Phantasy Star Online 2 isn't exactly the Dreamcast-era throwback we expected. Sega is embracing the future for its pricing model -- the infinitely expensive, vaguely annoying future. Sega announced a free-to-download, free-to-play model for the PC/Vita online action RPG during a streaming media event this morning. Revenue will come from item transactions.

Sega also announced a version of the game for iOS and Android. This won't exactly be the full game; according to Andriasang, Sega promised "social game elements," and simpler controls and character creation. Data will be shared between the phone and PC/Vita versions, but crossplay will not be possible. This version is due winter 2012, between the summer PC release and the 2013 Vita release.