nice! i'll try and see if any retailers in asia will stock the US CE boxes in time for release. pricing seems reasonable as well

Few quick observations:

First, I will be buying the collectors edtion. Gotta love starting a week early, the in-game items, and art books, plus the security token.

Secondly, this will be a BIG dissapointment for our PS3 owners (sorry Damondo).

Lastly, this is a lot earlier then I expected. Just 3 months and we can play... well at least most of us can.

I feel for those of you who will have to wait an extra 6 months, but I am pretty excited to be playing so soon.

Maybe some of you will decide to buy a new PC after all.

New information just translated:

Final Fantasy XIV Collectors’ Edition
Release Date: September 22nd, 2010

Special In-Game Item: Onion Helm (reduced penalty upon death)
This special edition also includes:
-Priority Log-in a week before official start of service.
-A specially designed package featuring the art of Yoshitaka Amano and Akihiko Yoshida.
-FFXIV original tumbler (Japanese version - Jonn)
-FFXIV DVD “Eorzea: The Making of a Realm”
-Hard-cover art case to protect your game and DVD.
-A specially designed FFXIV security token.

Final Fantasy XIV (regular edition)
Release Date: September 30th, 2010

Special In-Game Item: Garlond Goggles (faster skill growth)
Characters created after redemption of the Item Code (included in the first shipment of the game) will all receive this special in-game item from the start.

Monthly Fee: 1280 yen (approx. $13-$14)/30 days (1344 w/ tax)
(first character free for 30 days upon activation)

Retainers: First one is free with each additional one costing 100 yen (105 w/ tax). Additional player characters cost 300 yen (315 w/ tax) apiece every 30 days. Maximum of 8 characters.

Fees are payable by both Crysta currency and credit card.

Each Square Enix account may have up to 8 service accounts.

FFXIII Secret Code Item
Asura Armguards: Increased Weapon and Tool affinity.
jp.finalfantasyxiv.com/ffxiii/

Supported Languages: Japanese, English, German, French (service starts simultaneously)

*PS3 version is scheduled for release sometime during the beginning of March, 2011.

Wow...speculation before was November or even December...that's quite a move up. I honestly don't like it that the PS3 version won't be ready till March of next year though, as that is going to affect our friends here. For you all I'm not sure what you will do, but I hope you can still start with the rest of us somehow.

Hopefully, the majority can get started if they buy a new video card - just enough to make the game playable, while waiting for the PS3 version. Square confirmed that the video card is the most important component atm, and would be the easiest for people to upgrade.

<-- come on, you know you want to play with us!

well i am getting a new comp for College so i am going to make sure it can play it and i will be pre-ordering the collectors edition

I just spent a good while looking at the smilies and honestly could not find one that expresses how this makes me feel.
I got so excited when I saw how soon it would be until I got to the part that says I can't play until March.

At this point I am wondering what I will do?
I am certainly not spending the cash needed to upgrade both our PCs to play FFXIV right now, it would completely screw the "budget pooch" and that is not acceptable.
Made some extra cash so I could get the PS3s.
(about $1000 extra last two weeks from OT and traveling mileage that was ear marked for them)
If I use that to upgrade one PC then one of us is out cold and that is not acceptable.
Starting a new game 6 months later than my friends is nothing new.
But, I am not missing the game by PLing to catch up.
(other PS3 players will try to do that for sure)
Another opportunity to enjoy my friends and play along together is taken from me. Its seems to be fate almost.
I could spend the cash I don't have (my credit is ok) and fix up our PCs to play it, but then we don't get the PS3s (was looking forward to that and all it included) and honestly making a debt to play a game (even this one) is something that will make us unhappy, and take away most of the fun anyway.

