Sonic Team has finally announced the layouts for the G-1 Grand Prix Tournament!

Rules:                                          

-30 Minute Battle                        
-Minimum Dice: 3
-Maximum Dice: 5                             
-Character HP: 20  
-Common (Shared)HP

Layout of the battle Map:

Thru June 2nd, to June 4th from 22:00 to 1:00 Japanese time, 4 ships called G-1  GP/PRE01, G-1 GP/PRE02, G-1 GP/PRE03, AND G-1 GP/PRE04 will be selectable. If you go to these ships, their tournament section will have special tournaments on them, and when won, they will raise your gather points or 'gather'. While you are on one of thse ships, you should be able to see your gather rank above your name, just like checking your rank on a normal ship.

List of gather gained from each tournament round:
1st - 100
2nd - 200
3rd - 500
4th (Finals) - 1000

You have a chance to enter 7 times, ad you have a chancve every halfhour.

Gather points gained are not changed regardless of facing a human or CPU opponent, so CPU bashing (in the tournament of course) is perfectly acceptable for gaining points. 

Preliminaries will be over on June 6th, at 1 am japanese time. The top 32 players will be announced on the japanese episode 3 web site by 10 am japanese time, and can send their information to be qualified for the finals.

If you are in the top 16 according to Sega's list, you will be allowed entry into the  G-1 GP/ENTRY ship on June 5th from 13:00-15:00 and again from 21:00-
23:00 japanese time.

Top 16: Go to the ship, and give Sonic Team your Guild Card Info, your Partner's Guild Card Info, and your Team Name to be used for the tournament. For now, you're done until the finals

Top 32: If you head to the ship from 23:00-24:00 JP time. You can still get an entry. Here's how this works: 

Say the first place player chooses the fifth place player as his partner. Rather than having the top 16 people pick their partners for the 32 player finals, now there are only 15 teams! So 17 then gets to choose his partner to make up that last team. Basically if you're not in the top 16, but close, you still stand a good chance! Just keep in mind that most high ranks will be pared up. 

Now for the finals. On June 6th, from 17:30 to 17:50 japanese time, the 32 players who made it will be able to enter the G-1 GP/FINAL ship. Tournament begins at 18:00 japanese time. Now at this time, any would-be spectators may then enter the ships and watch the tourny unfold or do what they wish.

Prizes...

The Winning Team gets:

-An award certificate in the form of your favorite card
-3000 yen (webmoney)
-An exclusive episode 3 quo card!
-A mystery prize
-A year subscription to Game Gather
 
The Runner-Up Team Recieves:

-An award certificate in the form of your favorite card
-1500 yen (webmoney)
-An exclusive episode 3 quo card!
-A mystery prize

Good luck to all entrants!

Hey all! We asked you what you thought of the new PSO: Blue Burst that will be on the PC. And out of 266 votes, 33 of you thought it was going to suck, 106 of you said who knows?, while 91 of you seemed to like the idea and thought it was going to be massive! And 31 of you didn' seem to care!

Our new poll asks if you are going to enter the worldwide G-1 Grand Prix Tournament on episode 3? Get Voting!

Also on a side-note, I've began to update the card database. Keep checking for updates! I'm also working on Episode 3 maps and and a few set-up and basic how-to guides. I should have them done before the release date in europe!

Nintendo Gamecube Servers: There will be server maintenance on the Nintendo Gamecube Phantasy Star Online servers during the below mentioned dates between the times of 14:00 & 17:00 (Japanese Time):

• June 1st 2004
• June 5th 2004
• June 6th 2004

The news appeared earlier this morning on the Official Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst website that Sonic Team have decided on a date that the game will go on-sale across the whole of Japan.

Pictured left is the packagaing for the game when released in stores for sale on July 15th 2004 in Japan only. Also the game has been given an official price of 2,079 Yen (Inc. tax). Again with all PSO games, a Hunter's License will be required for online play which is available for 30 Days at a time for the price of 1,200 Yen (Approx.).

The BETA Testing version of the game has also been given a date for the free clientless download. On June 1st 2004, anyone who wishes to download the game and try it out for themselves is able to by downloading it from the BitWay Corporation's website: http://www.bitway.ne.jp (English). There will of course most likely be links available from the official BB website (English). Hunter's Licsenses for BETA testing are free at this time.

ALL of this information has been added to the Article i typed up not long ago. For more information on all of this news, including more accurate pricing, dates, etc. and for all the information about the wonderful world of Blue Burst please feel free to visit this article ('Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst - All the BETA!') by clicking that link, or going through the Articles page.

