While Microsoft recently asked developers to make their upcoming Xbox 360 titles playable without the optional 20 gigabyte hard drive, Square Enix has announced, to the chagrin of many fans, that Final Fantasy XI will indeed require the harddrive. This means that gamers wanting to play XI on the 360 must either purchase the more expensive $399 package or the separate add-on harddrive unit.
Still, the news isn't all bad. With the help of the Xbox 360's substantial graphical power and the use of the harddrive, Final Fantasy XI will support improved graphics, including advanced texture and lighting effects. The new version also supports 720p widescreen and will allow gamers with a pre-existing profile in XI for the PC to use their same character on the Xbox 360.
[Sources: Xbox Addict and IGN]
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