The third Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival has been announced and it will take place in Hollywood, California. December 5th is when the registration begins and the next day, December 6th is the event day.

Currently a teaser site can be checked out at http://www.ffxifestival.com/

The September Version Update for Final Fantasy XI is now live and there's a lot of new things to experience:

Short summary:

• The revolutionary new Level Sync system.
• The continuing episodes of Wings of the Goddess nation quests.
• New elements and adjustments to Campaign.
• An additional merit point category for dancers and scholars.

Full patch notes:

[A Word to Players]

Accompanying the release of a version update, the number of postings on such web sites is sure to increase, and with it the potential for victimization. To protect against such attacks, we ask that players please refrain from utilizing links of an unofficial or otherwise suspicious nature that they may find posted on any web pages or bulletin boards. It is important that the utmost care be taken while browsing the Internet. As always, we encourage players to take the time to familiarize themselves with the methods for unauthorized account access prevention provided on the Rules and Policies page. If your account has been compromised, please read the "Information Regarding Unauthorized Access" page carefully before contacting our Information Centre.

Information Regarding Unauthorized Access:
http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/rule/uacs01.html

The PlayOnline Information Center:
https://secure.playonline.com/supportus/index.html

Event Related

New quests have been added focusing on areas introduced in the Wings of the Goddess expansion pack.

An introductory tutorial NPC teaching players the fundamentals of game-play has been added to each of the three nations.
* The tutorial feature will only be available to characters created after the release of the September 2008 version update.

The artifact quests for the following jobs can now be undertaken multiple times. This allows players to reacquire pieces of artifact armor as they see fit:
Blue Mage / Corsair / Puppetmaster

New quests leading to the acquisition of new job-specific weapon skills have been added.
* Please note, however, that giving job-specific weapons to the care of storage NPC Ghanraam in Aht Urhgan Whitegate will cause all data associated with the quest to be reset.

Chocobos are now available for rental in the following areas of past Vana'diel:
South San d'Oria (S) / Bastok Markets (S) / Windurst Waters (S) / Jugner Forest (S) / Pashhow Marshlands (S) / Meriphataud Mountains (S)
* Players must be a minimum of level 20, in possession of a "Chocobo License" key item, and be affiliated with one of the armies of the three nations to be eligible to rent a chocobo. Rental fees will be charged in Allied Notes rather than gil.
* Neither chocobo whistles nor the chocobo digging feature can be used in past Vana'diel.

The following changes have been made to fellows:

• The below fellow styles can now use the Provoke ability once meeting certain prerequisites:
  Attacker Style / Healer Style / Fierce Attacker Style / Soothing Healer Style
• The requirements for fellow equipment changes have been eased.
• The types of armor worn by fellows have been increased.
• The food effects of meals obtainable after completion of the quest, "Mixed Signals," have been changed.
  These food items will now become available when a player conducts an Emptiness investigation up to at least Level 2 in any Promyvion area following successful completion of the "Mixed Signals" quest.

The following additions and adjustments have been made to mythic weapons (Arms of Balrahn):

• A battlefield marking the end of the mythic weapon questline has been added.
• The number of pieces of alexandrite required to complete the quest "Duties, Tasks, and Deeds" has been reduced. Consequently, the quantity and rate of alexandrite drops has also been adjusted.

The locations of the following NPCs have been changed:
Port San d'Oria: Teilsa / Bastok Mines: Arva / Port Bastok: Dulsie / Windurst Waters: Jack of Hearts / Windurst Woods: Jack of Spades / Port Windurst: Jack of Clubs

Battle Related

The new "Level Sync" system has been implemented.
Through this system, players are now able to receive equivalent experience points while in the same party regardless of any disparity in levels between them.

Click here for details.

Level restrictions no longer prevent players from equipping gear of a level beyond that restriction.

Click here for details.

Enemies which check as "easy prey" and "decent challenge" now yield more experience points when defeated.

The combat skill required to learn the first weapon skill for each weapon type has been lowered from 10 to 5.

