Difference between revisions of "Phantasy Star Online 2/Comparisons"
From Sega Retro
m (→Regional Comparisons (North America): Uploaded image to minimum height comparison and removed some incorrect comparisons.) |
(Updated some outdated information regarding the PlayStation versions of the game and added/replaced some screenshots (more to come, specifically for the Vita version of the game.)) |
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| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
| game2=Cloud (Nintendo Switch Version) | | game2=Cloud (Nintendo Switch Version) | ||
| desc=The PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 uses a launcher for launching either the normal client or Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud. Its through this launcher that patch updates are distributed and the game's settings can be configured. The Nintendo Switch version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud uses a more basic launcher that lets players start the game, check their connection to the server or visit the game's website. No other version of Phantasy Star Online 2 makes use of a launcher. | | desc=The PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 uses a launcher for launching either the normal client or Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud. Its through this launcher that patch updates are distributed and the game's settings can be configured. The Nintendo Switch version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud uses a more basic launcher that lets players start the game, check their connection to the server or visit the game's website. No other version of Phantasy Star Online 2 makes use of a launcher. | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Comparison | ||
| + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - PIC1 Startup Image.png | ||
| + | | game1=PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 | ||
| + | | desc=The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions show a startup image while the game initialises and prepares to start. No other version of Phantasy Star Online 2 makes use of a startup image. | ||
}} | }} | ||
| Line 21: | Line 27: | ||
| game3=PlayStation 4 | | game3=PlayStation 4 | ||
| game4=Cloud | | game4=Cloud | ||
| − | | desc=The title screen differs slightly between each version. | + | | desc=The title screen differs slightly between each version. Specifically, only the PC version displays "PRESS THE ENTER KEY" prompt (even if a controller is plugged in and being used), while the PlayStation 4 and Cloud versions display "PRESS ANY BUTTON" instead. The PlayStation Vita version is the only version to display "PRESS START BUTTON". [[Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud]] also is the only version with its own unique logo. |
}} | }} | ||
| Line 33: | Line 39: | ||
| game3=PlayStation 4 | | game3=PlayStation 4 | ||
| game4=Cloud | | game4=Cloud | ||
| − | | desc=The PlayStation Vita | + | | desc=The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions lets players access an offline version of the Character Creator as well as the online manual from the main menu. (The online manual is accessed from the in-game main menu in the PC and Cloud versions.) The PlayStation Vita also has a Character Portrait mode accessible from the main menu that makes use of its augmented reality features. The Cloud version lacks the "Exit Game" option. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2_PS4_ShipSelect.jpg |
| image2=PSO2_Vita_ShipSelect.png | | image2=PSO2_Vita_ShipSelect.png | ||
| − | + | | game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | |
| − | | game1=PC & Cloud | ||
| game2=PlayStation Vita | | game2=PlayStation Vita | ||
| − | + | | desc=The PlayStation Vita's Ship selection screen differs greatly from the other versions in that it uses a fixed camera perspective, and the ship graphics are simple 2D sprites instead of the full 3D models seen in the other versions. | |
| − | | desc=The Ship | ||
}} | }} | ||
| Line 57: | Line 61: | ||
| image1=PSO2 Easy Login.jpg | | image1=PSO2 Easy Login.jpg | ||
| game1=PlayStation 4 & Cloud (Nintendo Switch version) | | game1=PlayStation 4 & Cloud (Nintendo Switch version) | ||
| − | | desc=The PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud allow players to | + | | desc=The PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud support Easy Login, a way to allow players to play the game without using a SEGA ID. However, there are a few important things to note regarding Easy Login: |
}} | }} | ||
| − | *PlayStation 4 players using Easy Login | + | * It is possible to create or link to a SEGA ID after starting a game with Easy Login. |
| − | *Players using Easy Login cannot use their characters on other platforms or link to [[Phantasy Star Online 2 es]]. | + | * PlayStation 4 players using Easy Login can only purchase AC via the PlayStation Store using a Japanese PlayStation Network account. Nintendo Switch Cloud players can only purchase AC from the Nintendo eShop using a Japanese Nintendo Account or via LINE Pay. |
| − | *There is no One- | + | * Players using Easy Login cannot use their characters on other platforms or link to [[Phantasy Star Online 2 es]] until they create or link to a SEGA ID. |
