We are extremely thrilled to announce the launching of our latest site, IGN Music Hub, for the upcoming Activision's hugely successful "Hero" games with special attention on the upcoming Guitar Hero 5, DJ Hero and Band Hero. So take a moment to drop by and see what is going on with the up coming games. While there, be sure to check out the Hero Wiki section for all your needs and maybe add a bit of your knowledge while you are there!
Square has turned Characrer Reactivation back on. Here are the details:
Previously we have announced that the temporary suspension of Character Reactivation Service is scheduled from Aug. 24, 2009 19:00 to Aug. 25, 2009 8:00 (PDT). However due to the completion of PlayOnline registration server emergency maintenance, service has resumed on Aug. 25, 2009 at 3:30 (PDT).
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have cause.
[Date & Time]
From Aug. 24, 2009 19:00 to Aug. 25, 2009 3:30 (PDT)
Final Fantasy 14 – the next MMO from Square Enix is set to hit our PCs and Playstation 3s by the end of 2010 but what about Microsoft’s white box? Well even though Final Fantasy XI made to the 360 shortly after launch that doesn’t mean 14 will be following.
Citing issues with Microsoft’s network policy – more specifically the ability for cross-platform communication. Square wants to allow all versions to played on the same servers. Typically Xbox 360 games are not compatible with their PC counterparts.
Square says they are in negotiations with Microsoft and are “considering the platform” for future developments. Once we have more news on a possible 360 version we’ll be sure to bring it to you.
Kotaku recently took a trip to GamesCom and cornered a representative about the possibility of an FF7 remake. According to Square - “No project exists” for a next generation version of Final Fantasy Seven. For now we will have to enjoy playing the original on the PlayStation Network. Here is the official quote:
"There's not official project that's up and running for a remake ofFinal Fantasy VII at this point. Both Toriyama-san and Kitase-san were involved in the development of the game, however, and it holds a special place in their hearts. They do talk about it on a personal level, like, 'If we did it it would be like this or like that.'
So, they do talk about it, but there's no official project yet. But there's that PSN release that just came out, so if you could play that for the time being, it should be fun."
IGN PS3 posted a brief hands on with the alpha build that was on show at GamesCon. Unfortunately the text was in a foreign language – we’re assuming Japanese – so the text couldn’t be read. As we all know the landscapes/races and styles are similar to Final Fantasy XI. The alpha quest was a monster killing quest for the entire party to kill x monsters. Here is what Charles Onyett had to say:
"The idea of the quest was for our party to go out and collect or kill five somethings. Every time the unidentifiable thing was killed or collected, an update popped up near the top center of the screen letting me know what had just happened elsewhere. Across the green fields and under the blue skies were scattered a number of weak, mouse-like enemies. Hitting the F key (this was the PC version) brought me into battle mode, and from there I could initiate a number of ranged and melee attacks, as well as trigger a few special abilities. Aside from seeing the damage numbers pop up over myself and the enemies, it was difficult to tell exactly what the effects were doing, with one attack unleashing a vicious looking fiery swipe of the hunter's arm, and another initiating a bubble-like magical effect around my character."
Square Enix has posted a new notice that the registration service will be down tonight.
The PlayOnline registration server will be unavailable due to emergency maintenance at the following time. During this period, the following services will be unavailable:
- Register or unsubscribe PlayOnline accounts
- Review or update member information
- Review, purchase, cancel, or reactivate Content IDs
- Purchase expansion pack registration codes
- Apply for the World Transfer Service
- Access PlayOnline Membership Information from the official PlayOnline web site (http://www.playonline.com)
- Register Reward Codes
- Apply for the Character Reactivation Service
- Purchase Security Tokens
Thank you for your patience.
[Date & Time]
From Aug. 24, 2009 20:00 to Aug. 25, 2009 8:00 (PDT)
* Maintenance completion time may be subject to change.
The first gameplay footage of Final Fantasy 14 has emerged from the Square Enix booth in Germany. These videos were taken off-screen from what is being assumed as an alpha build so there are many aspects that may change over the course of development.
What we can see from these videos are that Crystals are used for teleportation, the camera angle used is very similar to the one used in XI as well. There are also excellent use of paritcle effect during combat. One glaring issue occurs with textures loading around the characters. This will obviously be fixed before release.
We've got a notice that went up over the weekend. The latest system update may have caused issues with the POL Viewer. Check below here for the full details..
We have confirmed the following issue in regards to the new "Clear System Cache" feature which was added during the Xbox 360 system update on Aug. 11, 2009.
[Confirmed Issue]
- Upon using the "Clear System Cache" feature, the PlayOnline Viewer and FINAL FANTASY would be uninstalled.
We ask that you not use the "Clear System Cache" feature until the issue is addressed.
If you have experienced the above issue, you will need to re-install the PlayOnline Viewer and FINAL FANTASY XI. Please be aware that the following data will be reset in the process.
- Member settings
- Email account settings, address book, and email content
- Sent/received messages
- Option settings
- Data saved in the file management folder (such as screenshots)
- Files saved in the PlayOnline Viewer (such as macro settings)
- Macro content
- Map markings
- Part of the configuration settings
- Desired sort settings (Will return to default settings)
We might have not posted much coverage for the mini-expansion to FFXI “A Moogle Kupo dEtat”. Well, we are working on a guide for the newest instalment and until that is completed please enjoy the official trail courtesy of YouTube.