The HP of the following monsters in areas introduced since the release of the Treasures of Aht Uhrgan expansion have been adjusted:
Mamool Ja's Lizard / Mamool Ja's Raptor / Fomor's Bats / Goblin's Bat / Goblin's Bee / Goblin's Beetle / Goblin's Crawler / Goblin's Rarab / Goblin's Dragonfly / Goblin's Ladybug / Gigas's Tiger

The levels of certain monsters in the following areas have been adjusted:
West Ronfaure / East Ronfaure / La Theine Plateau / Valkurm Dunes / Jugner Forest / Batallia Downs / North Gustaberg / South Gustaberg / Konschtat Highlands / Pashhow Marshlands / Rolanberry Fields / West Sarutabaruta / East Sarutabaruta / Tahrongi Canyon / Buburimu Peninsula / Meriphataud Mountains / Sauromugue Champaign / Qufim Island / Behemoth's Dominion

The potency and frequency of special attacks for certain monsters in the following families has been adjusted using a low-level standard. PCs at lower levels will now find these monsters easier to fight:
Mandragora / Funguars / Crawlers / Lizards

The following additions and adjustments have been made to Campaign:

• The rate of Campaign battles occurring in the following areas has been reduced:
  Southern San d'Oria (S) / Bastok Markets (S) / Windurst Waters (S)
• The requirements for acquiring and maintaining medals have been eased.
• Rewards presented to PCs for successful completion of Campaign Ops have been adjusted.
• The evaluation method and maximum points allocated for certain actions taken during Campaign battles have been adjusted.
• The following NPCs no longer disappear at the onset of Campaign battles:
  Souhern San d'Oria (S) Scarlette, C.A. / Miliart, T.K.
  Bastok Markets (S) Narkissa, C.A. / Millard, I.M.
  Windurst Waters (S) Wenonah, C.A. / Mindala-Andola, C.C.
• New Campaign Ops have been added.
• New freelances have been added.
• New stronghold Notorious Monsters have been added to the Beastman Confederate.
  Defeating these NMs will lower the defensive capabilities of strongholds under beastman control.
• The fluctuations of influence over areas are now calculated based on the current standing of each faction. This change makes it easier for weaker factions to regain a foothold in the struggle for influence.
• The following special abilities and items now activate based on a timer:
  Abilities: Mine Blast / Paralyzing Blast / Silencing Blast / Binding Blast
  Items: Black Mine / Paralyzing Tube / Silencing Tube / Binding Tube

The following adjustments have been made to the "Nyzul Isle Investigation" Assault:

• Progress data within Nyzul Isle will no longer be erased following the completion of the 100th floor objective. As a trade-off for this change, however, the drop rate for armor has been reduced and is no longer 100%.
• Players in possession of the "Runic Key" key item can now select any floor between 1 ~ 96 (in increments of 5) to begin a new investigation.
• Floor data will now be recorded for all players rather than only the player who activated the "Rune of Transfer." For their progress data to be updated, players must begin the mission on a floor equal to or lesser than the maximum level currently recorded on their disc. Provided this condition is met, progress data will automatically be updated each time a previously uncharted level is completed.
• Certain weapons previously obtainable only from monsters on the 100th floor will now be dropped by other monsters in Nyzul Isle as well. Also, defeating the monsters on the 100th floor will now result in two weapons being dropped. One weapon will be randomly determined, while the other will match the job of the player who activated the Rune of Transfer (regardless of whether this is the player in possession of the Runic Key or not).

The status effect icon associated with the Monk job ability "Footwork" has been changed.

The Scholar job ability "Modus Veritas" can no longer be used on monsters without a helix status in effect.

The dancer and scholar jobs have each received a new job-specific merit point category.

The following adjustments have been made to Dynamis and Limbus:

• The prices for entry items have been changed as follows.
  Timeless Hourglass: 1,000,000 gil -> 500,000 gil
  Cosmo-Cleanse: 30,000 gil -> 15,000 gil
• Items and equipment specific to the Blue Mage, Corsair, and Puppetmaster jobs have been added.
• The drop rate of relic armor in Dynamis has been adjusted. Rates for the following areas in particular have been increased:
  Dynamis – Beaucedine / Dynamis – Xarcabard / Dynamis – Valkurm / Dynamis – Buburimu / Dynamis – Qufim / Dynamis - Tavnazia

Adjustments have been made to Jailer of Love, Absolute Virtue (and pets), and Pandemonium Warden (and pets) in areas such as HP value and behavior. Absolute Virtue and Pandemonium Warden will now vanish two hours after their appearance, automatically ending the battle. In addition, the spawn rate for Absolute Virtue has been increased to 100%.

The strength of Luaith, the NM appearing in the Tavnazian Archipelago's Sacrarium, has been adjusted.

The strength of Zeni NMs will now gradually be adjusted after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed following their being claimed.

Item Related

Players can now trade the NPC Shami any number of "Beastmen's Seals" or "Kindred's Seals" at any time.
Seals will be kept by Shami, and players may elect to exchange them for orbs once enough seals have been traded.

