Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

[Pai Pai Master]

Square Enix Sets FFXI Beta Date for the Xbox 360

Square Enix has revealed that the Japanese beta test for MMORPG Final Fantasy XI will kick off on December 10, the launch day for Microsoft's next-gen console on those shores.
According to reports, the FFXI beta will be bundled free with Xbox 360 units as of launch day in Japan (and presumably be available on distributed disks too at some point), although some sources suggest it'll be limited to the premium Xbox 360 package and not appear in the Core package - which kind of makes sense considering a hard drive is required to play.

A Gold Live membership WILL NOT BE required to take part in the beta although users will need to register with Square Enix's PlayOnline portal to get in on the action. Apparently Xbox Live will then handle basic services. It's currently unknown how long Square Enix plans to run the Japanese beta for.


Source: 360updates.com

[DakAttack]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

Expensive.

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

Here's an update from IGN Xbox360:

October 12, 2005 - Microsoft and Square Enix have announced final details for the Japanese beta program for Final Fantasy XI on Xbox 360. Sticking with previous announcements, the beta program will kick off with the Japanese launch of Xbox 360 on December 10.

Obtaining the beta version of the game will be easy for Xbox 360 purchasers. Those who pick up the limited edition of the console will be able to obtain the beta disk for free at retail. The two companies haven't announced specifics on how the exchange will take place. Copies of the beta version are said to be limited, and once they run out, the offer ends.

To actually play FFXI, users will have to sign for a Play Online account and be a member in either the Silver or Gold Xbox Live programs. Not that this matters too much, as both PlayOnline and Silver membership are free. Even Gold Membership is free for the first month.

The limited edition version of Xbox 360 is the only one that will be offered on day one. In addition to the console, 20 gig hard disk, wireless controller, media remote controller, high definition and composite cables, LAN cable, AC adapter, batteries, instruction manual and a month of Xbox Live gold membership, the limited edition includes a free headset. All of this will be priced at 39,795 yen, tax included.

If you're interested in this game, be sure to add it to your wishlist. You can keep notes, rank games, get updates by email, and more.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

Japanese people play with Xbox?

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

Microsoft is hoping so.

[lionx]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

^

What BRP said O_o

[tdh]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

THis still pisses me off to no end, but it makes sense. Who else could beta test the game?

But this kinda gives us a better idea of when we'll get the Expansion pack. April release most like. Plenty of time for beta testing, making changes and then getting it ready to ship for now three systems.

So no US beta testing? HAHA!

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

My guess is the beta test will be the same for the US release of the Xbox360, but on a larger scale. Whereas the Japanese test is limited in supply of discs, American Xbox Live directors have said multiple times that they hope to have the test available to all owners of the Xbox360 Premium system.

[ruffrydasean]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

Darn.. i wanna beta test again >_>;

[Ghostraven]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

why? you want to start all over only to have it all taken away?

[lionx]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

The "Welcome to Cactaur" is enough...

that and who doesnt wanna remember the good times? When Jeuno is EMPTY or when theres only 2 people in the entire world...nothing but a beta test can make those memories...that and seeing the AH empty is fun. I was SO poor ;;

[ultimaknight]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

Sorry for the stupid question, but if you beta test you can't use the character you already have? I mean, you can't just use the content IDs you have already on the new hardware?

I personally didn't learn about FFXI in time for the first beta test. But I would like to part of a beta of the NA Xbox 360 if its possible to continue to use the character I have now.

[ruffrydasean]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

The "Welcome to Cactaur" is enough...

that and who doesnt wanna remember the good times? When Jeuno is EMPTY or when theres only 2 people in the entire world...nothing but a beta test can make those memories...that and seeing the AH empty is fun. I was SO poor ;;

Yea... lag free Jeuno {Can I Have It?}
I know it wont be the same experience like when I was first introduced to the FFXI World, but I'd like to get another chance, as I only got to play for about 2 months the first time around in the beta test.

Even then.. the highest I got was lvl 13BLM, I explored around and died alot, but I loved every minute of it... and I'd be able to play my current character on Xbox360 as well

[Sabotage]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

So when we get the Xbox 360 we get a free month of playonline and xbox live?

[Susurrus]

Re: Japanese Xbox360 Beta Test Date Set!

So when we get the Xbox 360 we get a free month of playonline and xbox live?

If you start a new account on there, it will be free first month just like if you started a new account on PC or PS2.