|
The
annual ritual of Final Fantasy fast approaches and the eleventh
installment reaches Japan on May 16, 2002. As storylines go, it's a fairly
routine tale of past conflict, banishment of evil, and new rumblings as
evil awakens once again. What sets the latest Fantasy apart from
it's predecessors is the online aspect of the game world where players
from disparate locations join together and venture forth. It's no longer
an individual experience but one of fellowship.
Logistically, Final Fantasy XI may be the first hard sell in
the franchise, ever. To enjoy the game, a player must purchase the hard
drive kit which includes a broadband adapter. Recent rumors have mentioned
the ability to use a 56K dialup connection, which offers a glimmer of hope
for those without broadband. In addition to the gear, a mandatory monthly
fee of Y1280 (~US$10) may meet fierce resistance from the masses. The beta
test version of FFXI (currently in uh, cirŠul@tion) installs
completely onto the PS2 hard drive. Game saves are stored on Square's
servers, which may eliminate the cheaters that plagued DC Phantasy Star
Online.
With this in mind, NCS opens up preorders for FFXI today. Our
sales forecasts are very conservative given the obstacles in playing this
game but we'll give it a go. The FFXI package includes two DVDs - a Play
Online installation disc and the FFXI software disc. When April rolls
around, Sony will begin supplying PS2 hard drives to wide distribution in
Japan and
we'll import both internal and external models to prepare. |
