Games

PSO2 Producer Discusses Players' Attachment to Character Customization

In an interview with Game Rant, Phantasy Star Online 2 series producer Yuya Kimura explains the game's appeal.
PSO2 Producer Discusses Players' Attachment to Character Customization

Highlights

  • Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis is known for its exceptional character customization, allowing players to express themselves creatively and form a connection with their characters.
  • The game's deep affection for characters is fostered through combat animations, story involvement, interactions with friends, and fashion choices. The extensive character creation options and sci-fi world contribute to the game's retention rate.
  • The December update of Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis has made character customization more accessible, extending the time for players to freely customize their characters and offering substantial rewards for progressing in the game. The ongoing anniversary event also provides players with more opportunities for customization.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis has recently received a significant December update intended to enhance the gaming experience for both new and returning players. The update brings substantial boosts to XP gains, easier sub-class leveling, and a streamlined gearing process throughout the leveling journey. With the game's transition to a more open-world MMO format, it's crucial for players to have a seamless experience leading up to the game's main attraction: its incredibly deep customization systems for characters, equipment, and living spaces. As MMO fans say, 'the true endgame is fashion,' which holds especially true for Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis.

Game Rant spoke with Series Producer Yuya Kimura during the game's December update and 2.5-year celebration event, where he emphasized the significance of the game's best-in-class character customization as one of its most crucial features. He recognized that allowing players to express themselves creatively is a powerful way for them to form a connection with their characters and that the pursuit of new creative expressions is a compelling draw, equally as strong as the quest for better loot.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis: A Deep Character Creation System

Regardless of other opinions about PSO2 NGS, it is widely praised for having one of the best character creators in the gaming world. The system offers an extensive range of options for players to fine-tune their avatars with remarkable precision. Players spend significant time replicating their favorite anime characters or video game protagonists, and the system permits the creation of unique and eccentric characters. Each player's distinctive self-expression is central to the game's social aspect.

Kimura pointed out that the game's sci-fi theme presents creative opportunities for players that are rarely seen in other games. A group of players might consist of a transformer with a lion's mane, a samurai panda, Nier Automata's 2B, and Geralt of Rivia. The game's salon system allows players to explore these limitless possibilities with ease, enabling them to save and load their creations from the salon whenever they wish to showcase a new look.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis: Event Embracing Customization

Acknowledging the fundamental role of character customization in PSO2 NGS, the December update has made the process more accessible, especially for new players. Previously, players had 5 in-game hours to freely customize their characters after creation, and the update has extended this window to 72 in-game hours. This extended time allows players to obtain more cosmetic items and incorporate them into their creations, potentially increasing their investment in their characters.

Furthermore, there is a 2.5-year anniversary event running until January 24 that rewards players with ample N-Meseta to purchase cosmetic items, and players can use the Salon at no cost during the event. With a streamlined leveling process and an array of customization options to experiment with, this event offers an excellent entry point for creative gamers with a passion for deep customization.

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