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Two Square Enix insiders who are working on the Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy XI are featured in an interview in the latest issue of Famitsu Xbox. Executive Producer Hiromichi Tanaka reveals that, for Xbox 360 FFXI, he's most excited about the European market, as the game will be making its console debut on the 360 there. Meanwhile, programmer Yasuhiro Yamamoto reveals that development on the game is at 55%, with all graphics work finished.


Yamamoto states that development on the 360 version of FFXI started two or three months prior to E3 -- at around February or March of this year. The game was ported over from the Windows version smoothly, and at the time of E3, development was far enough that players could log into a server and move around.
It's known that Square Enix originally had plans to bring FFXI to the original Xbox. According to Tanaka, development on the game's Xbox version began a year or so after the Xbox launched. Had development continued, Square Enix could have launched the game at the start of the Xbox Live service.

Commenting on the upcoming beta test, Tanaka confirms that Square Enix is still on track to begin at the system's launch later this year. Specifics on the beta test program, including the number of testers and the means of signing up, will be revealed in the future, following discussions with Microsoft. The beta test will take place on an exclusive Xbox 360 server and is designed primarily to test the interaction between Xbox Live and Square Enix's own Online service, Play Online, as well as put the Xbox-specific features to the test (we're not sure what those are just yet). The final version will run on the same servers as the Windows and PS2 versions.

In terms of game content, it looks as though Xbox 360 players will be able to look forward to everything the PS2 and Windows players currently have. While Tanaka won't specify exactly what will be included with the 360 version, he states that he hopes to get in everything up to the latest expansion pack, Chains of Promathia. Tanaka hopes to have updates available simultaneously for all versions in the future.

The two developers also share a bit about the next generation massively multiplayer Online RPG demo that Square Enix showed at Microsoft's pre-E3 press conference. Tanaka states that the trailer was just a test in order to see what types of imagery could be displayed in an MMORPG designed for a next generation system or the next generation of Windows. It's not the case that the trailer that was shown will be transformed into a game, but using the technology featured in the trailer, Square Enix will develop a next generation MMORPG.

Yamamoto chimes in with some technical details about the demo. The trailer shows normal mapping, reflection mapping and other effects. These are things that the team will be using in its next generation MMORPG engine. Including stuff that you don't see, the demo scene consists of 18 million polygons. Characters use a similar polygon count as what we see in FFXI, but they look much smoother using a number of visual effects. Development originally began with a target for the next generation Windows platform, but all work was ported over to the Xbox 360 in time for E3. Yamamoto states that the port went smoothly.

Microsoft will hold a press conference in Japan later this month, announcing more details on Xbox 360 and its games. We hope to see more from Square Enix at that time.

 

[midnightguy]

nice, thanks for posting it

 

[TheJollyCorner]

...but isn't FFXI currently dying?

 

[Scott]

...but isn't FFXI currently dying?

No?

 

[LittleTokyo]

It will be pretty sweet if Square Enix makes all its online games cross-platform. Too bad EA hasn't done something like that with Madden...

 

[LittleTokyo]

...but isn't FFXI currently dying?

A friend and I have been playing this summer. Not sure how you define dying but there are more than enough players to keep things fun and interesting still.

 

[TheJollyCorner]

I'd love for FFXI to continue to be successful. It was a bit unforgiving for my tastes, but I've always appreciated the ambition of the project.

I just wondered if it was dying because Square sends me an e-mail every week begging me to 'Come Back to Vana'Diel- Regain Your Old Character! 1st Month FREE again!"

I only got to lv.22....
it's not like I was a critical part of Vana'diel's backbone.

 

[LittleTokyo]

Yeah, they sent that email to me too, except my character WASN'T ON THEIR SERVER ANYMORE! Thanks Squeenix!

 

[gigapower]

I'd love for FFXI to continue to be successful. It was a bit unforgiving for my tastes, but I've always appreciated the ambition of the project.

I just wondered if it was dying because Square sends me an e-mail every week begging me to 'Come Back to Vana'Diel- Regain Your Old Character! 1st Month FREE again!"

I only got to lv.22....
it's not like I was a critical part of Vana'diel's backbone.

That's just typical MMO trying to get you re-hooked.

