Fantasy Earth Zero MMORPG Coming to North America

By Geoff Duncan January 13, 2010

We know: after all the hype over the holidays and then CES, the one thing that’s truly missing from your life is a new time-consuming obsession. The folks at Square Enix and Gamepot USA hope to change that: they’ve just announced they’re bringing the MMORPG Fantasy Earth Zero over to North America early in 2010—and, unlike say World of Warcraft, Fantasy Earth Zero will be free to play. And Square Enix has the pedigree to pull it off: they’re the same studio that created Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.

“Imagine a world of perpetual warfare, legions of unique classes, and a Hyper-Active Battle System—think the best scenes in Gladiator or Braveheart, with the action ratcheted up to 20,” said Gamepot USA’s director of marketing Thomas Lee, in a statement.

Fantasy Earth Zero screenshot — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The basic idea of Fantasy Earth Zero is that, after a long period of peace, kingdoms have fallen into conflict over control of powerful crystals scattered throughout that land—whoever controls the crystals controls their powers, including transformations, healing, and much more. Players take on roles in one of three classes and engage in quests as different factions compete for players’ allegiances and try to consolidate their own power. The game features massive player-vs-player action (from five on five to fifty on fifty) and a wide array of character customization options.

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Although Fantasy Earth Zero started off as a subscription-based game, it caught on in Japan after publishers dropped the subscription requirement, making it a free-to-play game: it currently boasts over 300,000 players. However, free-to-play doesn’t mean that that the publishers don’t make money: in-world trade is conducted via an in-game currency called “orbs,” which players buy using real money.

Fantasy Earth Zero will be free to play when it launches later this year; folks can sign up for the beta now at a teaser site.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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Cloud playing the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While there's no shortage of ways to distract yourself while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the most unexpected minigames is the surprisingly deep piano system. In most of the major hub towns you encounter across the expansive world, Cloud can find a piano to sit down at and tickle the keys. You're free to play any song you want in free play, but you can turn this system into a full-on rhythm game, almost like Guitar Hero, by collecting sheet music of some of the game's most iconic tracks. There's even an NPC near each piano who will reward you if you get a high enough rank on each song. Cloud may not be the most expressive in his words, but he can sure play the piano with heart. Here is where you can find all the sheet music and what rewards await if you can master them.
Where to find all sheet music

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.
On Our Way
Our first piece of music can be picked up once you hit Chapter 4. During this section, go to the Crow's Nest town in the Junon region, which you can only enter by doing the "When Words Won't Do" side quest. Once you complete this quest and can freely enter the town, hit up the bar and grab this tune.
Tifa's Theme
After a rather exciting cruise to Costa del Sol in Chapter 6, you can add this piece to your collection by making a quick stop at the fancy Royal Crown Hotel.
Barret's Theme
Not much further into the game in Chapter 7 you will visit Barret's old hometown of Corel. The Rock Bottom Bar is waiting with his song.
Cinco de Chocobo
Chapter 9 takes you through the town of Gongaga. Even a town way out in the forest has a piano, which means yet another song to snag.
Two Legs? Nothin' to it
One chapter later, in Chapter 10, you need to do a little exploring in Cosmo Canyon to find your way to the piano, but the icon on your map won't lead you astray.
Aerith's Theme
Perhaps the most iconic song in the entire game, if not the franchise, is hidden behind a completely optional side quest. Once you reach Chapter 11, return to Nibelheim and do the "White-Haired Angel" side quest. It may seem totally irrelevant, but the quest ends with you playing and collecting this song.
Let the Battles Begin!
Once you prove your skills and get an A rank or better on all prior songs, you will get this new one as a reward from the NPC Dorian next to all pianos.
One-Winged Angel
We're not sure if fighting Sephiroth or getting this song is harder. If you want to play this terrifying arrangement, you need to donate all 88 Treasure Trove items to Johnny. This more or less requires you to 100% the entire game
All song rewards
For every song you A rank, Dorian will give you a prize when you talk to him. Here's everything you can get: