Final Fantasy XI price point picked

After much speculation, Square Enix has finally put a price tag on Final Fantasy XI, its anticipated massively multiplayer fantasy adventure title.

For $49.99, PC gamers will get the game and the Rise of the Zilart expansion pack on five CD-ROMs. The price also covers 30 days of free access to Square's PlayOnline network, once gamers create their character. After that period ends, players will have to pay $12.95 a month to remain in the FFXI world, which will also be inhabited by PlayStation 2 players when that version of the game is released early next year.

In Japan, FFXI has been available on the PS2 since May 2002.

Final Fantasy XI is the latest in Square Enix's multivolume series. Previously only a single-player role-playing adventure, FFXI is also the franchise's first foray into the highly competitive massively multiplayer online territory.

Final Fantasy XI is scheduled to hit shelves October 28.