 

[TheJollyCorner]

Here's what I wonder-

X360 is just getting a graphically updated version of FFXI that people are already playing, right? I imagine Square will try to have a version ready for PS3 launch (or not far from launch) as well... so I wonder how long until the rumored 'next step' of FFXI comes out (i.e. a legitimate 'next gen' update of FFXI)? How will that carry over/transition? It goes without saying that when FFXIII comes out for the PS3, FFXI (even a graphically juiced up version) should look remarkably inferior... but who knows?

I've been thinking about this situation since FFXI was first announced in primative form at the Square Millenium Conference in 2000.

 

[DopeyFish]

According to Tanaka, development on the game's Xbox version began a year or so after the Xbox launched. Had development continued, Square Enix could have launched the game at the start of the Xbox Live service

a) Xbox Live launched exactly a year after Xbox did, so wtf.

and b) TOLD YOU SO.

 

[Neex]

I don't see why anyone would think it's acceptable that a game originally being developped in the early generation of the xbox is being ported to 360. Even if the graphics are being polished, it seems like such a minor improvement in lieu of the power under the hood of the console that you've paid for. It's like buying a Dodge Viper with the governor set at 60. It looks nice, but you can't utilize what you bought it for in the first place.

 

[DopeyFish]

I don't see why anyone would think it's acceptable that a game originally being developped in the early generation of the xbox is being ported to 360. Even if the graphics are being polished, it seems like such a minor improvement in lieu of the power under the hood of the console that you've paid for. It's like buying a Dodge Viper with the governor set at 60. It looks nice, but you can't utilize what you bought it for in the first place.

more games, the better.

never got to play FFXI till now..

and i never see anyone complaining about such incredible titles like KOF/Metal Slug/Street fighter showing up on Xbox/PS2/etc.

 

[TheJollyCorner]

good point, Neex.... hense my never-ending pondering on the toilet of the next 'phase', you might say, of FFXI. How long until it come out? Will it have significant changes to the FFXI formula? Will this damned dingleberry ever fall off my ass-hair? Etc.

 

[Suikoguy]

more games, the better.

never got to play FFXI till now..

and i never see anyone complaining about such incredible titles like KOF/Metal Slug/Street fighter showing up on Xbox/PS2/etc.

Hmm... could it be THAT THOSE GAMES ARE 2D?!

 

[sangreal]

Hmm... could it be THAT THOSE GAMES ARE 2D?!

Could it be that that was his point?

 

[Suikoguy]

Could it be that that was his point?

No, his point was, (at least the way I read it)
was that people buy older ported titles, however I was making the point that 2D ages better, and its nostolgic, while a old 3D game is not unless its a true classic.

 

[DopeyFish]

No, his point was, (at least the way I read it)
was that people buy older ported titles, however I was making the point that 2D ages better, and its nostolgic, while a old 3D game is not unless its a true classic.

a game is a game.

metal slug/KOF/Street fighter are all titles from older consoles with shit graphics (Even by 2D standards :lol) which doesn't take advantage of the console _at all_.

nostalgia has nothing to do with what is discussed.

 

[Gattsu25]

while a old 3D game is not unless its a true classic.

Well, we are talking about FFXI here...

anyway...does this mean that FFXI doesn't "suck" now? the bandwagon swaying is all too confusing here...

edit: Hell...I don't give a damn if Metal Slug doesn't take advantage of the platform it was invented on...the games (at least up till 3) looked damn good and quiet a bit better than it's competition. the animation rapes so many other games

 

[PC Gaijin]

This thread was up for almost an hour before Suikoguy posted? You're slipping dude :lol

FFXI could probably be improved graphically if Square was ever willing to abandon the PS2 userbase. Perhaps that could happen, but it doesn't seem likely anytime soon since the PS2 base is large. And I can't see any MMO on a console looking as good as an offline RPG given the difference in what is displayed (a large number of varying models in an MMO vs. a much smaller number for an offline RPG).

As for FFXI on 360: what is the big deal that makes this such a negative, other than the usual Microsoft-haters? It's another game, filling a hole in Microsoft's lineup (no MMOs on the Xbox, and none other than this on the 360 that I'm aware of).

 

[DCharlie]

"FFXI could probably be improved graphically if Square was ever willing to abandon the PS2 userbase."

according to famitsu, it's got widescreen support, a much longer draw distance than the PC version, and will have graphical effects beyond the PC version.

The FF nuts seem to just not want it to choke as much in Juno!

Also - even if Square don't support voice chat... it doesn't matter now right?
You and your friends/party can open up a voice/video connection between each other anyways. AND you wouldn't have to deal with having to listen to people around you.