Several new pieces of equipment have been added.

Several new synthesis recipes have been added.

A payment of one Imperial bronze piece is now required to leave job-specific weapons in the care of the storage NPC Ghanraam in Aht Urhgan Whitegate.
* Please be reminded that doing so will cause all data associated with the new weaponskill quest to be reset.

Artifact and relic armor for the following jobs can now be enhanced through dealings with the Port Jeuno NPC, Sagheera:
Blue Mage / Corsair / Puppetmaster

The sale prices of the following items have been changed:
Remedy / Crab Sushi / Crab Sushi +1

The following item was relocated to the auction house category "Alchemy" under "Ingredients":
Goshikitenge

The effects of certain items used during chocobo races have been adjusted.

New items available via harvesting have been added.

The following 5-piece set items (4-piece where applicable) can now be traded to the item storage NPC in exchange for a key item voucher:
Mirage Jubbah / Commodore Frac / Pantin Tobe / Mirage Charuqs / Commodore Bottes / Pantin Babouches / Mirage Keffiyeh / Commodore Tricorne / Pantin Taj / Mirage Bazubands / Commodore Gants / Pantin Dastanas / Mirage Shalwar / Commodore Culottes / Pantin Churidars

The additional effects of relic and mythic weapons are now designated by a status effect icon.

Additional effects other than those affecting damage and attack speed ratings of relic and mythic weapons do not trigger when those weapons are equipped in the offhand slot.

The following special items and furniture can now be stored with the relevant NPC:
Harpsichord / Custom Gilet / Custom Top / Magna Gilet / Magna Top / Wonder Maillot / Wonder Top / Savage Top / Elder Gilet / Custom Gilet +1 / Custom Top +1 / Magna Gilet +1 / Magna Top +1 / Wonder Maillot +1 / Wonder Top +1 / Savage Top +1 / Elder Gilet +1 / Custom Trunks / Custom Shorts / Magna Trunks / Magna Shorts / Wonder Trunks / Wonder Shorts / Savage Shorts / Elder Trunks / Custom Trunks +1 / Custom Shorts +1 / Magna Trunks +1 / Magna Shorts +1 / Wonder Trunks +1 / Wonder Shorts +1 / Savage Shorts +1 / Elder Trunks +1

The icon graphic for the following items has been changed:
Cerberus Mantle / Cerberus Mantle +1

System Related

The following additions and adjustments have been made to the Adventurer Recruitment Program:

• The number of special items obtainable following the 40th day after character creation has been increased.
• Further special items will now be obtainable from the 70th day after character creation.
  * 70th day special items are available even to those who had already received their 100th and 365th day items.
• The list of special items now includes the following:
  Dream Boots / Dream Boots +1 / Detonator Belt / Egg Helm / Ibushi Shinai / Ibushi Shinai +1 / Miracle Wand / Miracle Wand +1
• The choice of items available on the 40th, 100th, and 365th days has been adjusted.

Click here for details.

The following terms have been added to the auto-translate dictionary:

Other Adjustments

The help text for the following items has been adjusted to reflect their correct attributes:
Hakke Habaki / Junkenshi Habaki / Seikenshi Habaki / Junrenshi Habaki / Seirenshi Habaki / Junhanshi Habaki / Seihanshi Habaki

English Version Only

The help text for the following items has been changed to alleviate confusion:
Beast Jackcoat / Beast Jackcoat +1 / Valor Surcoat / Valor Surcoat +1 / Monster Jackcoat / Monster Jackcoat +1 / Monster Gloves / Monster Gloves +1 / Saotome Haidate / Saotome Haidate +1
* "Augment" refers to the addition of extra effects.

Known Issues

The additional effect status icon does not properly display after executing the weapon skill "Geirskogul" while using the relic weapon "Gungnir."

*The additional effect still operates as intended.

Adventurers of all stripes can look forward to enhancements galore in the upcoming September version update, designed to make questing in Vana'diel more gratifying than ever!
If the first preview wasn't enough to whet your appetite, today we have the latest scoop on increased experience and the Myriad Arms of Balrahn quest sequence that will at long last allow players to forge these mysterious and highly anticipated mythic weapons.

Experience Boost

Loyal readers already know that the new Level Sync system and automatic scaling-down of equipment will add a heretofore unheard-of level of freedom to party-based adventuring, but that isn't the least of it! With the new version update, there will be more experience to be had as well!