As far as server maintenance goes, there have been several problems already. There was essential and short-notice server maintenance on May 26th up until the time of 14:00 (Japanese Time).

The G-1 Grand Prix Doubles Tournament for all players of Episode III starts very soon. Earlier today Sonic Team uploaded all details of how to enter, and about all the rules, battles, and prizes!

I have added all of these (in a simple translation) into an Article titled 'G-1 Grand Prix (Episode III Tournament) Details'. To view the article, Click Here or go to the Article through the Articles page on the navgiation menu above.

Also in this article is a few more pictures of the Tournament lobbies, and link to the official pages.

It is to my understanding that the gaming programme 'Gamer.tv' will start showing their E3 Specials from this Wednesday (Today). Since this years E3 coverage is very limited, what will get shown on this programme has yet to be seen. I can only recommend it's viewing, i can't tell you what's on it! Hopefully though, they'll have some coverage of the main 3 (Microsoft/Sony/Nintendo) Press Conferences, and maybe some of the other gaming companies'.

If you really cross your fingers, you may even see the E3 footage of Phantasy Star Universe on your screens if you haven't already done so! (If that is indeed the case then why haven't you gone to the official PSU Website. The trailer, and screenshots are all there!).

Gamer.tv can be seen on Bravo, available only through Digital TV and Cable in the U.K. The new episodes air every wednesday at 5:00pm (BST), but the series is continued and shown every weekday on Bravo at just before 10:00am and 5:00pm (BST).

All images are used respectively. All rights remain with their owner.

Just Announced!

There will be server maintenance on the Nintendo Gamecube Phantasy Star Online servers during May 27^th 2004 between the times of 14:00 & 17:00 (Japanese Time).

[Original Post: 24th May 2004]

There will be server maintenance on the Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst servers from 18:00 today (24th May 2004) (Japanese Time).

At this time, please do not connect to the servers as character data may not be retained, however you will not be automatically disconnected. Until there is a time announced for the end of the server maintenance, please do not connect to the games servers.

During this maintenance, Sonic Team hope to sort out the following problems:

• The login problems between moving ships and such where phenomenons occur!
• Data Locking (Where reconnection is impossible).
• Restoration of the following Ships which have become unstable: 06:Virgo, 07:Libra, 08:Scopio, 09:Sagittarius.

As already mentioned, Sonic Team ask that no-one connects to the games servers during time of maintenance until the time when Sonic Team announce a maintenance end time (TBA). Also players of this game should be aware of the maintenance that occurs everyday regardless between the times of 10:00 & 13:00 (Japanese Time).

Players of Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I, II, & III (C.A.R.D. Revolution) on Nintendo Gamecube and Phantasy Star Online, Versions 1 & 2 on SEGA Dreamcast should also be aware of server maintenance that happens Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Scroll down to previous news posts below to find out more information.

[Update] Server Maintenance has ended from this morning at 05:00 (25th May 2004) (Japanese Time). The above mentioned problems were verified. If anyone who does play the game (For BETA Testing) finds any problems Sonic Team have added a Defect Report Form to the Official Blue Burst website. Click here to go to that Report (English). Use this form to report any problems you are experiencing while playing the game. Sonic Team thank all players for their co-operation at this time.

The popular Japanese Nintendo Magazine 'Nintendo Dream' are holding a Episode III 'Guild Card Conference/Tournament' of their very own! This contest is for Japanese people only i'm afraid to say though. This is because all the entrants HAVE to apply by Post. Why? Because all the prizes that can be won are actual REAL prizes! Hence they need others addresses to know where to send them, and they're only sending them to Japanese Addresses.

If there is anyone who is reading this interested, entrants should send the following information on a postcard, and send it to the address below:

• Name
• Address (In Full)
• Contact Telephone Number
• Online Guild Card Numbers

The date for entries deadlines and for more tournament details, Japanese players should buy this months copy of Nintendo Dream Magazine (Sold on the 6th of every month for 21 Days).

Prizes for the tournament include:

• Phantasy Star Online Mousemats,
• MIRV Japanese Fans,
• Episode III Soundtracks,
• Original Episode III QUO Cards,
• ...and for the winner only as pictured (Click for more information), is a 3D Life Size Pop-up Stand Model of シルファ (Episode III), complete with Signature of Sonic Team Staff.

Overall there will be 35 Prize Winners, each winning themselves many PSO goodies of which some have been mentioned above!

This is unconfirmed, but taken from the official European (PAL) Website for Phantasy Star Online, Episdoes I & II (& Future Episode III). That is of course PlaySEGA.com.