 

[Jonnyram]

I imagine Square will try to have a version ready for PS3 launch (or not far from launch) as well...

It's already been said that is not happening at the moment, because SCE doesn't have a HDD sorted out right now.

 

[PC Gaijin]

according to famitsu, it's got widescreen support, a much longer draw distance than the PC version, and will have graphical effects beyond the PC version.

The FF nuts seem to just not want it to choke as much in Juno!

Also - even if Square don't support voice chat... it doesn't matter now right?
You and your friends/party can open up a voice/video connection between each other anyways. AND you wouldn't have to deal with having to listen to people around you.

Interesting. I wonder why the draw distance and graphical effects wouldn't be done for the PC version? The draw distance could actually affect gameplay a little (for when you're honing in that NM pop :lol). I think the PC version already supports widescreen (I know the PS2 version does). One of my friends runs PC FFXI on a 53" widescreen 720p DLP TV, and the game is gorgeous, so I don't put much stock in all the "oh, the game will look like crap on 360 so no one will want it wah wah" talk.

Has Square said anything about voice chat for the 360 version? Personally, I'm not interested in voice at all. I'm also curious as to how PlayOnline will integrate with Live, or if there will be any integration at all. I've always thought POL was rather crappy so I wouldn't mind seeing it gone .

 

[Zaptruder]

It's already been said that is not happening at the moment, because SCE doesn't have a HDD sorted out right now.

Well, I'm guessing, unlike the PS2 which also supported a HD, that this time around they're not going for any restricted standard... so long as it fits the 2.5" slot.

Who knows? maybe if they have some brains they'll even support USB hard drives right off the bat.

 

[Suikoguy]

This thread was up for almost an hour before Suikoguy posted? You're slipping dude :lol

Sorry, i've been playing games lately
I was just burned on FFXI (spent $50 for the PC version)
Squares convoulted methods just irked me to no end.. Lack of Alt tab was the kicker for me though. I remember there was actually a program that allowed you to alt tab, but square quickly fixed it. Its the only MMORPG I can think of that does not allow alt tab.

Well, I'm guessing, unlike the PS2 which also supported a HD, that this time around they're not going for any restricted standard... so long as it fits the 2.5" slot.

Who knows? maybe if they have some brains they'll even support USB hard drives right off the bat.

I certainly hope so.

 

[Shouta]

The program still is around =P.

 

[Suikoguy]

The program still is around =P.

But I bet its still considered illegal, and could get your account suspended

 

[Polari]

Microsoft are super-dumb for not letting Square put FFXI on the original Xbox. That would've blown my mind back then.

 

[Monk]

Wow, xboxgamers is back. Nice to see you again.

 

[Suikoguy]

Microsoft are super-dumb for not letting Square put FFXI on the original Xbox. That would've blown my mind back then.

True, it would have had an actual impact.. but now..

anyway, i'll leave future FFXI threads alone

 

[djtiesto]

I doubt it, but it would be nice if you didn't have to pay for FFXI on top of the premium Live service. I might even give it a play just to see what the big deal is (my brother's in love with the game).

 

[DarkCloud]

I doubt it, but it would be nice if you didn't have to pay for FFXI on top of the premium Live service. I might even give it a play just to see what the big deal is (my brother's in love with the game).

New live structure for 360 allows MMORPG's to be played seperate from Xbox Live Gold. You just have to pay for that MMORPG's monthly fee. So for PC/PS2 players already playing all they'd need is the Xbox 360 version of FFXI and their login info to start playing out of the box.

 

[Mrbob]

I don't see the point of voice support in a MMORPG except for one area where I think voice support could be cool. It would be nice if voice support kicked in after you formed a party. Where you can only hear the chatter between those of you in your party. It would make questing a little easier.

 

[sprsk]

I don't see the point of voice support in a MMORPG except for one area where I think voice support could be cool. It would be nice if voice support kicked in after you formed a party. Where you can only hear the chatter between those of you in your party. It would make questing a little easier.

voice chat is pretty much a required in end game WoW

 

[DarkCloud]

why not just limit voice to a seperate chat option period...

like they have /shout which is all parts of the area for all to hear, /say which is limited range for all to hear, /tell which is P2P, etc...make a /voice which is like /LS or /PT...