Previously, enemies classified as "easy prey" or "a decent challenge" would provide a relatively paltry amount of experience points, leaving career-minded adventurers understandably dismayed. No more, however! Vanquishing these monsters will now lead to substantially larger helpings of EXP, to better reward players for braving the challenges these still-formidable foes present.

Information on the Level Sync system and equipment scaling can be found here.

"Nyzul Isle Investigation" Gets an Overhaul

The mythic weapon and new weapon skill quests have previously (07/29/2008) been introduced in this space. Today, we'd like to bring you the latest details on these quests that have the potential to transform you into one of the most lethal adventurers in the realm.

The conditions for embarking upon the new weapon skill quests will be twofold: you must be enlisted as a mercenary in Salaheem's Sentinels, and you must be in possession of the job-specific weapon from the "Nyzul Isle Investigation" Assault mission.
The requirements for completing these quests will vary depending on how far you have progressed in Nyzul Isle, so it will behoove adventurers to be thorough in their reconnaissance of that murky labyrinth.

At the same time, an assortment of tweaks will be made to ensure that the mission goes smoothly:

[#1] Greatly increased chance of receiving your job-specific weapon!

Previously, only the nastiest adversaries in the darkest, dankest reaches of Nyzul Isle (Level 100) would part with the job-specific weapons adventurers seek. Now, there is a possibility that foes on other floors will drop these weapons as well, while defeating the denizens of Level 100 will guarantee you two job-specific weapons: one randomly selected, and one matching the job of the player who operated the Rune of Transfer (the latter regardless of whether or not that player also possesses the Runic Key.)

[#2] Progress saved to Runic Disc to be retained!

Previously, your recorded data would be reset upon completing Level 100 of the mission, reducing your Runic Disc to a rather expensive paperweight until such time as you begin the mission anew. No longer, however, as your progress data will now remain intact even after cleansing the Isle of its most deadly inhabitants, allowing you to return to the most challenging levels for another chance at the weapon you seek!

[#3] Players who have already cleared Level 100 need not fear!

Brave adventurers who have already explored every nook and cranny of Nyzul Isle, do not fear—your achievements will not go for naught! Even if your progress data has already been cleared, the Runic Key itself will now serve as an express ticket to any level of the Isle (in increments of five) up to Level 96, giving you free rein to traverse the area as you see fit!

[#4] Progress data to be stored for all party members!

With the new version update, floor data will be recorded and updated for all players, not only those who directly operate the Rune of Transfer.

For their progress data to be updated, players must begin the mission on a floor equal to or lesser than the maximum level currently recorded on their disc. Provided this condition is met, progress data will automatically be updated each time a previously uncharted level is completed.

That sums up the major changes planned for the Nyzul Isle Investigation in the upcoming version update.

Players who have already embarked upon the quest sequence for their mythic weapon may tackle the new weapon skill quests concurrently. Those players who have already received their Nyzul weapon and entrusted it to Abquhbah, however, are encouraged to travel back to the Isle and acquire the weapon once more.

* Abquhbah will return your weapon if asked politely, but please note that this will result in all mythic weapon quest data from "Duties, Tasks, and Deeds" onward being cleared from your record.

The FFXI development team has announced the "Level Sync" system, a new feature in the upcoming version update that will allow all players—grizzled veterans and novices alike—to adventure and gain experience together regardless of level differences.

The new Level Sync system is the result of extensive discussions on how to resolve these concerns, while preserving game balance and avoiding abuse and power-leveling by RMT groups. It addresses the issues that have resulted from a steady stream of new, low-level players joining an existing game world populated by scores of high-level veterans, and is part of the ongoing effort to clean up the FFXI community and remove players in violation of the users' agreement.

At the heart of the feature is the new ability for members of a party to "power down" to the level of a designated target player. Now friends will be able to adventure together and gain experience as if they were all the same level!

With the introduction of this system, there will also be major changes to the way equipment is handled in regard to level restrictions. Rather than automatically unequipping items if a player's level is reduced below the item's minimum level, the attributes of high-level equipment will be scaled down proportionally to the reduced level.

This will apply not only to the Level Sync system, but to all level-restricted areas and missions. This means that players will now be able to participate in various battlefields, Assault missions, and Ballista, and also to adventure in level-capped areas such as Riverne without the hassle of having to switch equipment!

Read on for more details about how the Level Sync system will work, and examples of how equipment and experience-gaining will be affected.

Read more here.

