Tomorrow Square-Enix has a Final Fantasy XI update scheduled that unlocks Chocobo racing. The feature was mentioned last year and after it was announced the developers took feedback from FFXI players on what to include in the mini game. While Chocobo racing premieres tomorrow future patches are going to add more features. In summer 2007 players will be able to race against other players, sometime either in the fall or winter of 2007 there will be new official races and 2008 will have the final official races. More information about online Chocobo racing is past the break with some screenshots.
– What is Chocobo Racing?
The newly added racetracks are the perfect place to test out and show off your very own chocobo’s skills. These automated races will require you to piece together a picture-perfect plan based on variables such as chocobo condition and the weather, using options consisting of orders given to your jockey and items to be utilized on the track. But that’s not all. Performing well in these races will earn you gil or VCS-mint chocobucks, which can be used to purchase items or services that will assist you in breeding.
– How to Participate
First, you must be raising an adult chocobo or have one out to pasture and possess its VCS registration card. Next, you must visit one of the CRA’s (Chocobo Racing Association) branches located in San d’Oria, Bastok, and Windurst, and register your chocobo to race.
– What are Chocobucks?
Chocobucks are a special type of currency for use at CRA-sanctioned establishments. Chocobucks can be earned by winning special races and can be exchanged for items and services used in chocobo breeding. Chocobucks are also required to participate in certain official races.
– Types of Races
The following are the two types of races available at this time:
Official Race
By successfully completing the objectives of these "mission-style" races, more challenging races will be unlocked. Can you clear them all?
Free Run
Free runs are "practice" races that may be run at any time (for a small gil fee). By placing in these races, you will receive chocobucks that can be used to purchase items or participate in higher-level official races. Use these practice races to hone your skills and save up funds.