 

[Mrbob]

why not just limit voice to a seperate chat option period...

like they have /shout which is all parts of the area for all to hear, /say which is limited range for all to hear, /tell which is P2P, etc...make a /voice which is like /LS or /PT...

No way. I don't want some stupid kid or some idiot screaming at the top of their lungs trying to annoy people. It gets bad enough reading some of that text which pops up from time to time at the bottom of the screen.

 

[DarkCloud]

No way. I don't want some stupid kid or some idiot screaming at the top of their lungs trying to annoy people. It gets bad enough reading some of that text which pops up from time to time at the bottom of the screen.

that's what blacklisting is for.

Or they could have an option to vote on voice in pt...or a toggle to mute if need be. For various quests voice is extremely useful...especially the promevians.

 

[Buggy Loop]

I don't see why anyone would think it's acceptable that a game originally being developped in the early generation of the xbox is being ported to 360. Even if the graphics are being polished, it seems like such a minor improvement in lieu of the power under the hood of the console that you've paid for. It's like buying a Dodge Viper with the governor set at 60. It looks nice, but you can't utilize what you bought it for in the first place.

I would say its unacceptable if the game was single player, but its not, so it is acceptable, really it is

I play it on PS2 and its so-so, the game is a mind blowing piece of technical achievement to have put it on PS2, but yes im looking forward to x360 version or ps3 if it ever happens, HD resolution, 2x draw distance, and who knows, maybe a lag free jeuno?

Trust me, im pretty sure even jeuno will bring 360's power down to its knees and beg for its momma, that power under the hood will be used when entering that place, you can bet on that

I was thinking about 2x draw distance though and its gonna give 360 players a big advantage for pulling, if he sees a monster roaming far off the distance he can head there and go pull it, while PS2 puller sees half that draw distance and is not aware of that mob, so he continue roaming around, or use widescan if he's a rng. Same for farming.

 

[DCharlie]

"No way. I don't want some stupid kid or some idiot screaming at the top of their lungs trying to annoy people. It gets bad enough reading some of that text which pops up from time to time at the bottom of the screen."

square enix aren't supporting voice chat natively
HOWEVER, you can chose to open a voice/video chanel with people you are playing with.

it's all good, unless you hate your friends too

 

[DCharlie]

"I don't see the point of voice support in a MMORPG "

l o o k o u t... t h e r e i s a m o b b e h i n ....
oh never mind.

"watch your back man"
"Cheers, didn't see it there"

?

 

[RuGalz]

Juno never slows down on my pc I don't know why people expect it to on x360. The fact that people pop in and out is because of the engine/design decision not because of the hardware.

ffxi for original xbox? ya if it had a 20G hdd instead of... 8...

 

[PC Gaijin]

Juno never slows down on my pc I don't know why people expect it to on x360. The fact that people pop in and out is because of the engine/design decision not because of the hardware.

ffxi for original xbox? ya if it had a 20G hdd instead of... 8...

I was about to post this. There is an option in the config that adjusts how many people are drawn. I hardly have a monster rig yet Jeuno doesn't really present a problem for me.

And while the revelation that Square was working on FFXI for the original Xbox is interesting, I don't see how it would have been possible given the size of the hard drive. FFXI with expansions is over 5GB on the PC and over 8GB on PS2 (although that might be due to some weird partitioning scheme used on the PS2 hard drive). I don't know exactly how much space is available on the Xbox hard drive for game saves (less than 8GB though), but if FFXI did manage to fit on there it would probably take almost all your save space.

 

[Neex]

...Or they would put the game on a DVD, where it would fit just fine.

 

[Gen X]

A friend and I have been playing this summer. Not sure how you define dying but there are more than enough players to keep things fun and interesting still.

Yeah, but what about when the 360 version is released? Surely a majority will have moved on.

 

[jimbo]

Yeah, but what about when the 360 version is released? Surely a majority will have moved on.

Yeah but then you'll have 360 players that will take their place. It's like when PSO came out for the Xbox. There were plenty of people online.

Anyway I'd rather see a Phantasy Star Universe port rather than FFXI for the 360.

 

[sangreal]

A beta of the 360 version of FFXI will start at launch and the final version shouldn't be too far behind. Why would the "majority" of ~600k (and growing) players suddenly move on?

 

[Kabuki Waq]

a game is a game.

FFXi is NOT a game.


SCAM

 

[Buggy Loop]

Plus the upcoming expansion pack.. FFXI isnt gonna disapear from the mmorpg world for a long long time.