Final Fantasy XI for PS2 Question

[Lone_Monster]

I was wondering if this game will be like the PC version of this game, where you have to pay to play (Which is extremely gay). If so, will it be like EverQuest where you need one of those card things? I'm praying the answer is "no, you don't have to pay to play", Because then I freaking definitely pre-order that PS2 HardDrive off of GameStop. The reason I'm asking this is because GameStop gives you no hint that you have to pay to play, even with the PC version...

[PDorr3]

Yes you have to pay to play. To top it off its $1 for each character you create. Ohh! you cant forget that you even need to pay to play the card game inside the game also. Did I forget to mention that you also have to pay for the game also? LOL

[Achika]

Why would you blame gamestop because they didn't tell you that you needed to buy cards or pay to play? If you pick up a copy of EQ or FF XI it says on the box that a monthly sub is required....

[Johnny]

The HDD will be sold with FF XI pre-installed + the game for 100 bucks.

Ebgames has pics of the box and already accept pre-orders. It will be released next month, if i'm not wrong.

There will be a 30 day free trial , then you need to pay a monthly fee to play.

I'll wait till they release the HDD alone. I'm more interested on it for other games that will be supported , plus the ability to put saves on it.

[Stamp Mcfury]

I was wondering if this game will be like the PC version of this game, where you have to pay to play (Which is extremely gay). If so, will it be like EverQuest where you need one of those card things? I'm praying the answer is "no, you don't have to pay to play", Because then I freaking definitely pre-order that PS2 HardDrive off of GameStop. The reason I'm asking this is because GameStop gives you no hint that you have to pay to play, even with the PC version...

Yeah you have to pay to play it. Yes the game is exactly like the PC version infact both the PC and PS2 will play on the same servers. All MMORPG's do charge a monthly fee. In exchange updated content, They have to run the actual game code on there servers to limit hacking, and GM's that deal with people who act like asshats.

[hezeuschrist]

The HDD will be sold with FF XI pre-installed + the game for 100 bucks.

Ebgames has pics of the box and already accept pre-orders. It will be released next month, if i'm not wrong.

There will be a 30 day free trial , then you need to pay a monthly fee to play.

I'll wait till they release the HDD alone. I'm more interested on it for other games that will be supported , plus the ability to put saves on it.

Too bad, no HDD for you. Or anyone else who hasn't preorderd it for that matter. Preorders are on hold because Sony will not have enough to meet current preorders already, and will unlikely ever remedy the problem. It's also doubtful that any other games will make use of the thing.

Not to mention, if (BIG if) they release it without FFXI, it'll still be $100. You're buying the HDD and getting FFXI for free.

As for it being, 'extremely gay' that they charge to play the game every month, it would near impossible for any of us fathom the sheer volume of bandwidth a MMORPG goes through in a month. It would be absolutely impossible for anyone other than microsoft (and even they charge $50 a year for xbox live and don't deal with a tenth of the bandwidth a popular MMORPG does) to maintain without charging.

So what are the chances of someone actually using their $12.95 in bandwidth every month? Slim to none, but they're in it for profit, right? It's not like a stand alone game that they finish development on, release, recoup costs, then make profit. They're developing 24 hours a day, and also have to have staff on hand 24 horus a day, for every freaking server. They've always got to deal with class balance, bugs, cheaters, ect.

So what about battle.net? Well, hell if I know. I know they advertise all over the interface and sell a shitload of software... but they too have to deal with constant development costs of race balance, ect. But, they only deal with a max of 8 people per connection, not 8000 per server. They're in it for profit coming soon, World of Warcraft.

So while it may seem greedy and insane to actually pay monthly just to play a game, think about the huge investment capital required along with all the maintainence and service for upwards of half a million people around the world. Those numbers are huge, and is $10 a month really going to break your bank?

[jjessop]

It is "pay to play" after the first 30 free days at $12.95 per month and an additional $1.00 per month per additional ID. Tetra Master also included is an additional $1.00 per month as well.

The FFXI "kit" comes with the PS2 40 Gig HDD and you will need a Network Adaptor. FFXI saves games to the HDD but no other current games do. If you think this will replace memory cards, it won't.

Jerry

[Johnny]

FFXI saves games to the HDD but no other current games do. If you think this will replace memory cards, it won't.

