online series going. We've got Blue Burst coming out on another format later this year. There's nothing in the pipeline yet, but there will be more of PSO in the future."
What does this all mean??? Well for starters, it most likely means no more PSO for current generation consoles, although if Yuji Naka has his way, PSO will continue to live on in the form of Next Generation console, with some hope and glory!
Secondly, he has stated that Blue Burst is coming out in the near future (On another format - as we all know as PC). Now, he knows he's talking to a UK magazine, so does this mean Blue Burst is coming to Europe afterall sometime in the "Near Future"??? ^_^
What was strange though is that during the question he mentioned nothing of Phantasy Star Universe, or the possibilities of a DS porting. Its not going to stop us from speculating though :D Roll on E3!
For the full interview, go and grab your copy of this months Nintendo Official Magazine UK - coincidently it being an anniversary 150th issue where they also ran down the top 150 releases of all time on Nintendo consoles (As voted by the readers) where Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II placed 124th! Well, its not bad i suppose, better then 125th! HAHA! |
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No, its not Jealousy from love of today, infact, jealous of Japanese gamers, and the importers out there with a copy of Blue Burst and Episode IV by there side... Grrr...
Sonic Team have added (From tommorrow), 2 new Quests, and 3 new areas for Episode IV Players!
Being added for online play to Episode IV are:
- Southern Crater Perimeter
- Northern Crater Perimeter
- Crater (Central Area)
"But what of these 2 quests, sir?" You are probabily asking:
 
Seems like not a day goes by when the Governor General is thinking about more missions to send willing hunters on. Well this time, its upto you to take a detour around the Crater via. the Southern Route. Why? Investigation of course! Its your job to secure the perimeter and also find out about this new kind of enemy...
Oh, and one more thing, the main route is divided up into 2, so the more partners in crime, the better, because something, just something, MAY happen ;) This quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players.
 