| + | * There is no One-Time Password support when Easy Login is being used. | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| image1=PSO2 PC Login.png | | image1=PSO2 PC Login.png | ||
| − | | image2= | + | | image2=PSO2JP PS4 - Linking SEGA ID to PSN.png |
| image3=Notavailable.svg | | image3=Notavailable.svg | ||
| game1=PC | | game1=PC | ||
| game2=PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 | | game2=PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 | ||
| game3=Cloud (Nintendo Switch version) | | game3=Cloud (Nintendo Switch version) | ||
| − | | desc=The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 | + | | desc=The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions have a one-time login screen which allows players to (irreversibly) link their SEGA ID to a single PlayStation Network account of any region. Subsequent logins as a result are automatic on PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4. Note that linking a SEGA ID to a non-Japanese PlayStation Network account will render the player unable to purchase AC via the PlayStation Store, but otherwise has no ill effects. On the Nintendo Switch Cloud version, players not using Easy Login get a Login screen identical to the PC version except the option to remember passwords is also made available. The PC Cloud version lacks this screen as players login to their SEGA ID using the game's launcher. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - Ingame UI.png |
| image2=PSO2_Vita_GUI.jpg | | image2=PSO2_Vita_GUI.jpg | ||
| game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | | game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | ||
| Line 82: | Line 87: | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - Loading Screen.png |
| image2=PSO2_Vita_Loading.png | | image2=PSO2_Vita_Loading.png | ||
| game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | | game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | ||
| game2=PlayStation Vita | | game2=PlayStation Vita | ||
| − | | desc=The loading screen | + | | desc=The PlayStation Vita version has a slightly different loading screen compared to the other versions, as the in-game advertisement is missing and the PlayStation Vita status bar is exposed to show system information like the battery level and time. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - Ingame Monitors.png |
| image2=PSO2_Vita_LobbyScreen.png | | image2=PSO2_Vita_LobbyScreen.png | ||
| game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | | game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | ||
| game2=PlayStation Vita | | game2=PlayStation Vita | ||
| − | | desc=The | + | | desc=The in-game monitors found in the Shop Area that normally display videos for events and promotions are replaced with a static image on the PlayStation Vita version. |
}} | }} | ||
| Line 102: | Line 107: | ||
| game1=PC & Cloud | | game1=PC & Cloud | ||
| game2=PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 | | game2=PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 | ||
| − | | desc=The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 | + | | desc=The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions feature Sony's Japanese mascots Toro and Kuro in the Shop Area. These characters are not present in any other version of the game though their Partner Card and Costume can be obtained and used in other versions of the game. Client Orders from Toro and Kuro can be completed on other platforms, but can only be accepted or handed in using a PlayStation Vita or PlayStation 4. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - AC Shop.png |
| image2=PSO2 Vita ShopOverview.png | | image2=PSO2 Vita ShopOverview.png | ||
| game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | | game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | ||
| Line 112: | Line 117: | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - AC Scratch Menu.png |
| image2=PSO2_Vita_ScratchList.png | | image2=PSO2_Vita_ScratchList.png | ||
| game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | | game1=PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud | ||
| game2=PlayStation Vita | | game2=PlayStation Vita | ||
| − | | desc=The AC Shop and Scratch | + | | desc=The AC Shop and AC Scratch Menu both have a vastly different layout on the PlayStation Vita version. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| Line 125: | Line 130: | ||
===Additional differences=== | ===Additional differences=== | ||
| − | *The size of the game's User Interface can be adjusted on the PC and PlayStation 4 | + | * PlayStation button prompts can be turned on in the PC version, but not on the Cloud version. |
| − | * | + | * The Nintendo Switch Cloud version is the only version of the game that contains Nintendo button prompts. |
| − | *As Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud runs using a cloud-hosted game client no patch updates to the actual game are required from the player's end. | + | * The "3-Button Type" control scheme is not available on the PlayStation Vita version. |
| − | *Players on Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud are disconnected after 30 minutes of inactivity. | + | * Detailed graphics and rendering settings can be adjusted on the PC and PlayStation 4 versions, but not on the Cloud or PlayStation Vita versions. |
