As we mentioned on Tuesday, the Japanese PC/PS2 servers were scheduled to receive the first of the highly publicized "expansion" updates in yesterday afternoon's maintenance.
However, it looks like Sonic Team was too quick to push the changes to the game. Shortly after the servers went live, players reported widespread character data corruption, and the servers were rolled back.
As a result of this setback, Sonic Team has put off the update until further notice.
This shouldn't come as a major shock to anybody on the US/EU side when you consider the fact that Sonic Team has been doing this sort of thing to us for years. They seem to enjoy feeding poorly tested content to players.
UPDATE: Sonic Team's attempt to patch the JP servers with the update last night seems to have gone a little better. We'll be on the lookout for any interesting new gameplay changes.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
First JP "Expansion" Update Appears Wednesday
According to the Japanese PSU Web site, the JP PC/PS2 servers will be receiving the first piece of the long-awaited "expansion" update in Wednesday's maintenance (Thursday morning Japanese time).
A news posting on the site (untranslated) details the changes that will be taking place. Some of them look to be quite interesting.
For example, Sonic Team has announced a PSU "Community Course" introduction mode. This new feature allows any PSU player with a valid ID to enter the game servers -- even those players who are not currently subscribed to the game. Players that log on without a valid Guardians' License will be subject to certain level and mission restrictions.
The second interesting feature is a new "Guardians Security" mode. In this gameplay mode, players will be able to take on familiar missions, but with several added twists. Such twists include level, weapon, item, and/or equipment restrictions. The feature will debut with special versions of Plains Overlord, Demons Above, and Desert Terror. Whether or not this is intended to be a Challenge Mode of sorts (a la PSO) is unknown at this point.
There are a number of other changes arriving in this JP server update. Two of the more notable changes include nerfs to the notorious axe PA Anga Jabroga, as well as the spear PA Dus Majarra. Several PA-enhancing items are being added to the game, but not much is known about them right now.
Of course, this update is only for the Japanese servers at this point. It'll probably be 5-6 months (maybe more) before we see any of this stuff on our servers.
As it turns out, there's not much of anything being added to the US/EU servers this week. Friday morning's maintenance will include the addition of the Desert Arms Shop, an item exchange mission.
A news posting on the site (untranslated) details the changes that will be taking place. Some of them look to be quite interesting.
For example, Sonic Team has announced a PSU "Community Course" introduction mode. This new feature allows any PSU player with a valid ID to enter the game servers -- even those players who are not currently subscribed to the game. Players that log on without a valid Guardians' License will be subject to certain level and mission restrictions.
The second interesting feature is a new "Guardians Security" mode. In this gameplay mode, players will be able to take on familiar missions, but with several added twists. Such twists include level, weapon, item, and/or equipment restrictions. The feature will debut with special versions of Plains Overlord, Demons Above, and Desert Terror. Whether or not this is intended to be a Challenge Mode of sorts (a la PSO) is unknown at this point.
There are a number of other changes arriving in this JP server update. Two of the more notable changes include nerfs to the notorious axe PA Anga Jabroga, as well as the spear PA Dus Majarra. Several PA-enhancing items are being added to the game, but not much is known about them right now.
Of course, this update is only for the Japanese servers at this point. It'll probably be 5-6 months (maybe more) before we see any of this stuff on our servers.
As it turns out, there's not much of anything being added to the US/EU servers this week. Friday morning's maintenance will include the addition of the Desert Arms Shop, an item exchange mission.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mission Spotlight Returns
Here's a bit of disappointing news from the official PSU forums.
For the first time since November of last year, a Mission Spotlight has been announced for the US/EU PSU servers.
News of this event is available on the official PSU Web site. From March 17-23, players can run Duel in the Ruins on Parum for a shot at prizes handed out by Sega of America GMs. This is the first Mission Spotlight of the year (and probably not the last), and is also the first one held on the US/EU game in nearly four months. The previous Mission Spotlight ran from November 21-27 of last year.
