UPDATE: Confirmed with picture from next week's Jump: FFXIV Campaign Code

A rumor has made its way through the tubes that early copies of Final Fantasy XIII, which goes on sale December 17th, may contain "Campaign Codes" related to Final Fantasy XIV. Unfortunately, there are no details as to what the codes may activate. Early speculation leans towards either a slot in the beta, one of the promised "focus groups" or perhaps just some special item.  However, any high hopes should be kept in check until more details emerge.

Still, while the purpose is unclear, there is some precedent for such an offer. Along with the recently released 4 Warriors of Light Final Fantasy Gaiden, Square Enix is running a campaign for early buyers.  If one purchases a copy and enters a special code on the Square Enix Members site before November 8th, they are eligible to receive a special Dragon Standee, pictured left.

Being a fan of anything from Square Enix with two or more F's in the title, I picked up this DS cart on release day and entered my code online.  There are a few things I noticed along the way that speak well for this rumor.  First, is the item is used as a display in stores and cannot be obtained in any other way.  We know Square Enix is willing to provide unqiue items beyond what are offered by trading points in their Members Store.  Second, the process entailed filling out a survey in which it was indicated there would be future "early purchase" bonuses. 

We'll have to wait and see if they do in fact adopt the early purchase campaign to Final Fantasy XIII and what prizes they have in store.  Maybe I shouldn't have checked "did not affect my purchasing decision" on that survey...

Tip o' the Taj to FF14-FAN for the info.

When the Square Enix devs said that they hope their players will play both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV, I don't think this is what they had in mind. That poor poor tank...

Click the image for the full size

Discuss this on the ZAM Forums. Got an idea for Happy Friday? Email us!

Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forum and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think!

This week's Hot Threads:

So I was watching the gameplay footage...

The gameplay footage from Gamescom has been out for quite a while now. Chances are, if you're following this website, you've seen the videos. What's your initial take on this early peek at the game? Did see anything you already like or dislike or is it too soon to make an assessment?

Where are my VIERA!?

This thread has been featured before. It started out as an expression of dissapointment in the absence of Ivalcean races. Now the discussion has moved to the importance of game aesthetics vs. gameplay. Which do you think is more important?

Things from FFXI you DON'T want in FFXIV

This thread has been going for a while. There were several things people liked about FFXI that they woudn't mind seeing again in FFXIV. There also seems to be a number of things people don't want to see again.

Those of you out there who are hip to Facebook may have seen this BREAKING NEWS from the Distant Worlds Facebook Page.  Final Fantasy XIV music has been added to the December 12th concert being held in Chicago.  Steven likes it, how about you?

Discuss this on the ZAM forums!

Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forums and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think!

This week's Hot Threads:

PL - Power Leveling - your thoughts

In FFXI, Power Leveling other players was possible, but not as effective as it is in a lot of other MMOs. Is this a trend you would like to see repeated in Final Fantasy XIV?

Already left XI?

Are you burned out on Final Fantasy XI but anticipating Final Fantasy XIV? Are you playing a different game to pass the time until it comes out?

The community of FFXIV

Most veteran Final Fantasy XI players will agree that the game's player base makes up a great community. Some will cite that most of the game can only be accoplished by working in groups with the other players. Do you think that Final Fantasy XIV will still have a good community or will the game's relaxed nature lend itself to a more "selfish" player base?

As part of the 2009 Allakhazam Pumpkin Carving Contest, we have had some special guests getting in on the fun. Now that the contest is open to players worldwide, there has been an especially large outpouring of support from the Japanese community. First, the developer blog Creator's Voice Z put together a wonderful tutorial to get things started. Various blogs and fansites have submitted entries as well, and today, we are thrilled to present a very special contribution from Dengeki PlayStation magazine!

This week, Dengeki PlayStation put together a page on the Pumpkin Contest in their 旅団パラダイス (ryo-dan pa-ra-da-i-su) section.  Within the article, they detail the process of gutting a pumpkin, planning out the picture and carving the design.  Here's a sneak peek!

