Sega has announced a sequel to its multiplatform RPG title Phantasy Star Universe. Titled Phantasy Star Universe: Illuminas no Yabou (Illuminas' Ambition), the game will be similiar to the original game in many ways. It will be available for PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and PC platforms. An online and offline mode will be implemented, and finally, protagonist Ethan Waber will make his return. Players can also look forward to new weapons, monsters, and stages (among them an icy mine and the ruins of Rozenom City). The development team at Sega has also improved the player's virtual home ("my room"). Players now can move furniture and other items inside the room. Furthermore, many new items have been added. New lobbies (a beach, a shrine, and a casino-themed lobby) will also be featured. The game's opening sequence shows Ethan facing off against a towering female character. To test the game's online mode, a beta testing phase will be conducted sometime this spring.

Phantasy Star Universe: Illuminas no Yabou will be available in Japan later this year.

• Dengeki Online