Its your job, top secret job, from that beloved as ever Governor General, to go in pursuit of... someone/something! Dont worry, its only one crater, it cant of gotten far, whatever it is. I cant help not reading Japanese ;_;
This Quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players. Both Quests and the 3 new maps are available from tommorrow after approx. 18:00 (Japanese Time) it is thought. |
• On Starter's Orders...
(Lee_yoshi - February 14 2005 - 6:13 PM) |
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The Ragol.co.uk Episodes I & II Doubles Battle League has begun!
For those entered (Or for those interested), the League Table has been setup, and the first week fixtures have been assigned. All of these fixtures can be seen in our forums in this thread.
The League Table, Rules & Regs, Player Information, and more, can all been seen in the Article 'Ragol.co.uk Episodes I & II Battle League' updated as soon as the results come in ;)
If you are an entrant, you will have recieved much information regarding the League via. E-Mail update earlier this evening.
Good Luck to all who have entered, and try to remember, when slaying other players to death... its just a game! :S |
• Happy St. Valentines Day
(Lee_yoshi - February 12 2005 - 3:42 PM) |
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 Tommorrow is St. Valentines Day, so have a good one tommorrow for all who intend on celebrating it!
For those who dont, well, i expect we'll all be drowning our sorrows on PSO ;) For those wondering about what the fuss online is, there's a special Valentines Video showing you all the activities lobbywise this time of year.
Click Here to view/download the video (.wmv file/1.95Mb) |
• 2004, scored!
(Lee_yoshi - February 11 2005 - 7:50 PM) |
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Another weeks end is upon us all, so what better to wake up with then your fortnightly edition of Ragol.co.uk PSO goodness all held within the Hunters Gazette!
Continuing on from the last edition we remember July - December 2004, ending what was actually a pretty busy year for Sonic Team and all PSO players!
Hunters Gazette - 2004 Lookback, Part 2
Click Here to go to the Hunters Gazette!
Next time we'll be at you with a brand spanking new themed Hunters Gazette, new features inclusive so its the last thing you'll want to put off reading ; ) |
• Episodes I & II Battle League Announcement
(Lee_yoshi - February 10 2005 - 1:04 PM) |
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The Ragol.co.uk Episodes I & II Battle League is hotting up with entries, to which note, i must declare the end of sign-ups. If you wish to enter, please do so before midnight Friday 11th February 2005 (Tommorrow). After all entries have been assembled, the League Table will be compiled, and the league will kick off with its first fixtures announced Saturday 12th February 2005! For all the information on the Episodes I & II Battle League, click to this Article! [UPDATE] ENTRY DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE END OF THE WEEK. MAKE SURE YOUR ENTERED BEFORE SUNDAY DAWN! |
• Poll Change!
(Lee_yoshi - February 4 2005 - 8:13 AM) |
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Now the Episodes I & II Battle League has begun for sign-ups, we dont need this poll anymore, so its changed. Here are the results to the last poll:
In What format would you like an Episodes I & II Battle Competition?
Thanks to all who voted and by quite a large difference, it was decided we were to hold a Doubles Battle League instead of a Knockout Tournament! For more information on the Battle League - Click Here!
Now we ask you what you think to the Nintendo DS handheld, set for release on March 11th at a pricepoint of under £100! |
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SEGA of Europe have changed their website, with more new features then you can shake a fist at!
The new SEGA site contains new news updates on all their games, aswell as polls, features, and behind-the-scenes stuff for some of their upcoming games!
One feature thats new is the 'SEGA City' where you can apply for a passport to instant news and game updates via E-Mail aswell as a special area on the website. Because of this and to encourage people to sign-up, they're holding a HUGE competition!
Simply by signing up to the SEGA City part of SEGA Europes website, you can be in with a chance to win Pre-Release SEGA Games for 1 Year, but wait, theres more! You'll also be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Sonic Heroes for PC and game T-Shirt (Signed by Sonic creator Yuji Naka) AND a Phantasy Star Online T-Shirt signed by Sonic Team AND a SEGA bag crammed full of other goodies.
Check out the newly revamped SEGA of Europe website right now at http://www.sega-europe.com! |
• 3 Updates for Gamecube Hunters!
(Lee_yoshi - February 4 2005 - 7:06 AM) |
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There will be server maintenance on the Nintendo Gamecube Phantasy Star Online servers during February 8th 2005 between the times of 14:00 & 17:00 (Japanese Time).
During this time please do not attempt to connect to the servers as if maintenance is happening on your corresponding servers at that time then you will be automatically disconnected after connecting. If you happen to be playing during these times please disconnect otherwise at the time when maintenance starts you will be disconnected from your game no matter what! You are given 10 minutes warning via. constant on-screen messages counting down until the time the upgrades start. This affects all players of the following Nintendo Gamecube games:
- Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II
- Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II Plus
- Phantasy Star Online, Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution
Please reconnect after these times where service continues as normal. Coming your way are 3 new updates!
The biggest update is the brand new quest, following the recent addition of 'Maximum Attack 1, Version 2' comes 'Maximum Attack 2, Version 2'!
Until recently, the Maximum Attack quests were just simulations born in the VR field, however, this battle is far more realistic as you beam down to Ragol's Seabed from Episode II in Version 2 of this popular quest! Prepare yourselves for fierce battles...
It doesnt end there though, as you also move onto the Control Tower where you encounter an surprising ambush. You're against the clock though, so move on from Floor 1 as fast as possible! What else you encounter upon this quest remains to be seen, so by order of the Govenor-General, its over to you! This quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players and can be found in the Hunters Guild under the VR menu.
Also added to the servers for play is yet another quest, strangely titled 'If you Laugh at the Seashore' (Rough JP Translation)!
Im not entirely sure what this quest is about, but it seems like it could be very similiar to the 'Resting at the Beach' quests normally found at the end of summertime on PSO, adapted for Valentines Day, activating special displays by typing certain keywords. For Example, by typing 'Hearts', a special display will show up on the beach. This is just assumption though, no doubt im wrong, in which case what you've read was just pointless! lol
What we do know about the quest though is that its playable for 1 Human Player only.
Last but not least, being added is of course Valentines Day stuff. When i say stuff i of course means lobby decorations and a special quest!
The quest is the same as last year, where you enter Pioneer 2 for the simple reason of making sweet sweet chocolate to pass onto your loved one! No monster slaying and absolutely no EXP is available at the time of year when you all come together and... well you know :p
The Valentines Quest is playable for 1 Femal Character Only im afraid, no chocolate monsters allowed! The lobby decorations and quest will be available until 8th March '05.
For more screenshots of the Maximum Attack quest if you'd like to comment on any of this news, use our forums in this thread! Happy Hallowe'en All! |
• Update Mania as Episode IV & Valentines looms on Blue Burst!
(Lee_yoshi - February 2 2005 - 7:30 PM) |
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Talk about a whole wodge of updates for Episode IV's release which is... oh yes, its tommorrow (3rd February '05), an expansion i expect all PSO players would be excited about. So as a quick note to all who plan on getting it either on import or in Japan, let me be the first to say... i hate you. Anyways, back to the news at hand: Firstly, the official Blue Burst Japanese website has been completely revamped with a whole new look. Why not take a peek? http://psobb.jp is the web address you'll be needing (Click here for a rough English translated version), although, for me, the tables are a bit all over the place, hopefully it loads better on other computers! Secondly, general february updates, with as always, new quests and adventures, plus Vaneltines Day themes: - In the End of Vision Boundry 3 - Episode II
 
