Phantasy Star open beta starts this weekend [update 1]

This weekend, Xbox Live users will be able to download Phantasy Star Universe and participate in an open beta until October 18. The download will be available for only two days, so keep an eye out if you're interested. The open beta was originally set to begin yesterday, with the download available October 11 and 12, and was also set to end October 18.

Phantasy Star Universe will arrive October 24 for PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. Online play will require a subscription fee of about $10 per month. Both Xbox Live Silver and Gold members can subscribe to online play, but Gold members will receive no discount. PSO-World has an exhaustive FAQ on the game, including online vs. offline play.

[Thanks, Brandon]

[Update 1: It looks like Xbox Live aims to screw PSU fans. On top of the delay that took 2-3 days out of the open beta, the Xbox Live service will be down for "up to 24 hours" on October 17, during the beta test. At least there's offline play.]