Sega have announced that a free open beta of their upcoming RPG Phantasy Star Universe is available for anyone who chooses to download the client off Xbox Live Marketplace. The beta will offer a taste of both the single and multiplayer sides of the game.

Gamers worldwide will be able to play the newest addition to the epic sci-fi Phantasy StarTM series during a free-trial beta download period that will run for until October 18th, 2006. The beta will be available for download until Sunday 15th Oct. Phantasy Star UniverseTM offers the best of both worlds through an exciting action-packed RPG single-player story mode and a rich online multiplayer experience. The Xbox 360TM open beta program gives players a chance to preview online multiplayer mode and is open to all Xbox Live© Gold level account members.

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 13th, 2006) – SEGA® Europe, Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced the Phantasy Star UniverseTM multiplayer open beta for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will be available for free download on Xbox Live© Marketplace starting on today.

Gamers worldwide will be able to play the newest addition to the epic sci-fi Phantasy StarTM series during a free-trial beta download period that will run for until October 18th, 2006. The beta will be available for download until Sunday 15th Oct. Phantasy Star UniverseTM offers the best of both worlds through an exciting action-packed RPG single-player story mode and a rich online multiplayer experience. The Xbox 360TM open beta program gives players a chance to preview online multiplayer mode and is open to all Xbox Live© Gold level account members.

Additionally, SEGA announced that the GUARDIANS License will be available for purchase on November 24th, 2006 for Xbox 360TM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PC online users. The GUARDIANS License enriches the single-player story mode by enabling gamers to meet other players, strike up alliances, and embark on a huge variety of online quests within the Phantasy Star UniverseTM environment. The GUARDIANS License will be available at €9.99 (£6.99) per month.

With a GUARDIANS License, gamers can fully experience the new customisable and highly interactive features in online mode including character creation, My Room (personalised online space), expansive interactive lobbies, shops, and new missions. The GUARDIANS License opens up a universe filled with robust regular content downloads including brand new quests and other additions.

Phantasy Star UniverseTM will be released on November 24th, 2006. For more information please visit www.phantasystaruniverse.com/