MS announces US pricing for Xbox PSO

Microsoft and Sega's plans for Phantasy Star Online grow ever more bizarre, as MS has announced that the US version will not talk to versions from other regions (citing security reasons), that the game will require Xbox Live to play, even if you don't plan to go online (hangover from the Japanese version which launched with Live over there), and that the notorious "hunter's license" will return, meaning an $8.95-per-month subscription fee for anybody planning to play beyond a two month free trial.

However, MS has explained that the $8.95 will go toward continued support, via new quests and downloadable bits and bobs, to be released on the same schedule as the Cube version.