Sega has announced Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst Episode IV in Japan today. This new title is not a new installment of the console-based Phantasy Star Online series, but rather an original PC-based game. It will tell the story of a conspiracy behind the entire Pioneer Project.

Furthermore, the development team is including more than 150 new kinds of items. PSO: Blue Burst Episode IV can be considered an expansion to last year's PSO: Blue Burst. Users of the latter will be able to use their old game IDs in the new game as well. Sega has also announced a campaign, offering the client software of PSO Blue Burst to new users for free. Both games will use the same lobby, allowing users of the old and the new release to team up.

Phantasy Star: Blue Burst Episode IV will be released in Japan on February 3rd. The first print limited edition will come with a soundtrack CD, featuring ten tracks as well as a rare in-game item. A 30 days hunter license will not be included in this package, which will be available for 3,990 yen ($39.01 US). The download version is also scheduled for a spring release, carrying a price tag of 3,000 yen ($29.33 US).

• GameWatch