Still trying to wrap my head around why a company that's been around games this long would do something as bias as this ... not coming up with much.
I guess it can be reasoned away by development time (PC to PS3 port has to happen and its not an overnight affair)

All I can think to do is pre-order the PC version Collector Editions and see what happens when we load them up and hit PLAY? Even if it just sits there, it would be better than the Vanguard Beta 0 right? And we had fun trying to get that game to run. (as did most of my friends after release,lol)
Maybe unlike most every game recently, instead of lowering the specs to gain more players and then having everyone bitch about lag, they over did that benchmark everyone is using, and on lesser resolutions the game will run fine with what we already have? Just not as pretty as 'yall have.
Then with some tweeking mine will run, and I can put a small amount of cash into Sandi's machine. Try and buy us at least enough to get to March, and not fall too far behind the main guild body.
(I was so determined to not fall behind this go round dammit)

Anyway right now I just came up with a plan.
Plan is:
1- Get the giveaways from pre ordering the CE onto our game accounts.
2- Try and get by until March, and work some more overtime.
I guess

I just literally squealed at work!!!! Thank goodness my boss was outside, LOL!

Yeah, I was super surprised to see a September release. That was way earlier than I expected!

I'm definitely getting the CE. Besides getting to play a week early and getting the extra goodies, bundling a security token in with it is made of win.

Only thing I was sad to see was that the soundtrack doesn't come with.

To Alto, you know I 100% understand your frustration, hun. I nearly went through the roof when my PC didn't hit the benchmark minimum. How bad are your scores? If you're coming close, like Jonn said, new video cards may be all you need to get you to the 1500 minimum. I'm hitting about 950, and it's still playable with only a tiny bit of stuttering.

I'm sorry for our PS3 friends, but this is exactly what happened in FFXI. The PC version hit North America in late October 2003, but wasn't released for PS2 until March 2004. I'm not sure what their excuse was the first time around since the game had already been out in Japan for like a year before we got ahold of it (the NA version was bundled with the first expansion, Rise of the Zilart). But this time I don't think it has to do with any kind of bias, but with time constraints and testing. From what I understand, they've only been testing the PC version right now. They haven't touched PS3 yet.

To Alto and anyone else who cannot play until PS3 release and are afraid that they will fall behind, I will make you a personal promise right now that if I have to reserve a class until March comes around so that I can play with the rest of you and help you catch up, I will. I will do whatever it takes to make everyone feel included.

EDIT (Just noticed this from the original post):

Recommended Specs(?):

Windows XP/Vista/7, Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz or AMD Athlon X2 2GHz, 2GB of RAM, 15GB HDD space, NVIDIA GeForce 9600 512MB or ATI Radeon HD 2900 512MB and DirectX 9

I'm actually not too far off from this. I was thinking of getting a quad core processor, and I still might, but I'm glad to see that a Core 2 Duo is sufficient. Plus, a GeForce 9600? Nice. Upgrades to get me by before I bite the bullet and build a true monster gaming machine look doable.

playstationlifestyle.net/2010/06/30/fina...h-quicker-than-xiii/

Yep I am PISSED. Everyones gonna be 5 months ahead. This is fucking bullshit.

/soothe /soothe /comfort

So tell me what the point of even playing is? Like they didnt learn from last time? I mean the majority of this company will be so far behind. I almost dont even want to play now. Thats how pissed off I am.

LOLz at Alto's forum profile personal text!

Heh My PC beats all those specs except the vid card (I have a 8800)
Sandi still has an AGP motherboard...well its plays WoW OK

I will sort it out. really looking forward to when we can sit and play with a controller and KB from the couch (or bed) in March as I wanted to all along tho'. and I am thinking it will run ok personally. This PC never scored well on benchmark tests but ran every game we have played so far including Vanguard when it was first released just fine. What do I have to lose...about 100USD
But what will I gain? A cool Onion hat like all the other Cool kids have.

Sandi is who I want to get sorted.
We do have this cozy game room where we can sit together.
The real plan was always to be able to do either eventually
Reminds me to ask... are accounts platform based or can I play the same account on either platform as long as I buy two copies of the game.
And we plan on hanging in there this time as well like so many of our old friends that still log into FFXI, and never stop playing until the servers go down so...
Guess I will start looking into parts.
Kinda stopped paying attention for a few weeks and fell way way behind on PC hardware lolz
I know I didn't get this excited about a game and then not be able to actually play it, so something will just have to give at some point.
Consider yourselves lucky we don't work together cause I'm feeling a bit disgruntled. Heh. And you hear about disgruntled employees all the time.
Just sayin'

I will however find this acceptable if...

