News from VanaFest: THREE New Expansions!! :: Final Fantasy XI :: ZAM

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News from VanaFest: THREE New Expansions!!Nov 22nd, 2008 at 4:00 AM by Pikko

SQUARE ENIX DEVELOPING NEW CONTENT FOR FINAL FANTASY XI
Award-Winning MMORPG to Expand Its World with Series of
New Expansion Scenarios

LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced the development of three upcoming downloadable scenario expansions for their marquee MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game, FINAL FANTASY® XI. The creation of these three expansions is led by Masato Kato, who created the stories and scenarios for FINAL FANTASY XI and its first expansion pack, Rise of the Zilart®.

Available exclusively for online purchase through the PlayOnline® Viewer, these expansions will be made available simultaneously for all FINAL FANTASY XI platforms worldwide. The first expansion, entitled “A Crystalline Prophecy – Ode of Life Bestowing™”, is slated for release in spring of 2009, with the remaining two stories, “A Moogle Kupo d’Etat – Evil in Small Doses™” and “A Shantotto Ascension – The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born™”, to follow in the months thereafter.

A Crystalline Prophecy – Ode of Life Bestowing

One day, a giant crystal appeared in the skies above Jeuno, triggering a series of unexplained happenings across the land. Now, adventurers will set forth to unravel the mysteries of this primordial crystal that holds the secret of Vana’diel’s past.

A Moogle Kupo d’Etat – Evil in Small Doses

It all started with an innocent drop of rainwater and a rickety, ramshackle Mog House desperately in need of repairs. Little did anyone suspect that this was only the beginning of a harrowing nightmare unheard of in the annals of moogle-kind.

A Shantotto Ascension – The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born

The eccentric Professor Shantotto returned to Windurst one day after a mysterious, unexplained absence, shocking her colleagues with behavior so outrageous it put her old self to shame! When she goes so far as to proclaim herself ruler of her own empire, adventurers set out to discover the truth behind her alarming shift in personality.

Accommodating players in North America, Europe and Japan, FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game capable of simultaneous multiplayer cooperation across three different platforms. Now in its sixth year of service, FINAL FANTASY XI has a robust community of 500,000 subscribers and more than 1.7 million player characters from around the world. The series continues to evolve and expand, offering newcomers and fans alike an immersive, engrossing and engaging universe to traverse, defend and explore.

For more information about FINAL FANTASY XI, please visit the official website: http://www.finalfantasyxi.com.

Profile of Masato Kato
Served as director and scenario writer on titles including Chrono Trigger®, Radical Dreamers, Xenogears® and Chrono Cross® for Square Co., Ltd. (now Square Enix). Oversaw the initial plot conception and event direction for the original FINAL FANTASY XI and the Rise of the Zilart expansion. Since leaving Square in 2002, Mr. Kato has worked on a number of titles and continues to pursue his unique design vision.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America, and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises — FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 46 million units worldwide — under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing, and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.

A Crystalline Prophecy™ - Ode of Life Bestowing
©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Illustration: Katsuya Terada

A Moogle Kupo d’Etat™ - Evil in Small Doses
©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Illustration: Jun Suemi

A Shantotto Ascension™ - The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born
©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Illustration: Fumio Minagawa

Tags: FinalFantasyXI, Updates

Comments

Bout Time

# Nov 24 2008 at 11:01 AM Rating: Decent

__DEL__1592307451376

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76 posts

SE's just followin in the shoes of EQ on this one. EQ releases a new expansion everysingle year (there's like 15 now). This is SE's way of maintaining streamline game play in the expansions(new end game mechanics, massive events, etc) while still being able to market new products to storyline junkies without infringing on expansion size- thereby mitigating new changes they would otherwise not be making.

I do anticipate the additions of new gear in these supplements, though, just nothing like Salvage sets or Limbus gear; but a few pieces of noteworthy equipment. (Rajas ring, Bushinomimi -esque)

I think they'll be fun, and hopefully due to limited participation, hopefully more soloable things as well.

The Sky is not falling.

# Nov 23 2008 at 12:50 PM Rating: Decent

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2 posts

This project has nothing to do with Squar Enix' budget for FFXI. If they were running out of money they wouldn't be producing this to begin with. It's obviously not an expansion and should not be viewed as one. Expansions would include many new areas, jobs, items, and such to grind away at, these are just simple story supplements, hopefully with some nice reward in the end for completing them. Until they start combining servers and removing manpower from the development team and GM team there's no reason to fear.

