FINAL FANTASY XI Update Announcement (Sep. 13)

Haggan's note: there is a huge amount of information contained within this. Sep. 13, 2004 Update Details [Event-Related] *A "Chains of Promathia" page has been added to the mission menu. *A new quest to increase the size of a player's gobbiebag has been implemented. A player must have completed the "Gobbiebag IV" quest in order for the new quest to be triggered. *Several new key items can now be purchased with guild points. Using these key items allows players to synthesize a plethora of new, never-before-seen products. The key item obtainable at the Fishermen's Guild improves an angler's chances of catching certain prey. *The following changes have been made to Ballista: -A variety of new items can be dug up using the /quarry command. -When the special rule, "The potency of Sleep will be decreased" is applied in Ballista match, players will gradually build up a resistance to Sleep if the spell is continuously cast on them. This resistance will wear off with time if the spell is not cast on them. -If the Chains of Promathia expansion pack is installed, exclusive Conflict BGM will play during all matches. *A new activity known as "clamming" is now available on the coast of a certain area. *Two new regions--the Tavnazian Archipelago and Movalpolos--have been added. Also, a number of new areas have been added to existing regions. *New "escort" quests have been added. In addition, players will now be able to cancel a previously accepted escort quest if they do not wish to complete it. *Dozens of new quests have been added in all four nations, as well as the new Chains of Promathia areas. *Nomad Moogles have been placed in several new areas. *The area a player reappears in after completing the Zilart mission "The Celestial Nexus" has been adjusted. This change does not affect any aspects of the story. *The number of areas where players can fish monsters has been increased. [Battle-Related] *A variety of new monsters have been added to the Chains of Promathia areas. Some of these enemies have the ability to see through Sneak and Invisible spells. *The range of select monsters' ranged and area attacks has been adjusted. *Elementals can now use enhancing magic. *Monsters caught while fishing, as well as those that appear when the security system of the "matter emulators" is in effect, will now only attack the player that caused the monster to spawn. However, these monsters can be attacked by anyone (as long as the color of the name has not changed to purple). *The viral attacks used by certain Chains of Promathia monsters have new detrimental effects. *The maximum amount of experience that can be earned from a single battle has been increased to 250 for players from level 51-60, and to 300 for players from level 61-75. In accordance with this change, the maximum amount of experience that can be earned during EXP chains has also been increased. *The "Moogle Merit Management" system that was introduced in the July 2004 version update has been expanded. [HP/MP] Max HP / Max MP [Attributes] STR / DEX/ VIT / AGI / INT / MND / CHR [Combat Skills] Hand-to-Hand Skill / Dagger Skill / Sword Skill / Great Sword Skill / Axe Skill / Great Axe Skill / Scythe Skill / Polearm Skill / Katana Skill / Great Katana Skill / Club Skill / Staff Skill / Archery Skill / Marksmanship Skill / Throwing Skill / Guarding Skill / Evasion Skill / Shield Skill / Parrying Skill [Magic Skills] Divine Magic Skill / Healing Magic Skill / Enhancing Magic Skill / Enfeebling Magic Skill / Elemental Magic Skill / Dark Magic Skill / Singing Skill / String Instrument Skill / Wind Instrument Skill / Ninjutsu Skill / Summoning Magic Skill [Other Skills] Enmity Increase / Enmity Decrease / Critical Hit Rate / Enemy Critical Hit Rate / Spell Interruption Rate Only the skills which current level 75 job possess can be increased. The attributes in each of the above five categories can only be raised a limited number of times. This is known as a "combination." Depending on his/her main job, raising combat skill may not necessarily allow