The time is spent incorporating the MOVE controller into the game so that as I swing my arm, my lance/sword/axe/wand/staff moves in game to mirror what I do.

_KUNENA_BBCODE_HIDEIMG
Talk about homegrown combos, Heh.
With that controller,
some kind of strap on hotkey bank,
a wireless vent headset,
and you can stand in front of your big screen TV in your livingroom
and fight a dragon or two. (maybe little ones at first)

Imagine if you could hack into the EYETV - TV cameras that communicate with the controller and track it...That would make for some priceless moments I am sure.

Archery Looks kinda cool...

_KUNENA_BBCODE_HIDEIMG

Alto, I dont know where I saw it now, but I am nearly certain accounts are cross platform, so your PC account works with the PS2 and visa versa. You would still need to buy the PS3 game of course.

Damondo, I see NewEgg has Nvidia 9800 GT's as low as $69.99 - maybe you might consider upgrading? Your rig did play Aion after all, so I would think that would fix you up. Seventy bucks isnt that bad for 5 months of gaming.

EDIT: More 9800 GT's here.

Well, I pre-ordered the PC Collector's Edition from Amazon. I guess it's time to buy a new computer. But I'm not happy about it.

<- Charlie
<- Moon
<- Damondo

What a scam! LOL! This sounds like something we would do at my company.

Alto wrote:
<- Charlie
<- Moon
<- Damondo

The Official Website has been updated with this and other info, including new trailers and art.

The following pics were posted at FFXIVCore:
_KUNENA_BBCODE_HIDEIMG
_KUNENA_BBCODE_HIDEIMG

Here is the 9600 GT 512 mb card at Compuvest for $86.65:

www.compuvest.com/Search.jsp?Search=VCG9...amp;sku=331003960-12


Nothing is cheap though...but hope it helps somehow.

Try to get a 9800 GT if you can though. The 9600 GT is better then a plain 9600, but according to the scores, the 9800GT is 20 percent faster. Ideally you would get an even faster Nvidia GTX series card, but that might be overkill for an old processor. Every bit helps though.

EDIT: The card Strong linked in the other thread is the same as I have, the GTX 260.

Moonie,

I LMAO because you preordered the game and you don't even have a computer to play it on.

Then you say now you gotta go out and get yourself a computer....

I guess I must be tired or something but that just made me ROFL....

Tris wrote:
Moonie,

I LMAO because you preordered the game and you don't even have a computer to play it on.

Then you say now you gotta go out and get yourself a computer....

I guess I must be tired or something but that just made me ROFL....



I've been thinking about getting a new computer for a while now. I'm still using the one I bought for EQ2 ages ago (3GHz P4 cpu ) so it's definitely time and not as insane as it seems.

And I'm certain the Collector's Edition will be sold out by the time Sept. 30th rolls around so...

Can't help but feel a little disappointed that they are realeasing the pc way befor the ps3 version would have thought they would have put out the pc and ps3 out at the same time. Feels like they could hold off on the pc version for a short time until the ps3 version would be ready and in the mean time just work on a shit load of beta testing. Just feel like there trying to rush it out to soon is all i am saying.

post on Selyne comment, Yeah i will also reserve a class for you as well frankly i was pissed,sad and made me want to cry, that they did this on 11 and having to catch up with all the players on the pc version who had such a long lead on the game play compared to me on the ps2 version, But hopping this wont discourge any of the ps3 player's from still getting the game.

FFXIVCore posted a recap here, in an easier to read format.

They also added Gamestop preorder links:

Gamestop - Standard - Collector's Edition

The FFXIV website got a total revamp. They list the three pre-order retailers as Amazon, Best Buy and Gamestop.

Phab has told me to go ahead and order the CE (I don't want to take a chance on it getting sold out). But I want to choose the best vendor. For example, I don't want Amazon shipping it on release day when I could possibly run down to the store and pick it up.

