You may not keep in mind that in the event that you live in North America, because it didn't come out here at PSO2 Meseta the time. It has been a strong two console generations now, but lovers of the first Phantasy Star Online will soon enjoy the sequel. Phantasy Star Online 2 is currently free-to-play on the Xbox One, and also a Windows 10 version will start later this year (PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions launched in Japan in 2016 and 2018, but no word on US releases on those platforms has been given). The game is currently in open beta, so we won't give it a critique score before it completely releases. However, even in beta form, PSO2 is an action-filled, hack-and-slash-and-shoot experience with an extensive equipment system along with an unobtrusive premium money component.PSO2's notion is straightforward. The massive space fleet Oracle is exploring the stars to find habitable and resource-filled planets. You are part of ARKS, Oracle's frontline task force to scout these planets and make certain they're safe. That's pretty much the entire excuse the game provides before letting you establish a character. You'll take your character through various dangerous environments, fighting creatures and collecting loot along the way. The character creation system offers a generous quantity of customization options. You can choose from four different races, each with female and male types: Individuals, Newmans (distance elves), Deumans (distance dark elves), and CASTs (robot people). After establishing those traits, you are able to personalize your own face and body using an assortment of characteristics. You could even add different accessories and tweak add on details like facial hair, scars, jewelry, and clothes. The majority of these tweaks are totally cosmetic, but the race you choose can affect certain stats from the game to some minor extent.You also pick from seven starting classes. Two additional classes, Gunner and Techer, are unlocked later as you perform.I played as a Ranger from the open beta, a class equipped with an assault rifle, a launcher, and a melee-focused gunblade. The assault rifle is a useful burst-fire weapon type that sprays bursts of bullets at enemies, or may fire specialty aimed and homing shots for more exact power. The launcher is an explosives-shooting gun that fires more gradually compared to the assault rifle, but packs a big punch with crowd-hitting splash damage. Each weapon has its own selection of abilities and skills, triggered with all the Y, X, and appropriate bumper buttons, along with a secondary set of 3 skills made by holding down the left trigger for a total of six at a time. I could switch between weapons by tapping up and down on the direction pad also, which was helpful for quickly adjusting to scenarios.Gear can get complex, with every weapon and item using its collections of stats that improve your character, along with characteristics that provide added bonuses. You can prepare for battle easily enough by simply equipping the items that have the highest amounts, but actually digging to the stats that help your personality and keeping an eye out for specific perks is worthwhile.If you find a piece of equipment you like, you can improve it by using consumable items and additional equipment you do not have to"nourish" the weapon or armor, leveling it up and improving its stats. You can also carry over perks from various items through a similar method, enabling you to buy Phantasy Star Online 2 Meseta tweak your loadout even farther.