a player to use certain weapon skills, which can be learned through quests. For more detailed information on Moogle Merit Management, select "Game Guide" from the FINAL FANTASY XI top page and read the "Merit Points" section located in the manual under "Game Basics." *The effect of Enhancing Magic will wear off upon entering areas with level restriction or battlefields related to those areas. *Players will now receive experience points when fighting monsters in level-restricted areas (this only applies when fighting in the new Chains of Promathia areas). The amount earned per battle will be calculated using the following two methods, with the player receiving the higher total of the two: (a) EXP calculations made based on current party level and number of party members * 0.5 (b) EXP calculations made based on actual party level (before level was restricted) and number of party members * 1.0 EXP chain bonuses are based on the party level before the restriction. When in merit point accumulation mode, all EXP earned in this fashion will be changed to limit points. *When a player is KO'd while in a level-restricted area, the amount of EXP lost is determined by the player's level after entering the area. *The MP cost for the white magic spell Dia II has been reduced from 59 to 30. *The MP costs for the black magic spells Bio and Bio II have been reduced from 22 and 66 to 15 and 36, respectively. In addition, the amount of damage caused by the spells will now be affected by the caster¡Çs dark magic skill. This adjustment also affects the damage caused by Bio III (used only by monsters). *"Scythe" has been added to a black mage's combat skills. Black mages will now be able to equip certain new weapons. *The skillchain element of the dagger weapon ability "Evisceration" has been changed. *The recast time for the paladin ability "cover" has been lowered from 5 minutes to 3. *The level required for paladins to use the white magic spell "Raise" has been lowered from 75 to 50. *The area of effect for bard "etudes" has been changed to "single party member." Also, the casting time of these songs has been substantially reduced. *The casting time of the bard song "Goddess's Hymnus" has been reduced. *The effectiveness of the ninjutsu "Utsusemi" now relies on the type of attack that is being used on the caster. When attacked, the following five outcomes can occur: Caster evades attack and one "copy image" is lost. This normally occurs when the caster is hit with a single physical or magical attack. The number of lost copy images varies. This normally occurs when the caster is hit with an area attack such as Whirl of Rage. The number of copy images lost (and extra damage taken) is calculated by taking into account the potency of the attack as well as the caster's current ninjutsu skill level. All copy images are lost and the caster takes damage. This normally occurs when the caster is hit with an area attack spell such as Firega. The caster takes damage without losing any of his/her copy images. This normally occurs when the caster is hit with breath, or self-destruct type attacks. The caster is enfeebled without losing any of his/her copy images. This normally occurs when the caster is hit with an enfeebling spell that does not inflict damage, such as Silence. All enemy attacks fall into one of the above categories. The copy images created by the spells Blink and Aerial Armor can also be removed in the same manner as that explained under "the number of lost copy images varies" (above). *The dragoon weapon skill "Wheeling Thrust" has been enhanced. *Dragoons are now able to equip select throwing weapons. *When a dragoon uses the "Super Jump" ability during a battle, now his/her wyvern will also perform a super jump, preventing the monster from attacking the pet. However, this jump will not affect the wyvern's enmity. *Avatars can now participate in skillchains and magic bursts by carefully timing the use of the ability "Blood Pact." *The damage and accuracy of several avatar attacks have been adjusted. *The macro command can be used to view