Final Fantasy XI Online

The legend begins as so.

The Beginning of everything was with the stone.

A long long time ago, this beautiful living stone, with its shining of seven colors banished the darkness, filled the world with life, and gave birth to powerful gods.

Happiness and light blessed ages continued, and soon the gods have gone to their sleep.

The name of the world is Vana'diel.

Sometime after, a great tribulation was about to fill this blessed land of Vana'diel. The ancient seal, after resisting dark power for thousands of years, was broken and awakening the endless nightmare.

Innocent blood will flow through the great land.

The world will be enveloped by fear, sadness, and disparity.

However, this does not mean there is no hope... There exists one star, shining brightly even through the nights of the harshest storms.

There exists a powerful song, not being vanished by the howls of any beasts.

That's right. Proud ones, filled with wisdom, courage and determination...

Now, awaken from the dark slumber.

Stand now, the legendary heroes.

The Crystal Warriors!

Source:

In-Game Prologue

FINAL FANTASY®XI, THE NEWEST ADVENTURE IN THE WORLD-RENOWNED SERIES, GOES ONLINE MARCH 2004 EXCLUSIVELY FOR PLAYSTATION®2

Highly Anticipated Title to be Among the Compelling Content Only Available
on the Upcoming PlayStation 2 40GB Internal Hard Disk Drive

SAN FRANCISCO, September 16, 2003 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that FINAL FANTASY®XI, the latest installment of the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY® series, will be available pre-installed on the upcoming internal Hard Disk Drive (40GB)(for PlayStation®2) exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. FINAL FANTASY XI, an online only title, will be among the great content only available with the internal Hard Disk Drive release in March for a suggested retail price of $99.

Entering the next evolutionary phase in the PlayStation 2 experience, the internal Hard Disk Drive and FINAL FANTASY XI will utilize the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2) to get online, while fostering in a new era of console gaming by allowing gamers to connect to the same exact world regardless of whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a personal computer (PC). FINAL FANTASY XI showcases the same award-winning visual content, innovative gameplay and deep storyline that has made the FINAL FANTASY series one of the most popular videogame series in the world, with more than 45 million units sold to date.

Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd. and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, FINAL FANTASY XI is a cross-platform, cross-continent massively multiplayer online role-playing-game (MMORPG). A brand-new FINAL FANTASY environment awaits gamers as they live in, and navigate through a “persistent world” that continues to evolve and develop, even when they are not playing. FINAL FANTASY XI utilizes the Network Adaptor and the internal Hard Disk Drive to allow players to connect online, either via broadband or dial-up connections, and join in the ever-changing world of “Vana’diel.”

The introduction of the internal Hard Disk Drive by Sony Computer Entertainment America provides players with the unique opportunity to experience a completely new FINAL FANTASY gaming universe with large communities, complex gameplay in intense online environments and a constantly, refreshed gameplay experience with the ability to download updates to the world of Vana’diel.

“We are excited to bring the FINAL FANTASY series into its next ground-breaking phase of online play with the new Hard Disk Drive, which further demonstrates our focus on extending the functionalities and capabilities of the PlayStation 2 for a total living room experience,” said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “The vast living universe of FINAL FANTASY XI will draw players into a deep, one-of-a-kind online adventure, transforming the boundaries of console gaming with the ability for gamers to join others on quests and adventures regardless of whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a PC.”

About FINAL FANTASY XI for PlayStation 2

FINAL FANTASY XI has been designed based on creating communities among players, and gamers can create an alter ego that will exist in the world of “Vana’diel” customizing their characters by race, sex, nation of origin, and numerous other physical traits. In FINAL FANTASY XI, gamers will become immersed in an expansive, original storyline as they go on missions and build their character’s skills and attributes, either alone or with other members of the community, ultimately creating the history of Vana’diel.

The world of Vana’diel is made up of vast, never-ending environments with more than 100 areas to explore including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles and dungeons. Incorporating time and climate changes, Vana’diel is a truly persistent world, composed of three unique nations: the Republic of Bastok, known for Industry and Might; The Kingdom of San d’Oria, called “A City Within A Fortress”; and the Federation of Windurst, founded on “The Fruits of Knowledge.” These nations enjoyed a friendly relationship on the surface; however, the territorial expansion is a constant desire for all of the nations leaders, and players must choose one of these nations as their home. Once players start their adventure in a rather civilized capital city, they may congregate, chat and do battle with the forces of evil, creating Vana’diel’s history through various interactions.

