It’s unfortunate that Another One Bites The Dust exists, but necessary. This column chronicles the fateful announcements ahead of an MMOGs’ downfall, a company closure or, in some truly sad cases, both. Grab your Big Gulp and let some hit the floor for the fallen.

Friday, September 27 is the last day that players were able to participate in Phantasy Star Universe. One of the few multiple platform games, appearing on PC, PS2 and Xbox 360, PSU introduced a new generation of consoles to the magic of MMORPGs by way of hack-n-slash loot whoring. Never a major hit, PSU managed to stay afloat in some fashion for nearly six years. PS2 and PC servers closed down almost two years ago, leaving the Japanese Xbox 360 servers as the only remaining community.

It’s not exactly shocking that a small and continuously dwindling game was shuttered. It makes even more sense given the only leg it had to stand on was a console, complicating matters and making a “maintenance mode” life nearly impossible. Let’s not forget the fact that like Star Wars Galaxies and Star Wars: The Old Republic, SEGA may not believe there was room for two successful Phantasy Star games.

So long, Gurhal Star System. Thanks for the memories.

You can catch a select gallery of farewell screenshots after the cut. Here’s to hoping everyone finds a comfortable home in Phantasy Star Online 2.

Source: PSO-World