I say this is disappointing because since its inception, the Mission Spotlight has been used as a subtle way of telling players not to expect any new content for awhile. That probably won't change anytime soon.
In addition, while I like the idea of an event that brings the community together, the Mission Spotlight in its current setup doesn't cut it. Players won't leave the popular missions (read: White Beast) unless the GMs come online, and they'll leave the Spotlight mission once the GMs log out.
Of course, the obvious solution to this problem would be to turn up the drop rates and/or EXP payout for the selected Mission Spotlight mission for the duration of the event. That might just quell complaints about the lack of new content that inevitably come once the Spotlight begins.
Unfortunately, our game is still controlled by Sega of America's clueless Japanese overlords, which explains exactly why that will never happen.
For the first time since November of last year, a Mission Spotlight has been announced for the US/EU PSU servers.
News of this event is available on the official PSU Web site. From March 17-23, players can run Duel in the Ruins on Parum for a shot at prizes handed out by Sega of America GMs. This is the first Mission Spotlight of the year (and probably not the last), and is also the first one held on the US/EU game in nearly four months. The previous Mission Spotlight ran from November 21-27 of last year.
I say this is disappointing because since its inception, the Mission Spotlight has been used as a subtle way of telling players not to expect any new content for awhile. That probably won't change anytime soon.
In addition, while I like the idea of an event that brings the community together, the Mission Spotlight in its current setup doesn't cut it. Players won't leave the popular missions (read: White Beast) unless the GMs come online, and they'll leave the Spotlight mission once the GMs log out.
Of course, the obvious solution to this problem would be to turn up the drop rates and/or EXP payout for the selected Mission Spotlight mission for the duration of the event. That might just quell complaints about the lack of new content that inevitably come once the Spotlight begins.
Unfortunately, our game is still controlled by Sega of America's clueless Japanese overlords, which explains exactly why that will never happen.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Slightly Off Topic: Virtual Worlds Lawsuits
Back in December, we passed along some information about an intellectual property lawsuit filed by virtual worlds company Worlds.com. Apparently, that company holds a patent to protect avatar-based interaction in a virtual world, and they've decided to enforce it.
The first target of Worlds.com was South Korean developer NCsoft. The civil case has not yet reached court.
Now, according to this CNN Money article, Worlds.com is now taking aim at other companies that manage virtual worlds-based games. Linden Lab (the company behind Second Life) and Activision Blizzard (World of Warcraft) are apparently next on the lawsuit list if the NCsoft case is successful.
It goes without saying that the results of these cases could have serious implications for the online gaming world. Avatar-based online games have become ubiquitous throughout the industry. I still find it amazing that this patent is even allowed to exist.
Worlds.com lawyers claim that these suits aren't intended to constitute a "legal shakedown", but that's exactly what's going on here. Obviously the company has been holding this patent for awhile. Why wait until well after the explosion of online gaming to sue? Sounds to me like some greedy executives over at Worlds.com have dollar signs in their eyes.
Fortunately, their plans may be thwarted yet -- as we also mentioned before, there are a number of avatar-based online games out there that predate the Worlds.com patent ("prior art" in the legal world). This whole situation is still ridiculous, though. If Worlds.com loses (which I obviously hope happens), the USPTO should revoke their patent. It should never have been awarded to begin with.
Here's the CNN Money article again: Worlds.com CEO: We're 'Absolutely' Going To Sue Second Life And World Of Warcraft
The first target of Worlds.com was South Korean developer NCsoft. The civil case has not yet reached court.
Now, according to this CNN Money article, Worlds.com is now taking aim at other companies that manage virtual worlds-based games. Linden Lab (the company behind Second Life) and Activision Blizzard (World of Warcraft) are apparently next on the lawsuit list if the NCsoft case is successful.
