[CloudFFVII]

Wow I found a very interesting article over on IGN.com after begin directed there by this site. From reading this article Beta testers may get screwed outwright eventually. We know that as a beta tester we are getting a free HD from S-E, but what we do not know is how are we getting FFXI? From the artcile below I have derived 1 of 3 conclusions, either we will have to purchase the retail version of FFXI w/ the HD from stores and receive some type of rebate, or 2 we will have to buy FFXI from S-E directly, or third the not very likley one, when SE sends us our HD we get FFXI for free in March .... thoughts?

September 16, 2003 - Today at Sony Computer Entertainment's third annual Sony Gamers Day, a press conference was held to officially inaugurate the festivities. Attended by Kaz Hirai, Andrew House, and several other top-ranking Sony officials, the important pre-season event revealed several interesting disclosures. Two of the more important announcements centered on the forthcoming PlayStation 2 40GB Hard Drive peripheral and the massively multiplayer RPG Final Fantasy XI. Or rather, how they'll compliment each other when they're released.

Pre-installed with Final Fantasy XI and packed with product demos, a media player, and several other still-secretive goodies, the disk drive is set to launch in March for a suggested retail price of $99. For the curious, the included media player was developed in-house and includes four separate managers that include games, video, audio, and photo-related programs. The HDD will also support streaming technology and allow users to store entire CDs within it.

"With the battle for console supremacy decided, we are departing from the status quo in an effort to broaden the in-home entertainment market with the release of the Hard Disk Drive for PlayStation 2," said Andrew House, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The online world is dynamic and constantly changing, and with the Hard Disk Drive consumers can truly capitalize on the fusion of content -- whether it be gaming applications, communities, digital media delivery -- and refresh and expand the experience infinitely."

The online-only Final Fantasy XI had two important revelations of its own revealed as well; the first of which is that it will NOT be sold separately apart from the PS2 HDD on American shores, and the second being its subscription-based pricing structure -- it'll be $12.95 per month.

"We are excited to bring the Final Fantasy series into its next ground-breaking phase of online play with the new Hard Disk Drive, which further demonstrates our focus on extending the functionalities and capabilities of the PlayStation 2 for a total living room experience," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The vast living universe of Final Fantasy XI will draw players into a deep, one-of-a-kind online adventure, transforming the boundaries of console gaming with the ability for gamers to join others on quests and adventures regardless of whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a PC."

Additional information concerning Final Fantasy XI can be found by clicking the link provided and the latest screenshots are on the media page. We'll be back with more from Sony Gamers Day later this afternoon.

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[Louie]

GREAT now i've got another paper weight.

[Centurion]

...or they are gonna comp us and give us the game for free...

[Sindarkus]

I might be wrong, but I don't remember seeing anywhere where we had to return the game when we sent the HDD back. The way I see, we'll just get the HDD back, and have to download an update (though admittedly a pretty big one) to up the beta version to the retail version.

[Kimahriii]

I don't see this as a big deal retailers will sell it without the HDD too prolly there has to be a way to get it without the HDD too if you already have one.

[Cherubae]

One of the purchase points for me is the fact that Square is sending me a free HD once the beta is over. If it's required to purchase a Sony-release HD with FFXI preloaded on it, then there's really no point in buying an additional HD just to play it.

Unless the HD that Square plans on shipping are the Sony-release ones with FFXI preloaded....

[Mitch]

I dont know about you guys, but i am definitely not waiting until march (HDD release)when i can get the PC version in october. Might as well have the high-res if you can. Im sure the free retail hdd will trade in nicely at EB.

Mitch

[CloudFFVII]

Originally posted by Sindarkus
I might be wrong, but I don't remember seeing anywhere where we had to return the game when we sent the HDD back. The way I see, we'll just get the HDD back, and have to download an update (though admittedly a pretty big one) to up the beta version to the retail version.

Read your agreement again the entire beta kit needs to be returned itn its original packaging

[Sindarkus]

man, now I feel sad... lol

[Bishop]

I don't see why it's not going to be sold as a single unit. Just think about it, what if I wanted two accounts so it is possible for me and my imaginary brother to play at the same time. There is no way square will make people purchase 2 hdd's so two people in one household can play at the same time. Just like EQ, if you wanted to get two accounts, just purchase another game. In this case, it's not possible since it will cost quite a bundle ($99) and not only that, you'll have a spare, and useless, hdd. I think SE had thought this out and I think they will release an ffxi that does not come with the hdd.

[Darkham]

Actually, I think that if you want another account for POL, you just purchase a new Content ID online, and use the existing pre-installed FFXI.

And if two people want to play at the same time (with your imaginary brother :p), you still need two PS-2's and two HDD's. If you just want a separate account, you can register a second one on POL and get a new Content ID online.

So, the concept of selling FFXI only bundled with the HDD is still viable. Only way to play two FFXI copies at the same time, while only buying one HDD, would be to play one on PS-2 and one on PC.

[Bishop]

What you said about getting two hdds is true, but buying two content ids still does not allow me and one other person to play at the same time.

[Phoenyx]

According to Sony Computer Entertainment of America a 40Gb PS2 hard disk drive is on its way to the U.S. and will be available in March 2004. Expected to set you back around USD 99 it will come ready with Final Fantasy XI pre-installed.

This is on Megagames.com.....Im not getting the ps2 ver..hell I dont even own a ps2...im just upgrading my comp..however does this mean that for ps2 users that they then have to seperatly buy the expansion...because it says nothing about wether its included or not...and If it isnt included I think they are just ripping off ps2 users over and over and over again....first and foremost by pushing the date back....even tho this doesnt affect me..I feel for all you ps2 users who are FF fans, and I say just get a comp and show your support for square-enix and screw sony...cause its taking so long for them to release the hdd, they should be giving it away by the time it comes out lol...and 99 usd...thats a little much. even with ff included....however I would pay 99 usd just for the game on comp since they seem to be trying to get it to us faster....but Jan or march woulda been nice heh.

[Sindarkus]

Originally posted by Phoenyx
..however does this mean that for ps2 users that they then have to seperatly buy the expansion...because it says nothing about wether its included or not...and If it isnt included I think they are just ripping off ps2 users over and over and over again...

I think the exapnsion is included in the NA release.

[LifeofEternity]

So basically a ps2 hdd comes with ffxi free, included.