f you were considering pulling up roots and heading east in order to get your hands on Phantasy Star Ø, put the packing tape down. Sega just announced that the newest Phantasy Star RPG adventure will be making its way to North America and Europe in 2009.

Crafted for the Nintendo DS, the title plays out on an alternative Earth two centuries after a war reduced the world’s population to nothing. Survivors have managed to thrive in fortified cities built during the following prosperity. People who choose to roam outside the city limits are called hunters, and their job is to keep the help the cities remain safe havens by keeping monsters at bay.

“The Phantasy Star series has enjoyed great success because of its intuitive gameplay, unique style and engaging online multiplayer modes and we’re excited to premiere the first Phantasy Star game on Nintendo DS,” states Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing for Sega of America.  “With the advanced features of Nintendo DS, that include touch screen-based Visual Chat and in-depth online play, Phantasy Star Ø will thrill fans of the series and also appeal to a new generation of gamers.”

Players will have the option to customize their preferred hunter from a library of races, classes and gender. Over 350 unique weapons, a wide range of armor and a library of weapons will aid the player on their travels.

Phantasy Star Ø will include Wi-Fi multiplayer options in addition to a new visual chat feature.