Final Fantasy XI beta to end in April in Japan

SquareSoft has announced on its PlayOnline Web site that the Japanese beta test for Final Fantasy XI for the PlayStation 2 will end on April 24. Beta testers will have the option to carry over their PlayOnline accounts, as well as one character saved from the beta version of Final Fantasy XI. Saved beta-test characters will be fully customizable in the retail version of the game. Players will be able to change their name, race, sex, face type, hair color, height, main job, faction, and host server. Final Fantasy XI for the PlayStation 2 is scheduled for release on May 16 in Japan. A definitive North American release date has yet to be announced.