SEGA ANNOUNCES ‘PHANTASY STAR UNIVERSE™’ FREE TRIAL OPEN BETA PROGRAM ON XBOX 360™
GUARDIANS License Pricing Unveiled for Online Multiplayer Mode
SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (Oct. 9, 2006) – SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe, Ltd. today announced that the Phantasy Star™ Universe multiplayer open beta for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will be available as a free download on Xbox Live® Marketplace for two days on Oct. 11, 2006 and Oct. 12, 2006. Gamers worldwide will be able to play the newest addition to the epic sci-fi Phantasy Star series during a free trial beta period that will run for a full week concluding on October 18, 2006. Phantasy Star Universe offers the best of both worlds through an exciting action-packed RPG single-player story mode and a rich online multiplayer experience. The Xbox 360 open beta program gives players a chance to preview online multiplayer mode and is open to all Xbox Live Gold level account members.
Additionally, SEGA announced that the GUARDIANS License will be available for purchase on October 24, 2006 for Xbox 360, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PC online users at $9.99 a month. The GUARDIANS License will also be available at a discounted rate of $49.99 for six months of online play for the PlayStation 2 system and PC. The GUARDIANS License enriches the single-player story mode by enabling gamers to meet other players, strike up alliances, and embark on a huge variety of online quests within the Phantasy Star Universe environment.
With a GUARDIANS License, gamers can fully experience the new customizable and highly interactive features in online mode including character creation, My Room (personalized online space), expansive interactive lobbies, shops, and new missions. The GUARDIANS License opens up a universe filled with robust monthly content downloads including brand new quests and other additions such as weapons, bosses, clothing, Photon Arts, and more.
Phantasy Star Universe is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and will be shipping on October 24, 2006. Phantasy Star Universe has an MSRP of $59.95 on the Xbox 360 and $49.95 on the PlayStation 2 system and PC. For more information, including a video trailer and new screenshots, please visit http://segapr.segaamerica.com (SEGA_Games/Phantasy Star Universe), or please visit www.phantasystaruniverse.com for more detailed information about the beta.
