Final Fantasy XI 'Abyssea Edition' coming to PC May 16

Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI is getting another PC retail release that gathers all of the downloadable content in one handy package. Titled the 'Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection Abyssea Edition,' it will be released exclusively to PCs as a downloadable title on May 16, for $19.99.

The UCAE includes the standard game, along with the four expansion packs: Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, and Wings of the Goddess. It will also pack in all of the add-on scenarios released thus far, including the Abyssea battle areas that were added in 2010. Plus, it brings the Destrier Beret item, which is said to pack some bonuses to help players get a running start at the MMO.

If this all sounds familiar, it's because Square Enix released a very similar FFXI re-release, also titled 'Ultimate Edition,' back in 2009. It also included all of the expansion packs and add-on scenarios that had been released thus far. The Abyssea content and Destrier Beret are new, but otherwise it's essentially the same package.

Square seems to be leaning on the still reasonably large FFXI community in the MMO space, after Final Fantasy XIV had a troubled launch. The company extended the free trial period, and then later extended the period again when it restructured the team. In both cases, remarks from Square Enix officials seemed contrite about the problems with FFXIV, so pumping more players into FFXI makes sense.