March 29^th, 2002 (12:00am) - Sega has released new details on Phantasy Star Online for the GameCube including a slight name change and bundle deals.

Yuji Naka, the president of Sonic Team, has released some new information about the upcoming GameCube version of Phantasy Star Online. First, the game has a new name. It is now titled Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2. The title has been renamed because there are significant additions beyond what "version 2" included. "Episode 1" refers to the two Dreamcast games, Phantasy Star Online and PSO version 2. "Episode 2" refers to the new additions to the GameCube version of the game. The additions include

Three new character classes

•RAmarl
•FOmar
•HUcaseal

Two new worlds

•Jungle Stage
•Sanctuary Surface

According to Naka-san, there is also a possibility of even more characters, worlds, and features. Also, the entire game as a whole will feature 4-player split screen, redone menus, and enhanced graphics.

Along with this news Naka-san also announced that Phantasy Star Online will be avaliable in different bundle packages. The packages included.

•Game and Modem: 9,800 yen (US$94)
•Game, PSO keyboard, and modem: 16,600 yen (US$125)
•Game, modem, and Nintendo GameCube system: 37,700 yen (US$284)
•Game, PSO Keyboard, modem, and Nintendo GameCube system: 44,500 yen (US$336)

Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 will be released on a trial (beta?) basis from May 31st to June 30th. The final game should be out by the end of July. More information will be released at SEGA’s GameJam 2 event tomorrow.