New Final Fantasy XI Expansion Announced

The latest edition of Japan's Famitsu magazine has confirmed the second expansion for "Final Fantasy XI", "Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia". "Promethia" is completely independant from the first expansion, "Rise of the Zilart", and can be played without having installed the "Zilart" upgrade. Even story connections between the two expansions are few and far between.

Along with "Promathia" will come over 40 new areas for exploration, including the Goblin city, Moblupolis, and the ancient ruins of Tabanesia Archipelago. Players will be able to reach these new areas with a new mode of transportation, a raft.

While Famitsu reported only on the Japanese launch of "Promathia" this fall, there was an underlying expectation for a North American fall release to be announced at E3. Gamespot is this morning reporting such a confirmation has already been made by Square Enix.