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Review of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis on Xbox Series X|S

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jun 2021
Cover image of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Released: 09 Jun 2021
Genre: Action RPG, MMORPG
Developer: Sega Division 3
Publisher: Sega

Introduction

Welcome, dear gamers, to the futuristic universe of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, where your biggest challenge isn't just dealing with menacing alien beasts but also trying to figure out whether that NPC is friend or food. It’s a slice of the cosmic pie filled with customization, excitement, and character arcs that highlight the facepalms of fate, along with a sprinkle of lazily articulated philosophical musings on existence. So, buckle up as we dive deep into the dazzling array of avatars, revelations, and quests that will make you say, 'Why yes, I would indeed like to wear a giant feather hat while vanquishing evil!'

Gameplay

At its core, PSO2: New Genesis is a multi-material, dimensional tapestry woven with threads of nostalgia and innovation. Players craft their unique avatars, exploring not just the external world but also the depths of their own questionable taste in hairstyles. The game lets you select from unique classes, and each comes jam-packed with skills more specialized than your friend who knows all about Star Wars lore — aka far too specialized. Combat is incredibly engaging, combining melee and ranged battles with a variety of weapons that somehow manage to summon EXTRA space magic. You can spit photon-infused bullets or smack baddies with shiny sticks of doom. The 'PSE Burst' mechanic allows you to become an obliterating powerhouse in certain areas. If only real life came with a similar burst feature that accelerated my morning coffee intake! In the open world, exploration is key. Glide, dash, or roll your way across two primary sectors, separating combat areas from exploration zones. Yup, it's the good old "I know it’s a trap, but I’ll explore anyway" feeling. Hidden secrets await, some even more rewarding than finding a toothpaste tube that hasn’t been rolled up yet. Did I mention the Mags? Yes, besides magical creatures that provide you buffs, these little droids have an adorably clumsy vibe that whispers, 'Feed me more, or I'll glitch out and moonwalk into a wall!'

Graphics

Observing the graphics in New Genesis is akin to peering into a well-edited anime film — vibrant, colorful, and packed with characters who take more time setting up their dramatic poses than waiting for the first sign of combat. Character animations are smooth, and landscapes are lush and expansive, highlighting the breathtaking blend of nature and futuristic constructs. The models scream customizability, and the hairstyles could probably serve as independent characters. Who knew that avatars could embody more identity crises than a young adult deciding on a major? All this is rendered in stunning detail, providing a visual feast as fills your console with glorious pixels. It’s like eating a salad that doesn’t just taste good but looks like art… if art was designed with violence in mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a delightful blend of action, role-playing, and existential wonder, served with a side of 'What the heck am I doing with my life?' The character arcs are as deep as that time you tried to explain your life choices to your pet cat. From exhilarating combat to jaw-dropping customization, this game takes what you love about MMOs and shoots it into the stratosphere—literally. So, whether you’re looking to save the universe or just want a cozy virtual café where you can hang out with your new best friends (who happen to be monsters), PSO2: New Genesis beckons with open holographic arms. Grab your Xbox Series X/S and be ready — the cosmos awaits your strange but endearing avatar, and who knows? You just might negate the universe's calamities... or end up becoming the cause of its next existential crisis. Either way, prepare for a cosmic journey that’s as beautifully ludicrous as it sounds!

See Latest Prices for Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

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