It goes without saying that the results of these cases could have serious implications for the online gaming world. Avatar-based online games have become ubiquitous throughout the industry. I still find it amazing that this patent is even allowed to exist.
Worlds.com lawyers claim that these suits aren't intended to constitute a "legal shakedown", but that's exactly what's going on here. Obviously the company has been holding this patent for awhile. Why wait until well after the explosion of online gaming to sue? Sounds to me like some greedy executives over at Worlds.com have dollar signs in their eyes.
Fortunately, their plans may be thwarted yet -- as we also mentioned before, there are a number of avatar-based online games out there that predate the Worlds.com patent ("prior art" in the legal world). This whole situation is still ridiculous, though. If Worlds.com loses (which I obviously hope happens), the USPTO should revoke their patent. It should never have been awarded to begin with.
Here's the CNN Money article again: Worlds.com CEO: We're 'Absolutely' Going To Sue Second Life And World Of Warcraft
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
PSP Impressions and PSU
In the days since Phantasy Star Portable was released for PSP in the United States, I've been reading a lot of community forum sites to try and determine how players are receiving the game.
Oddly, PSP has received little criticism from players so far. Even players that have expressed a dislike of PSU are finding PSP to be an enjoyable game.
When these players are asked why this is the case, most say that PSP is a less annoying version of PSU, and thus more enjoyable. I suppose you could make a case for this argument: there's no synthesis in PSP, and some of the most valuable equipment drops in the field. A lot of the Phantasy Star Online purists might say that PSP is closer to PSO in that regard.
If I worked for Sonic Team, I'd be paying close attention to this. PSP is getting good reviews and praise from players, while PSU got battered. Since PSP is basically a watered-down version of PSU, I'd have to ask myself: what's going on here?
It's clear from player response that Sonic Team managed to do something right in PSP. If they were smart, they'd try to implement some of the gameplay changes they made for PSP into PSU. Then they could get PSP players to try PSU by marketing it as a more expansive, immersive form of the portable game. And if PSP players bought into the idea and found the two games to be similar, they'd probably stay on PSU.
Such a scenario unfolding would have the potential to revive the game. Sonic Team doesn't seem to be able to figure out what the players want, though, which would explain why they've instead decided to base PSU's future on gimmicks such as pay-to-play missions in a subscription-based game. Yikes.
In any case, I'll end with one final thought for anyone who might eventually find this post: If you find yourself enjoying PSP, consider giving PSU a try. Despite what reviews you may read, the two games are very similar in terms of gameplay. The synthesis aspect of PSU might be a turn-off for some, but it's considerably better than what it used to be.
And if you quit PSU a long time ago only to find yourself playing PSP now, consider coming back to the game. You'll find that much has changed since the days when Moatoob was locked. There's much more content, and many of the annoying "features" that plagued the release version of the game have been removed. If your opinion of PSU was formed based on what you saw for the first three weeks after release, maybe it's time to give the game a second chance.
Oddly, PSP has received little criticism from players so far. Even players that have expressed a dislike of PSU are finding PSP to be an enjoyable game.
When these players are asked why this is the case, most say that PSP is a less annoying version of PSU, and thus more enjoyable. I suppose you could make a case for this argument: there's no synthesis in PSP, and some of the most valuable equipment drops in the field. A lot of the Phantasy Star Online purists might say that PSP is closer to PSO in that regard.
If I worked for Sonic Team, I'd be paying close attention to this. PSP is getting good reviews and praise from players, while PSU got battered. Since PSP is basically a watered-down version of PSU, I'd have to ask myself: what's going on here?
It's clear from player response that Sonic Team managed to do something right in PSP. If they were smart, they'd try to implement some of the gameplay changes they made for PSP into PSU. Then they could get PSP players to try PSU by marketing it as a more expansive, immersive form of the portable game. And if PSP players bought into the idea and found the two games to be similar, they'd probably stay on PSU.