a pet, wyvern, or avatar's current TP. The charmed pet's TP decreasing, while it is not in the combat mode, is by design. *Avatar TP will now affect the damage of select magical Blood Pact attacks. Just as with normal player TP, after the attack, the avatar's TP will be reset to zero. Avatar TP does not affect physical, enhancing, or enfeebling Blood Pact techniques, and thus will not be lost after an avatar uses one of these abilities. *It is necessary to defeat the monster's wyvern to complete the orb battle, "Amphibian Assault" successfully. The "Amphibian Assault" can be accessed from Sacrificial Chamber by using the Moon Orb. [Item - Related] Two new types of weapons and armor--"enchanted" and "dispensing"--have been added. Please refer to the web site for a detailed diagram. The item's "charge" number This number indicates how many times a player can use the item's special properties. Example: 28/30 shows the item's special properties have been used twice out of a total of 30 times. Note: Only fully "charged" items can be placed on auction. Counter The moment an enchanted or dispensing item is equipped or used, this timer begins to count down. When it has reached zero, the player will be able to activate the item's special properties. To activate these properties, select the equipment from the item menu and "use" it. Recast Time The amount of time required to reuse the item's special properties. Equip Delay The amount of time a player must wait after equipping the item until he/she can activate its special properties. *Mission Rank 10 conquest items are now available. These cannot be obtained from the Ducal Guards in Jeuno. *New vendors selling specialty goods from new regions have appeared in Windurst, San d'Oria, and Bastok. *Several shops are now offering new items. *A number of new items, weapons, and armor have been introduced. *The buying price for Padded Caps has been adjusted. *An issue where players wearing cursed armor would "intimidate" themselves has been addressed. *Players can now revoke their "craftsman" (or above) status by talking to a guildmaster when the following conditions are met: 1) The crafting skill at that guild is over 60. 2) The crafting skill at that guild is the highest of all the player's skills. 3) The player is a registered craftsman in at least one other guild. If the player chooses to revoke his/her status in a certain guild, his/her rank will automatically be lowered to "journeyman" and his/her skill lowered to 60. *Several new synthesis recipes have been added. *The chance of catching "rusty caps" while fishing has been adjusted in several areas. *New bait/lures have been added. *Damage calculation of the following weapons has been adjusted. Damage will now be more directly related to the attacker's STR and the defender's VIT. Musketeer's sword +1 / Musketeer's sword +2 / Musketeer Gun +1 / Musketeer Gun +2 / Musketeer's Pole +1 / Musketeer's Pole +2 / Royal Knight Army Lance +1 / Royal Knight Army Lance +2 / Temple Knight Army Sword +1 / Temple Knight Army Sword +2 / Tactician Magician's Espadon +1 / Tactician Magician's Espadon +2 / Tactician Magician's Hooks +1 / Tactician Magician's Hooks +2 / Tactician Magician's Wand +1 / Tactician Magician's Wand +2 / Rune Blade / Rune Axe / Rune Staff / Rune Bow / Rune Chopper / Rune Rod / Rune Halberd / Iron-splitter / Iron-splitter +1 / Kanesada +1 / Shinkanesada / Platoon Zaghnal / Mutilator / Manoples / Manoples +1 / Orichalcum Dagger / Triton's Dagger / Verdun / Verdun +1 / Wind Fan / Kilo Fan / Mega Fan / Caduceus / Fukuro / HibariHibari +1 / Muketsu / Muketsu +1 / Kheten / Kheten +1 / Faussar / Faussar +1 / Barchha / Barchha +1 / Kyofu / Kyofu +1 / Keppu / Keppu +1 / Gust Claymore / Gust Claymore +1 / Gust Sword / Gust Sword +1 / Gust Tongue / Gust Tongue +1 / Rune Arrow / Platoon Dagger / Platoon Sword / Platoon Axe / Platoon Lance / Ganko / Gunromaru / Platoon Cesti / Platoon Edge / Platoon Cesti / Platoon Mace / Platoon Zaghnal / Platoon Bow / Platoon Gun / Platoon Cutter / Platoon Spatha / Platoon Disc / Tourney Patas / Meteor