In Final Fantasy XI there's one boss that "stands above all" which is the Pandemonium Warden. A guild by the name of BeyondTheLimitation formed a raid and attempted to defeat said foe and spent over 18 hours on "it". Apparently the boss change forms and after twenty times of changing the guild simply gave up. Raiding for 18 hours without a break isn't exactly very healthy. It gets even better though, according to FFXI's very own warning's message, it states:

This is amusing, since it does not mention your health in it.

Squaresoft has announced the Final Fantasy XI Players' Collection. A series of collectible accessories. The very first item in the line-up will be available for order this summer.

Product Concept

To ensure exclusivity for each and every owner, items appearing in the Final Fantasy XI Players' Collection line-up will be available made-to-order only. Designed with our fans in mind, these stylish high-quality accessories will have you feeling the spirit of Vana'diel wherever you go.

Product Line-up

Tidal Talisman

Commemorative Offer: To celebrate the launch of the collection, we will be giving away a special in-game item with every Tidal Talisman purchase.

Release Schedule: Available for order from late August.

02 Final Fantasy XI Original Name Tag (official name TBA)

Release Schedule: TBA

03 Coming Soon!

More detailed information on the Tidal Talisman and other items in the line-up will be introduced here on Topics in the near future, so stay tuned!

All-new features to both Dynamis and Limbus will come in the September version update. Also, a few adjustments will be made by popular demand. Read more about it below.

Blue mage / Corsair / Puppetmaster Artifacts and Relics

At long last, the highly anticipated relic gear sets of the blue mage, corsair, and puppetmaster jobs are here! Rounding out the standard 5-piece sets, the more recently added back and waist items will also be added to September's version update. Players with these jobs can now look forward to obtaining the ingredient items required to temper their artifact and relic gear with even greater enhancements!

When considering how to best introduce this equipment, the development team weighed many options, including the possibility of entirely original methods. In the end, however, the decision was made that such means would be largely unfair by rendering only players with these jobs capable of accessing new game content. Therefore, all of the above items will be procured in the same way as their predecessors, namely via exploits in the Dynamis and Limbus areas.

Drop Rates

Great care has been put into assuring that current drop rates will see no negative impact from the introduction of the new blue mage, corsair, and puppetmaster gear sets. Players can rest easy knowing that any and all necessary adjustments to the drop rate ratios have been considered and implemented to maintain a fair and balanced game experience. Furthermore, the overall drop rates of select Dynamis areas, covering the relic gear of all jobs old and new, are set to be raised as well.

Entry Fees

In light of the additions and adjustments detailed above, the entry fees for both Dynamis and Limbus were also brought under careful reconsideration. Thanks in part to the ground being made by the Special Task Force in combating RMT-related activities, and subsequent normalization of the game economy, the following reduction in price to entry items will be implemented in the upcoming September version update.

• Timeless Hourglass: 1,000,000 gil -> 500,000 gil
• Cosmo-Cleanse: 30,000 gil -> 15,000 gil

Wing of the Goddess expansion introduced brand new "episodic quests" and they are set to continue in the upcoming September version update. You will find yourself in the middle of furious struggles for the continued survival of each nation. Sounds good, dynamic quests are great! Have you checked out the new quests yet?

San d'Oria

Having borne witness to the real horrors of the battlefield, Tavnazia-bound Excenmille makes the executive decision to disband the Young Griffons in the interest of his friends' safety. Bitterly disappointed at their captain's sudden change of heart and eager to prove him wrong, the ever-zealous remaining members embark on an ambitious mission that will see them come face to face with a fiendish Orcish plot...

Bastok

Trouble is brewing in the republic as Galkan discontent towards the Hume government and the imperious military police threatens to boil over into all-out civil war. To make matters worse, fueling the fire of rebellion is an unlikely culprit—a sworn brother of the proud Mythril Musketeers. With the unity and morale of the citizens crumbling and the security of the nation compromised from within, will Bastok's defenses be able to hold out should the unthinkable occur...?

Windurst

Although victorious over the Yagudo Theomilitary at Fort Karugo-Narugo, the Windurstian Forces have been left nursing grievous wounds to their ranks. The Mithran Mercenaries, however, could not have chosen a more inopportune time to engage in internal feuding. Old rivalries are reignited as Cobra Command transforms from the city's last bastion of defense into a savage battlefield...

The romantic event Celestial Nights, based on the timeless tale of love and tragedy between Prince Yahiko and Princess Amdina will soon be here! This year's celebration, in each of the three nations there will be two actors who are scheduled to promenade on their respective locales as the prince and princess on a ryal rendezvous.

