Phantasy Star expands
Universe lights up in autumn.
Phantasy Star Universe is set to expand this autumn with the release of the Ambition of Illuminus expansion pack.
Due out as downloadable content for Xbox 360 owners and a retail add-on for the PC and PlayStation 2 versions, the expansion introduces new single-player and multiplayer content.
Offline you'll be able to play through the original story mode as a custom character rather than the prescribed one, with new missions to tackle.
The story concerns a Human Fundamentalist movement called the Illuminus, which is disrupting the peaceful Gurhal System throwing the Gurhal Government into chaos. Damn Humans!
New levels feature the Ruins of Old Rozenom City and the subterranean Granigs Mines, and apparently you'll run into familiar characters like Episode 1's Ethan Waber, along with new people like GUARDIAN instructor Laia Martinez.
Online the lobby areas have seen changes, including the addition of some mini-games like roulette and slots in the Casino Voloyal, which reward you with exclusive in-game items, while your inventory will grow to include new weapons, armour, clothing and other additions.
You'll also run into tougher enemies, including bosses, and you'll be able to try out new character classes too, which should freshen the experience.
Whether this will make up for the shortcomings we identified in our Phantasy Star Universe review is another thing, but we imagine that if you're still playing PSU then you're comfortable enough to look beyond them - in which case fix your eyes on autumn, since that's when Ambition of Illuminus is set to hit.