I just heard the news!! I couldn't be happier to hear there is a new online adventure coming! Every time I hear anything about FFXIII, I can't help but think about how badly I want a FFXI sequel. Well, it's coming next year!
I do think they announced it a little too early, though. Kindof made me feel like he was going to announce XV, XVI, XVII, and XVIII too. Like an SNL skit.
As it is now, the plan is for it to be a PS3 exclusive. (STFU before you even start. We all know what you think about that and you're the only one here who wants to read it.) The development system is going to be different than what we saw in FFXI. Rather than being based on race & class, it will be based on the gear you choose. I'm fine with that as long as they give me the freedom to build a nuker. I'd like to be able to focus on black magic, but I won't be too upset if they make it a little more general than that. I'll keep an open mind, but I really need to be able to nuke. Also, I'm really hoping they don't go with the Oblivion mage battle system where I have to aim fireballs. That feels too much like an archer to me. I guess if I were to give it a chance, I may end up finding that it adds to the excitement. I played Oblivion for only a few hours before I stored it away so I never really gave it a chance.
Word is that you will be able to solo if you like...so that addresses the one big complaint I had with FFXI. I didn't have predictable days off, so I wasn't able to stick with a static party. So every time I wanted to play, I'd have to find a new party. Waiting outside the Crawlers Nest for 12 hours on a Saturday should not be a problem with this new installment. So it's already shaping up to be what I've wanted!
Anyway, this is the first game in ages that I have been this excited about. I'm completely enamored of FFXIV Online. In my little world, this is a major announcement. I can't wait to pour myself into this game.
Announcement & trailor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puOiYZE7B1w
EDIT: Fixed a typo.