Issue #191 of
Electronic Gaming Monthly helped to introduce the world to
Phantasy Star Universe in May 2005. With an six page preview containing plenty of screen shots and early gameplay details, the article by Shane Bettenhausen often focuses on aspects of
Phantasy Star Online that were expected to be improved in the story. In an unusual move, the best look at the characters appears on the cover. There is no character design artwork included in the article.