Setsumasa: It has been a bit of a challenge to design and map the different control schemes for the different controllers. Take the keyboard control, for instance. Even though most PC online RPGs are controlled with a mouse, we wanted to provide a control system that compliments Phantasy Star Universe's real-time combat system. For that reason, we decided to design the controls to be more similar to familiar FPS style controls.GameSpy: What efforts are being taken to ensure a fair gameplay environment for the multiplayer aspect of PSU? Do you foresee difficulties with cheats, exploits, and item duplication?
Setsumasa: In PSU, most of the network transactions are handled by servers, so it makes it easier to adjust game balance and management. The user data will be stored on the game servers rather than directly on the user's drive, which will resolve most of the cheat problems we encountered in PSO.GameSpy: What will keep players coming back after completing all of the areas available to them in the multiplayer game? What incentives are there for players to replay the content?
Setsumasa: The PSU online multiplayer component has a story which follows that of the single-player mode, and gives players a lot of options and activities to do rather than merely leveling up their characters. We see Phantasy Star Universe online as a daily TV drama in which there's something happening everyday that will keep users engaged and logging on everyday.
GameSpy: A TV drama? Like 24 in space, only Jack Bauer is a robot?
Setsumasa: Not exactly, but you get the idea. We plan to release new online content on a regular basis, as well as periodic content expansions, and hope that players will keep enjoying the game for a long time.
We believe that the most important aspect of online gaming is the community. And because of our commitment to the players, we are highly confident that Phantasy Star Universe will be superior in creating strong communities.