| + | * The size of the game's User Interface can be adjusted on the PC and PlayStation 4 versions, namely via the game's launcher in the former and the Options menu in the latter. The PlayStation Vita and Cloud versions, however, do not support this option. | ||
| + | * The PlayStation 4 version has the ability to turn dynamic resolution scaling off or on. Dynamic resolution scaling is not found on any other platform. | ||
| + | * As Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud runs using a cloud-hosted game client no patch updates to the actual game are required from the player's end. | ||
| + | * Players on Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud are disconnected after 30 minutes of inactivity, or if the network conditions are too poor. | ||
* Unlike the regular PC client, the PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud does not allow for copying and pasting of text nor does it produce any chat-related logs. | * Unlike the regular PC client, the PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud does not allow for copying and pasting of text nor does it produce any chat-related logs. | ||
| Line 251: | Line 260: | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - Character Stats.png |
| image2=Notavailable.svg | | image2=Notavailable.svg | ||
| − | | game1=Japanese (PC | + | | game1=Japanese (PC, PS4, Cloud) |
| game2=North America (Xbox One Version) | | game2=North America (Xbox One Version) | ||
| desc=The basic stats screen is altered to provide players with details concerning the North American-exclusive Mission Pass system. (More details on Mission Pass under "Additional Differences"). | | desc=The basic stats screen is altered to provide players with details concerning the North American-exclusive Mission Pass system. (More details on Mission Pass under "Additional Differences"). | ||
| Line 259: | Line 268: | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - Serafi (PSO2es NPC).png |
| image2=Notavailable.svg | | image2=Notavailable.svg | ||
| − | | game1=Japanese (PC | + | | game1=Japanese (PC, PS4, Cloud) |
| game2=North America (Xbox One Version) | | game2=North America (Xbox One Version) | ||
| − | | desc= | + | | desc=Serafi, the NPC responsible for handing out Client Orders related to [[Phantasy Star Online 2 es]] is missing from the North American version. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Comparison | {{Comparison | ||
| − | | image1= | + | | image1=PSO2JP PS4 - Melanie (NetCafe NPC).png |
| image2=Notavailable.svg | | image2=Notavailable.svg | ||
| − | | game1=Japanese (PC | + | | game1=Japanese (PC, PS4, Cloud) |
| game2=North America (Xbox One Version) | | game2=North America (Xbox One Version) | ||
| − | | desc= | + | | desc=Melanie, the NPC responsible for NetCafe functionalities is now the NPC for the new Mission Pass system. |
}} | }} | ||
===Additional Differences=== | ===Additional Differences=== | ||
| − | *Phantasy Star Online 2's North American release | + | * Phantasy Star Online 2's North American release is fully bilingual, with the ability to set the text language to either English or Japanese, as well as Dual Audio support featuring an English dub made exclusively for the North American version. |
| − | *Similar to previous localizations of Phantasy Star Online 2, the game's font had been changed for better sizing and letter support. | + | * Similar to previous localizations of Phantasy Star Online 2, the game's font had been changed for better sizing and letter support. |
| − | *The in-game button prompts have been updated to match those of the Xbox One's gamepad. Notably the updated button prompts are of higher | + | * The in-game button prompts have been updated to match those of the Xbox One's gamepad. Notably the updated button prompts are of higher resolution than those used in the Japanese version. |
| − | *Auto Pick-up Meseta and Material are enabled by default. | + | * Auto Pick-up Meseta and Material are enabled by default. |
| − | *The button layout used in menus has been reversed to have Confirm be {{A}} and Cancel be {{B}} in comparison to the Japanese version where the layout is the other way around. | + | * The button layout used in menus has been reversed to have Confirm be {{A}} and Cancel be {{B}} in comparison to the Japanese version where the layout is the other way around. |
| − | *The North American version of Phantasy Star Online 2 includes a system not present in the Japanese version known as "Mission Pass". Mission Pass is a system similar to Battle Pass features present in other games which also act as an extension of the ARKS Mission system already present in the Japanese version. | + | * The North American version of Phantasy Star Online 2 includes a system not present in the Japanese version known as "Mission Pass". Mission Pass is a system similar to Battle Pass features present in other games which also act as an extension of the ARKS Mission system already present in the Japanese version. |
==Regional Comparisons (Asia)== | ==Regional Comparisons (Asia)== | ||
| Line 396: | Line 405: | ||
===Additional differences=== | ===Additional differences=== | ||
