Final Fantasy XI Testing Planned

07.20 11am EST


Square representatives in Tokyo announced today that they've begun 
final preparations for their upcoming network service, 'PlayOnline.' 
Thereby, 

Square plans to select 500 lucky Japanese residents to begin beta 
testing the service beginning in September. Initially, users will be 
able to access 

the Internet, email, and play a special online card game dubbed 
'Terra-Master.' Beginning in December, Square plans to begin testing 
Final Fantasy 

XI for the PC and PlayStation2. The network is expected to be fully 
operational by April 2002. Final Fantasy XI, the first online 
compatible 

incarnation of the series, will ship in late March 2002. Below are 
several preliminary interface screens from the network.