According to the frontpage of that website, they've sneakily changed the release date mentioned at the very bottom of the Login page from June 10th 2004 to June 18th 2004!! Have they done us again out of another weeks worth of gaming. Seems so, but of course time will tell....

Just Announced!

There will be server maintenance on the Nintendo Gamecube Phantasy Star Online servers during May 25^th 2004 between the times of 14:00 & 17:00 (Japanese Time).

Problems already and it's only Day 1. Bad Luck or a Death Curse?!

It seems from what i can see from the frontpage of the official Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst website (English) that all game blocks after block 95 (Inclusive) have been cut-off from the games servers.

The reason for this is unknown but Sonic Team ask that all online players use their 'Tab' Keys on the Keyboard to select only blocks 94 and under to play online games on.

It's May 21st 2004, and that means Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst Open BETA Testing started today in Japan!

The Client Disc required to install the game was included with this month's edition of Japanese Magazine 'Dorimaga' (Pictured). People who wish to BETA Test the game can do so by installing it on their computers, and then registering the game through the Blue Burst website.

Sonic team have celebrated by unvieling more information on the games features, to teach those who can BETA test about the many features, or to taunt those who can't play it! *Sigh*

It seems there's more then meets the eye to this game. If you have read the Article i made not long ago, you will remember about the games special 'Game Master' and 'Team' modes. Well it turns out those are also features in their Team/Clan Feature of which they include heavily throughout the game! This honestly is a game for clans!

I have hence updated the Article including more screenshots and information regarding items such as all the teams private benefits, league tables, and points systems.

Also Sonic Team have added to the official Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst website (English), more actual screenshots of the new level and enemies! Again i have added all those released in the article. To access the article, visit the 'Articles' section of this website, and then go to the 'Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst - All the BETA!' titled article, or click the link below.

Click here to go to the Article 'Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst - All the BETA!'

There will be server maintenance on the SEGA Dreamcast Phantasy Star Online EU/JP servers during May 26^th 2004 between the times of 10:00 & 18:00 (Japanese Time).

It is a special time for Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst. On May 21st the game will start it's official BETA testing in Japan (See News Below - 4 Posts Down), and today is the first day of Game Registration!

People who have got a copy of Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst already can register their copy from today. Also in celebration of this, they have redesigned the first page of the website (English). On this page you'll find regular news updates, aswell as greetings from the games producer Sonic Teams 'Good Fortune' Takao (In a rough translation):

"Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst today began the first stage in it's open ß testing on May 21st. With the open ß test the participants are widely collected, which we think that from only many will play "PSO BB". It will receive opinions, and would like to actualize a better game and game management."

"'PSO BB' for the first time retains the games data on a server, and also introduces the "Game Master" management. We would like you to think the present PSO series starts differently. We think you'll enjoy 'PSO BB' with future additions such as the new enemy and map, aswell as items and other future updates we will add by participating in the propriety latest open ß test."

"We wait from everyones support of the game, and your help in constructing a rich gaming world."

All new Phantasy Star Online games deserve major respect! Therefore i have created an article that shows of almost EVERYTHING that test version of Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst has to offer, including how to get the BETA copy and test (Japan only), the new features, and more. There's so much this game incorporates that it can't possibly be put into one simple news post! The day will no doubt go down in history! To view the article, click the Link Below or visit the 'Articles' section of the website:

Click Here to go to the Article: 'Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst - All the BETA!'

It was announced today that the two companies Sammy and Sega are to merge forces to become one company. The company to be named Sega Sammy Holdings. This action will take place in October later on in the year. For more infomation on the merge, take a look at this article:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/05/18/news_6098677.html

Thanks to Gamespot.com for the news!

A new competition is underway... Read all about it here. :)

Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst will soon open for BETA Testing in Japan.

During this time Japanese players who are able to grab themselves a copy of the game which will be available through 2 methods only can then go online and register with SEGA of Japan for BETA testing of the new PC game. Those who qualify will then be able to play the game online that is available during the BETA testing period.

Japanese BETA wannabes must firstly meet these Hardware requirements (English) with their computer (Which rules out any other country, unless anyone runs a Japanese computer with the Japanese version of Windows), and then either grab a copy of Dorimaga magazine (On sale May 21st 2004) or TECHWIN magazine (On sale June 8th 2004), where a copy of the BETA Demo comes on disc, or otherwise visit the official Blue Burst Download site where users who meet the requirements can download the game for free (From the beginning of June 2004).