Such a scenario unfolding would have the potential to revive the game. Sonic Team doesn't seem to be able to figure out what the players want, though, which would explain why they've instead decided to base PSU's future on gimmicks such as pay-to-play missions in a subscription-based game. Yikes.
In any case, I'll end with one final thought for anyone who might eventually find this post: If you find yourself enjoying PSP, consider giving PSU a try. Despite what reviews you may read, the two games are very similar in terms of gameplay. The synthesis aspect of PSU might be a turn-off for some, but it's considerably better than what it used to be.
And if you quit PSU a long time ago only to find yourself playing PSP now, consider coming back to the game. You'll find that much has changed since the days when Moatoob was locked. There's much more content, and many of the annoying "features" that plagued the release version of the game have been removed. If your opinion of PSU was formed based on what you saw for the first three weeks after release, maybe it's time to give the game a second chance.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Japanese Server Reduction
Just in case you weren't sure if Sega was succeeding in killing PSU or not, here's a little bit of reassurance straight from the Japanese PC/PS2 servers.
According to the official site, Wednesday evening's update (Thursday morning in Japan) will bring a reduction in the number of universes. A total of 16 universes will remain after maintenance, down from 26. The number of universes available on the JP PC/PS2 servers had been as high as 40 at one point.
This will officially make the international Xbox 360 version of PSU the "largest" of the three server groups, although that version itself only has 20 universes available.
The Japanese PC/PS2 population has been in steady decline over the last few months, largely because of Sega/Sonic Team's inability to provide interesting events and substantial content updates (sounds like the US/EU game in a nutshell!). News of the "supplemental update" coming to those servers later this year hasn't done much to stop the exodus, either -- Sonic Team's DLC model for missions and player equipment has not resonated well with Japanese players.
According to the official site, Wednesday evening's update (Thursday morning in Japan) will bring a reduction in the number of universes. A total of 16 universes will remain after maintenance, down from 26. The number of universes available on the JP PC/PS2 servers had been as high as 40 at one point.
This will officially make the international Xbox 360 version of PSU the "largest" of the three server groups, although that version itself only has 20 universes available.
The Japanese PC/PS2 population has been in steady decline over the last few months, largely because of Sega/Sonic Team's inability to provide interesting events and substantial content updates (sounds like the US/EU game in a nutshell!). News of the "supplemental update" coming to those servers later this year hasn't done much to stop the exodus, either -- Sonic Team's DLC model for missions and player equipment has not resonated well with Japanese players.
Mission Carnival Finally Over Tuesday
The official Sega PSU Web site has announced that the game servers will be taken down Tuesday morning at 2:00 AM EDT for maintenance.
Details of the maintenance were not provided. However, since this is obviously not Sega's normal maintenance window, it's almost certain that this downtime will remove the Winter Mission Carnival for good.
Two modified event missions will remain on the servers after the Mission Carnival versions are removed. Airboard Rally, the racing mission, is available at the Moatoob Guardians Branch, while Explosive Arena, the "battle" mission, is available on Parum.
As for regular maintenance this week, the Japanese Xbox 360 PSU site (untranslated) reports only a change of lobbies from Valentine's Day to White Day, as well as a casino rotation update.
Details of the maintenance were not provided. However, since this is obviously not Sega's normal maintenance window, it's almost certain that this downtime will remove the Winter Mission Carnival for good.
Two modified event missions will remain on the servers after the Mission Carnival versions are removed. Airboard Rally, the racing mission, is available at the Moatoob Guardians Branch, while Explosive Arena, the "battle" mission, is available on Parum.
As for regular maintenance this week, the Japanese Xbox 360 PSU site (untranslated) reports only a change of lobbies from Valentine's Day to White Day, as well as a casino rotation update.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lobby Access Glitch Now Public
In a very bizarre move, Sega of America GMs have decided to allow all players to re-enter the Winter Mission Carnival event lobby if they wish to continue playing the event missions.
