It looks like Square Enix has opened up their beta testing for the upcoming Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy XI. Americans can receive the beta disc via OXM magazine and sign up for the testing spot at the Square Enix web site HERE. Register using your email address and prepare for battle in the world of FF. The start date seems to be January 5th, with no end date in sight. The interesting fact is that you don't seem to even need to be a Xbox Live Gold member to play. Because FF: XI is using its own servers you only be required to own an Xbox 360 at this point. I'm sure once the game is released there will be month cost. Click Read more to view the sites Q & A.
From the site:
Q: How long is the beta test period?
A: The beta test period will begin on Jan. 5th, 2006. The end date has not yet been set.
Q: When does official service for the Xbox 360 start?
A: The starting date for official service has not yet been set. An announcement will be made in the near future.
Q: How does the Xbox 360 version of FINAL FANTASY XI differ from other platforms?
A: The login process via Xbox Live is the main difference from the other platforms. The available content will be no different from the other versions. The Xbox 360 version will support HDTV (high definition) technology, allowing players to fully experience the stunning graphics of FINAL FANTASY XI.
Q: How do I connect to Xbox Live?
A: For information on connecting to Xbox Live, please go to the Official Xbox 360 Homepage.
Q: If I own a Windows or PlayStation 2 version of FINAL FANTASY XI and have already purchased a Content ID, can I participate in the Xbox 360 version beta test using that ID?
A: No, you will have to create a new character with a Content ID that will be issued specifically for the beta test.
Q: Does it cost money to join PlayOnline and Xbox Live?
A: The "Silver Membership" service for Xbox Live is free, and subscribing to the fee based "Gold Membership" will allow complete access to all Xbox Live services. Subscribing to either of these services will allow you to play FINAL FANTASY XI. PlayOnline membership and participation in the FINAL FANTASY XI beta test is free of charge. For more information on Xbox Live services, please go to the Official Xbox 360 Homepage.
Q: How many copies of the FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 beta version are going to be released?
A: The official number will not be released, but enough copies have been prepared so that all people who purchase the XXX issue of the Official Xbox Magazine will be able to obtain one.
Q: How much of FINAL FANTASY XI is included in the beta version?
A: The beta version includes the full content of FINAL FANTASY XI, as well as the Rise of the Zilart and Chains of Promathia expansions.
Q: Will I be able to carry over my character data when the official service for FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 begins?
A: Although plans have not been finalized as of yet, we are hoping to offer some form of character data transfer when official service begins.
Q: In what regions will beta testing take place?
A: Beta testing will take place in Japan, North America, and Europe.
Q: Will FINAL FANTASY XI World servers currently in use be used for the Xbox 360 version beta test?
A: A separate server will be prepared for the Xbox 360 version beta test.
Q: Will FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 support voice chat?
A: Voice chat support will be available as an Xbox Live service. For more information on Xbox Live services, please go to the Official Xbox 360 Homepage.
Q: Will I need anything aside from the Xbox 360 console and Xbox 360 Controller to play FINAL FANTASY XI?
A: Both PlayOnline and FINAL FANTASY XI support the use of a standard USB Keyboard. While it is possible to access all functions through the Xbox 360 controller, the addition of a USB Keyboard will make functions such as entering text much more convenient.
Q: How long is the beta test period?
A: The beta test period will begin on Jan. 5th, 2006. The end date has not yet been set.
Q: When does official service for the Xbox 360 start?
A: The starting date for official service has not yet been set. An announcement will be made in the near future.
Q: How does the Xbox 360 version of FINAL FANTASY XI differ from other platforms?
A: The login process via Xbox Live is the main difference from the other platforms. The available content will be no different from the other versions. The Xbox 360 version will support HDTV (high definition) technology, allowing players to fully experience the stunning graphics of FINAL FANTASY XI.
Q: How do I connect to Xbox Live?
A: For information on connecting to Xbox Live, please go to the Official Xbox 360 Homepage.
Q: If I own a Windows or PlayStation 2 version of FINAL FANTASY XI and have already purchased a Content ID, can I participate in the Xbox 360 version beta test using that ID?
A: No, you will have to create a new character with a Content ID that will be issued specifically for the beta test.
Q: Does it cost money to join PlayOnline and Xbox Live?
A: The "Silver Membership" service for Xbox Live is free, and subscribing to the fee based "Gold Membership" will allow complete access to all Xbox Live services. Subscribing to either of these services will allow you to play FINAL FANTASY XI. PlayOnline membership and participation in the FINAL FANTASY XI beta test is free of charge. For more information on Xbox Live services, please go to the Official Xbox 360 Homepage.
Q: How many copies of the FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 beta version are going to be released?
A: The official number will not be released, but enough copies have been prepared so that all people who purchase the XXX issue of the Official Xbox Magazine will be able to obtain one.
Q: How much of FINAL FANTASY XI is included in the beta version?
A: The beta version includes the full content of FINAL FANTASY XI, as well as the Rise of the Zilart and Chains of Promathia expansions.
Q: Will I be able to carry over my character data when the official service for FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 begins?
A: Although plans have not been finalized as of yet, we are hoping to offer some form of character data transfer when official service begins.
Q: In what regions will beta testing take place?
A: Beta testing will take place in Japan, North America, and Europe.
Q: Will FINAL FANTASY XI World servers currently in use be used for the Xbox 360 version beta test?
A: A separate server will be prepared for the Xbox 360 version beta test.
Q: Will FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360 support voice chat?
A: Voice chat support will be available as an Xbox Live service. For more information on Xbox Live services, please go to the Official Xbox 360 Homepage.
Q: Will I need anything aside from the Xbox 360 console and Xbox 360 Controller to play FINAL FANTASY XI?
A: Both PlayOnline and FINAL FANTASY XI support the use of a standard USB Keyboard. While it is possible to access all functions through the Xbox 360 controller, the addition of a USB Keyboard will make functions such as entering text much more convenient.
