Phantasy Star Online 2

Phantasy Star Online 2 continues the pioneering online series from the Dreamcast era and expands its recipe with more modern technology, a larger world and deeper character customization. Players create their own avatars, choose from several classes (sword-wielding fighter, gunner, mage and their combinations) and, in parties of up to four players, complete missions across several planets and varied environments, from deserts to ice fields and space stations. The game builds on fast action combat with a heavy emphasis on mobility and attack combinations, regularly updated content, seasonal events and an extensive system of cosmetic items, through which Sega long sustains the free-to-play game's operation, as well as on the mag system - raised helper companions for each character.

The PlayStation 4 version released in Japan in early 2020, roughly seven and a half years after the PC version, and brought the game noticeably higher resolution, a more stable frame rate and an interface adapted for gamepad control instead of keyboard and mouse. The menus, quick item selection and targeting system were reworked to be comfortably operated with analog sticks, which changed the pace of combat especially for classes reliant on precise aiming, while movement-oriented sword classes remained similar in feel to the PC version. The PS4 version also opened the game up to a large part of the Japanese console base that had never tried the PC edition due to having to install a client, set up a Japanese account and deal with other technical hurdles, and it became a springboard for the later global release under the New Genesis expansion, which arrived on PlayStation 4 a year later outside Japan as well. Content-wise it was the same game as on PC, just several years delayed and with console controls adapted for the DualShock, without any content exclusive to this platform being added.

Why play it: For players who prefer a gamepad over keyboard and mouse, the PS4 version offers a reworked menu and targeting system, plus no need to deal with the Japanese PC client and account setup required by the original version.