However, the door to the lobby is still locked. To get around that little issue, GM Edward actually posted the glitch that allows players to force their way into the event lobby.
The instructions can be viewed in this thread on the official forums, or you can read them below.
It should be noted that another player must already be standing in front of the door when you attempt the glitch. Forcing your way into the lobby solo does not work.
There is still no word on when the event issue will be fixed, but for now, the Winter Mission Carnival continues (into an unprecedented seventh week).
However, the door to the lobby is still locked. To get around that little issue, GM Edward actually posted the glitch that allows players to force their way into the event lobby.
The instructions can be viewed in this thread on the official forums, or you can read them below.
Hello, GUARDIANS!
As many of you now know, although the Winter Mission Carnival is officially over, the content is still accessible. This was due to an oversight on our part & so until the issue is resolved, we want to make sure everyone has access to it. Re-opening the door at this point through maintenance would require that the servers be taken down, which isn't an option right now. So, we're going to help you all get into the area as-is!
Some users may be able to access the event area if the door is already being held open by another player. If you can't access the event area, here's how:
1. Enter the Makeover Shop on the 3rd floor (the shop opposite the Event Area).
2. Exit the Makeover Shop, with the camera facing towards the Event Area.
3. Camera cannot be rotated (must face forward entire time).
4. Player can then approach the Event Area (with the camera facing towards the Event Area)). They will still receive the "tenet wanted" message, but then should be able to proceed into the Event Area normally.
5 ...
6. Profit!
It should be noted that another player must already be standing in front of the door when you attempt the glitch. Forcing your way into the lobby solo does not work.
There is still no word on when the event issue will be fixed, but for now, the Winter Mission Carnival continues (into an unprecedented seventh week).
Mission Carnival Continues...Sort Of
Sega may have locked the door to the Winter Mission Carnival during last night's maintenance, but it seems that they forgot to remove the event.
In this thread on the official PSU forums, players are reporting that all Mission Carnival events are still available to play in the event lobby. It's no longer possible to access the lobby by normal means -- so you'll only be able to get back there using a special glitch.
Sega GMs say that they may start banning players caught trying to force their way in.
According to Sega, this minor oversight does not warrant a rollback. The problem will probably be fixed within the next few days.
In the meantime, the event remains playable for anyone who can get to it. I'm not sure why anyone would want to continue playing it, though. Wasn't six weeks enough?
In this thread on the official PSU forums, players are reporting that all Mission Carnival events are still available to play in the event lobby. It's no longer possible to access the lobby by normal means -- so you'll only be able to get back there using a special glitch.
Sega GMs say that they may start banning players caught trying to force their way in.
According to Sega, this minor oversight does not warrant a rollback. The problem will probably be fixed within the next few days.
In the meantime, the event remains playable for anyone who can get to it. I'm not sure why anyone would want to continue playing it, though. Wasn't six weeks enough?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Launch Event Rewards Changed
PSU GMs have decided to (slightly) change the rules for tomorrow's Phantasy Star Portable launch event on the PSU servers.
The most notable change is that the event rewards have been modified. Replacing the Holy Ray/D and Pumpkin Trick will be the Real Hand Gun+ and Moatoob Collectible. GM Edward attributes the swap to the fact that the items "aren't yet available for our servers". Likely translation: "Our Japanese overlords won't allow us to give that stuff to you yet so here's something crappier instead." Chalk another one up to Sega of Japan incompetence.
As for the other event changes, check the forum thread linked above or visit the event page on the PSU site.
The most notable change is that the event rewards have been modified. Replacing the Holy Ray/D and Pumpkin Trick will be the Real Hand Gun+ and Moatoob Collectible. GM Edward attributes the swap to the fact that the items "aren't yet available for our servers". Likely translation: "Our Japanese overlords won't allow us to give that stuff to you yet so here's something crappier instead." Chalk another one up to Sega of Japan incompetence.
As for the other event changes, check the forum thread linked above or visit the event page on the PSU site.
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