final-fantasy-xi posts (Subscribe to this feed)
Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection coming in November
by Griffin McElroy 
{ Oct 14th 2009 at 1:44PM }
Seems like an odd move, considering one of these add-ons isn't even out yet. Still, with a new bundle of joy on its way, Squeenix is probably getting antsy about last year's model.
Tanaka on bringing FFXI character names into Final Fantasy XIV
by Xav de Matos { Aug 30th 2009 at 12:30PM }
Tanaka notes the process of allowing names to carry over into a new Final Fantasy MMO could cause conflicts, but proposes one solution that could work: Force people to add a surname. "Players can keep their main name, but they can add something else to their surname -- that way players with overlapping names can keep their names from FFXI, but they can add something on to it to make it unique," Tanaka told the PlayStation Blog.
Tanaka also discussed Final Fantasy XIV's combat system, which -- as already revealed -- will not be based on a job system. FFXIV's armory system will allow players to switch weapons and abilities within the game, to best suit players who prefer to go solo or as part of a team. As players use weapons and equipment more frequently, the statistics of those items grow, building a stronger class of character without grinding for experience points.
While Tanaka was asked to name his biggest MMO-based inspiration, he quietly brushed the question aside, noting the community was his biggest influence. But clearly Tanaka's biggest MMO influence is Final Fantasy XI ... what else is out there?
Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XI moogle-filled expansion begins pre-sale July 5
by Griffin McElroy { Jun 29th 2009 at 9:00PM }
Anywho, the second mini-expansion, titled A Moogle Kupo d'Etat – Evil in Small Doses, is set to drop at the end of this month, but ultra-anticipatory fans can pre-purchase the game starting July 5 for $9.99. You'll need the Rise of the Zilart explansion to play it, and your character's main job level will need to be at least 10 to access the new content. Also, we -- hot bunny-ears girl! Whew, man. That was going to bother us all day.
Square Enix sued over allegedly concealed FFXI fees
by Xav de Matos { Jun 26th 2009 at 4:00AM }
Plaintiff Esther Leong of San Francisco is seeking more than $5 million for what she alleges to be "unfair business practices, false advertising and unjust enrichment."
It's unclear how Square Enix has hidden the subscription nature of Final Fantasy XI from potential (or ongoing) players. The game's official website (above) clearly states a monthly fee is required to play the online-only title, when clicking a tab labeled "Monthly Fees" -- as well as listing the subscription-based nature of the game on all retail packaging. Fair warning from the far-flung future to any and all involved in this hilariously moronic suit, Final Fantasy XIV is an MMO too. Anticipate a subscription ... or at least prep for another lawsuit.
Update: LGJ columnist Mark Methenitis takes a closer look at the class action on his Law of the Game blog.
[Via 1UP]
Massively week in review
by Joystiq Staff { Mar 9th 2009 at 11:10PM }
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10 things I wish I had known before building an MMO Continuing with our countdown to EverQuest's 10th Anniversary, today marks the first of three special articles containing the retrospective thoughts on MMO development from the team that made it so popular. Today's "10 things I wish I had known before building an MMO" starts off with Steve Klug, Lead Programmer for EverQuest. |
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Massively's EVE Online Apocrypha expansion hands-on Massively got word that EVE Online lead game designer Noah Ward, aka CCP Hammerhead, would be in New York City last week. We jumped at the chance to find out more about the Apocrypha expansion, and Ward was kind enough to give us our own hands-on demo while answering our questions about where EVE Online is heading. |
FFXI for PS3 not just fantasy (but no longer reality)
by Ross Miller { Dec 9th 2008 at 8:30PM }
... what's that you say, 1UP? That's really what happened to Final Fantasy XI on the PS3? No way, you're pulling our chain, who told you that? FFXI Hiromichi Tanaka? Man, now it's even funnier, but in that sad way. We suspect he's joking, or there's a lot more to this story. Still, it doesn't sound like FFXI will be coming to PS3 anytime soon.
For the FFXI players on PC, Xbox 360 and HDD-equipped PS2 versions, keep an eye out for three new expansions, each coming sometime in 2009.
Square Enix was working on FFXI for PS3 but called it off
by Majed Athab { Dec 9th 2008 at 11:30AM }
"Initially we were in talks with a representative from Sony [to achieve this], but it appears that that person quit," said FFXI producer Hiromichi Tanaka. Beyond that response though, there doesn't seem to be any explanation as to why talks haven't resumed; however, what is certain is that a PS3 version isn't in the works and hasn't been for a long time. Funnily, all this talk about MMOs makes us wonder whatever happened to that other new MMO Square Enix was working on? You know, the one that was announced three years ago.