The Sky is not falling.

# Nov 24 2008 at 12:38 AM Rating: Good

__DEL__1592310579309

Sage

56 posts

Yea, in most other mmo's out there (mainly the free ones.) They close their doors when there is no update, hardly any GM doing anything, or server merges because each server is too small and is "wasting" money.

I suppose these are odd ways to add new content into the game, but I have to say both the Moogle and Shantoto series seems to aim more into comedy into the game than the first one with Aldo. I found that I like the comedic quest as much as the more serious ones(Star Onion Brigade anyone?) though.

Image

# Nov 23 2008 at 9:13 AM Rating: Default

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140 posts

Has any1 notice the image behind Emmeline? Looks like the Beastmans' Twilight God- Promithia.

Image

# Nov 23 2008 at 3:38 PM Rating: Good

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783 posts

Esperanti wrote:

Has any1 notice the image behind Emmeline? Looks like the Beastmans' Twilight God- Promithia.

Actually think those are the 3 nation flags, or at the very least the San d'Orian and mabye tavnazian ones.

Image

# Nov 24 2008 at 12:30 AM Rating: Good

__DEL__1592310579309

Sage

56 posts

Yea I have to agree that they look like flags. As you which flags I think Kaiselius has the right idea of it being San D'orian and Tavnazian flags.

Cost

# Nov 23 2008 at 6:46 AM Rating: Default

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313 posts

JP Button- Vana Fest '08 Live Blog reported these will cost 1000 yen each, or roughly $10.50 per expansion. A bit steep IMO, 31.50 for 3 not-even expansions? I would consider a 3-pack for $20.00

price

# Nov 22 2008 at 9:16 PM Rating: Decent

__DEL__1624234799217

Sage

344 posts

On the site, they're saying the price for these expansions are $10USD.
I would assume, like some other online content. If you're forced to reboot your comp, or re-install FFXI, they'll be attached to your account. Just means that the first download will take FOREVER.

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 8:40 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) Thank God I quit this game last week.

Pretty cool

# Nov 22 2008 at 6:36 PM Rating: Excellent

__DEL__1592344616916

Sage

851 posts

I think this is perfect. There is so much intense endgame nowadays, they don't really need anymore long, laborious content. But for the people who need something to do besides grind away at sky/limbus/hnm/salvage, they have a fun storyline with interesting supplement to an otherwise repetitive cycle.

O.o

# Nov 22 2008 at 6:33 PM Rating: Decent

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783 posts

Hmm, interesting idea, not really loving the artwork for the first 2 though(that first one in particular is pretty ugg inspiring, reminds me of when Wizards stopped using all of their good commission artists during the later half of 3rd edition).
Just hope they aren't planning on charging more then $5 or so bucks for these, really don't want to pay more for something where there is no physical back up of it.

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 4:27 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) Well, this isn't good new at all.

Hmmm

# Nov 22 2008 at 4:59 PM Rating: Excellent

__DEL__1624234799217

Sage

344 posts

I'm sorry, but I've got to say "WTF are you sniffing" to this:

If you think SE is "running out of money" in any way shape or form, you're saddly mistaken. If SE was concerned about lower income and what not for FFXI - They wouldn't be cracking down on RMT's so much and just allowing them to purchase as many accounts as they wanted.

Second of all, these aren't "Expansions" - they're mission packs. A set group of missions that tell a story. Nothing more, nothing less. They're designed to bring more depth and development to FFXI, not more areas, features or other design elements. They are a direct response to players crying out for more story. That's all.

As for Amino... There are a number of reasons he didn't do the art work (IE: Work on other SE projects, work on other projects he has) - and the fact that he's only ever done the cover art for Expansion packs! At the most!

You worry about "them not affording" Amino: Kato left SE, they paid him to come back and design 3 new scenarios for them and impliment them. This, to me, indicates that SE has put A LOT of time, money and effort into these.

You say the Sky isn't falling, but you jump to the worst conclusions. All these are, are story elements to keep players happy (esp the long time players who have finished all three nations, and expansions).

Few other thoughts:

I have the sneaking suspicion that these scenario's have been lying around (Either at SE or in Kato's own mind) for a while, but they've finally gotten back together and implimented them.