With the ability to create unique characters, choosing from a variety of races, facial features, size, hair-styles and attributes, users will be able to play at their own pace and form parties with other players while embarking on multiple adventures. They can also acquire skills in trades such as leatherworking, fishing, jewel crafting, and many more, that help them on their quests. Various communication tools have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI to assist in interaction between players, including easy-to-use chat and messaging systems.

FINAL FANTASY XI for PlayStation 2 will include the expansion pack “Rise of the Zilart’.”

FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® will begin shipping to North American retailers in late October 2003 and was released in Japan in May 2002 (PlayStation 2) and November 2002 (Windows).

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated

FINAL FANTASY XI (T) for Teen. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About PlayOnline’ from SquareEnix

FINAL FANTASY XI for PlayStation 2 will give gamers an innovative, online cross-platform gameplay experience between console and personal computer, and allows players to connect either via broadband or dial-up connections. Players will be required to register via PlayOnline, a network service created by Square Enix serving as the gateway to the FINAL FANTASY XI universe. Players will be charged a monthly fee to play FINAL FANTASY XI separate from Internet Service Provider (ISP) access charges. Subscribers will receive their first 30 days of access without charge. After 30 days, FINAL FANTASY XI will be available on a month-to-month subscription basis for $12.95 a month, which includes one character for FINAL FANTASY XI. Players can create additional characters for an additional charge of $1.00 per character, per month. Tetra Master®, the online version of the immensely popular mini-game from FINAL FANTASY IX will also be included with the package and available for $1.00 per month.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix U.S.A., Inc.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment contents including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. The recent merger between Square and Enix brought two of Japan’s best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY®, sold over 45 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America) sold over 30 million units worldwide – under one roof. Both known to be pioneers in the role-playing game (RPG) genre, the unification of Square and Enix has created one of the most influential providers of entertainment content in the world.

Square Enix U.S.A. Inc., located in Los Angeles, Calif., handles operations in North America including localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix U.S.A. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix-usa.com.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one’ game console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Source:

Press Release

Explore the living online world of Vana'diel in FINAL FANTASY® XI. The Rise of the Zilart™ and Chains of Promathia expansion packs provide fifteen unique jobs and hundreds of areas. Frequent updates and events add to the award-winning visuals, innovative gameplay, and deep story line of the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series.

• Online RPG :First massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) in the renowned FINAL FANTASY series.
• Cross-platform title: First MMORPG that lets gamers connect to the same gaming world, regardless of platform.
• Varied quests: From one of three starting nations, players can undertake conquests to elevate their nation's standing, missions to build their reputation within a nation, and quests to discover useful items, earn money, uncover valuable information, and learn more about the story of Vana'diel.
• Custom characters: Personalize your character with a host of physical traits and jobs. Gain the ability to equip and switch support jobs at any time.
• Special quests: Participate in missions to unlock exciting new jobs such as "Dark Knight," "Summoner," and "Ninja."
• Intuitive battle system: Experience a complex yet well-balanced battle system fit for beginners and experienced gamers alike. Perform strategic attacks using magic, job abilities, and weapon skills.
• Huge world: More than 100 areas to explore including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles, and dungeons.
• Changing time, climate, and weather: Live in a persistent world with time and climate changes that range from full day/night cycles to desert sandstorms, thunderstorms, fog, and snow.
• Helpful features: Players will be able to play at their own pace and form parties by using various integrated communication tools, including PlayOnline Chat and PlayOnline Mail.
• Gorgeous, complex saga: Experience the same visual style and deep story lines that have become a staple of the FINAL FANTASY series.
• PlayOnline Viewer software: With communication tools, access to support, customization tools, and games, including the enhanced online version of the Tetra Master card game from FINAL FANTASY® IX.
• Rise of the Zilart expansion pack: Explore new areas and features.

Source:

www.xbox.com