Final Fantasy XI invades Dissidia
by Majed Athab { Nov 24th 2008 at 6:30AM }
Currently, it's unknown whether Shantotto will be playable or just making a cameo in some non-fighting parts of the game. Could this also mean that FFXII and FFXIII could also still secretly make its way into the game? It's a rather exciting thought, is it not?
[Via PSP Hyper]
Square Enix announces three downloadable expansions for Final Fantasy XI
by Griffin McElroy { Nov 22nd 2008 at 7:30PM }
The expansions won't be adding any new locales to Vana'diel's geography, but will attempt to "deepen the storylines running through pre-existing areas by ushering in all-new plots and intrigues." The three scenarios are titled A Crystalline Prophecy - Ode of Life Bestowing (which will be available next Spring), A Moogle Kupo d'Etat - Evil in Small Doses and A Shantotto Ascension - The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born (which will be available in the months following the first expansion). Brief synopses for the scenarios, which were explained in a recent press release, are available after the break.
18+ hour boss battles nixed from Final Fantasy XI
by Randy Nelson { Aug 26th 2008 at 3:01AM }
"In response to these events, we have determined that further alterations are required to prevent such battles from exceeding a certain predetermined length of time," reads the latest community update from PlayOnline. What will these "alterations" consist of? "Included in the version update scheduled for early September will be modifications to the degree of difficulty of Pandemonium Warden (and associated pets), Absolute Virtue (and associated pets), and Jailer of Love. The aim of these changes is to create battles where a decisive outcome may be reached within a shorter period of time."
Square's statement also reaffirmed the company's continued "commitment to a healthy and wholesome game environment." You know, one where players aren't passing out while playing.
[Via Massively]
New Final Fantasy XI boss could take 24 hours to kill
by Justin McElroy { Aug 14th 2008 at 11:15AM }
"People were passing out and getting physically ill," guild leaders said. "We decided to end it before we risked turning into a horrible new story about how video games ruin people's lives."
So, to recap: There's a boss in Final Fantasy XI that's so tough that people who play Final Fantasy XI enough to be in a guild don't think it's worth their time. Moreover, he was so difficult it was enough to force them to start making responsible choices with their lives. Mother Brain, you can consider yourself trumped.
[Thanks, Anthony]
Impossibly new Final Fantasy achievements added
by Dustin Burg { Jun 7th 2008 at 12:00PM }
Final Fantasy XI goes boxless
by Scott Jon Siegel { May 30th 2008 at 6:00PM }
Final Fantasy XI and its expansions are being sold through Direct2Drive for $19.95 each. Instruction manuals are also available, which is super-nice of them.
[Via Massively]
Law of the Game on Joystiq: Call the cops, he stole my Cloudsong!
by Mark Methenitis { Feb 6th 2008 at 4:00PM }
Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq, a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:
Everyone remembers the now classic "You Stole My Cloudsong!" recording (warning: NSFW). What's less funny, if you're a MMORPG player, is that theft is a real occurrence in MMO worlds. So what happens if someone steals your hard earned gold or items? Do you have any recourse? According to the cops in Minnesota, the answer is no. However, a more progressive look at the issue would suggest that protection for your virtual assets is certainly coming, if it doesn't exist already. In fact, in China, a recent case declared that seizure of virtual assets had actual value with actual recourse. It's an issue that is often discussed at sites like VirtuallyBlind, TerraNova, and (shameless plug in 3-2-1) Law of the Game, among others. Of course, simply lumping in digital theft with ordinary theft is far more complex than one might think.
The baseline question that needs to be answered is: What is theft? According to Black's Law Dictionary (7th Ed.), theft is "the felonious taking and removing of another's personal property with the intent of depriving the true owner of it; larceny." Simple enough, but going back into the common law, many jurisdictions traditionally limited larceny (the root of theft) to tangible personal property. It's only more modern interpretations, especially in the US, that include intangible property in the grander concept of "theft." However, even assuming you can include intangibles in "theft," there are much bigger problems with trying to apply this concept to in-game theft.
The baseline question that needs to be answered is: What is theft? According to Black's Law Dictionary (7th Ed.), theft is "the felonious taking and removing of another's personal property with the intent of depriving the true owner of it; larceny." Simple enough, but going back into the common law, many jurisdictions traditionally limited larceny (the root of theft) to tangible personal property. It's only more modern interpretations, especially in the US, that include intangible property in the grander concept of "theft." However, even assuming you can include intangibles in "theft," there are much bigger problems with trying to apply this concept to in-game theft.