The third installment of the popular series see's you and your team take on the Seabed in Episode II. Defeat wave of wave of enemies, and complete the Seabed to move on further into the series... mind you, this is no easy challenge! This quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players. - 'The Valentines Event' - Episode I
 
As always, the valentines quest returns which always has people in tears. You guessed it, as chocolate mania runs on Pioneer 2 when females run wild making their own chocolate to do with as they please as a seasonal treat. Yum Yum! This quest is playable for 1 Human Female Player only, and is available for a limited time only (Feb 3rd - Feb 15th '05). - ガロンズショップ/Valentine version (JP Title) - Episode II
 
This valentines quest, im unsure about. Have i seen it before, or have i not? Well its too late to think about now, but its kinda like the continuation of the Episode I Valentines Quest. Gallon's Shop gets in on the seasonal activites with Valentines by trading chocolate! By certain mixtures, to use and make even better chocolate, and then use that to recieve special gifts! This quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players, and is available for a limited time only (Feb 3rd - Feb 15th '05). - Chasing the Investigation Unit - Episode IV
 
An all new update for Episode IV's release day! The enormous meteorite that struck Ragol would of hit Pioneer 2 if it wasnt for a mysterious light. Because of this, an Investigation Unit was immediately dispatched to the planets surface, but all communication was lost (Typical eh?). No prizes for guessing what your mission is! This quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players. - Investigation of Data Collection Maneuvers - Episode IV
 
The group sent to collect data for the laboratory has been attacked! Quickly get down to the planet, and retrieve all the data that was collected (Who cares about the scientists :p). Co-operating with your team, find the terminal where the data was supplied, and collect it all. Just what does this data contain? This quest is playable for 1 - 4 Human Players. - Valentines Day Lobby Decorations
 
Of course, with the activities of those in love comes specially themed lobbies, and more! With the season comes decorations not only in all lobbies, but also to Pioneer 2 in Episode I and Episode IV! Sadly though, these will be removed on 15th February, so enjoy them while you can! Remember, if you'd like more info all about this brand new episode, available only as an expansion pack for Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst, look no further then this Ragol.co.uk Article! |
• It's Here - Sign-Up NOW!
(Lee_yoshi - February 1 2005 - 10:50 AM) |
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February is here, and what better way to kick it off then by finally announcing that today is the day you can officially start signing up for the much anticipated Ragol.co.uk Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II Doubles Battle League!
Grab your partner and get in training!
Since this is a Doubles competition, you are required to have a partner to signup. Once you have a partner ready and willing, and you are both available to organise and play matches throughout february/march with others, simply follow the instructions below.
To Enter, Simply send an E-Mail to lee-yoshi@ragol.co.uk (Only one member of the team need E-Mail) or use our forums in this thread with the following information:
- Entrant #1 Episodes I & II Character Name
- Entrant #1 Ragol.co.uk Forum Name (If Applicable)
- Entrant #1 Contact E-Mail Address
- Entrant #1 Location & Timezone (Relative to GMT)
- Entrant #2 Episodes I & II Character Name
- Entrant #2 Ragol.co.uk Forum Name (If Applicable)
- Entrant #2 Contact E-Mail Address
- Entrant #2 Location & Timezone (Relative to GMT)
- Team Name
If you would like to take part in this competition, but do not have a partner, please feel free to find one in our forums in this particular thread, and then E-Mail your teams entry!
This competition is only open to those who are able to play the Nintendo Gamecube version of Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II or Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II Plus. You do not need to be a registered user of Ragol.co.uk's Forums to enter this competition, although it is handy! Sign-Ups will be kept open for roughly between 1 & 2 weeks, with an exact date TBA around that time, so signup quick. The length of time the competition will be running for is unknown and depends on how popular the competition is. This will be announced most likely at the time a closing date for applications are also announced.
For all the information regarding the Battle League, including how it works, all the rules and regulations, points scoring system, and battle stage, is already available (And has been since 30th January for those with a keen eye!) in one simply and easy to digest Ragol.co.uk Article!
Click Here to go to the Article 'Episodes I & II Battle League'.
Good Luck to those entering. All teams will be added to the league article as they are entered, so you can judge the competitioon before signing up yourself if you like! If you are a registered Ragol.co.uk Forumer, you may also be interested in the links below:
Happy Hunting! |
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