The first financial update from Square Enix since their acquisition of Eidos has been released. For the period ending June 30th their sales wee down 1.2 percent. That might seem like a bit of a downer but things actually looked a lot better for their games division which reported an increase of 7.2 percent. Reasons cited in several reports included rising FFXI subscriptions and exclusive games like Kingdom Hearts.
Square enix is set to report again at the beginning of November. Can we expect an increase? More than likely considering their latest Japanese blockbuster – Dragon Quest 9 – has sold more than three million copies since release this summer.
Here is a report that was posted in the PlayOnline security section of the FFXI official website. Since account security is something that is important to all of us here are some pointers.
Reports regarding unauthorized access have declined after the implementation of Square Enix Security Token. However, we are still receiving reports about them from users who have not implemented Square Enix Security Token. We would like to take this time to suggest possible ways to prevent the PlayOnline ID and password from being stolen through the Windows version of the PlayOnline Viewer.
- Do not share PlayOnline ID and password with anyone even if the other person is a close friend.
*Square Enix employee will never ask you for the PlayOnline password.
- Do not leave PlayOnline IDs and passwords written down where they may be found by others.
- Do not use a password which can easily be guessed by a third person.
- When accessing PlayOnline using a computer that will be shared by many others, be sure to use the "Guest Login" feature and not register the account information to the PlayOnline Viewer.
- While visiting various websites, do not click on a link if you are unsure about the content of the link.
- Do not use any type of third party software since there is a possibility of damage to the character data and danger of the PlayOnline ID and password being stolen.
- Be sure to install Windows Update and perform virus checks periodically to keep your computer's security setting up to date.
In addition, use of the Square Enix Security Token is very effective to prevent damage to game data through unauthorized access. If you are using the Windows version of the PlayOnline Viewer, it is highly recommended to use one.
In order to ensure that your personal data and the PlayOnline account remain safe and secure, please be sure to manage your Windows and internet connection settings.
With updates rolling in from the Final Fantasy 14 site there is no shortage of new content to share with all of you. Today’s update is five high resolution screenshots some of which you may have already seen. Some of these scenes are from the E3 2009 trailer. None the less they are spectacular in high resolution.
Square Enix president Yoichi Wada has made an announcement regarding the release date for Final Fantasy 13. Hold your breath because that announcement is that... they will announce the Japanese release date for FF13 in just a couple of weeks. Oh those jokers at Square – Always teasing us.
The Tokyo Game Show is just a few weeks away so we’re expecting details then. With the Noth American release is scheduled sometime in 2010, don’t expect many details for those on this side of the pacific. To keep fans appetite whet we’re sure there will at least be a new trailer.
As soon as more details are revealed on FF13 or 14 we will make sure to have them here for you!
It has been a long time since I made a post here on the site. It is with great anticipation that I bring the first official news about Square’s Next Generation MMO – Final Fantasy 14. It has been in development for a long time and now it has an official English web site.
Over at the site you will find many interesting tidbits amongst my favourites were:
The New Story – Learning the story of Eoreza and it’s formation. The story section of the website has a very indepth overview that will give potential players insight in to the world. Will you join a guild to help this shattered land?
The mystery of the “city states” - Similar to the three nations of Final Fantasy XI, Fourteen has three main city states. Currently only their names are known: Ul’Dah, Limsa and Gridania. Further details on these cities will probably be revealed closer to release.
The Reworked Races – The Hyur, Miqote, lalafell ,Elezen and the Roedadyn take the place of Final Fantasy XI’s main races. Each will seem familiar but their origins and motives have changed along with the settings.
Right now details are sparse. Hopefully, over the coming weeks we will be able to bring you many more details about one of the hottest MMOs for 2010.
Are you disgruntled that you have no say over when holidays fall in real life?
Well Square Enix wants to take away some of that angst by introducing a new Player Event Support system.
If you want to hold an event, you can have Moogles dress up as monsters, items and more, just to add some pizazz to your online get togethers, parties, and virtual "type-like-a-pirate" days.
"Any player’s idea can blossom into a new and amazing event!" they say.
You do need to apply for the special treatment, but I sense some YouTube videos coming our way as people get creative.
Bear with me as we pretend it's six days ago and I wasn't on vacation.
Square-Enix has released the July Version Update to Final Fantasy XI (on July 21, 2009).
The list is long with all the changes it brings and is sure to shake up a lot of different elements in the increasingly expansive game world.
First and foremost, "A Moogle Kupo d'Etat—Evil in Small Doses" has been released with this update. If you preordered it already, you've already got it.
Rather than try and sum up the list, here's a full breakdown of all the changes.
We are extremely thrilled to announce the launching of our latest site, Aion Tower, for the upcoming NC Soft's MMO title "Aion". So take a moment to drop by and see what is going on with the up coming game and check out the beta if you can. While there, be sure to check out the Aion Wiki section for all your needs and maybe add a bit of your knowledge while you are there!
