Phantasy Star Portable 2 is not your usual sequel/rehash. There's a lot new in this one - here's what the producer had to day:
"People told us that the story mode in the previous game didn't have enough volume; the missions were never that complex, either. With this project, we're including a lot of new tricks and traps in the missions, which should make it a challenge even in single-player."
The additions don't end with the story, though. PSP2 has more new monsters, more new missions (three times as many as before, according to Sakai), and fully redone character designs for all of the game's default classes. Every class will have a few new moves in battle, including an "emergency dodge" that lets you go right back on the offensive, charged shots for gun-type weapons, and shields that damage enemies if you block attacks at just the right time. (These shields were also in the DS's Phantasy Star 0, but now you can pair them with another single-handed weapon.)
Most key, perhaps, is that PSP2 is slated to support Infrastructure Mode, meaning you'll be able to quest around with anyone you like over the Internet instead of being stuck with ad-hoc multiplayer. "Generally you'll go to the matching counter to get matched up in a four-person party and play from there," Sakai said. "If you want to play with friends, you can exchange partner cards or use the search function to find them. We're also working on multiplayer-only missions that are about a lot more than just slaying monsters."
So while we are waiting for the actual game to arrive, here are some impressive pics (and article) from Dengeki:
http://img105.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=64323_PSP2a_122_257lo.jpg
http://img194.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=64325_PSP2b_122_130lo.jpg
Enjoy!