BETA testing incase those of you who are thinking, "hasn't this already been done" is the next stage in game development after the previously completed and now closed BETA trialing. During the BETA testing period, the following game aspects will be available:

• One game stage from Episodes I & II
• Two difficulty settings for the game (Normal/Hard)
• Governor-general prefecture quest
• Laboratory quest

The 2 quests will be available online after BETA testing has begun. More quests aswell as other difficulty settings are planned for the future, and will be for 1 Human player only. BETA testing is officially planned for May 21st 2004 and beyond!

This news was spotted by Ragol.co.uk Forum Member Starman a little while ago. More information has become available since on the official Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst website (English).

The official website for Phantasy Star Universe has been updated!

Visiting the website at http://phantasystaruniverse.com will load up a Flash introduction movie that is similar to the beginning of the trailer shown at SEGA’s E3 Press Conference.

The main website holds more though. They’ve added 5 different screenshots, each making you drool that extra bit more! To see them visit the website by clicking here (English translation).

As far as game information goes, SEGA are very reluctant to let any more details on the game out (for the moment anyway). The pictures and trailer (Links in news post below) suggests the game is either Phantasy Star V, or Phantasy Star Online 2. From the looks of the trailer, it’s a mix of the two, incorporating the Phantasy Star Series with the Phantasy Star Online series, with a whole bunch of new characters and enemies, which if true could prove to be one hell of a game! We live in hope anyways.

Anymore information that comes to light about the game will be reported a.s.a.p. Yay for E3!

[UPDATE] Available on the official website for Phantasy Star Universe is the very video which was shown during E3 2004. Don't take any other showing, then a crystal clear one! Go and visit the website now*.

*2 trailers have been added, one for Broadband users, and another for 56K users. The trailers are both the same. Windows Media Player is required to play any of the trailers.

Thanks to Shifty for this news.
Check out the discussion on the forums here.

The following videos are from IGN.com.
Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4

Just announced as part of SEGA's BIG and SHOCKING news announcement at E3!

Phantasy Star Universe is the games current name. Not much else has been confirmed, but it's pretty darn exciting!

The official website for the game is already up and running though!

Visit it by going to: http://phantasystaruniverse.com

More news on this game, as soon as it comes in!!!

[Edited] Lee_yoshi: Got a bit ahead of myself there, the website i was using to read the news from have obviously done the same! The above news has been edited so only the facts remain. The rumours were that it's online, and due for release on the Nintendo Gamecube console around 2005! Remember, that's a rumour!

There will be server maintenance on the Nintendo Gamecube Phantasy Star Online servers during May 13th 2004 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 this time where service continues as normal.

Being added is the EGM Quest for Episode III players as in the news post below (Somewhere!). It can also be found, and discussed in this forum thread.

Nothing is being added to Episodes I & II.

Nintendo have recently put up the E3 homepage but with some news we have all been waiting for!

From DS homepage:

• Toutch Screen
  The lower screen will offer something never before provided by any game device: PDA-like touch capabilities. Players no longer have to rely on just buttons to move characters or shift perspectives. They can navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with stylus or fingertip. A software-based keyboard might even allow the screen to be used as an input center for games and messaging. The possibilities are limited only by developers' imaginations. The screen will have a tougher film cover for durability, and will come with a stylus.
  
• Microphone
  An available microphone port means that in the future, players might need only to tell their games what to do. DS software could identify everything from voice commands to hand-clapping. Players might be able to move their characters simply by telling them which way to go. The voice capabilities also could allow gamers to chat with one another over the Internet while playing.
  
• Dual Slots
  Nintendo DS makes a vast library of Game Boy® Advance games readily available. Developers could find ways to make new connections between GBA games and DS games. The GBA port could be used for new hardware, enormously expanding the functional expandability of the DS.
  
• Sound
  The 16-channel sound allows for greatly expanded use of voices and music, and a richer, more immersive game experience. A plug for headphones transmits stereo sound.
  
• Wireless
  DS users will be able to connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. Nintendo's guaranteed range is 30 feet, but will extend far beyond that depending on circumstances. It assures high response rates required for real time game play, and will make use of both IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary communication protocol, which provides low battery consumption. Players will be able to chat and play games without any connecting cords, completely untethered. The DS technology also provides for a wireless LAN connection, which could allow a theoretically infinite number of players to connect at a hot spot and compete at a central game hub on the Internet, even if they're thousands of miles apart.
  
• 3D
  With the newly developed graphics engine, DS can reproduce impressive 3-D renderings that can surpass images displayed on the Nintendo® 64. Games will run at 60 frames per second, and allow details like fog effects and cel shading.

New games are available for the DS:

Metriod Prime: Hunters

Pictochat

Super Mario 64

Wario Ware

We will have much more for you soon...

