Japan’s Mainichi Interactive is reporting that Final Fantasy X will not feature its previously demonstrated online capabilities. Originally, this first PS2 entry in the Final Fantasy series was supposed to enable gamers to go online for a variety of non-gameplay features, but now with reports of a delay in the PlayOnline service, this won’t be possible. On a brighter note, the game is still scheduled for a spring Japanese release.<\/p>\n
An article out of Japan’s ZDNet Interactive Investor suggests that Square’s online plans are going a bit slower than expected. According to the site, Final Fantasy XI, the title expected to spearhead the company’s push for its PlayOnline gaming network, will not make it out in the previously mentioned summer of 2001. The current schedule for Square’s Online plans looks something like this, according to ZDNet Interactive Investor:<\/p>\n
Spring 2001: Internal PlayOnline testing starts
\nWinter 2001: PlayOnline service starts
\nWinter 2001: Final Fantasy XI testing starts
\nSpring 2002: Final Fantasy XI service begins<\/p>\n
Square has yet to make official comment at its website.<\/p>\n
In other Playstation 2 news, Sony of Europe has recently started airing PS2 television commercials directed by David Lynch of Twin Peaks and Dune fame.<\/p>\n