Sega has just announced that Phantasy Star 0 for the Nintendo DS is coming to the US and Europe in 2009.  The game features online and local wi-fi co-op play for four players and takes place on an alternate Earth in the Phantasy Star Universe.

With gameplay similar to Phantasy Star Online, Phantasy Star 0 allows players to quest together with one of 14 character types.  With over 350 different weapons players are sure find something that suits there needs when killing giant dragons (see above).  

Co-Op gaming is all about communication, and players can communicate visually in PS0 thanks to a new features called...you guessed it...Visual Chat.  It sounds like players can basically draw whatever and it will be displayed in a chat bubble to teammates.  My guess is there will be plenty of penis shaped attack commands.  

Phantasy Star 0 hits the Nintendo DS this fall.  Screenshots are available on the official Sega Flickr Site.

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Not too long ago, we discussed the fact that Phantasy Star Zero would have online (and local wireless) co-op. However, details of the game have been scarce for a while. Fortunately, the crew at Siliconera got some hands-on time at TGS and walked away with some details. Some of the information is just confirmation of old news. The game is very much like PSO, and features the same action-RPG gameplay. Likewise, the game's messaging system is akin to Pictochat, though apparently it features a few chat bubbles that likely deal with common statements, like "resurrect me."

Some of the more interesting information is the news that the game appears not to be blindingly difficult, as long as you have a balanced party. The Siliconera team had a balanced group, having a magic user, a sword master, and so forth. They do note that boss battles are difficult, particularly one with the dragon. Siliconera was only able to play via local network, so they cannot attest to the online capabilities. However, they do say that the game successfully replicates the fun gameplay that made up PSO. Any other PSO/PSU fans really excited to have a DS?

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Online co-op is becoming the standard for console gaming. However, for handhelds it is still a somewhat untested field. However, Phantasy Star Zero for the DS will be testing the handheld online waters. According to 1up, Sega will be releasing Phantasy Star Zero for the DS in Japan.

The game will be akin to the classic Phantasy Star Online, all the way down to its name, Phantasy Star Zero, aka PS0. Zero will feature the classic action-RPG gameplay, as well as four player online and local co-op. The game will also utilize the touch screen as a PictoChat mechanism, where you can write messages to your teammates. The game is set for release this winter in Japan, with no known American release date. Any other PSO fans out there?