E3 2003: Square Enix Debuts Final Fantasy XI
The highly-anticipated Square Enix MMORPG sees the light of day at E3 2003.
Published: May 14, 2003
Square Enix U.S.A. has kicked off their Electronic Entertainment Expo 2003 showcase with a bang with the official announcement of Final Fantasy XI, which is currently in development for the PlayStation 2, as well as PC.
By releasing the game on both PS2 and PC, Square Enix is striving to create the first-ever multi-platform massively multiplayer online role-playing game, allowing gamers on both consoles to connect together on the same vast and marvelous world of Final Fantasy XI. The game world is truly one aspect that Square Enix looks to capitalize on, and will do so by enabling the authentic Final Fantasy XI world to go through constant transformations and developments, even when gamers are not playing.
"Final Fantasy XI will unite players around the world in ways never achieved before," said Jun Iwasaki, president and CEO of Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. "Implementing the latest technology, Final Fantasy XI will be one of the largest, most in-depth online adventures players will experience. The title will provide gamers with an unsurpassed personalized gaming experience taking them on incredible adventures, in which players control their own destinies while traveling through an expansive online universe. Console gamers will see the elements that they have come to expect from the Final Fantasy series, but in a completely new environment. For MMORPG players, this title promises an adventure like no other, with a compelling storyline, numerous events, boss battles and other features that are unique to the Final Fantasy series."
In Final Fantasy XI, players will embark on multiple adventures through vast environments in the world of "Vana'diel," which has more than 100 areas to explore, including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles and dungeons. To travel throughout Vana-diel, players will be provided with various modes of transportation, such as Chocobos, boats and airships. The constantly changing world of Vana'diel will incorporate time and climate changes, and will be composed of three different regions: the Republic of Bastok (known for its industry and might), The Kingdom of San d'Oria (also called "A City Within A Fortress") and the Federation of Windurst (founded on "The Fruits of Knowledge"). Once entering in Vana'diel, players will have to choose one of the three unique regions as their new homeland.
As any online gaming guru will tell you, customization in an online game is the key to making a name for yourself out there. Square Enix definitely realizes this, and gives the Final Fantasy XI player the ability to choose from a variety of races, facial features, hairstyles and colors in order to complete their alter ego. Players can comfortably adjust to the vast online surroundings of Final Fantasy XI at their own pace, and once accustomed, can form parties via the game's communications tools, such as chat and messaging systems. Even though going online is a big step for the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XI won't forgets its roots, and promises to include an immerse, original story full of missions, quests, and boss battles galore. Players will be given the option of completing their missions with a party or solo, yet will be able to gain key skills such as alchemy, leatherworking, jewel crafting, fishing and many more. It will be up to each and every player to craft and create the history of Vana'diel by communicating and interacting with other members of the community.
Final Fantasy XI will be released simultaneously with the 40 GB internal hard disk drive in Q1 2004, and will require the Network Adaptor, as well as either a narrowband or broadband Internet connection.
By releasing the game on both PS2 and PC, Square Enix is striving to create the first-ever multi-platform massively multiplayer online role-playing game, allowing gamers on both consoles to connect together on the same vast and marvelous world of Final Fantasy XI. The game world is truly one aspect that Square Enix looks to capitalize on, and will do so by enabling the authentic Final Fantasy XI world to go through constant transformations and developments, even when gamers are not playing.
"Final Fantasy XI will unite players around the world in ways never achieved before," said Jun Iwasaki, president and CEO of Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. "Implementing the latest technology, Final Fantasy XI will be one of the largest, most in-depth online adventures players will experience. The title will provide gamers with an unsurpassed personalized gaming experience taking them on incredible adventures, in which players control their own destinies while traveling through an expansive online universe. Console gamers will see the elements that they have come to expect from the Final Fantasy series, but in a completely new environment. For MMORPG players, this title promises an adventure like no other, with a compelling storyline, numerous events, boss battles and other features that are unique to the Final Fantasy series."
In Final Fantasy XI, players will embark on multiple adventures through vast environments in the world of "Vana'diel," which has more than 100 areas to explore, including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles and dungeons. To travel throughout Vana-diel, players will be provided with various modes of transportation, such as Chocobos, boats and airships. The constantly changing world of Vana'diel will incorporate time and climate changes, and will be composed of three different regions: the Republic of Bastok (known for its industry and might), The Kingdom of San d'Oria (also called "A City Within A Fortress") and the Federation of Windurst (founded on "The Fruits of Knowledge"). Once entering in Vana'diel, players will have to choose one of the three unique regions as their new homeland.
As any online gaming guru will tell you, customization in an online game is the key to making a name for yourself out there. Square Enix definitely realizes this, and gives the Final Fantasy XI player the ability to choose from a variety of races, facial features, hairstyles and colors in order to complete their alter ego. Players can comfortably adjust to the vast online surroundings of Final Fantasy XI at their own pace, and once accustomed, can form parties via the game's communications tools, such as chat and messaging systems. Even though going online is a big step for the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XI won't forgets its roots, and promises to include an immerse, original story full of missions, quests, and boss battles galore. Players will be given the option of completing their missions with a party or solo, yet will be able to gain key skills such as alchemy, leatherworking, jewel crafting, fishing and many more. It will be up to each and every player to craft and create the history of Vana'diel by communicating and interacting with other members of the community.
Final Fantasy XI will be released simultaneously with the 40 GB internal hard disk drive in Q1 2004, and will require the Network Adaptor, as well as either a narrowband or broadband Internet connection.