Celestial Nights is scheduled to commence at 1:00 on June 27 (PDT) and conclude at 1:00 on July 8 (PDT). Event moogles will appear at the following locations during this period. Talk to them to learn how you can participate:

• Northern San d'Oria (D-8)
• Bastok Markets (G-8)
• Windurst Waters (F-5)

Further informaton of the Celestial Nights can be found here.

More about FFXI at our Final Fantasy XI portal.

The long awaited patch for Final Fantasy XI is out. It's referred to as "The June Version Update".

Expect new missions for the Wings of the Goddess storyline, further involving you and giving answers to questions previously eft unanswered. There's several new campaign elements such as additional medals and ranks, which is a great addition and should keep players quite busy.

There's many adjustments to battle-related elements such as merit points and jobs. If you enjoy chocobo raising, you can enjoy new content. Slaying Notorious Monsters might be more your cup of tea, if it is, you'll be pleased, since SquareSoft have added several new encounters.

There's much much more added to the world of Vana'diel and I suggest you read the whole patch notes.

They are finally introducing new Notorious Monsters to areas in the upcoming expansion pack, Treasures of Aht Urhgan. This expansion is will be available in the forthcoming version update.

Another change is that it will be much more simplified on how to access the battlefields of these Notorious Monsters, making it easier and more pleasant for players to attempt defeating them.

A Word from the Development Team

NM battles have been one of the most popular elements of FFXI since its launch. Nothing stirs the adventurer's soul quite the same way as cooperating with dependable comrades to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, with rare equipment drops being the very tasty icing on the cake.

Thus far, however, getting the chance to battle NMs has been almost as difficult a task as fighting the creatures themselves. One often needed a lot of time and plenty more luck to successfully arrange an encounter with the creatures. In light of the ever-increasing number of fan requests for more opportunities to do battle against powerful monsters and reap the rewards, the development team has decided to implement some changes to make the excitement of NMs—even those of the same caliber as particularly infamous varieties inhabiting Tu'Lia and Al'Taieu—more accessible to all.

Overview of the New System

Carrying out requests from a certain NPC will earn you points which, when accumulated, can be exchanged for NM trigger items. The cost of these triggers will fluctuate based on the corresponding NM's difficulty level and popularity among adventurers. A limit will also be imposed on the number of points that can be earned in one Vana'dielian day (one Earth hour). Even with the above conditions in place, obtaining triggers under this new system should be relatively pain-free, especially when compared to fulfilling the elaborate requirements of some existing NM battles.

Over fifty new types of equipment will be made available as exclusive drops for defeating these new NMs. Here are just a few samples to whet your ravenous adventurer's appetite.

More information about Final Fantasy XI can be found at our FFXI mini portal.

Many fans have waited a long time for the album "Piano Collections, Final Fantasy XI" and not the wait is finally soon over!

This CD is available for preorder only at the SQUARE ENIX Online Store until June 12, 2008 10:30 a.m. PDT.

Limited, first-edition releases come packaged with an in-game item redemption code redeemable for a beautiful, hand-carved harpsichord for your Mog House.

Go here for more information and to order your copy.

For more information about Final Fantasy XI, you can check out our mini portal.

In Final Fantasy XI rumor has it that a large flock of chocobos has been seen galloping out at the Pashhow Marshlands at breakneck speed. But that's not all, readers. Our source tells us that a hodgepodge assemblage of monsters—yes, monsters—has also been witnessed thundering alongside these flightless avians with equally impressive tenacity. What in the name of Altana is going on?

While delving deep into this mystery, one of our reporters was able to make contact with an adventurer claiming insider status to this bizarre occurrence. Only on the condition of anonymity did this individual reluctantly agree to an interview. And now, for the first time, the nature of the secret conversation between our reporter and the adventurer known only as "Deep Moat" will be revealed to the public.

Check out the story here.

Special Task Force Report

The most recent report show statistics and information about players that have violated the user agreement and some information is shared about updated policy's.

Regarding unauthorized third-party access

On April 23, Square Enix's policy regarding unauthorized access was updated.

Before the changes to this policy were implemented, it took a considerable amount of time for items to be recovered. However, due to the changes made, we were able to reduce the time required starting from the time a report is received to the time relief measures have completed by about a week. Additionally, we have also provided a larger selection of recovery points for players whose game data has been lost. In the previous policy, only certain items could be recovered, but with the new changes, game data is restored to its former state, shortening the amount of time necessary for relief measures and allowing us to adequately respond to most problems.

