Throwing its own fireworks ahead of Independence day, Square Enix set game sites and fans on fire: Final Fantasy XIV will launch on September 30, ahead of what many expected to be a year-end debut.
Considered as the successor to the eight-year-old MMO title Final Fantasy XI, FFXIV has just completed its alpha testing and is moving to closed beta next month.
But not everyone’s happy with the early release, especially PS3 fans whose port version will come out by Mar. 2011. That’s a very long wait that may force them to play on the PC now rather than get left behind in leveling progression.
The Japanese company though was determined to make the PC as attractive as can be with its preorder and subscription packages. Preorders come in two sets. There’s the normal preorder set ($49.99) that gives away a free pair of Garlond Goggles, an in-game equipment that increases the speed skills are learned.
And then there’s the Collector’s edition preorder set ($74.99) which has a ton of collectible items, including a security token, a record journal, and a behind-the-scenes DVD on making FFXIV. The most exciting perks though are the bonus Onion Helm in-game item that speeds up KO recovery, and the eight-day advance access to Hydaelyn. Yes, Collector’s edition owners get to log in as early as Sept.22. (Free mug and music CD seems exclusive to Japan CE’s)
Both sets also come with a game disc, manual, and 30-day game time.
Square Enix indicated that monthly subscriptions will cost $12.99 a month, or the same pricing structure currently in place for FFXI. This can balloon if you plan to make another character or retainer, which holds your items and performs marketplace duties. Additional characters will cost $3 per month for a maximum of 8 playable characters per account, and each additional retainer will cost $1 per month.
If you want to preorder or just get more details, head to the FFXIV official website.