"Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II" online quests will include themed seasonal missions and will feature special items and secrets exclusive to online subscribers. Based on the wildly popular "Phantasy Star" universe, "Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II" features two complete games in one, allowing players to team up with up to three friends online via a dial-up or broadband connection, or enjoy a full offline experience, including a four-player split screen mode. Featuring a universal translation system, the game also lets online players seamlessly communicate while playing - no matter what language they speak.

"More than a half million people have already experienced 'Phantasy Star Online(TM)' on the SEGA Dreamcast(TM), and now we're excited that 'Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II' will be the first online game for the Nintendo GameCube," said Mike Fischer, vice president, entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "SEGA has an untouchable reputation for innovation, and we continue to lead the gaming world by example, with this, our 20th online game."