[octoberasian]

This is to address questions regarding backwards compatibility between Final Fantasy XI and the PlayStation 3.

You may post here if you have any questions regarding the PS3 and Final Fantasy XI ONLY. I will be monitoring and moderating this thread if any posts step outside that topic.

- Aselin

PS3 System Compatibilty

Q: Which PS3 system will Final Fantasy XI be compatible with?

• 20 GB (US/Japan)
• 60 GB (US/Japan ONLY)
• 60 GB (Europe ONLY) *
• 80 GB (US/Japan ONLY) **
  
  * Europe was last to receive the Playstation 3 in March 2007 since it first launched in November 2006 in US & Japan having ONLY PS2 emulation.
  ** Europe never received the Playstation 3 80 GB model with PS2 emulation and received a non-PS2 compatible system in August 2008.

The following are a list of the systems that work and don't work with Final Fantasy XI.

Please verify them against your own systems at home.

Discontinued means just as it says-- these PS3 models are no longer sold and manufactured. There are remaining stock of these models still being sold at local retailers and online stores until they run out of them.

20 GB Playstation 3 (NTSC) - Discontinued

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: November 2006 in US and Japan

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHBxx

PS2 compatibility: COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Included

Emotion Engine: Included

Requires firmware version: 1.31 minimum

40 GB Playstation 3 (NTSC/PAL) - Discontinued

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: November 2007 in US and Japan; October 2007 in Europe

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHGxx, CECHHxx

PS2 compatibility: NOT COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Removed

Emotion Engine: Removed

60 GB Playstation 3 (NTSC Only) - Discontinued

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: November 2006 in US and Japan

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHAxx

PS2 compatibility: COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Included

Emotion Engine: Included

Requires firmware version: 1.31 minimum

60 GB Playstation 3 (PAL Only) - Discontinued

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: March 2007 in Europe

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHCxx

PS2 compatibility: COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Included

Emotion Engine: Removed; Emulated

Requires firmware version: 2.10 minimum

80 GB Playstation 3 (NTSC Only) - Discontinued

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: August 2007 in US and Japan

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHExx

PS2 compatibility: COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Included

Emotion Engine: Removed; Emulated

Requires firmware version: 2.10 minimum

80 GB Playstation 3 (NTSC/PAL)

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: August 2008 in US and Europe; October 2008 in Japan

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHKxx

PS2 compatibility: NOT COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Removed

Emotion Engine: Removed

160 GB Playstation 3 (NTSC/PAL)

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Released: November 2008 in Europe; October 2008 in US

Serial number prefix (xx are numerical values): CECHPxx

PS2 compatibility: NOT COMPATIBLE

Graphics Synthesizer: Removed

Emotion Engine: Removed

Compatible PS2 and PS3 System Unavailable

Q: If the most recent models are the 80 GB and 160 GB PS3 units with no PS2 compatibility, where would I find the compatible models now seeing that the PS2 systems with hard drives are no longer sold and manufactured?

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Because the only Playstation 2 system being sold and manufactured is the PS2 Slim, your only bet now is to purchase a used or refurbished system available at store outlets such as Gamestop. You may also find them online at places like eBay unfortunately.

As for finding compatible PS3 systems, there are a few retail outlets selling used or refurbished 60 GB PS3 systems. If they are not available there, then your only hope are places like eBay.

When those run out of stock, it is very unfortunate that you will no longer be able to install and play Final Fantasy XI on either the newer PS2 Slim and newer PS3 systems. You will be forced, sadly, to purchase either an Xbox 360 Pro, Premium, or Elite model; or purchase/build a decently powered computer that can run FFXI.

Playstation 2 Slim

Q: You mentioned the PS2 Slim, why isn't it compatible?

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

When the PS2 Slim was introduced, Sony reduced the size of the PS2 system and removed the hard drive bay needed to install a hard drive into the system. They also removed or disabled in the PS2 BIOS its ability to recognize, format and install to a hard drive, whether it was an internal or external third party modification.

Yes, you can install a hard drive on the PS2 Slim. There are third party modifications that allow you to do so internally or externally. Unfortunately, this requires the use of a customized HD loader and/or a modified PS2 Slim via the use of a modchip.

Final Fantasy XI IS NOT compatible with internal or external hard drives installed on the PS2 Slim. The reason is due to the DNAS (Dynamic Network Authentication System) security that verifies the legitimacy of your PS2 software AND hardware. Any modifications done to a PS2 Slim can disable access to an online network for any online game; and PlayOnline heavily relies on DNAS to verify that your PS2 is legitimate before you log onto the PlayOnline network. When DNAS reports you have a PS2 Slim, it will report that to PlayOnline. It will not recognize or authorize any installation on an internally or externally installed hard drive on a modified PS2 Slim.

Therefore, you cannot attach an external USB hard drive, mod your PS2 system, and hope FFXI will work.

Do not get your hopes up. It's been asked before on KillingIfrit, and simply it will not work.

Compatible Final Fantasy XI Versions

Q: Now that I have a compatible PS3 System, can I use any version of Final Fantasy XI and install it on the PS3?

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

No.

You will need one of two specific versions for it to install properly on a compatible PS3 system:

• ORIGINAL Playstation 2 FFXI discs and separate Expansion discs
• Final Fantasy XI Vana'diel Collection 2008 for Playstation 2

Vana'diel Collection 2006 and 2007 will not install no matter how many times you try. You can verify which is compatible by visiting the Playstation website and going to Support at the top menu.

Original Playstation 2 discs are hard to come by and on eBay can run north of a $100 USD because they are including the original PS2 hard drive.

And, yes, if you purchase a previously used FFXI PS2 installation disc, you cannot use that previous registration code(s). You must provide the one you used by your account. Each registration code is unique to each account and cannot be transferred or changed.

If you have lost a registration code, please read this forum post here. These are instructions on how to purchase new registration codes. Credit goes to the original poster from the Playstation.com forums.

Final Fantasy XI Installation on a PS3 System

Q: How does one install FFXI on a PS3 system? The same way as the PS2?

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

Yes and no.

The order of the installation remains the same, but is different than the Playstation 2.

1. Playstation 2 System Data

You will need to download and install what is called a Playstation 2 System Data available from the Playstation Store. This software is free. What it does is allow you to partition a portion of the Playstation 3 hard drive to be used by Playstation 2 games that require a hard disk. It also installs the necessary software that allows the PS3 to recognize any installed PS2 game on that hard drive.

(Now, partition means to divide in case you don't know.)

The firmware versions listed above are the minimum firmware versions that is required for your PS3 system to use the PS2 System Data from the Playstation Store. Subsequent updates to the firmware have fixed any errors and increased compatibility especially those who are emulating the Emotion Engine. Current firmware version is 2.52 at the time this post was made.

2. Installation instructions

Full instructions are here.

Summary is as follows:

1. Install the PS2 System Data
2. Install PlayOnline Viewer (You may be asked to create a 10 GB partition.)
3. Install FFXI and its expansion packs afterwards.
4. Quit FFXI after installation. Remove the disc.
5. Start FFXI from the XMB. No longer need the FFXI disc to play.

Please refer to the full instructions above. These are just a summary of the installation process.

Network Issues

Q: I have everything installed but FFXI will not connect to PlayOnline. Did I miss something in the installation?

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

1. Check your firewall settings if you have your PS3 connected to your router.

You want to be sure the UDP ports 50000 to 65535 are open and directed to your PS3. Your PS3 must have a static IP address for port forwarding to work.

You must go into your Port Forwarding or NAT setup within your router on your computer.

If you are still having connections issues, power cycle your router and modem. Turn off your router first then your broadband modem (DSL, Cable, or fiber optic). Leave both off for at least 1 minute to 5 minutes max. Turn your modem back on first then your router.

