Final Fantasy XI sequel revealed
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jul 17th 2006 at 4:30PM }
According to Japan's Nikkei Net (via IGN), Square Enix is working on a sequel to Final Fantasy XI. The upcoming MMORPG is being developed for PC (Vista), PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Prior to this revelation, Square Enix had hinted at a new MMO project, previewing a trailer featuring a 'next-gen' MMORPG engine. However, at this time, it's unclear if the FFXI sequel is indeed the game that will utilize this engine.[Thanks, Master X]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Derbeste @ Jul 17th 2006 4:45PM
Hopefully the sequel will be completely redesigned with a MUCH faster pace and the practical ability to take on more than one enemy at a time. I'm pulling for a REAL PvP system too.
If they can do that and keep the essence of the original alive (read job system), It might be worth looking up.
Ken @ Jul 17th 2006 4:46PM
I just purchased a copy of FFXI for the PC after taking a year off. Kudos to Square for still having my character available for reactiviation.
However, I am finding the transition from PS2 to PC play difficult and am eager to return to the console version. My concern is whether or not our current characters will be transferable to this "new" FFXI.
I spent over a year getting Spoonybard to level 75 and I am not overly eager to start again.
Zero @ Jul 17th 2006 4:58PM
This will be great until PC hardware yet again surpasses the abilities of the consoles. Currently, FFXI is completely burdened by having to be able to run on a PS2; maybe SE will at least allow PC users to download updated art and meshes when that point comes for FFXI-2.
Chessasaur @ Jul 17th 2006 4:59PM
A 75th level bard?? Oh that's tough...prancing around belting out little tunes while we warriors do all the work! Put down the harp, pick up a sword and hit something!
(pause for breathing....)
Just kidding there. ;) As a nearly 2 year player, this is GREAT news. My friends and I have really enjoyed playing but the current FFXI game is held back in many ways by it's lowest common denominator - the PS2. A "next gen" version would be a welcome upgrade. Would like to see more questing (for good stuff not just a few gil). They could also ease up a bit on the difficulty at higher levels. As for PvP, I hope it doesn't get added - it is the road to RPG anarchy.
Zoë K. @ Jul 17th 2006 5:09PM
F*CK YES!!
Loque @ Jul 17th 2006 5:10PM
Try a white mage, guys. I keep your arses alive!
Zoë K. @ Jul 17th 2006 5:12PM
Ahem... *clears throat*...
...excuse me.
Well, suffice to say, I shall be red mage-in' it up for years and years to come. Here's hoping Square-Enix has taken a few notes from Blizzard going into this new project.
Damn James... you done did made mah day!
Night Elve @ Jul 17th 2006 5:18PM
This game needs too the "Fun Item". If im gonna spend money every month in a MMO i would play Lineage 2 or CoH instead of this.
def @ Jul 17th 2006 5:23PM
I just recently started playing FFXI on a whim. It's my first MMORPG and I while I have to say it's stretched out and difficult, it's very rewarding experience that kind've mimics the enjoyable challenge i had playing FF1 (my 1st rpg.)
But please, this time at least change the texture colors for each version of a monster type squeenix!!
Franky Digital @ Jul 17th 2006 5:30PM
All they need to do to improve on their last outing is make the game more accessible to the average gamer. Hardcore MMO players cannot support a game anymore; those days ended with EQ. And eliminating the cross-culture servers would be great; god knows mixing Americans with Japanese led to many, many problems.
Bryan @ Jul 17th 2006 5:31PM
Let's hope they've learned a thing or two from WoW.
ac @ Jul 17th 2006 5:38PM
I hope they do better this time (By doing pretty much what everyone above has suggested) , FFXI being my first official mmo ( monster and me before that ) I loved the game, Though I have to agree the game did have those FUN time and most of the time they happened within the linkshell chat, and not in the game :(
btw I think its time for a new race eh?
3rd expansion now and not 1 new race yet,
futurebiblehero @ Jul 17th 2006 5:59PM
I just hope they make it less punishing. No, I'm not asking for everything to be on par with WoW, but FFXI was one of the most time consuming and punishing games on the market period. It even deterred a lot of the MMO vets.
Speeding it up to DAoC's pace (pre-ToA) would be nice. The ability to level without a 100% optimal / perfect group would be even better.
spoo @ Jul 17th 2006 6:22PM
This will not bo a sequal to FFXI. It is going to be a MMORPG from the FFXI team. I could be wrong but I sure that IGN is the ones who are wrong.
spoo @ Jul 17th 2006 6:25PM
*be
*sequel
wow I can't type today /sigh
Xelloss @ Jul 17th 2006 6:26PM
Ya I have been hearing about since 2005's E3, but I wish they would give us a little more info. I played FFXI for 2 years and bought the 360 ver, but our Linkshell collapsed after going strong since Launch of the game on PC. A few online friends still play but the game got too time consuming and looking for partys was getting really annoying. If they can pull off a great looking game with solo-play, party still more storage for items and just next gen graphics, then I am sold once again.
Ken @ Jul 17th 2006 6:27PM
Yup, level 75 Bard. I'd be happy to send a screenshot to prove it.
I'm just glad to see it coming to the PS3, as I am one of the few who plans to buy Sony's new $600 Final Fantasy to Television converter this fall.
lordroba @ Jul 17th 2006 7:01PM
hmmm.... this is weird.
At Jeux France, they had a little info about a new FF online in the works tagged "Fabula Nova Crystallis". As we already know this is the same name given to one of the Final Fantasy XIII titles...
Insomnia Bob @ Jul 17th 2006 7:59PM
Well, this is good. I played FFXI for a while, and while I found it interesting, it lacked a certain X factor that keeps me interested in MMORPGs. Though I will say, cross classing in an MMO? Very nice.
For it's first online offering, FFXI was solid. I'm looking forward to their next game. Who knows, it might just be the one that knocks WOW off it's throne.
Vampirehunter Z @ Jul 18th 2006 1:13AM
I do hope they make it easier. They should also allow you to make sufficient gil by just leveling. If you take the time to pick up a craft then you can make the extra gil for the optimum gear.
Fighting more monsters at a time would also be cool. 99% of the time it's one party against one monster and it's not like it's a boss. Solo-ing could be one player against one monster and for parties you could fight a party of monsters.
Because of the long leveling times and the strict level requirements for missions the story moments are far and few inbetween. They should design it so that there is a decent flow from mission to mission.
There should also be english only servers so it's easier to take advantage of voice. Alot of MMOs are coming out and even though this IS a FF I'll sign up for the beta b4 I decide on purchasing. Endless grinding gets tired after a while.
gunkan @ Jul 18th 2006 7:40AM
didn't square announce another MMO shortly after the US release of FFXI? Something like Fantasy Earth. I just remember they had a video for it as well as a japanese website.
mathew @ Jul 18th 2006 10:14AM
a pdf disclaimer from SE:
http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/news/2006/download/release_060718en.pdf
so nope, no ffxi-2
Lee @ Jul 18th 2006 11:38AM
Mathew, from the sounds of that disclaimer, especially the end, they could just be trying to encourage purchases of XI and their expansion packs.
I don't know/care what to believe, the waiting around and speculation about games gets tired quickly, I'd rather just wait for something definitive. "Rumor" articles provide almost no satisfaction, not compared to "CONFIRMED" articles, that usually make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. =P