Cesti / Balan's Sword / Balin's Sword / Raifu / Gawaine's Axe / Light Boomerang / Nokizaru Shuriken / Mantra Coin / Optical Needle / Nazar Bonjuk / Kakanpu / Behourd Lance / Schwarz Lance / Dreizack / Schiltron Spear / Mutilator / Havoc Scythe / King Maker / Calveley's Dagger / Jongleur's Dagger / Stylet / Argent Dagger / Thanatos Baselard / Taillefer's Dagger / Leopard Axe / Woodville's Axe / Kriegsbeil / Harlequin's Horn / Kagehide / Omokage / Shinsoku / Ohaguro / Sairen / Unsho / Unji / Dusky Staff / Himmel Stock / Archalaus's Pole / Somnus Signa / Grim Staff / Capricorn Staff / Zen Pole / Wyvern Perch / Sealed Mace / Purgatory Mace / Shikar Bow / Armbrust / Grosveneur's Bow / Ziska's Crossbow / Grudge Sword / Guespiere / Bayard's Sword / Buzzard Tuck / De Saintre's Axe / Military Gun / Military Pole / Military Harp / Military Pick / Military Spear / Military Axe / Mighty Bow / Mighty Cudgel / Mighty Pole / Mighty Talwar / Rai Kunimitsu / Nukemaru / Mighty Pick / Mighty Knife / Mighty Zaghnal / Mighty Lance / Mighty Axe / Mighty Patas / Mighty Sword / Bourdonasse / Angel Lyre / Honebami / Prelatic Pole / Princely Sword [System- Related] *Players now have the option to jump directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page when starting up the PlayOnline Viewer. To do this the following steps must be taken: PlayStation(R)2 users -> Placing the FINAL FANTASY XI: Chains of Promathia disc in the tray when starting the viewer will take a player directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page. Windows users -> Double- clicking the FINAL FANTASY XI desktop shortcut will take players into the PlayOnline Viewer. By adjusting "shortcut commands" within the viewer's main menu, a player can choose to have the FINAL FANTASY XI desktop shortcut take him/her directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page. By using the new text command /shutdown, players can log out of FINAL FANTASY XI and the PlayOnline Viewer simultaneously. This command will shut down a PlayStation®2 user's console, while it will take a Windows user back to his/her desktop. *The following terms have been added to the auto-translate function. Category -> Word/Phrase Titles -> Theologian Titles -> Cardinal Text Commands -> /lsmes Text Commands -> /shutdown Location -> Rear Place Names -> Manaclipper Place Names -> Bibiki Bay Place Names -> Attohwa Chasm Place Names -> Boneyard Gully Place Names -> Pso'Xja Place Names -> The Shrouded Maw Place Names -> Uleguerand Range Place Names -> Bearclaw Pinnacle Place Names -> Oldton Movalpolos Place Names -> Newton Movalpolos Place Names -> Mine Shaft #2716 Place Names -> Tavnazian Safehold Place Names -> Lufaise Meadows Place Names -> Misareaux Coast Place Names -> Sealion's Den Place Names -> Phomiuna Aqueducts Place Names -> Sacrarium Place Names -> Riverne - Site #B01 Place Names -> Riverne - Site #A01 Place Names -> Monarch Linn Place Names -> Promyvion - Holla Place Names -> Spire of Holla Place Names -> Promyvion - Dem Place Names -> Spire of Dem Place Names -> Promyvion - Mea Place Names -> Spire of Mea Place Names -> Promyvion - Vahzl Place Names -> Spire of Vahzl Place Names -> Phanauet Channel Place Names -> Carpenters' Landing Place Names -> Hall of Transference Equipment Parts -> main Equipment Parts -> sub Equipment Parts -> range Equipment Parts -> ammo Equipment Parts -> head Equipment Parts -> neck Equipment Parts -> L.ear Equipment Parts -> R.ear Equipment Parts -> body Equipment Parts -> hands Equipment Parts -> L.ring Equipment Parts -> R.ring Equipment Parts -> back Equipment Parts -> waist Equipment Parts -> legs Equipment Parts -> feet *After the Chains of Promathia expansion pack has been installed, new BGM will play at the opening screen. After repeating several times, the BGM returns to the older version. *Certain auction house messages have been adjusted. [Windows Version Only] *Under the "Global" tab in the FINAL FANTASY XI Configuration Tool, a new feature allowing the creation of a desktop shortcut directly to the FINAL FANTASY XI top page has been added.