Jerry

Wrong, as i already talked to a friend that lives in japan and has a japanese PS2 with both HDD and FF XI installed. Check it out:

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI01.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI02.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI03.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI04.jpg
Check the saves of Kingdom Hears Final Mix and Winning Eleven 7 ON the HDD.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI05.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI06.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI07.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI08.jpg

http://members.lycos.co.uk/pprlz/FFXI09.jpg

[Lone_Monster]

Damn. I was really looking forward to buying the HDD... Oh well. I might buy it though. Does anyone here think it is definitely worth the thirteen bucks a month? ANd does any one know of any upcoming releases for the HDD tha I WON'T have to pay for? Also, why the hell do you have to pay a buck for Tetra Master, and how do you play it? Is there a Tetra Master in FFXI? Or is it a game where you go around collecting cards by beating people and NPCs, then getting money and buying packs or cards? One last thingk, Achika, the reason I said that is because it doesn't say anything on their web page about it. I know it says a monthly fee on the box, but there is nothing about that on GameStop.com. Thanks a lot.

[hezeuschrist]

Damn. I was really looking forward to buying the HDD... Oh well. I might buy it though. Does anyone here think it is definitely worth the thirteen bucks a month? ANd does any one know of any upcoming releases for the HDD tha I WON'T have to pay for? Also, why the hell do you have to pay a buck for Tetra Master, and how do you play it? Is there a Tetra Master in FFXI? Or is it a game where you go around collecting cards by beating people and NPCs, then getting money and buying packs or cards? One last thingk, Achika, the reason I said that is because it doesn't say anything on their web page about it. I know it says a monthly fee on the box, but there is nothing about that on GameStop.com. Thanks a lot.

Maybe I didn't make it clear. Unless you have already preorderd the HDD, you aren't getting one. Not at $99 at least, you'll be shelling out massive inflated ebay prices.

[Johnny]

According to IGN.com

SOCOM II Expansion

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Zipper Interactive
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Release Date: Fall 2004

With SOCOM II tearing up the online scene with over 35,000 gamers playing at once during peak hours, Sony is keen to keep the shooters happy. So far, the memory card has been used for server updates, but when the HDD comes out, expect mods, new characters, and new maps that can only be played against other gamers who have the HDD. Sony assures us that regular gamers will still be able to play without the HDD, we're sure that the lure of the new material will fuel an HDD SOCOM II land rush to learn the new maps first.

---

So, not only FF XI will be supported by the HDD. Plus, expect games like Gran Turismo 4, Syphon Filter Omega Strain and Killzone to make use of the HDD too.

[jjessop]

FFXI saves games to the HDD but no other current games do. If you think this will replace memory cards, it won't.

Jerry

Wrong, as i already talked to a friend that lives in japan and has a japanese PS2 with both HDD and FF XI installed. Check it out:



You can't save DIRECTLY to the HDD unless the game natively supports the HDD and that function. You CAN copy memory cards (archive saves) to the HDD via the updated browser with the HDD utility disk though, this must be what your friend did.

I don't want people to think the HDD is memory card replacement and purchase FFXI for that purpose. The reason to purchase IMHO is to play FFXI and PlayOnline.......it's excellent.

BTW: If you look carefully on page 147 of the U.S. FFXI manual it will all become clear :)

Jerry

[Johnny]

FFXI saves games to the HDD but no other current games do. If you think this will replace memory cards, it won't.

Jerry

Wrong, as i already talked to a friend that lives in japan and has a japanese PS2 with both HDD and FF XI installed. Check it out:



You can't save DIRECTLY to the HDD unless the game natively supports the HDD and that function. You CAN copy memory cards (archive saves) to the HDD via the updated browser with the HDD utility disk though, this must be what your friend did.

I don't want people to think the HDD is memory card replacement and purchase FFXI for that purpose. The reason to purchase IMHO is to play FFXI and PlayOnline.......it's excellent.

BTW: If you look carefully on page 147 of the U.S. FFXI manual it will all become clear :)

Jerry

Well i'm not gonna buy it to replace memory cards. Although i would put some important saves on it.

But i'm looking forward to the HDD to use it with Socom II, Gran Turismo 4, and all other games coming. I hope some functionality of the BB NAVIGATOR arrives too, like movie trailers, game trailers, demos, and stuff like that.

Anyway, If they don't release the HDD by itself, then i get it with FF XI, but won't play it

[Sylentwulf]

I don't know why everyone has a problem with this.

Let me put it VERY VERY SIMPLY for all of you.

EVERY MMORPG CHARGES A MONTHLY FEE. From Ultima Online through eternity. ALL of them.

(Sucky non-popular ones not-included)

[Lady Jaye]

I don't intend on getting FF XI (I'm just not a fan of playing games online, unless it's a private invite-only setting with people I choose to play with). Anyway, a question just popped up in my mind: if FFXI is to be played on the same servers regardless of whether the game is played on a PC or a PS2, wouldn't players of one of the two platforms be in an advantage over the other one because of controls (or other possible issues)? Or will it be so balanced that people won't be able to tell who's playing on which platform?

[jjessop]

Same servers and you can't tell what platform the other player is using. On the outside of the FFXI box it even states you are playing against PC gamers as well.

