Review updated after Stia region added.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis (PSO2 NGS or NGS for short) is a multiplayer online RPG. I should quickly note that NGS also includes the original Phantasy Star Online 2, which is an entirely different game (though characters are shared).

NGS takes on the typical Phantasy Star story of Dark Falz appearing and taking a character as a host, in this case the father of one of the main characters. Most of the story revolves around how to defeat Dark Falz and save the planet Halpha from the hordes of 'DOLLS' enemies. The story is still ongoing so I can't comment too much on it yet.

For gameplay, the game currently features 9 classes (Hunter, Ranger, Force, Fighter, Gunner, Techter, Braver, Bouncer and Waker) with more to be added later. Each class plays completely differently, with their own weapon types and skill trees. Combat in NGS is very action based and isn't like a lot of other online RPGs. In NGS you can string combos together, air juggle enemies etc. Honestly the combat is pretty fun, but is generally pretty easy. Outside of a few exceptions (Gigantix, some Veteran/Ancient enemies) nothing really hits that hard. Worse is that some DOLLS feel like damage sponges and take a while to defeat while not posing a threat. Overall though, the combat is probably better than most other online RPGs.

Lack of content has been a big problem for NGS since launch, but I now think that with the latest Stia region update that's less of an issue. I won't deny that the current loop is repetitive (farming Recon Gigants in Dreisen Plant, running Urgent Quests when they're on, doing Daily Quests), but the game does respect your time and you feel you can get good progress even if you just play for an hour or two a day.

One of the huge advantages of NGS (and PSO2 in general) is the character creation. It has to be one of the most in-depth creators I've ever used, and you can add to it after creation by adding accessories,new hairstyles and so on. A lot of the new items are from the paid gacha, but you can buy most of it from other players in their shops for in-game currency too. The gacha is something I can't avoid talking about, but I actually feel it's one of the fairer gachas in terms of cost (especially as you can sell items you don't want in player shop and earn some in-game money back).

For the most part, I feel NGS is finally starting to find its feet after a very rough launch. There are still issues, but its a definite improvement from where it was a few months ago. Remember that even if you don't like NGS, there is 8 years worth of content crammed into the original PSO2 as well! The original PSO2 definitely feels like a more complete game (because it...is), but it is looking very dated now.

Hopefully NGS keeps improving, as it has the potential to be great.

Review updated after Stia region added. Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis (PSO2 NGS or NGS for short) is a multiplayer online RPG. I should quickly note that NGS also includes the original Phantasy Star Online 2, which is an entirely different game (though characters are shared). NGS takes on the typical Phantasy Star story of Dark Falz appearing and taking a character as a host, in this case the father of one of the main characters. Most of the story revolves around how to defeat Dark Falz and save the planet Halpha from the hordes of 'DOLLS' enemies. The story is still ongoing so I can't comment too much on it yet. For gameplay, the game currently features 9 classes (Hunter, Ranger, Force, Fighter, Gunner, Techter, Braver, Bouncer and Waker) with more to be added later. Each class plays completely differently, with their own weapon types and skill trees. Combat in NGS is very action based and isn't like a lot of other online RPGs. In NGS you can string combos together, air juggle enemies etc. Honestly the combat is pretty fun, but is generally pretty easy. Outside of a few exceptions (Gigantix, some Veteran/Ancient enemies) nothing really hits that hard. Worse is that some DOLLS feel like damage sponges and take a while to defeat while not posing a threat. Overall though, the combat is probably better than most other online RPGs. Lack of content has been a big problem for NGS since launch, but I now think that with the latest Stia region update that's less of an issue. I won't deny that the current loop is repetitive (farming Recon Gigants in Dreisen Plant, running Urgent Quests when they're on, doing Daily Quests), but the game does respect your time and you feel you can get good progress even if you just play for an hour or two a day. One of the huge advantages of NGS (and PSO2 in general) is the character creation. It has to be one of the most in-depth creators I've ever used, and you can add to it after creation by adding accessories,new hairstyles and so on. A lot of the new items are from the paid gacha, but you can buy most of it from other players in their shops for in-game currency too. The gacha is something I can't avoid talking about, but I actually feel it's one of the fairer gachas in terms of cost (especially as you can sell items you don't want in player shop and earn some in-game money back). For the most part, I feel NGS is finally starting to find its feet after a very rough launch. There are still issues, but its a definite improvement from where it was a few months ago. Remember that even if you don't like NGS, there is 8 years worth of content crammed into the original PSO2 as well! The original PSO2 definitely feels like a more complete game (because it...is), but it is looking very dated now. Hopefully NGS keeps improving, as it has the potential to be great.