Go to your PS3's network configuration to test the network settings, and use the Playstation Store as a means of testing your network connection.

Now, that is if you are connected via "hard line" or, in other words, an ethernet cable.

If you are connected wirelessly, be sure you have firmware version 2.30 minimum I believe. This fixes a character limit on the WEP key.

Also, be sure that you have entered your WEP key or password correctly.

If you are connected at a public network such as a college dormitory network, notify and question your network stooges on campus. Yes, stooges, even the ones I had back in college were idiots. Ask them if ports 50000 to 65535 are blocked. If they are blocked, you other option is to use a proxy server.

At this point, it's beyond the scope of this post and I may post something about it in the future.

2. Other solution.

This worked for an LS mate of mine and I'll tell you what to do.

Go into the Network Adapter configuration for the PlayStation 2 from your PS3. You are to go to where you can configure your PlayStation 2 as if it were its own independent system. This would mean starting up the PS2 System Data from the XMB by itself.

You want to go to "Manual Settings (Static IP Addressing)".

You will then see the following:

• IP Address
• Netmask
• Default router address
• Primary DNS address
• Secondary DNS address

Now, this is where you have to listen carefully.

You want to give a unique IP address that is different than the PS3's static IP address.

The Netmask should be same used by the PS3 and the router. This is usually 255.255.255.0

Your Default router address is usually 192.0.0.1 or 192.1.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. HOWEVER, listen carefully: You will not put your router's address there.

The "Default router address" will be your PS3's static IP address. Yes, put that in place of your router's IP address.

The DNS addresses are obtained from your router's system settings, or your DSL/cable modem. If you do not know them, leave both of these blank.

Afterwards, highlight "ENTER" when your done and press X button.

Network adapter will test the connection.

Again, be sure that the router has ports 50000 to 65535 forwarded to the PS3's network address.

What happens is that data goes from the virtual PS2 network device to the PS3's network device then to the router or modem, and vice-versa.

It worked for my friend after I suggested that idea.

Playstation 3 as a computer

Q: Is it possible to use the Playstation 3 as a computer to install Linux and then WINE to run FFXI through that?

Spoiler! --Click here to view--

The Playstation 3's hypervisor, or virtual machine monitor, is what you would consider a type 2 hypervisor meaning no direct access to the hardware. The hypervisor used in the PS3 is called Sony's GameOS. It runs on one of the seven available SPU on the Cell processor of the system. The other 6 SPUs are available to the OS.

It is this hypervisor that also restricts direct access to PS3's GPU, therefore no 3D acceleration is made available to the Linux OS. The OS being, Yellow Dog Linux.

Another restriction is that the Cell processor is a PowerPC (PPC) jointly developed between Toshiba, Sony, and IBM. It is not an x86/x86-64 processor from AMD or Intel commonly found in today's computers that run Windows XP/Vista. This is the same type of processor, though much more advanced, found in older Macintosh computers years ago before Apple switched to Intel processors.

And, thus, we get to WINE. WINE is according to their FAQ is a Windows emulator that allows you to install applications in Linux as if it was a native Windows OS. It allows you to run many Windows applications, even those that use OpenGL or DirectX. Final Fantasy XI is indeed compatible with WINE, but a few issues do arise. However, it does work with WINE. There is one caveat and it is the most important one, WINE will only run on x86-based processors and it will need access to a graphics card with proper Linux drivers installed. It will not run on PPC-based processors like the Cell or the older PPCs found in older Macs. There is a separate project called Darwine, a port of WINE for PPC-based computers to do that, but even that is not meant to run games and is only meant for program development.

So, in short, no, you cannot use the Playstation 3 as a computer, whether to run FFXI or another Windows application. You could probably use it to run programs such as OpenOffice, Firefox, GIMP, but you cannot run 3D rendering programs like Blender.