| − | *All text is localized for each release of Phantasy Star Online 2 however the game's voice acting is left in Japanese. | + | * All text is localized for each release of Phantasy Star Online 2 however the game's voice acting is left in Japanese. |
| − | *The font used for each version differs to better support the language used in those regions. | + | * The font used for each version differs to better support the language used in those regions. |
| − | *''[[Phantasy Star Online 2 es]]'' not being released outside of Japan resulted in the removal of functionalities related to it including the NPC attendant responsible for managing connectivity, Seraphy. | + | * ''[[Phantasy Star Online 2 es]]'' not being released outside of Japan resulted in the removal of functionalities related to it including the NPC attendant responsible for managing connectivity, Seraphy. |
| − | *The distribution of the game's content such as the pricing of the game's currency and the method items are obtained differ as a result of each version being managed by different operators. | + | * The distribution of the game's content such as the pricing of the game's currency and the method items are obtained differ as a result of each version being managed by different operators. |
| − | *Whereas Costumes are merely cosmetics in the Japanese version, following negative feedback in the Alpha version, the South East Asian version has costumes give players Stat Boosts (known as "Affixes" ingame) in the same way Weapons and Units would. As a result the South East Asian version was criticized for its Pay-to-Win mechanics. | + | * Whereas Costumes are merely cosmetics in the Japanese version, following negative feedback in the Alpha version, the South East Asian version has costumes give players Stat Boosts (known as "Affixes" ingame) in the same way Weapons and Units would. As a result the South East Asian version was criticized for its Pay-to-Win mechanics. |
| − | *Similar to [[Phantasy Star Universe]]'s Western release, the South East Asia and Taiwan version of the game had different content update schedules from its Japanese counterpart. This unfortunately lead to a large content gap between the Japanese version and the releases in Asia. At the time of both version's closure in 2017, the Japanese version was months away from Episode 5 whilst neither the South East Asia nor Taiwanese version ever received the Episode 3 update. | + | * Similar to [[Phantasy Star Universe]]'s Western release, the South East Asia and Taiwan version of the game had different content update schedules from its Japanese counterpart. This unfortunately lead to a large content gap between the Japanese version and the releases in Asia. At the time of both version's closure in 2017, the Japanese version was months away from Episode 5 whilst neither the South East Asia nor Taiwanese version ever received the Episode 3 update. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:38, 28 March 2020
- Back to: Phantasy Star Online 2.
Contents
Version Comparison (JP)
The following section covers differences present between the various console releases of Phantasy Star Online 2's Japanese release.
NOTE: Due to the ever-evolving nature of the game some of these comparison shots may not reflect the content of the latest version of the game.
| PC & Cloud (PC version) |
|---|
| Cloud (Nintendo Switch Version) |
|---|
The PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 uses a launcher for launching either the normal client or Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud. Its through this launcher that patch updates are distributed and the game's settings can be configured. The Nintendo Switch version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud uses a more basic launcher that lets players start the game, check their connection to the server or visit the game's website. No other version of Phantasy Star Online 2 makes use of a launcher.
| PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 |
|---|
The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions show a startup image while the game initialises and prepares to start. No other version of Phantasy Star Online 2 makes use of a startup image.
| PC |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 |
|---|
| Cloud |
|---|
The title screen differs slightly between each version. Specifically, only the PC version displays "PRESS THE ENTER KEY" prompt (even if a controller is plugged in and being used), while the PlayStation 4 and Cloud versions display "PRESS ANY BUTTON" instead. The PlayStation Vita version is the only version to display "PRESS START BUTTON". Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud also is the only version with its own unique logo.
| PC |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
| PlayStation 4 |
|---|
| Cloud |
|---|
The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions lets players access an offline version of the Character Creator as well as the online manual from the main menu. (The online manual is accessed from the in-game main menu in the PC and Cloud versions.) The PlayStation Vita also has a Character Portrait mode accessible from the main menu that makes use of its augmented reality features. The Cloud version lacks the "Exit Game" option.
