SEGA may not have much to offer in terms of massively multiplayer games (The Matrix Online should be nothing more than a painful memory from the past by now), but what little they have, they're quite eager to expand upon. Last autumn they released Phantasy Star Universe as a multi-platform combination of single-player and online multiplayer Action-RPG. And in autumn of 2007, they plan to continue it with the first expansion pack, announced over the weekend.

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus, as they ambitiously call it, is once again headed for the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 platforms, and users willing to pay (or continue paying) €9.99 a month for a "GUARDIANS License", will be able to enjoy a wealth of new gameplay and customisation features. The lobby areas, for instance, will be added upon with new ones, larger and filled with colourful decorations and music. Casino Voloyal will be one such addition, where roulette and slots can earn players special casino-only items.

The Phantasy Star Universe add-on draws its subtitle from a new Human Fundamentalist movement, known as the Illuminus, which disrupts the peaceful Gurhal System and throws the Gurhal Government into chaos. The new scenario introduces various new levels, such as the Ruins of Old Rozenom City and the subterranean Granigs Mines, buzzing with new and more powerful enemies. While fighting through these, however, players will also get to meet some familiar characters - like Ethan Waber from Episode 1, or GUARDIAN instructor Laia Martinez.

In terms of character and weapon customisation options, there will be a slew of new weapon types, armour, Photon Arts, and clothing. Each Guardian's individual Rooms will also be upgraded, offering a greater level of customisation, with a new grid system that allows players to decorate the walls and place new interactive items and furniture anywhere they want in the Room. See if you can spot any of these changes in the first batch of screenshots released by SEGA, available now in our PSU: Ambition of the Illuminus gallery.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)