Jerry



I don't intend on getting FF XI (I'm just not a fan of playing games online, unless it's a private invite-only setting with people I choose to play with). Anyway, a question just popped up in my mind: if FFXI is to be played on the same servers regardless of whether the game is played on a PC or a PS2, wouldn't players of one of the two platforms be in an advantage over the other one because of controls (or other possible issues)? Or will it be so balanced that people won't be able to tell who's playing on which platform?

[Nick Goracke]

Anyway, a question just popped up in my mind: if FFXI is to be played on the same servers regardless of whether the game is played on a PC or a PS2, wouldn't players of one of the two platforms be in an advantage over the other one because of controls (or other possible issues)?

Honestly, I can't think of any "possible issues". The game plays exactly the same on both platforms... and it's entirely possible to hook a PS2 controller to your PC if you want to go that route or a USB keyboard to your PlayStation. I do both! ;)

Lag or "hardware performance" really isn't an issue either since this isn't a competitive game. Both versions receive the same "updates" and have the same features. It's nice, too - if you have an account on the PS2 version (I started with the JP version) you can move it to the PC version or vise-versa without any problem.

The only "disadvantage" so far is that the US versions won't allow players to type in Japanese! How could they leave this out?

As to the original post... you don't need "those card things" - it just bills your credit card every month.

[farfel]

The HDD will be sold with FF XI pre-installed + the game for 100 bucks.

Does it have the actual game DVD too?

[Johnny]

The HDD will be sold with FF XI pre-installed + the game for 100 bucks.

Does it have the actual game DVD too?

Yes.

Think this way. When you put the DVD of the game on it , it install some stuff on the HDD. Possibly the files that can be upgraded and stuff like that. But sony is already selling it with it Pre-installed, so just put the DVD of the game and play.

Games like Xenosaga, in japan, installed some files on the HDD, so loadings were a lot faster.

[WiseSalesman]

Every MMORPG does charge a monthly fee. You are correct. Of course, if I go buy everquest, they don't expect me to pay for the disc in addition to my monthly fee. Therefore, fuck FFXI. (Oh, and no griping about "the whole cost is for the HDD". Even if I want the PC version, it's still $50 for the disc alone, followed by $13 per month.)

[hezeuschrist]

Every MMORPG does charge a monthly fee. You are correct. Of course, if I go buy everquest, they don't expect me to pay for the disc in addition to my monthly fee.

Uh, yeah they do. I have no clue where you got that idea. They don't charge for the PS2 EQ:OA, but that's because it's terrible and they don't have any subscribers.

[Lady Jaye]

Even then, EverQuest now costs next to nothing to buy in stores, so it's less of a bleeding heart to pay to play it online. But when you dish out $50 for FFXI, plus the subscription (or $100 for the PS2 version w/ the HDD), you feel more shocked to pay as well a monthly fee for playing online (even if it's justified).

[WiseSalesman]

Every MMORPG does charge a monthly fee. You are correct. Of course, if I go buy everquest, they don't expect me to pay for the disc in addition to my monthly fee.

Uh, yeah they do. I have no clue where you got that idea. They don't charge for the PS2 EQ:OA, but that's because it's terrible and they don't have any subscribers.

I got "that idea" from the store from whence I purchased it.

Everquest box, disc, and instruction manual: +$10
Includes one month of play time (at $10/month): -$10
Money out of my pocket for the actual disc? $0

[jjessop]

95% (approx) of the software will be pre-installed. You need to use the full install CD's included to complete the installation. An executable from the full install DVD "binds" the disk and console PCB ID together for proper DNAS authentication. After PlayOnline is installed (must be done first) it will go online and D/L any patches if availible.

You also must also have a credit card number ready to complete the install.

Jerry

[hezeuschrist]

Every MMORPG does charge a monthly fee. You are correct. Of course, if I go buy everquest, they don't expect me to pay for the disc in addition to my monthly fee.

Uh, yeah they do. I have no clue where you got that idea. They don't charge for the PS2 EQ:OA, but that's because it's terrible and they don't have any subscribers.

I got "that idea" from the store from whence I purchased it.

Everquest box, disc, and instruction manual: +$10
Includes one month of play time (at $10/month): -$10
Money out of my pocket for the actual disc? $0

Well, I guess that's alright if you want to play by yourself, but every MMORPG gives a free first month. If you buy just the original EQ you aren't gonna see many people, you've gotta grab all the expansions too... which are now available (I think) as one entire package... maybe not the most recent. EQ without Kunark, Velious, Luclin, Planes of Power, Legacy of Ykesha, or Lost Dungeons of Norrath would be a bit of a waste. You're cutting yourself out from 99% of the game, and 99% of the other people that play it.