Anyone have any recommendations?

P.S. You can now choose a music track (bottom right). I'm already addicted to Track 4.

My personal experience is that Gamestop usually ships as early as possible. It also gives you the option for faster shipping just to be safe. I think I will order mine there.

I've ordered many games from Amazon. As long as you select Release-Day Delivery, you'll get it then with no problems.

I will pre-order at a retail store for release day pickup.
I hate to pay for shipping when there's a copy of the same thing right down the street.
I have always had OK luck with GameStop on release days, so probably there.
Besides when you pre-order at a retail store you only have to put down like $10 and pay the rest later.
If I change my mind it will only be a $20 loss.

Maybe Gamestop is the way to go, then. Didn't Best Buy make some screwups on the Warhammer pre-orders, if I remember correctly?

I'm a Game-Stopperist...and have always had good luck with them. Our mall near here actually has two of the Gamestopper stores, I Have no idea why. I think the reason I have always had good luck was my good looks. Cause when I walked into the store they threw the CE box at me. It left a mark...but hey...I got mine quick.

yeah got mine from gamestop had to pay liitle more so i can have it on the 22secnd but only because to damn lazy to go pick it up so i have it being mailed to me

Selyne wrote:
Maybe Gamestop is the way to go, then. Didn't Best Buy make some screwups on the Warhammer pre-orders, if I remember correctly?

I know I have heard of Best Buy screw ups in the past, and therefore dont trust them much. Dont remember the specifics since they didnt affect me personally.

Just preordered mine from Gamestop.

Well, you can look at this as either having a 9 month window to save enough for a new vid card, or a 9 month window where everyone you planned on playing with got bored and quit 4 months by the time you even start, possibly because the September release may have been rushed and broken or buggy.

I guess we'll see what happens in a few months.

You all may be thinking of the Warhammer issue I had with my Best Buy pre order.
yes they screwed it up
I went to Game Stop and bought two off the shelf on release day.
Best Buy did not have the game on release day
I never got my $20 back

is that the one?

That would be it. You know, I completely forgot that Phab and I pretty much went through the same thing. We got the Warhammer pre-orders and went into Best Buy to pick them up. But they hadn't come in. So, we marched out onto the floor and grabbed two CE's off the shelf. We had to fight with the sales associate who wanted us to go through some lengthy return and credit process. We demanded they apply the cost of the pre-order games to the CE's and let us pay the difference. They finally agreed just to get us out the store.

Now that I'm remembering that experience, I definitely won't go with Best Buy.

Plus, Phab got the WoW Burning Crusade expansion from Gamestop (back when it was EB Games) and had no problem. They had this really fun midnight release party with a WoW dance contest and other fun activities.

wow have to say i am ready on the price of each char and its way more then what 11 was, each additionl playable char is 3.00$ pluse non playable char is 1.00$. Have to say it but that is a realy lame.

pre-ordered my copy of the collector's edition on PC today...can't wait until 9-22-10 now, Gamestop ftw!!!

i can't find any place in thailand that will guarantee that they will have the CE on actual launch day the best i can do is buy a CD-key online but that means getting none of the goodies including the security token.

I might just have to end up flying to singapore and picking up one there if they actually have it. Then again a plane ticket is at least 200 USD and i'm not sure i want to spend that amount of money on a game lol.

Hopefully they will have an option that you can download the client via thier website and still be able to grab a CE key. At least if they play thier cards right, they will.

I love that the CE will have a security token included vs trying to buy one after release.

Agreed!

In fact, I had a conversation with Phab about that last night.

Phab: "I don't really want to get a Collector's Edition."
Me: "Yes, you do."
Phab: "Why, so I can get another art book? I can just look at yours."
Me: "It comes bundled with a security token."
Phab: "...Oh."

That alone is incentive. =)

Again... SO sad that the US version doesn't come with the soundtrack, though!!!

the soundtrack will be on the torrent sites more than likely before its 'released' and I will post a megaupload link for it like I did with eminem

Of course you will, lol.