Sega confirms a US and European release for DS RPG Phantasy Star Zero!

The news fresh from Sega today is happy news indeed - confirmation that Phantasy Star� � will be heading to Europe and North America this year. The currently Japan-only DS title will feature an innovative touch screen based Visual Chat interface, addictive action-RPG gameplay, impressive visual quality and thrilling multiplayer modes.

Released in Japan on Christmas Day, the game is the first in the Phantasy Star series to launch on the DS, and is designed to appeal to both fans of the series and newcomers as well. Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, the title follows the surviving humans who adventure into the unknown, explore the vast wilderness that the planet has now become and hunt dangerous monsters in an effort to keep their cities safe.

Taken from the game's opening anime cut-scene!

Differing races, classes and genders allow for 14 customisable character types. Featuring over 350 unique weapons, gamers will need to venture out to combat dangerous monsters, gain experience and meet new major characters. As players explore, they will unravel the mystery of the war which ravaged the Earth and discover a dangerous new force that must be stopped.

The title will feature local wireless and full Wi-Fi multiplayer options, including the Visual Chat feature which allows what you draw to be displayed quickly in text bubbles above the user's character, enabling easy and fun communication when adventuring with friends.

So far Sega have the game listed for a "Winter" release. We'll be bringing you more details in the coming months...