Next-Gen Final Fantasy Does Germany

The next-generation debut of Square Enix's long-lived series is set for public exposure later this year.

If you're desperate to experience the first next-generation Final Fantasy game, you better get in touch with your travel agent. Square Enix has revealed that the Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy XI, the company's popular massively multiplayer online game, will be making its public debut at the Leipzig Game Convention next month.

Though the game was initially met with many a raised eyebrow, Final Fantasy XI has won over its critics and proven to be a hit. There are currently half a million gamers roaming the world of Vana'diel, which while piddling compared to World of Warcraft's numbers is still no impressive in its own right.

In Europe, Final Fantasy XI is only available on PC as the PlayStation 2 version - and the PlayStation 2 hard drive itself - never made it over here.

One of Final Fantasy XI's more appealing features is the platform-agnostic gameplay. PC, PlayStation 2 and, in future, Xbox 360 owners all play in the same world. Square Enix is planning to give the next-gen iteration a graphical boost, though.

If you don't want to wait for the Xbox 360 version but you're still interested in checking the game out, Square Enix has just the thing for you. Final Fantasy XI: Vana'diel Collection is a compilation that includes the original game and both expansion packs released so far. It's slated for release later this year in the US, but the company has no plans at the moment to release it in Europe.

The Leipzig Game Conference takes place from 17-21 August. For more information, visit the official site.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games