FINAL FANTASY®XI, THE LATEST INSTALLMENT OF THE WORLD-RENOWNED
SERIES, GOES ONLINE FOR PLAYSTATION®2 IN NORTH AMERICA
Online Only Title Allows Gamers to Live in a Truly Persistent
World, with Cross-Platform Play Between Console and Personal
Computer
LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2003 – Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. announced today information about FINAL FANTASY®XI,
the highly anticipated new installment to the world-renowned
FINAL FANTASY® series, available on PlayStation platforms
since 1997. Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd. and published
by Sony Computer Entertainment America, FINAL FANTASY XI,
the first online title in the series, is a cross-platform,
cross-continent massively multiplayer online role playing
game (MMORPG), which allows 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 44 million units sold to date.
FINAL FANTASY XI utilizes the Network
Adaptor (Ethernet/modem)(for PlayStation 2) and the upcoming
internal hard disk drive
(40GB)(for PlayStation 2) to allow players to connect online,
either via broadband or dial-up connection, and join in a
truly "persistent world" that keeps evolving, growing
and developing, even when gamers are not playing. Players
can create their alter ego that will exist in the world of "Vana'diel," and
be able to customize characters by race, sex, country of
origin, and numerous physical traits. In FINAL FANTASY XI,
players will become immersed in an expansive, original storyline
as they go on missions and build up their character's skills
and attributes, either alone or with other members of the
community, ultimately creating the history of Vana'diel. "We
are excited to bring the FINAL FANTASY series online with
PlayStation 2. The deep
gameplay, numerous regions and always evolving worlds make
FINAL FANTASY XI one of the largest, most in depth online
adventures ever created, " said Ami Blaire, director,
product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "FINAL
FANTASY XI will revolutionize 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. It
is truly a one-of-a-kind experience."
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. Incorporating
time and climate changes, Vana'diel is truly a persistent
world, composed of three unique regions: 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 countries enjoyed a friendly relationship
on the surface; however, the territorial expansion is a constant
desire for all of the countries leaders, and players must
chose one of these countries 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 battles and interactions.
With the ability to create unique characters, choosing from
a variety of races, facial features, size, hair-styles and
attributes, players 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.
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