Final Fantasy XI Headed Stateside
It was happening, then it wasn't, then it was again, then it wasn't and now, finally, we have confirmation. Final Fantasy XI is coming.
Published: April 14, 2003
To say speculation over Final Fantasy XI's U.S. release had run rampant would be an understatement. From nearly every corner of the industry, "insiders" were utterly convinced that either the game was coming out here in North America or it wasn't. One of the biggest hurdles, Sony Computer Entertainment America's decision to release the hard drive over here, seems to have happened, since FFXI was and is one of the highest-profile titles to use the accessory. The HDD and Network Adaptor were packaged as an external bundle in Japan that connected via Japanese PS2s' PC card slot (it was later integrated into the PS2 like U.S. systems).
While there's been no official confirmation of the PS2 hard drive, the overwhelming unspoken word is that the peripheral will be unveiled at this year's E3, along with the games necessary to make it a worthwhile purchase. If the HDD is indeed coming out in the U.S., it still needs a killer app. Final Fantasy XI is that killer app.
In typical Square fashion, Square Enix U.S.A. has decided the best way to prepare for both the PC and PS2 releases of the U.S. version of FFXI is to simply let the people that would play it anyway stress the servers before the game ships. The company has opened up an application page for either the PC or PS2 versions of the game, which can be found by simply clicking here, though you may want to read a little further.
What's unique about Final Fantasy XI is that it's a true multiplatform MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game), meaning if you have either a PC or PS2, you'll be able to log on and play with players using both PCs and PS2s on the same server, going on quests and experiencing the story (yes, there actually is one, in typical Final Fantasy fashion) at the same time with completely different hardware. It's an accomplishment in and of itself that something like this was even possible, but it'll be even more impressive if the U.S. launch of the game can go off without any major hitches.
So, you're in, you wanna play and you wanna get down with some oh so sexy preview code for bragging rights. Here's what you'll NEED before you can even be eligible for the preview application:
-For the PlayStation 2 version of Final Fantasy XI-
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
Network Adaptor (for PlayStation 2)
Internet connection (56k or greater)
-For the Windows version of Final Fantasy XI-
Pentium® III 800Mhz
Windows® 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
DirectX® 8.1 (Included)
32MB Direct3D compatible AGP video card
128MB RAM
CD-ROM Drive
5 GB of free hard drive space
Internet connection (56k or greater)
If you meet the criteria, head here and pick your pleasure. Remember of course that signing up will NOT guarantee you a position on the beta, but there's a significantly better chance of you getting in if you actually sign up. We've already applied and hopefully we'll be seeing you online! Good luck!
While there's been no official confirmation of the PS2 hard drive, the overwhelming unspoken word is that the peripheral will be unveiled at this year's E3, along with the games necessary to make it a worthwhile purchase. If the HDD is indeed coming out in the U.S., it still needs a killer app. Final Fantasy XI is that killer app.
In typical Square fashion, Square Enix U.S.A. has decided the best way to prepare for both the PC and PS2 releases of the U.S. version of FFXI is to simply let the people that would play it anyway stress the servers before the game ships. The company has opened up an application page for either the PC or PS2 versions of the game, which can be found by simply clicking here, though you may want to read a little further.
What's unique about Final Fantasy XI is that it's a true multiplatform MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game), meaning if you have either a PC or PS2, you'll be able to log on and play with players using both PCs and PS2s on the same server, going on quests and experiencing the story (yes, there actually is one, in typical Final Fantasy fashion) at the same time with completely different hardware. It's an accomplishment in and of itself that something like this was even possible, but it'll be even more impressive if the U.S. launch of the game can go off without any major hitches.
So, you're in, you wanna play and you wanna get down with some oh so sexy preview code for bragging rights. Here's what you'll NEED before you can even be eligible for the preview application:
-For the PlayStation 2 version of Final Fantasy XI-
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
Network Adaptor (for PlayStation 2)
Internet connection (56k or greater)
-For the Windows version of Final Fantasy XI-
Pentium® III 800Mhz
Windows® 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
DirectX® 8.1 (Included)
32MB Direct3D compatible AGP video card
128MB RAM
CD-ROM Drive
5 GB of free hard drive space
Internet connection (56k or greater)
If you meet the criteria, head here and pick your pleasure. Remember of course that signing up will NOT guarantee you a position on the beta, but there's a significantly better chance of you getting in if you actually sign up. We've already applied and hopefully we'll be seeing you online! Good luck!