Thanks to Omar for this news.

Sonic Team have posted today that all EU players of the Nintendo Gamecube versions of Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II, and Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution (Due for release June 11th 2004) get a new payment option!

• 30-Days
  € 8.95
  £ 5.99
  
• 90-Days
  € 22.95
  £ 15.95

The second option being cheaper by £2.02 and €3.90.

"One account, One Hunter's Licence...TWO great online games!"

"Buy just one Hunter's Licence here and enjoy both PSO Episodes I&II and III online."
"If you registered with PSO Episodes I&II SEGA recommends re-using your Episode I&II Serial Number and Access key to play online with PSO Episode III C.A.R.D Revolution. Just remember to register your PSO III characters using your PSO I&II Serial Number and Access Key!"

This great payment system has already begun, so go renew your Hunters License today via. PlaySEGA.com!

This news is posted on behalf of fellow Staff Member GOLDIE who's currently having technical submission problems. Get Well Soon! ;-)

On May 13^th, a new quest will be added to the Phantasy Star Online, Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution servers known as ‘The EGM Quest’.

EGM is a monthly magazine fully titled ‘Electronic Gaming Monthly’ but 2 of the editors, Shane and CJ have suddenly disappeared! How are you supposed to publish a magazine without any editorials!

Well, tale has it that Shane and CJ both heard news that a secret to creating the perfect video game was on Ragol. In their anticipation, they headed for the nearest shuttle and went straight down there. No delays! That’s the media! But, it’s been a while and no response. Guess who’s got the job of leading a search team? You guessed it! It’s You!

Completion of this quest results in you earning a special EGM Card which is a ‘Timed-type’ card. Playing this card will give you a experience points boost so that after eight turns you get nine extra EXP! However if the card is destroyed beforehand, no boost for you!

Card Statistics:

• Cost = 1
• HP = 1
• AP = 0
• TP = 0

Enjoy the quest, when added to the servers. Maintenance time TBA.

Why not discuss this quest in the Ragol.co.uk Forums?

[Original Post (Intended For): 7th May 2004]

From May 7^th, the following addition will take place:

• Challenge Mode: Episode II, Challenge Stage 3

Stage 3 see’s you team up and run through the Gal De Val territory in the VR in order to get the best time to earn that all important S-Rank!

Episode II, Challenge Stage 3 is for 2 – 4 Human Players, and is only accessible through online play of the Japanese xbox version of Phantasy Star Online, Episodes I & II after maintenance has been completed.

[Original Post: 6th May 2004]

Server maintenance that was due to take place earlier today (May 6th 2004) happened successfully, and with it came extra music tracks selectable for all online players of Phantasy Star Online, Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution while in the visual lobbies.

The following tracks were added:

• Cyber
• Tricktrack (Versus 1)
• A Longing to Ancient Times (Versus 2)
• Nights - Dreams Dreams

But whilst all good things must come to an end, the following track was removed:

• Eternal Arcadia - Opening Theme

[Original Post: 5th May 2004, 2:16pm]

The 3^rd official Episode III tournament is coming up soon.

Make space for the G-1 Grand Prix!

Who will be the strongest team of all? That’s what this tournament is all about! Video gaming magazine ‘Game Gather’ teams up with Sonic Team to go in search of hunters everywhere (well, that Episode III has been released in anyways) and get them teaming up in order to battle other teams to compete for the crown of this tournament.

From what I can see, anyone can enter regardless of country, with a team of 2. So grab a partner of extreme skill and confidence online, and enter this tournament for your chance to dominate the world of Phantasy Star Online! This time, it’s not just your deck that counts!

Following are the official tournament dates and times:

• Qualifying Round ~ June 2^nd: 10p.m. – 1a.m. (Japanese time)
• Qualifying Round ~ June 3^rd: 10p.m. – 1a.m. (Japanese time)
• Qualifying Round ~ June 4^th: 10p.m. – 1a.m. (Japanese time)
• Finals ~ June 6^th: 6p.m. onwards (Japanese time)

[Original Post: 5th May 2004, 11:43am]

Just a short update.

It appears (for all those who haven't played Phantasy Star Online, Episode I & II (Xbox) for a while) that on April 5th 2004, Episode II, Challenge Stage 1 was added to the European servers.

Thanks to Ragol.co.uk Forum member Starman for the info.

[Original Post: 4th May 2004, 2:52pm] 

With the release of Phantasy Star Online, Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution drawing ever near in Europe, will there be enough demand for the online aspect? Of course, there’s no point in giving a game an online aspect if no-one can play it online! So with Broadband A