If your account has been accessed by unauthorized third parties and you have halted gameplay due to a loss of items or gil, please contact the Information Center after reading through the page on unauthorized access.

More information here.

Banned & Suspended Accounts

We would like to report the termination today of multiple accounts held by players involved in the usage of third-party tools or cheats, or engaged in RMT (Real Money Trading) activities.

Based on the results of our investigation, around 7,620 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 1,660 accounts were temporarily suspended. Additionally, we have increased the number of mass bannings against certain PlayOnline violations in order to prevent illegal acts.

More information here.

The next version for Final Fantasy XI is scheduled to be out in June. We've previously posted about some of the changes that will happen; Part 1 of Adjustments for June Version & Part 2 of Adjustments for June Version.

This time we're going to share some information about new additions to the Campaign system, as well as several changes to existing elements.

Physicians

A new group of NPCs known as physicians will be introduced to both sides of the Campaign lineup, serving dutifully to heal and tend to their battle-wounded allies. Various oaths of non-violence prevent the physicians from engaging in open combat, and they will resort to fighting only as a means of self-defense when attacked directly. Otherwise, they will patrol the field of battle, seeing to the needs of combatants by bestowing upon them various spells of healing and enhancement.

Medals Currently, the most distinguished medal available in commendation of a character's meritorious service in the name of Altana is the "Emblem of the Holy Knight." The next version update however, will see an expansion of the medal system, and with it a total of four new medals to recognize even greater prestige. Accordingly, new and more difficult Campaign Ops will also be introduced, as well as several new items obtainable through exchange for Allied Notes.

Exchanging Points for Wares from Other Nations

Until now, players have only been capable of exchanging their Allied Notes to procure items offered by the nation with which they are aligned. A modification to this system, in the same vein as that made previously to the Conquest system, will now allow for the acquisition of wares from any nation. Players can, however, expect a slight markup in price when dealing with a nation other than their own. In addition to the changes outlined above, a number of other features will be implemented, including new quests involving Campaign freelance NPCs, technical adjustments to the army units of both the Allied Forces and Beastman Confederate, and the addressing of various other minor issues.

The second preview of what's to come in the June update to Final Fantasy XI have been posted by SquareSoft. You can expect changes to nomad moogles in Sebila & Mhaura, also adjustments to how the supply quests works.

Nomad Moogles in Selbina and Mhaura

After considering the continuing influx of new players, the changes made to the offer requirements for several quests, and the special task force's efforts in maintaining a fair and balanced playing environment, we have decided that the inclusion of nomad moogles and delivery NPCs in Selbina and Mhaura will prove to be a beneficial addition to the game. Look forward to these new arrivals in the next version update!

Supply Quest Records

As you are no doubt aware, in order to make use of the regional teleport services, it is first necessary to complete a supply quest to the outpost in question. We will be implementing a change wherein along with your mission rank and conquest points, a record of completed supply quests will now be retained even after transferring your allegiance to another nation.

Item Autosort Function

This particular function has been requested many times by the community, and is scheduled to be implemented along with the various other adjustments introduced in recent Topics.

As well as the difficulties encountered in preventing potential misuse, we have avoided the implementation of this function in the past in order to prevent confusion for crafters—items carefully separated for synthesis would have been forcibly stacked.

However, with the same consideration given to the placement of nomad moogles in Selbina and Mhaura, we believe that the current stability of FINAL FANTASY XI allows for this feature to be introduced without adversely affecting gameplay.

Players will be provided with the option to deactivate automatic sorting as part of the new function we have planned.

Squaresoft have released information of their plans for the upcoming patch to Final Fantasy XI that will be released in June. Some of the changes that will be introduced is armor storage, synthesis and furnishing.

Sidenote: We've updated our Final Fantasy XI portal somewhat.

By now the name of Balrahn, great restorer of the Empire of Aht Urhgan, has resounded throughout Vana'diel, reaching the ears of all in the form of both history and legend. Recently, a complete listing of the Imperial Treasury somehow fell into the hands of the public, once again bringing this great hero's name to the forefront of rumors and tales around the city. Here, we will present a choice sample of that listing for you intrepid and ambitious adventurers.

Find out even more here.

Our Final Fantasy XI gallery just got twenty-one new screenshots added to it. Check them out below.

VIew more screenshots in our FFXI gallery!

Includes Wings of the Goddess expansion

London (1st May 2008) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the forthcoming release of FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition, available from 23rd May.

FINAL FANTASY XI takes you into the world of Vana'diel during the aftermath of a great war, as you answer a desperate call to defend your people. In this first ever cross-platform massively multiplayer online game, you'll unite with other warriors as they save their world from utter destruction.

