FFXI Ultimate Collection Abyssea Edition - Questions

[Zhronne]

I have a couple of questions concerning this special digital-download-only version of FFXI.
For who doesn't know, I'm talking about THIS edition.
So here are the questions:

1. I see there are 4 possible online shops from where you can buy it. Steam, Gamesload, Gamesplanet, Direct2Drive. I know Steam but I don't know the other three. Are they european? Will they allow me to download the european version of the game?
2. I know how Steam works and that's the reason why I don't want to be buying there, but how about the other three? Can I just go there, register and buy my product the same way I would do in any online shop (like Amazon) with the only difference that I will have to download the product instead of them sending a physical copy to me? I'm asking this because I don't want a framework (like Steam) that installs and manages the game for me. I want to download the installation files, keep them wherever I want and install the game whenever I want, without any virtual difference from what I'd do if I had the physical disc in my hands
3. What happens to the bonus item, the Destrier Beret? I already have an account. Can I buy the game from one of those 3 shops, then I'll receive that code and I'll be able to use it on my already existing FFXI account?
4. Similar question for the other expansions, are they all incorporated into a single registration code? Or are there different codes for each expansion packs? Asking because I don't need any, but I have a friend who still needs a couple, so I thought I might as well give them to him for free, supposing there's a way to load them inside his already existing account.

Thanks.

[Daniel_Hatcher]

1. I believe they all have .co.uk equivalents so it's a safe bet.

2. Yes, certainly with Direct2Drive I've personally bought from there.

3. Yes, you get two codes: a FFXI Registration Code and a Destrier Beret Registration Code to use on any one account.

4. You get one code that activates the game and all EP's. It's possible you could use the code on an active account, but I've never tried.

[Zhronne]

Thanks for the replies!

[Modoru]

By the by, steam doesn't "handle the game" for you. It just installs PoL [and by extension, ffxi] in C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\ffxi\. I may be wrong on the exact destination, but it's something along those lines. You can pull the entire game out of there and run POL by itself without the use of Steam. tbh Steam just makes it easier to install a semi-updated version of the game.

[Demon6324236]

I have a couple of questions concerning this special digital-download-only version of FFXI.
For who doesn't know, I'm talking about THIS edition.
So here are the questions:

1. I see there are 4 possible online shops from where you can buy it. Steam, Gamesload, Gamesplanet, Direct2Drive. I know Steam but I don't know the other three. Are they european? Will they allow me to download the european version of the game?
2. I know how Steam works and that's the reason why I don't want to be buying there, but how about the other three? Can I just go there, register and buy my product the same way I would do in any online shop (like Amazon) with the only difference that I will have to download the product instead of them sending a physical copy to me? I'm asking this because I don't want a framework (like Steam) that installs and manages the game for me. I want to download the installation files, keep them wherever I want and install the game whenever I want, without any virtual difference from what I'd do if I had the physical disc in my hands
3. What happens to the bonus item, the Destrier Beret? I already have an account. Can I buy the game from one of those 3 shops, then I'll receive that code and I'll be able to use it on my already existing FFXI account?
4. Similar question for the other expansions, are they all incorporated into a single registration code? Or are there different codes for each expansion packs? Asking because I don't need any, but I have a friend who still needs a couple, so I thought I might as well give them to him for free, supposing there's a way to load them inside his already existing account.

Thanks.

1.Not sure, I bought mine from D2D but I am NA so that I have no idea about.

2.Buying it from D2D you get an installer which will download the game for you, after that all of the files are normal install files for you to manage and install yourself, no outside programs after the installer.

3.It can be used on any account, already active for years or brand new, doesn't matter either way, however be aware that currently I think SE has been having problems with it they are trying to fix and you can only add it to 1 character, it is not able to be sent to others still from what I know so choose wisely.

4.If you do not need the code, and give it to your friend, it will give them all expansions/add-ons. However if you use the code for anything then the code will not be able to do anything for him. I did this myself a few times, I bought this edition of the game 4 times I think, each time giving me or a friend the expansions and another character the Destrier.



Hope this helps ^_^

[Zhronne]

By the by, steam doesn't "handle the game" for you. It just installs PoL [and by extension, ffxi] in C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\ffxi\. I may be wrong on the exact destination, but it's something along those lines. You can pull the entire game out of there and run POL by itself without the use of Steam. tbh Steam just makes it easier to install a semi-updated version of the game.

Yes I was aware of this, but I do not own a Steam account and do not have the intention to support it in any possible way

[Modoru]

I fail to see the problem with steam?
As in, why you wouldn't want to "support them in any way"? Just curious.

[Zhronne]

I don't like Steam and didn't want to create an account just to buy FFXI. Bought it from GameLoad with 2€ discount btw

[Rosina]

if the code you get starts with a U its for new accounts only. I found this out. I hope that helps.

[0nionKn1ght]

if the code you get starts with a U its for new accounts only. I found this out. I hope that helps.

Mine began with a U and upgraded my exisiting account (FFXI, RotZ, CoP, ToAU, WotG, ASA, ACP, AMK) up to the top Abyssea level with no issues. Accounts been around for 10 years now, EU licence, and bought an EU copy from Steam, added the code and all worked fine. Got my Destrier Beret too.

To the point about Steam Support, Steam is the best PC distribution platform hands down, bar none, and has saved me a bucket of cash, and gives me all my games, wherever I am. It's an amazing platform and free, I really don't get your stance on not supporting something that is so good. I smell Microhating conspiracy theory here.