For those of us who still support the PS2 version of FFXI

[Vandheer]

I'm a PS2 user and I think this thread is very ineteresting. For starters I enjoy playing the PS2 version of FFXI and would be reluctant to leave it behind for a new PC. :P However, for everyone saying there's a PC worth 100 - 200 bucks that can run FFXI I'd love a link to the computer please. If it could also run other MMO games and maybe even FFXIV (once it gets fixed up) that be even better and I'd give you cookies for a link that could cover all that.

I would also like to point out that the problems many PS2 version users are experiencing aren't limited to just the PS2 version. On top of that I doubt SE would stop supporting PS2 versions because of the shape they are in after FFXIV release. If they do however I think SE should offer some gateway to FFXI on either PC or Xbox so they don't simply lose all their PS2 users.

[Pofo]

I'm a PS2 user and I think this thread is very ineteresting. For starters I enjoy playing the PS2 version of FFXI and would be reluctant to leave it behind for a new PC. :P However, for everyone saying there's a PC worth 100 - 200 bucks that can run FFXI I'd love a link to the computer please. If it could also run other MMO games and maybe even FFXIV (once it gets fixed up) that be even better and I'd give you cookies for a link that could cover all that.

I would also like to point out that the problems many PS2 version users are experiencing aren't limited to just the PS2 version. On top of that I doubt SE would stop supporting PS2 versions because of the shape they are in after FFXIV release. If they do however I think SE should offer some gateway to FFXI on either PC or Xbox so they don't simply lose all their PS2 users.

Slap $2000 onto that and it'll run XIV like a charm, but don't worry, XIV sucks you're not missing much. You run around for weeks killing "Doblyns" to get to 50, then when you're 50.. Do it again for another job. Endgame has like 6 NMs. Outside of half empty linkshells, noone in the game talks or soializes. But it's ok, instead of fixing the game, the most recent update made Doblyns stronger. So now it takes 3 times as long to level. But hey, maybe we'll get chocobos released sometime in the next 7 years.

[Ilax]

Slap $2000 onto that and it'll run XIV like a charm, but don't worry, XIV sucks you're not missing much. You run around for weeks killing "Doblyns" to get to 50, then when you're 50.. Do it again for another job. Endgame has like 6 NMs. Outside of half empty linkshells, noone in the game talks or soializes. But it's ok, instead of fixing the game, the most recent update made Doblyns stronger. So now it takes 3 times as long to level. But hey, maybe we'll get chocobos released sometime in the next 7 years.

lol i would be scared to post something like that here, but this made my day lmbo!!!

[Vandheer]

Slap $2000 onto that and it'll run XIV like a charm

I figured as much. Guess I'm saving all my cookies then. :3 I have a few friends that have FFXIV and have told me its nothin special but given time SE will fix up the game and that extra $2000 should go down. Or they will release FFXIV for PS3 and I'll get myself a copy once its awesome (if it becomes awesome) and save more cash.

Back on topic FFXI for PS3 would be awesome but the updates would take a long time... Aside from that, slap my user info from PS2 version onto PS3 version and I'm good to go.

[Odintius]

I say just make ffxi for ps3 and dump the ps2 just my opinion so sick of hearing ps2 limitations for a lifetime...

[JagerForrester]

PS2 user can still access their accounts if they ever switch to PC or XBox. I'm proof of that cuz i didn't want to go through of the hassle of buying outdated hardware. I'm a believer that outdated hardware will soon disappear from FFXI

[thefinalrune]

PS2 user can still access their accounts if they ever switch to PC or XBox. I'm proof of that cuz i didn't want to go through of the hassle of buying outdated hardware. I'm a believer that outdated hardware will soon disappear from FFXI

Indeed you are correct. Accounts are for your POL ID, not which console or machine you play through.

However, on the subject that's been brought up about dropping the PS2 support I do have this to say: Without a doubt the limited hardware of the sadly long forgotten and unsupported PS2 HDD is hampering the progression and future development of Final Fantasy in a great and striking way. Given the unfortunate turn of events surrounding FFXIV and its horribly small and continually dwindling player base I imagine SE is all the more desperate and reliant on the income that FFXI provides.

Its no secret that SE made considerably less during the last year than they anticipated (about 12% of their projected financial gain). Cutting PS2 support would only cost them dearly given how popular the platform is for use in Japan. However, I could see a phasing out plan as being vastly useful in the long run.

Perhaps by setting a timeline, say a year, for a planned drop of PS2 support along with an offering of a free digital download of the PC version of FFXI to any and all players with valid registration codes would set up a proper standing for being able to truly increase the content and capabilities of Final Fantasy XI. Without a doubt, both from a visual standpoint and a content standpoint leaving behind the PS2 would open many many doors of expansion potential. Of course, with this change should also come about greater marketing to renew people's interest in FFXI.

Its simply not something that can be done quickly or without care, but eventually, for the sake of the game and given its age, not removing support for the outdated system will only damage FFXI's growth to the point that it will eventually fall to the low numbers FFXIV is now supporting (which is approximately a meager 15k users, supposedly).

[bungiefan]

Perhaps by setting a timeline, say a year, for a planned drop of PS2 support along with an offering of a free digital download of the PC version of FFXI to any and all players with valid registration codes would set up a proper standing for being able to truly increase the content and capabilities of Final Fantasy XI. Without a doubt, both from a visual standpoint and a content standpoint leaving behind the PS2 would open many many doors of expansion potential. Of course, with this change should also come about greater marketing to renew people's interest in FFXI.

It's not a problem of giving the PC client away, it's easy enough to find the installer for free, as there's no copy protection on the PC version. The problem is having the hardware to run the game. I don't have a 360, and a new computer is something I don't have the money for all at once very often. I generally go 8 years between computers. I don't know a lot of Japanese people with gaming computers, they don't update unless they have to, and consoles are more popular for gaming.

They could easily start an official torrent for the PC version installer, and let people download it, then just start paying the fee to get a registration code and an account. Giving every PS2 user a computer capable of the game is a more expensive issue. Paying the monthly fee for a year is less expensive than getting a new machine. We may be able to pay to play the game, but not to get a current computer.

[Mirage]

It's not a problem of giving the PC client away, it's easy enough to find the installer for free, as there's no copy protection on the PC version. The problem is having the hardware to run the game. I don't have a 360, and a new computer is something I don't have the money for all at once very often. I generally go 8 years between computers. I don't know a lot of Japanese people with gaming computers, they don't update unless they have to, and consoles are more popular for gaming.

They could easily start an official torrent for the PC version installer, and let people download it, then just start paying the fee to get a registration code and an account. Giving every PS2 user a computer capable of the game is a more expensive issue. Paying the monthly fee for a year is less expensive than getting a new machine. We may be able to pay to play the game, but not to get a current computer.

Any PC, gaming-spec or not, made within the last 5 years, is going to be able to run FF11 at PS2-level graphics or better. I do not believe that most japanese players do not have a PC that meets the requirements. Even my laptop from early 2005 can run this game.