The brand-new 2008 Edition available for both Windows and Xbox 360 contains all four expansion packs, Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urghan and the latest expansion pack Wings of the Goddess.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "The world of FINAL FANTASY XI continues to grow with both new content and new players. FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition allows interested players to join the adventure with the bonus of all the expansion pack content. I hope many more players enjoy and experience the exciting world of Vana'diel and all that FINAL FANTASY XI has to offer."

About WINGS OF THE GODDESS

• New Combat Features:
• An all-new "Allied Campaign" system will allow players to take part in large-scale battles and explore new special dungeons

• New Areas
  • New settings further expand the vast world of Vana'diel
• Mog House Guests:
  • Players will be able to invite their friends to their Mog Houses, showing their personalised furniture and special items. It is a new way to talk about past adventures and future plans in an entirely customised setting.
• New Jobs: Dancer and Scholar
• New Monsters

The population of Final Fantasy XI have been steadily growing and SquareEnix have just released information surrounding it that is quite interesting.

LOS ANGELES (March 31 , 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that they will be launching The Vana’diel Collection 2008 for the Windows/PC platform--a compilation of FINAL FANTASY XI, along with all four of its expansion packs, RISE OF THE ZILART, CHAINS OF PROMANTHIA, TREASURE OF AHT URHGAN, and the most recently-released, WINGS OF THE GODDESS, allowing players to experience every leg of the entire Vana’diel saga in one package.

Originally released in 2002, FINAL FANTASY XI, the first online game in the award winning FINAL FANTASY series, introduced the mystical, ever-changing world of Vana’diel to legions of fans. In November of 2007, Square Enix released the game’s fourth expansion pack, WINGS OF THE GODDESS to a community that has more than 500,000 active subscribers and over 1.7 million active characters from around the world.

The latest expansion, WINGS OF THE GODDESS, takes players in a journey through time, to experience the Vana’diel of 20 years past. Featuring new jobs, new environments and new questions, the expansion will take players to a very different Vana’diel—one on the brink of war. Recently, WINGS OF THE GODDESS conducted a major content update, implementing job and battle system improvements, new campaign elements, new quests for dancers and scholars, new items and equipment and much more.

FINAL FANTASY XI Vana'diel Collection 2008 for Windows will be hitting store shelves soon! The collection includes the complete award-winning original game plus all four expansions (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan and Wings of the Goddess) on one easy-to-install DVD. The package features a fold-out map of Vana'diel, command lists and mini starting nation walkthroughs to help new players begin their adventure! Every copy comes with a 30-day free trial and a Vana'diel Buddy Pass to invite a friend to try FINAL FANTASY XI.

Find out more here.

The egg (easter) hunt in Final Fantasy XI have begun. Collect certain eggs that you later can turn in for nice rewards:

Final Fantasy XI was just updated with a new version. Numerous of changes, adjustments and additions have been made to the world of Vana'diel.

The highlights of this patch are:

• Adjusted and improved job and battle systems
• New Campaign elements
• Exciting new quests for dancers and scholars
• A host of new items and equipment
• And more!

View the full patch notes.

Several changes to the job and battle system in Final Fantasy XI will be included in the next upcoming patch. There's quite a few new and changed things for the coming patch. I might have to make a summarized news post with everything that is planned to be included.

New Magic and Job Abilities

A host of new magic and job abilities will be added to a number of jobs for the next version update. For example, teleport spells for the white mage, a warp spell for the black mage, sneak ninjutsu for the ninja, elemental spirit MP absorption ability for the summoner, and new automaton weapon skills for the puppetmaster.

Additions and adjustments are also in store for the two new jobs introduced in the Wings of the Goddess expansion.

For the dancer, adjustments will include shortened ability delay to six seconds for all waltzes used when trance is in effect. Adjustments for the scholar will see an increase in the maximum number of charges available for stratagems, and a reduction in charge time.

Apart from job abilities, new status-specific status icons will be also introduced to further enhance playability.

Shortened Immobility Duration

The issue whereby certain restoration magic causes the character to become temporarily immobile, will be addressed. Up until now, casting cure on a character immediately after they initiate the attack command will result in that character becoming unable to move until spellcasting is complete, even after they have assumed battle stance. This immobility duration will be reduced drastically with the next version update.

Information about what else is in store for the next Final Fantasy XI patch scheduled to be out this month (March) have been released. Overall this patch seems to bring quite a lot of new and revamped things.