I wonder if there's going to be rewards for doing these missions (Gil being the most obvious, or even items/events/gear/fun little things). I would assume so, as it gives players a reason for doing it, beyond the story element.

And finally - it's nice to see Moogles stepping up and taking some story elements for their own. Looking at the picture - I would find it bloody hillarious if a Moogle tried to become the new Shadow Lord!

Hmmm

# Nov 23 2008 at 9:09 PM Rating: Good

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16 posts

I have no choice but to side with the people who are enthusiastic about these "Expansions" The main reason being we have yet to see any tried and tested signs of MMO "failure" in FFXI. As I've posted before and as many of you know the first true sign worth worrying over is when servers are forced to migrate. Since this game was launched not one server was killed off due to lack of population. Secondly to back up that FFXI isn't dying, SE continues to combat RMT companies through channels and means other companies haven't been able to do thus far. The actions our Special Task Force perform costs a lot of money and man power. Literally 24/7 detective work on their part is required to successfully enforce their TOS. Another point many of you .dat miners know very well is that rank 11-15 has been ready for deployment since day one, which leads me to believe that this new content is in fact those missions for each nation. This new content may in fact have been on the cutting room floor just waiting be tossed in. To that I welcome it with open arms. It's not like they're diverting their focus from actual expansion pacts like WoTG or ToAU, they're listening to what we as a community have to say. The majority of us seem to have shown SE we need more content that many of us who don't focus primarily on endgame can enjoy. If that is in fact the case, how come most of us fear that FFXI is dying? Shouldn't we be rejoicing in the fact that we still have a company that offers support, cracks down on entities ruining our in game economy and brings us new content (on a fairly regular basis)? For those who fear this game is truly dying, it might be time for you to pick up and try a new game. I'm not saying I don't want you to play anymore but maybe it's time for something different. Perhaps you actually feel this game is so stale that when new content is announced it's a means to an end.

Hmmm

# Nov 24 2008 at 10:47 AM Rating: Default

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15 posts

"they're listening to what we as a community have to say."

I'd like to know where they go listen to us. I'm still waiting for a better UI where I can color code text beyond differentiating me to others (without more specifics like party or enemies). That's one of many improvements that can be done that won't put pressure on the old PS2s.

hmm

# Nov 22 2008 at 4:13 PM Rating: Excellent

__DEL__1591816594892

Scholar

288 posts

Maybe it'll be where the Nation ranks 11-15 come from.

<_<

# Nov 22 2008 at 11:46 AM Rating: Good

Onionthiefx

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793 posts

happy friday? lol

____________________________

I might be an onion thief, but I'm still a thief.â„¢

Can't wait!

# Nov 22 2008 at 11:27 AM Rating: Good

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44 posts

They said it will run about $10 per pack.

I think this is amazing!!! I can't wait.

I can understand the apprehension that some people might have about getting these, and not finding people to do them. But personally, I do almost everything with my static, so I'm very excited about this!

Why do I need a subject?

# Nov 22 2008 at 9:40 AM Rating: Good

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960 posts

Anyone else notice there is 1 pack for each nation, it's like a quest expansion for each nation, looks like the first one covers the battle of tavnazia picking up where the last quest for Sandoria left off.

Interesting

# Nov 22 2008 at 9:12 AM Rating: Good

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3,112 posts

Really wonder how these will play out. Not quite sure how I feel about having to pay more money for a couple of side stories, but if they make them entertaining it might be worthwhile.

Could be interesting.

# Nov 22 2008 at 9:01 AM Rating: Decent

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329 posts

I doubt they'll cost much. Maybe a few USD at the most, but nothing as large as $19.99. I'm hoping around $5 at the most.

I think, cost aside, that this is a good idea for Square-Enix. It is very similar to DLC's, though uh.. since we're already paying a fee it kind of makes you want to say WTF. We'll see how it goes and judge from there.

WOTG? wheres the end of...?

# Nov 22 2008 at 7:20 AM Rating: Decent

__DEL__1637541045404

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28 posts

Why cant we get WOTG mission line finished and released before more stuff is released?

WOTG? wheres the end of...?

# Nov 22 2008 at 9:31 AM Rating: Default

__DEL__1592347330547

960 posts

Quote:

Why cant we get WOTG mission line finished and released before more stuff is released?

No expansion is ever complete before another is released that's how SE works get used to it or leave.