Read on for a closer look at Dengeki PlayStation, and an introduction to the players behind the magic -- the Dengeki Brigade!

Discuss this in the ZAM forums.

Every Thursday we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forum and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think!

This week's hot threads:

FF14 - Slow and steady please!

What is playing an MMO all about to you? Do you like to rush through to the max level and get to end game activities as fast as you can? Or would you rather take it slow and enjoy the ride?

If you intend to play both... Why?

Do you intend to play both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy FFXIV when it comes out? If so, how do you plan to split your time between the two? Do you have so much invested in XI that you just can't let it go, or do you just feel like there are still things you haven't done yet that you won't be ready to move on? Maybe you've already moved on from FFXI and are ready to take on FFXIV by itself.

Where are my VIERA!?

After our April Fool's joke about what was then called Rapture, some may have been a little hopeful that the FFTA/FFXII races would be playable in the new Square Enix MMO. Were you disappointed to see that they were reusing the FFXI races when FFXIV was announced?

Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forums and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think!

This week's Hot Threads:

Class mechanics you'd rather not see repeated.

Maybe you didn't like the way Utsusemi ended up being used in Final Fantasy XI. Perhaps you were disappointed the available methods to regain MP. What mechanics from Final Fantasy XI would you like to see improved in or removed from Final Fantasy XIV?

Mob Wish List

We've already seen a small hand full of the types of foes we'll encounter in Final Fantasy XIV. What other types of enemies are you looking forward to crossing blades with?

Manner Mode - sumimasen

If you haven't done so already, check out Elmer's first lesson in the manners of intercultural interaction, then post about your experiences and share your own linguistic talent as well.

The Tokyo Game Show this year was packed with flashy booths and exciting games.  There was much more than could be taken in within just two days, especially with the over 180,000 people in attendance.  The drawing on the left (reads 832 min. wait) is an exaggeration of some of the horrendous wait times.  At times, the line for Dragon Quest VI actually took over 6 hours!

To gauge what fans found the most popular, this week Famitsu has printed the results of a survey they ran at Tokyo Game Show 2009.  Around 1,500 people responded, indicating their favorites from this year's exhibition.  Despite the small showing, would you believe that Final Fantasy XIV got into a couple Top 10s?  Square Enix overall did pretty well for itself too, (with one exception later on) with Final Fantasy XIII helping it to rake in a number of accolades.  Read on to find out what convention-goers enjoyed the most!

Discuss this in the ZAM forums.

Final Fantasy XIV, like its predecessor, is going to use servers that mix players from regions around the world.  While many players enjoy playing with people from all walks of life, sometimes language barriers and cultural differences can disrupt an otherwise fun adventure.  To help start off on the right foot, Manner Mode presents short, easy-to-digest lessons that can be used without extensive Japanese knowledge so players can help make Final Fantasy XIV a more pleasant experience for all.

すみません

sumimasen

"Sumimasen" is the perfect opening to any request you may place upon another player.  it is most often translated as "excuse me" or "sorry."  You can use it to ask a favor, "Excuse me, but..."; apologize for a mistake, "Sorry"; or thank someone, "Sorry for troubling you."

Many Japanese players understand basic English, but sticking "sumimasen" on the beginning of a question or request can go a long way.  It may seem arrogant on their part, as if you are forced to put in the extra effort to be polite, but from their perspective it seems like you are being intentionally rude if you do not use it.  If you do not open your request by indicating you are asking for someone's time and effort, it feels like you are bossing people around.

Usage: "sumimasen, /check OK?"  ,  "sumimasen, Raise please."

after a mistake/accident: "sumimasen sorry :( "

Have you ever used "sumimasen" in the past?  What are effective ways to ask for information or favors in other languages?  Discuss on the ZAM forums!