Though based on PSU there are a number of differences in this game. First off, multiplayer mode seems a little easier to get into. The character you create and raise in story mode is the character you will use in multiplayer mode. Level, items, etc. will all be carried over, so it is easier to pick up and play with friends. Items also drop more frequently now, including weapons, armor, and ingredients for synthesis. Finally, the battle system itself has evolved. In addition to the Illuminus-based battle system, if the attack buttons are pressed with a certain timing, damage will increase. The strength of weapons has been increased across the board to aid accessibility.
Existing players of PSU on either the PS2 or PC will be able to import their character into the game. To avoid making the game too easy, though, not everything is imported -- name, race, gender, appearance, voice type and pitch, level (up to 20 max), and currently equipped cloths and parts are all imported. Equipment, special items, meseta, fighting type, photon arts, and partner machinery are not, however. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be possible to import characters from the Xbox 360 version of Phantasy Star Universe.