Comments

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woohoo
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:16 PM Rating: Decent
Woohoo downloading the "FFXI" update. now lets just see if it will install without having to "retry" an infinite number of times.
Ridiculous
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:16 PM Rating: Decent
Well, once again my day has been ruined due to square enix cant get their server up and running. Why do they always do updates at peak hours?? Wouldn't it be ideal to do server maintenance, and updates during night time when theres not really that many people online?? Especially when they cant even get it done within the time limit they tell us! Not to mention our 12.95 per month....this is getting ridiculous!!!
[Hmmm.]
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:12 PM Rating: Decent
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209 posts
So uh... These new areas it talks about, is that for expansion only?
/shutdown
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:10 PM Rating: Decent
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842 posts
anyone know if the new /shutdown will work on ps2 also?
and what if you dont get the expansion?
what i've heard its supposed to work like EQ's /camp desktop
RE: /shutdown
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:13 PM Rating: Decent
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60 posts
" This command will shut down a PlayStation®2 user's console, while it will take a Windows user back to his/her desktop. "
Does Square Enix hate warrior and whm?
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:06 PM Rating: Default
Why is there nothing special about Warrior's job?

I feel sorry for warrior. Warrior is said to have great respect. That doesn't seems to be the case. Paladin practically replaces warrior after lvl 30. Thus, everyone prefer paladin as tank over warrior. I notice no one cares whether a warrior in the party until they finally sub nin. Now the changes to Utsusemi obviously lowers War/Nin as a tank. o.O
What is the point having warrior in FFXI then? Why don't paladin just take over??

I thought Square Enix will atleast add some special ability or make warrior unique in their own way.


As for whm. I really hope there's some changes too. Rdm certainly took over whm's job. After all this effort curing ppl...we r becoming less and less important in the game since rdm have convert and refresh. We are only good as a taxi service! >.<
RE: Does Square Enix hate warrior and whm?
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:15 PM Rating: Decent
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71 posts
Hmm... I would like to comment on the whm part.

Some of the most successful parties I've had have been when we have BOTH a whm and a rdm (with a BLM, of course XD /cheer). Whm takes over all the healing, rdm is the refresh, enfeebling, and MB machine. 3 melee and 3 mages is the way to go.

Another thing to consider... Smn can also make a very successful healer with a whm sub. ESPECIALLY with Fenrir.
POL error
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:04 PM Rating: Decent
So other people are definitely getting all the errors when trying to download the FFXI update. -.- Why do "maintenance" when it just makes things screwy eh. And now, whenever i try to log into POL, before the menu comes up for "game, options, etc" it even gives an error. POL - 0011

Edited, Mon Sep 13 20:10:50 2004
:(
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:04 PM Rating: Decent
wow this update is taking way too long :(
Hehe
# Sep 13 2004 at 7:01 PM Rating: Excellent
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71 posts
This is like a crackheads drugs.

FIX IT DAMN YOU OR MY HEAD WILL EXPLODE!!
finally
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:59 PM Rating: Decent
Well i finally got into PoL but still cant get into FF... i hope they fix this crap
The Patch
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:59 PM Rating: Decent
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892 posts
When I first loged to get the patches the POL patch was about a 2 minute deal and then I had connection problems to POL. After retrying a ton of times it finally went through *SLOWLY*.

So if your having problems just keep trying!

The FFXI update just took 58 minutes to download on a cable connection so anyone with dialup is looking at one hell of a wait to get it up and running.
Must go faster...
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:58 PM Rating: Decent
43 Minutes left... Cmon.... Hey, who here thinks that the music played for the connection error should be the Windurst music?
ugh
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:56 PM Rating: Decent
I'm still having trouble believing that they don't have more mirror sites or something to download. You'd think at the $12.95 x 500,000 people (or thats what the census thing said) a month they could budget something for that.

<<frustrated groan>>
Woah
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:53 PM Rating: Decent
lmao @ this big update, looks like I'm chainsmokin' tonight.
POL - 1160
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:52 PM Rating: Decent
Getting this same crappy error AGAIN. Got it a long time ago...didn't see it for a couple months. Now it's back. I've opened every possible port on my router and it's still giving me this error. Does anyone know how to fix this? I know im not the only person to get this error x.x. someone please help. the update is over and done with. i updated the playonline update, but it wont let me do the FFXI update. keeps giving errors and it seems real slow. Everything was absolutely fine before the game went down for maintenance.

