It’s been almost eight years since the original launch of Sega’s Phantasy Star Online 2, and only recently has it finally come to the West. Initially, this Western release was exclusive to the Microsoft Store. However, as of this week, PC gamers will have a new option to jump into the action when PSO2 comes to Steam.

Set for release on 5th August, Phantasy Star Online 2 is a free-to-play online action role-playing game. You’ll explore various locations in a team of four as you battle bosses and complete objectives.

The game’s launch on the largest digital distribution platform on Windows, Steam, will be a massive boon to the player base. As these new Steam players will be mingling and adventuring alongside the existing Microsoft Store player base.

For those looking to play on Steam, Sega has sweetened the deal with a set of exclusive cosmetic items. These cosmetics borrow heavily from Valve’s Half-Life series, a list of which are below:

Half-Life Collaboration Item

Log-in to PSO2 on Steam to retrieve the following rewards from the Visiphone:

• 720: Headcrab Emote from Half-Life
• 5x EXP Earned +50%
• 5x Rare Drop Rate +50%
• 5x Mesta Earned +50%
• 5x Half Scape Dolls
• 1x Unit “Back/Fresh Aura”

Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life: Alyx Pack

Log-in to PSO2 on Steam and complete any quest on Normal difficulty or higher.

• 2x Pyro’s Gas Mask (Hairstyle) from Team Fortress
• 2x Alyx Hair (Hairstyle) from Half-Life: Alyx

Portal 2 and Weapon Camos Pack

Log-in to PSO2 on Steam and complete any two quests on Hard/Hardcore difficulty or higher.

• Evolution Device: Wheatley from Portal 2
• Team Fortress 2 Minigun (Weapon Camo) from Team Fortress 2
• Left4Dead Frying Pan (Weapon Camo) from Left4Dead
• Crowbar (Weapon Camo) from Half-Life

Half-Life 2 Collaboration Item

Log-in to PSO2 on Steam and complete any three quests on Very Hard difficulty or higher.

• HEV Suit (Outfit: Male) from Half-Life 2

Half-Life: Alyx Collaboration Item

Log-in to PSO2 on Steam and complete any four quests on Super Hard difficulty or higher.

• Alyx Replica (Outfit: Female) from Half-Life Alyx

To collect these items you must complete all missions on the Steam version of Phantasy Star Online 2. You can collect all PSO2 x Steam items by simply completing four missions on Super Hard difficulty. You will not need to unlock each tier of items individually.

It’s not been confirmed whether all of these items will carry across to the recently announced Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. Although Sega has implied that they do plan on allowing players to carry across cosmetic items after the new title’s release.

The post PSO2 Comes To Steam – 5th August 2020 appeared first on Retro Ages.

Due for release this Christmas, the Steam Deck will start at just £349/$399 for the 64GB model, going up to £569/$649 for the 512GB model. Thankfully, regardless of which of the three models you choose, the internal specifications remain the same, which Valve claims can play modern AAA games on medium to high settings using the console’s 7″ screen.

Valve has even gone as far as showing the Steam Deck playing popular titles Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and DOOM Eternal, and with access to the Steam Store, you’re likely to find hundreds of other fantastic titles. However, you’re not locked in to only using Steam’s storefront.

While the system does come with the Linux-based SteamOS pre-installed, Valve has confirmed you’re free to install any compatible operating system you like. Yes, including Windows. What’s more, Valve will be releasing a Steam Deck dock that you can use to turn the system into a full-sized desktop PC by connecting a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

If you’re interested in pre-ordering the Steam Deck, you can do so through the Steam website starting tomorrow, 16th July 2021. Orders are limited to 1 per account, and new accounts will have to wait until Sunday 18th July before they can pre-order.

The post Valve Announce Steam Deck, a £349 PC-Based Switch Alternative appeared first on Retro Ages.