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
The PlayStation Vita's Ship selection screen differs greatly from the other versions in that it uses a fixed camera perspective, and the ship graphics are simple 2D sprites instead of the full 3D models seen in the other versions.
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
The Character Selection screen on the PlayStation Vita version differs greatly from that used in other versions of the game.
| PlayStation 4 & Cloud (Nintendo Switch version) |
|---|
The PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud support Easy Login, a way to allow players to play the game without using a SEGA ID. However, there are a few important things to note regarding Easy Login:
- It is possible to create or link to a SEGA ID after starting a game with Easy Login.
- PlayStation 4 players using Easy Login can only purchase AC via the PlayStation Store using a Japanese PlayStation Network account. Nintendo Switch Cloud players can only purchase AC from the Nintendo eShop using a Japanese Nintendo Account or via LINE Pay.
- Players using Easy Login cannot use their characters on other platforms or link to Phantasy Star Online 2 es until they create or link to a SEGA ID.
- There is no One-Time Password support when Easy Login is being used.
| PC |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 |
|---|
| Cloud (Nintendo Switch version) |
|---|
The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions have a one-time login screen which allows players to (irreversibly) link their SEGA ID to a single PlayStation Network account of any region. Subsequent logins as a result are automatic on PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4. Note that linking a SEGA ID to a non-Japanese PlayStation Network account will render the player unable to purchase AC via the PlayStation Store, but otherwise has no ill effects. On the Nintendo Switch Cloud version, players not using Easy Login get a Login screen identical to the PC version except the option to remember passwords is also made available. The PC Cloud version lacks this screen as players login to their SEGA ID using the game's launcher.
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
The game's GUI was drastically modified in the PlayStation Vita version to better fit the screen.
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
The PlayStation Vita version has a slightly different loading screen compared to the other versions, as the in-game advertisement is missing and the PlayStation Vita status bar is exposed to show system information like the battery level and time.
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
The in-game monitors found in the Shop Area that normally display videos for events and promotions are replaced with a static image on the PlayStation Vita version.
| PC & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4 |
|---|
The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 versions feature Sony's Japanese mascots Toro and Kuro in the Shop Area. These characters are not present in any other version of the game though their Partner Card and Costume can be obtained and used in other versions of the game. Client Orders from Toro and Kuro can be completed on other platforms, but can only be accepted or handed in using a PlayStation Vita or PlayStation 4.
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
| PC, PlayStation 4 & Cloud |
|---|
| PlayStation Vita |
|---|
The AC Shop and AC Scratch Menu both have a vastly different layout on the PlayStation Vita version.
| Cloud |
|---|
Certain music discs cannot be played on the Cloud version as a result of licensing restrictions.
Additional differences
- PlayStation button prompts can be turned on in the PC version, but not on the Cloud version.
- The Nintendo Switch Cloud version is the only version of the game that contains Nintendo button prompts.
- The "3-Button Type" control scheme is not available on the PlayStation Vita version.
- Detailed graphics and rendering settings can be adjusted on the PC and PlayStation 4 versions, but not on the Cloud or PlayStation Vita versions.
- The size of the game's User Interface can be adjusted on the PC and PlayStation 4 versions, namely via the game's launcher in the former and the Options menu in the latter. The PlayStation Vita and Cloud versions, however, do not support this option.
- The PlayStation 4 version has the ability to turn dynamic resolution scaling off or on. Dynamic resolution scaling is not found on any other platform.
- As Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud runs using a cloud-hosted game client no patch updates to the actual game are required from the player's end.
- Players on Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud are disconnected after 30 minutes of inactivity, or if the network conditions are too poor.
- Unlike the regular PC client, the PC version of Phantasy Star Online 2 Cloud does not allow for copying and pasting of text nor does it produce any chat-related logs.
