10 Japanese Video Games That Will Never Be Released In The West

Released in 2012, Phantasy Star Online 2 was the long-awaited second instalment in the franchise, and was received positively by critics. As of last year, the game has over 3.5 million registered users, and has been ported to multiple systems. However, for some reason, despite its overwhelming success, the game has never received an international release, although an unofficial patch is available for English speaking players.

In 2012, SEGA announced plans for a worldwide release, and even teased the game at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle. Since then, the game has been delayed multiple times, and is currently delayed until further notice. SEGA has taken numerous steps to improve the game’s profile in Japan, and has even commissioned an anime based on the popular series. Outside of Japan however, the company has taken relatively few steps to help the series appeal more to mainstream audiences.

The game is already one of their most successful titles, and it seems the company are perfectly content with that success, and have no desire to expand upon it outside Japan. In fairness, it could end up costing them millions to localise the title, so playing it safe might actually be the best option. Regardless, Phantasy Star Online 2 is sorely missed, and would have made a wonderful addition to the PS4’s line-up.