News of a Korean or Chinese free-to-play MMO export to the U.S. market is an seemingly everyday occurrence. On the other hand, when a Japanese games development firm announces that they’re bringing a product to the U.S., it’s enough to take notice. When that company happens to be the producers of mega hits such as the Final Fantasy franchise as well as Dragon Quest, well, it’s definitely something to sit up and take notice of.
Announced yesterday, the American publishing division of Japanese gaming mecca Gamepot Inc. (not to be confused with GameSpot) will soon be bringing a high quality free-to-play MMO to North American gamers. Initially announced by Square Enix in the Japanese market in 2004 under the title Fantasy Earth: The Ring of Dominion, this new import will be titled Fantasy Earth Zero for the U.S. market.
Fantasy Earth Zero bills itself as a traditional MMORPG, with all the trappings of a massive gamescape, an engaging battle system, including rewards for loyalties to friends and country. Interestingly, Fantasy Earth Zero will combine the two most popular MMORPG play formats, Player versus Environment and Player versus Player, and making it into a Player versus Player versus Environment (PvPvE). Fantasy Earth Zero will feature a 50 vs. 50 PvP system that is sure to entertain with non-stop action. The new free-to-play will feature three distinct playing classes to choose from, as well as five unique kingdoms that will vie for players’ allegiance. The soundtrack has been provided by Hitoshi Sakamoto, noted for his work on Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy 12.
“Imagine a world of perpetual warfare, legions of unique classes, and a Hyper-Active Battle System —Think the best scenes in Gladiator or Braveheart, with the action ratcheted up to 20,” said Thomas Lee, senior director of business and marketing, Gamepot (USA), Inc. “It’s quite unlike any MMORPG available – our 50 vs. 50 PvP system is pure, pulse-pounding excitement. And now, for the first time ever, North American players can step into a world from the creators of so many high-quality RPGs, completely for free.”
Fantasy Earth Zero is expected to launch on U.S. shores ‘early this year’. For more information and a chance at beta registration, visit Fantasy Earth Zero at Gamepot.
