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The PlayOnline library is set to expand with two more games planned for release in Japan. Front Mission Online and Ambrosia Odyssey will try to give users of the PlayOnline service something to do besides Final Fantasy XI. Front Mission Online will allow for large groups of players to cooperate in Square Enix's popular mech combat universe. A limited beta test starts this summer, with a release sometime in 2005.

Ambrosia Odyssey is an online action-RPG, which revolves around each player having a hometown. While in town, quests can be undertaken and the decisions made during their completion affects the outcome of the storyline, and the town's future. Players can also visit each other's towns, and work together to accomplish their missions. Unfortunately, Ambrosia Odyssey has had setbacks in its development, and both its beta test schedule and release date are in "to be announced" status.

No word is out on whether either of these games will see a North American release. We will, of course, be on the lookout for the answer to this question at the upcoming E3 event.

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The official website for Square Enix's strategy RPG, Front Mission Online, was launched this week. The site contains screenshots, and a wealth of information on the upcoming Japanese release. It is not known, at this point, if Front Mission Online will see a North American release.

Visit the official Front Mission Online website for more information on this online addition to the franchise.

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Famitsu Weekly reports that beta tester collection for Front Mission Online will begin later this month. Prospective testers will be able to apply from July 23 through August 6, with the test phase itself beginning later in the fall.

The beta will take place in three phases. The first will focus on combat, the second on character job development and team balancing, and the third on the game's ability to manage significant player loads.

Front Mission Online will be released in Japan sometime in 2005. There has been no word so far on a North American release.

Screenshots

Looks very promising.

The RPG Info Man strikes again

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Square Enix has announced the official release date of Front Mission Online for PlayStation 2 in Japan. The game will be available on March 12th for 6,800 yen ($65.07 US). The monthly usage fee has been fixed at 1,280 yen ($12.25 US).

A release date for the game's PC version has yet to be announced.

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Square Enix has announced a special PlayOnline campaign to promote the release of its upcoming PlayStation 2 title Front Mission Online in Japan. Those who purchase the company's second major PlayOnline title after Final Fantasy XI between May 12th and June 30th will be able to use the PlayOnline service for free for one month. Since the game itself comes with one month of free play time, potential users can play Front Mission Online for two months, without having to pay any usage fees. The standard monthly fee is 1,200 yen ($11.13 US).

Front Mission Online for PlayStation 2 will be available in Japan on May 12th for 6,800 yen ($63.06 US). Square Enix also plans to release a PC version of the game at a later point.

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Square Enix had a short video to show of Front Mission Online, their PlayOnline title that has players working for the OCU and USN working to take over Huffman Island. Front Mission Online will have a large focus on character and Wanzer (mech) customization, not unlike the previous games in the series.

FMO will feature an in-game military hierarchy, so players will be able to achieve higher ranks and give orders to other players in the same organization. Front Mission Online does not yet have a US release date.

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Square Enix today released a major update for its online title Front Mission Online. The most important aspect of today's update is a new option allowing players to change the country they are affiliated with. Previously this was not possible, forcing players to create a new character and thereby starting from zero. Now all players above level 5 and ranked from standard soldier to warrant officer can change their allegiance. While players can also apply to change their names, they will be demoted one rank upon switching allegiances. After switching once, it is not possible to change allegiances again for 30 days. Furthermore, all items with the exception of those equipped, will be removed and exchanged for money.
Another update concerns the level cap, which has been raised from level 39 to 50. The remodelling system will also allow players to tune their weapons and parts, provided they are at level 48 or higher. Last but not least, the development team at Square Enix has also added new maps, parts and events to the popular online game.