Final Fantasy XI launched yesterday in Japan. Make no mistake, this is one of the most crucial points in next-generation console gaming.
Several issues have hampered the launch of SquareSoft’s online epic MMORPG, not least the lack of broadband and hard drive bundles readied by Sony. SCE produced an undisclosed amount of units, estimated to be between 150,000 to 200,000. In reaction to this, Square only shipped the same amount of game units.
The streets of Akihabara were awash with Final Fantasy fans, as you might expect, with some stores reporting queues of over 100 people, though some were left disappointed as stock levels dried up.
Users have reported that despite large-scale dedicated testing of Square’s PlayOnline system, slowdown was interrupting gameplay as more and more users logged on to the system. It is thought that the initial registration of so many users caused this, as the problems reportedly eased as the day progressed.
Another problem thought to be caused by so many simultaneous registrations was the fact that many players experienced repeated disconnection form the servers.
Square has stated that it will be fully monitoring the progress of its fledgling network and has promised to resolve all reported issues.