Edited, Mon Sep 13 20:00:55 2004
Anarchy!!
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:50 PM Rating: Decent
It's ANARCHY I TELL YOU!!! A 6 hour patch and then more waiting. >< Hopefully this will make switch over to CoP easier though. Well, back to waiting. :'(
/sigh
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:43 PM Rating: Decent
the padded cap thing is so horrible i raised my fishing skill to 21 (without botting) for nothing and now my smithing skill is totally useless >< i demand a refund for all that money spent on the rogue rig, composite rod, items needed to raise smithing level etc..and blm's shouldnt be able to use scythes..scythes are what make a dark knight seperate from a warrior with a zaghnal because once you got a scythe everyone knew almost instantly that you were a drk..and now /sigh >< except for the random bst with a vassago's scythe..but this seriously sucks :(
RE: /sigh
# Sep 14 2004 at 2:34 AM Rating: Default
Yes, and let sams get a refund for all the time they spent before meditate and store TP 2 got nerfed, shut up.
DUN DUN DUN
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:43 PM Rating: Decent
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71 posts
Annnnnd here ya go! -.-

From:PlayOnline
Sep. 13, 2004 15:33 [PDT]

PlayOnline Technical Difficulties (Sep. 13)

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with the PlayOnline service. The issue is currently being addressed and we will provide additional information shortly. We apologize for this inconvenience.

[Date & Time]
Since Sep. 13, 2004 at approximately 14:00 (PDT)

[Details]
Access to the PlayOnline service is currently intermittent.

[Affected Services]
PlayOnline


Edited, Mon Sep 13 19:56:49 2004
Yes!
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:39 PM Rating: Decent
**
945 posts
Reduced MP cost for Dia II, Bio and Bio II! Yes! I can actually use them often now without using a ton of precious MP!

You can also cancel those escort quests now, hip hip hooray yay!

Paladins get a big jump, with Raise going from 75 to 50, Cover refresh rate going down from 5 minutes to 3, and having Blink Tanks nerfed. (Too bad for Ninjas, though :\ )

Bard Etudes appear to be more awesome now too, only the WHM will get the MND boost, and the RNG only will get the AGI boost. Casting time has also been reduced lots, which is always a plus.

New store items, cool, I can't wait to see the new items.
Server Issues
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:35 PM Rating: Decent
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197 posts
If you have been experiencing difficulties, there is a reason: SE is having server difficulties and they are trying to fix them ASAP. This error causes you to have difficulties connecting to the playonline server and can cause you to recieve the error message, "Error occured. Now exited Playonline." or something like that. Here is the link where I got the info.

www.playonline.com/ff11us/polnews/news2609.shtml

Edited, Mon Sep 13 19:40:39 2004
Server Issues
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:34 PM Rating: Decent
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197 posts
downloading now
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:33 PM Rating: Decent
I'm downloading the actual FFXI update now, all 1,508 files. It took about 15 minutes to get the list of files and estimated download time is 1:30 hours. I am on a cable modem (sorry dialup users, your download will take several hours). I just kept retrying when I was getting the errors mentioned below, and eventually got connected to start the update.
Still need to fix the rest
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:32 PM Rating: Good
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141 posts
So they pick on the fishing bots. Not like fishing bots "really" ruin teh economy. I am not sure since my fishing stinks anyways. What they "should" be picking on are the NM bots, XP bots, and etc. Unsure if those all really exist also but I am deff tired of the clans on my server, i/e: hero clan, luck clan, all with the same common name. Chinese gil sellers. They should be picking on them and not people who stand with a pole for hours on end not bothering a single farmer, miner, harvester, xp party.

Ah well just my opinion..
Glad to see blm's get a scythe I'll deff get one. Wish they would let whm's have a dmging weapon other than a hammer.
#REDACTED, Posted: Sep 13 2004 at 6:32 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) im updateing as we speak is anyone else?
new update
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:22 PM Rating: Default
*sigh* double-post due to pooched internet connection, and it won't let me delete, on ly edit.

Edited, Mon Sep 13 19:32:17 2004
new update
# Sep 13 2004 at 6:21 PM Rating: Default
They forgot the new update item "PlayOnline Viewer now takes 16,478 years to load a page"
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