Apparently Square-Enix needs a little help getting FFXI out in Europe. To that end, they have signed on Ubisoft to help distribute their Xbox360 version of Final Fantasy XI. Frankly, we did not think demand would be this great for a 5-year old MMORPG. Color us surprised.

London, UK – April 6, 2006 – Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announced that it will enter into an agreement with Square Enix Ltd. to distribute FINAL FANTASY® XI on Xbox 360™ across Europe and other PAL territories. Ubisoft will also distribute the Windows® expansion pack FINAL FANTASY XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan™. Both games will hit stores in April 2006.

FINAL FANTASY XI is a massively multi player online role playing game (MMORPG), taking place in the renowned world of Vana’diel®. With the release of the third Windows expansion pack FINAL FANTASY XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan and the Xbox 360 version, combining PlayOnline™, FINAL FANTASY XI and all three expansion packs for the title - Chains of Promathia™, Rise of the Zilart® and new Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion packs, the world of Vana’diel will be an even livelier place to visit.

“Ubisoft is thrilled to offer the Xbox 360 its first MMORPG” said Alain Corre Executive Director for EMEA territories at Ubisoft. “FINAL FANTASY XI is a gorgeous game with a true innovative feature: Xbox 360 players can join Playstation®2 and PC gamers in the FINAL FANTASY universe, thus creating a unique interaction between different platforms.”

About FINAL FANTASY XI:

Players will create unique characters that will evolve within Vana'diel - a world once bound by a peaceful alliance between nations, but now threatened by an ever growing evil force. They will experience missions, quests, and battles either by themselves or by joining up with other party members to form powerful alliances as they explore the incredibly vast environments that make up Vana’diel.

FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 key features:


First MMORPG on Xbox 360: Players will be able to see and hear the world of Vana’diel like never before, in high definition video.
Windows and PS2 compatibility: A world first! Play on the same servers as the Windows and PS2 owners. Jump straight into the action with thousands of other players!
A persistent world: More than 100 areas to explore including mountains, forests, glaciers, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles, and dungeons. Time and climate changes that range from full day/night cycles to desert sandstorms, thunderstorms, fog and snow.
Three starting nations: Players can partake in conquests to elevate their nation’s standing, missions to build their reputation within a nation, and special quests to discover useful items, new jobs, earn money and learn more about the story of Vana’diel.
Customizable characters: FINAL FANTASY XI is filled with a host of physical traits and jobs. The unique support job system allows players the ability to switch jobs at any time to overcome any challenge.
An accessible battle system: Experience a complex, balanced battle system fit for beginners and experienced gamers alike allowing the performing of strategic attacks using magic, job abilities, and weapon skills.
Expansion packs included: Includes “Rise of the Zilart”, “Chains of Promathia” and “Treasures of Aht Urhgan” expansion packs containing 70 original areas, new jobs, items, mission scenarios and quests which will get you closer to solving the mystery of Vana’diel.


FINAL FANTASY XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan key features:


More than 10 exclusive areas: Explore new places such as Mamook, Arrapago Reef, Al Zahbi, Aydeewa Subterrane, Nashmau, Wajaom Woodlands and others.
3 brand new jobs: Become a Blue Mage, a Corsair or a Puppetmaster.
A horde of adversaries: Treasures of Aht Urhgan will unleash numerous monsters on Vana’diel such as the artificially created Lamia beastmen, amphibious Merrow chimeras or the Mamool Ja, a powerful tribe that holds dominion over the new Mamook Ja Savagelands.
Two fresh game modes: “Besieged” will allow players to defend their towns from beastman invasions while “Assault” will let players over level 50 jump in and play quick missions straight away without having to assemble a giant party or undertake a huge quest.
Chocobo breeding: Raise and care for your very own chocobo, a feature for which fans have been asking for the past years. Mate your chocobos and little baby chocobos might soon be running around the fields of Vana’diel!


CHAINS OF PROMATHIA, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, RISE OF THE ZILART, SQUARE ENIX, TREASURES OF AHT URHGAN and VANA'DIEL are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in United Kingdom and/or other countries..

Xbox, Xbox 360 and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in United Kingdom and/or other countries. “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Yup i will be one of many clammering to complete the Blue Mage job quest on April the 20th.

I really like this because now square enix sees that they indeed do have a fanbase on an xbox console.

I think Japanese developers have to think about people outside Japan more, because even though the Japanese like SE games, a lot of people outside enjoy them also.

Hopefully SE will start throwing 360 owners a bone, can't say im all that hyped about the shooter the've announced..

Yea i'm not so much into it yet i'll have to see more.