Regional Comparisons (North America)
The following is a comparison between the Japanese version and the 2020 North American release. NOTE: The screenshots used for comparison are from a work in progress and a different platform. This comparison is subject to change.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The light blue Japanese SEGA logo has been updated to be the dark blue SEGA logo used in Western SEGA game releases. Notably like the Japanese version, the logo animation is the previous SEGA logo animation used since 2005 up to 2014. This change is applied consistently to all instances the SEGA logo appears.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The new English logo (based off of the Japanese logo used since Episode 4's release) is retroactively inserted into the game's openings even in Openings that used the original logo used between Episode 1-3. Notably, with Opening 1, the way the new English logo was inserted results in the background fading much sooner than it does in order to obscure the shot of the old logo being formed. In addition, the North American version cycles through its opening from oldest-to-newest as opposed to newest-to-oldest like in the Japanese version (as of the writing of this entry, the Vita opening is the newest intro available in the NA version).
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The North American version of Opening 2 has the Credits and "Phantasy Star 25th Anniversary" logo removed from the game's Opening.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The North American version's title screen is similar to the latest Japanese version. The game's logo has been modified to use the North American logo, the text to start the game has a "Press A" button prompt. In addition the user's current GamerTag is displayed at the bottom left and the option to switch accounts has been added.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The Terms of Service has been updated to be in English.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The Main Menu options differ from the Japanese version in that it lacks options relating to Linking with PSO2es and changing SEGA ID information (as these two options relate to features only available in the Japanese version). The North American version moved the "Online Manual" option from the Main Menu to the Title Menu seen here in addition to adding additional settings such as "Windows/Text Size Settings", "Language Setting" and the option to view Licenses and Reset the game's Local Data.
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
A privacy policy screen not present in the Japanese version has been added prior to the Ship Selection screen.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The number of ships between the Japanese and North American version are different.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
As the North American version relies on Xbox Live for authentication as opposed to a SEGA ID, no Login screen is present in the North American version.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
As the option that brings up the Online Manual has been moved to the Title Menu, the option is noticeably missing from the Main Menu.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The North American version alters the minimum height you can make a character.
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The English text during each area's introduction is altered to match the new English names of certain areas. Notably, some names remained the same as the Japanese version (e.g Forest still being "Forest") with some other names being entirely new names ("Caves" is "Volcanic Caves" as opposed to "Cauldron" which was SEGA of Japan's Official English name).
| Japanese (PC Version) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The "Emergency Code" text is altered to display "Code Emergency" in the North American version. Despite this change, English voice-over accompanying this text is left unaltered from the Japanese version.
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
A 'Welcome to PSO2' opening video plays in the North American version upon completing the first ARKS Mission. This video isn't present in the Japanese version.
| Japanese (PC, PS4, Cloud) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
The basic stats screen is altered to provide players with details concerning the North American-exclusive Mission Pass system. (More details on Mission Pass under "Additional Differences").
| Japanese (PC, PS4, Cloud) |
|---|
.png)
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
Serafi, the NPC responsible for handing out Client Orders related to Phantasy Star Online 2 es is missing from the North American version.
| Japanese (PC, PS4, Cloud) |
|---|
| North America (Xbox One Version) |
|---|
Melanie, the NPC responsible for NetCafe functionalities is now the NPC for the new Mission Pass system.
Additional Differences
- Phantasy Star Online 2's North American release is fully bilingual, with the ability to set the text language to either English or Japanese, as well as Dual Audio support featuring an English dub made exclusively for the North American version.
- Similar to previous localizations of Phantasy Star Online 2, the game's font had been changed for better sizing and letter support.
- The in-game button prompts have been updated to match those of the Xbox One's gamepad. Notably the updated button prompts are of higher resolution than those used in the Japanese version.
- Auto Pick-up Meseta and Material are enabled by default.
- The button layout used in menus has been reversed to have Confirm be
and Cancel be 
in comparison to the Japanese version where the layout is the other way around. - The North American version of Phantasy Star Online 2 includes a system not present in the Japanese version known as "Mission Pass". Mission Pass is a system similar to Battle Pass features present in other games which also act as an extension of the ARKS Mission system already present in the Japanese version.
