The fifth expansion for Final Fantasy XI will be out in Japan before the fiscal year ends: March 27, 2013. Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin will take players to the continent of Ulbuka and the city of Sacred City Adoulin. Two new jobs will be added: Geomancers that make use of elemental properties and Rune Fencers versed in arcane arts. The game will be available for PC, PS2, and Xbox in 360 — but PS2 support outside of Japan is not planned.
Update: The official date for North America is March 26, 2013.
The official site: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/adoulin/
The official press release:
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 26, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced that FINAL FANTASY® XI: Seekers of Adoulin™ will be available March 26, 2013 for both the XBOX 360® and Windows PC platforms. The latest addition to the decade-strong, online game features new areas to explore and develop, along with two new jobs to master and a horde of new beasts and monsters to defeat.
The expansion will unfold a new adventure for players as the eighth century came to a close. The Royal Family, in partnership with the Eleven Knightly Orders, has agreed to abolish imperial rule—from which arose the Sacred City of Adoulin on the Ulbuka Continent. In the blink of an eye, Adoulin had grown to be a maritime metropolis, with a mercantile prowess rivaling that of Jeuno. It is in this booming city state that the players will find themselves as they work to explore and unlock the secrets hidden in the nearby jungles.
The release of “Seekers of Adoulin” will introduce two new jobs. Geomancers harness the elemental energies of Vana’diel® to aid their comrades and attack enemies alike. Rune fencers are versatile duelists, quick with a blade as well as incantations, and employ the power of arcane runes.
The expansion will also feature new gameplay systems, such as player-built outposts, new contract work, and the introduction of special “power spots” that are hidden throughout the environment for powerful character enhancements.
Also announced today is the same-day launch of FINAL FANTASY XI: Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition, the full compilation of the stand-alone game with all four previously released expansion packs, three add-on scenarios, and three battle area add-ons. This collector’s edition pack will be available for $39.99, and the stand-alone “Seekers of Adoulin” expansion for $29.99.
Via: GameNyarth, NovaCrystallis
Source: Final Fantasy Network