First it was coming, then it was on hold when people went into a tizzy over the monthly costs, and now, finally, Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 has arrived at its final destination: store shelves across North America. Sega announced today that the updated version of its extremely popular online RPG has shipped to retailers.

PSOv2 packs a good deal of extras not present in its forebear, including additional modes; Challenge mode tests the player's team's endurance, while Battle mode allows gamers to take each other on mano a mano. In addition, players will be able to while away the time in the lobby playing Go Go Ball, a soccer-like game. And, for the folks who just love to tinker with their avatar's appearance, a Dressing Room is now available. The maximum level a player can reach has been upped to 200, and, just so that this isn't only a perfunctory change, reaching the higher levels will unlock the game's most difficult level, appropriately titled Ultimate Difficulty.

A lot of fuss was made over the monthly costs that would be imposed for online use of PSOv2. The game itself, which is fully functional and does not require prior ownership of PSO, will cost $39.99, while there is a 3-monthly charge of $15.00 for use of the online features of the game. For previous information regarding this highly popular title, check out our Phantasy Star Online page.