Regional Comparisons (Asia)
The following section covers the differences between the Japanese version of Phantasy Star Online 2 and the various releases the game's had within Asia.
Keep in mind that versions of the game released in Asia were active and ultimately closed whilst older versions of the Japanese version were also active. As a result, some differences present in screenshots are not the result of regional differences but simply discrepancies caused by differing updates. With that said, screenshots from older Japanese versions would be used where possible to more accurately reflect the differences present between these releases
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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| South East Asia (Thai version) |
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| Taiwan |
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The game launcher for Phantasy Star Online 2 was different for each version of the game released.
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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| Taiwan |
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The Title Screen is changed to reflect the Phantasy Star Online 2 logo used in the region. The font used for the "Press Enter Key" prompt is replaced with the font used ingame for that version of the game. Version numbers of non-Japanese versions end with an abbreviation designating the version's region (SEA, TH, TW)
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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The content of the terms of service differs to conform to the different operator responsible for Phantasy Star Online 2 in South East Asia. The Taiwanese version lacks this screen altogether, going straight to the Main Menu instead.
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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| Taiwan |
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As Phantasy Star Online 2 es was not released outside of Japan, options relating to it have therefore been removed from the Taiwanese and South East Asian release.
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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| South East Asia (Thai version) |
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| Taiwan |
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The number of Ships (servers) differs per version as operators actively add and remove servers depending on player count. The South East Asian version uses the English names of the Japanese Ships whereas the Thai version uses different names for each Ship.
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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Once a Ship is selected, a login screen will pop up. The account used to login to Phantasy Star Online 2 differs between each version to reflect the operator's pre-existing account system. The Japanese version uses the SEGA ID system used in various other SEGA games. The South East Asian version uses an AsiaSoft PlayID or a linked Facebook account to login though the option of remembering the player's Username is missing in this version. The Taiwanese version skips the login screen and goes straight to the Start Menu as players login beforehand on Gamania's 'beanfun' game launcher prior to launching the game.
| Japanese |
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| South East Asia |
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| Taiwan |
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The English title of each area is left as is in the Taiwanese version. The South East Asia version alters them to display SEGA of Japan's official English terminology.
Exclusive content
Each localized version of the game got content designed specifically for that verison of the game. Some of this content later go on to be implemented in the Japanese version.
Weapons & Mags
The following Weapons and Mags were exclusive to the Taiwanese version.
Formosan black bear inspired Mag.
Costumes
The following Costumes were exclusive to the Taiwanese version.
Visual Lobby Variations
The following Visual Lobby variations were present in all non-Japanese versions.
Lunar New Year Visual Lobby Variation
The following Lobby Variations were exclusive to the South East Asia version.
Malaysia Indepence Day Visual Lobby Variation
Singapore Indepence Day Visual Lobby Variation
The following Lobby Variations were exclusive to the Taiwan version.
Dragon Boat Visual Lobby Variation
Tanabata Visual Lobby variation
Rappy Seasonal Variations
The following Rappy variations were present in all non-Japanese versions.
Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year Rappy Variation
Additional differences
- All text is localized for each release of Phantasy Star Online 2 however the game's voice acting is left in Japanese.
- The font used for each version differs to better support the language used in those regions.
- Phantasy Star Online 2 es not being released outside of Japan resulted in the removal of functionalities related to it including the NPC attendant responsible for managing connectivity, Seraphy.
- The distribution of the game's content such as the pricing of the game's currency and the method items are obtained differ as a result of each version being managed by different operators.
- Whereas Costumes are merely cosmetics in the Japanese version, following negative feedback in the Alpha version, the South East Asian version has costumes give players Stat Boosts (known as "Affixes" ingame) in the same way Weapons and Units would. As a result the South East Asian version was criticized for its Pay-to-Win mechanics.
- Similar to Phantasy Star Universe's Western release, the South East Asia and Taiwan version of the game had different content update schedules from its Japanese counterpart. This unfortunately lead to a large content gap between the Japanese version and the releases in Asia. At the time of both version's closure in 2017, the Japanese version was months away from Episode 5 whilst neither the South East Asia nor Taiwanese version ever received the Episode 3 update.
References
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