Quote:

because SE is ADD now to match their consumers.
ToAh (supposedly complete)

SE directly stated ToAU is not yet complete when asked, do not assume.

I'm excited about this change of pace, WoTG's campaign grind is getting boring, and the missions though imaginitive are lacking in hardcore content. I feel the 3 new add on missions will bring an excellent angle to the experience, however they are not full expansions to FFXI they seem to be more expansions to WoTG instead. Notice RoTZ director is sited to have produced these, then what is CoP team working on?

WOTG? wheres the end of...?

# Nov 25 2008 at 11:47 AM Rating: Default

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343 posts

CoP team is being put on early retirement, after the disastrous expansion that is CoP though they somewhat redeem themselves with WoTG. RoTZ team did ToAU, so it is only logical they are doing the 3 pack mini downloadable content. Unfortunately hardcore gaming is somewhat over, the rise of casual gamers are way overwhelming, so SE probably decided to get smart and grow some INT and business plan and decided to make the game way more enjoyable instead of punishing the casual gamers. I say way to go, no more hardcore contents that takes hours, and make TONS of content that everyone can enjoy.

WOTG? wheres the end of...?

# Nov 25 2008 at 12:35 PM Rating: Excellent

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Sage

133 posts

CoP was disastrous? How??? Bibiki Bay and NPC fellows weren't exactly failures. Promies sucked, but I may just be bitter because I have yet to not get slaughtered in Promy-mea.

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 8:09 AM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) because SE is ADD now to match their consumers.

Cautiously Optimistic

# Nov 22 2008 at 6:55 AM Rating: Excellent

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21,262 posts

It looks like these will be small storyline expansions only - no new jobs or areas. (Or if there are areas, they'll comprise of maybe one or two new zones and a dungeon -- The Moogle Homeland, anyone?)

NPC character development isn't necessarily a bad thing. It looks like we'll get more info about Aldo and Emmeline; we kinda know what happened to them 20 years ago, and where they are today, but the road in between is blank.

These also appear to be "optional" storylines since they are being released separately. Whereas ToAU turned out to be almost required since that's where everyone leveled, it doesn't look like these missions are going to be required for anything other than storyline.

Cautiously Optimistic

# Nov 22 2008 at 7:00 AM Rating: Good

__DEL__1603066663632

Sage

121 posts

Looks like they're taking their cues from Sony Online Entertainment. They did the same thing for Everquest 2 and called them "Adventure Packs".

We'll see how this plays out. I'll buy the first one, and whether I buy the others is dependent upon the quality of the writing and how much I'm getting.

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 6:38 AM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) yea, and give a look mostly to the expansion of the mog and shantotto...looks like a lolevent of halloween that every years give the same lolitems ( or yea, this year we got the body piece yay! another inventory space -1 piece, you can store it on the npc right, but so why bother do an unuseful items just for take it and store it in the npc? pointless)

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 6:02 AM, Rating: Unrated, (Expand Post) this is ridiculous, like ultimate and ixious said, wtf, this is terrible, we could all come up with better storylines than SE, we should have a forum for it! but anyway, seeing as how SE is using monkeys to type write their stories, we should at least be getting a lower cost cause i sure as hell know it doesn't cost 13$ to run the game on servers

woooooooow

# Nov 22 2008 at 2:41 PM Rating: Excellent

__DEL__1591933109781

418 posts

I play this game for the story lines and I *LOVE* all of them! Why are you in this forum anyway? Aren't you a WoW player? WoW's storylines suck compared to FFXI.

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 5:43 AM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) sigh...what's happening to our game...

#REDACTED, Posted: Nov 22 2008 at 4:27 AM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) <(O.O)> umm....for the love of all that is Vana'diel...let it be a lie..a horrible horrible lie......

Holy Crap!

# Nov 22 2008 at 4:15 AM Rating: Excellent

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Sage

133 posts

Too Cool! Can't wait! Wonder how much they'll cost... oh well, doing it anyways, lol.

Awesome

# Nov 22 2008 at 4:11 AM Rating: Excellent

__DEL__1595780809224

Sage

803 posts

Holy crap, lovin' that artwork for Crystalline Prophecy and Shantotto.

May need computer for game alone

# Nov 25 2008 at 4:04 PM Rating: Good

__DEL__1646007550510

915 posts

If they keep adding expansions and more storylines we'll have to buy a computer exclusively for FFXI.

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