Sega separates Phantasy Star Universes

News - 360, PC and PS2 are NOT friends

Phantasy Star Universe is coming, this much we know, and fans of the long-running series have clearly been looking forward to the game's celebrated online portion, which publisher Sega have promised lashings of. There is a slight catch to 'Universe' though, as we today learn that whilst gamers playing the PS2 and PC versions will be able to compete online against each other, Xbox 360 gamers will be cut-off from this cross-platform gaming, and only able to compete with fellow 360 owners.

Sega have yet to explain this decision, but it could be technical given the all-encompassing nature of Microsoft's Xbox Live service, which was further enhanced with the release of the Xbox 360 console. Despite this separation, all three versions of the title are currently set to launch at the same time, and their must be innumerable points of similarity, especially between the 360 and PC versions, given the similarities between the platforms.

Phantasy Star Universe promises combat arenas online encompassing hundreds of players at the same time, battling their way through the world in six-man squads. The game is due out in the autumn and more on the title from Sega is expected at E3 in a fortnight's time.