For those fishing and chocobo racing enthusiasts hoping that this month's version update would give them something to be excited about, Square Enix has announced upcoming changes to the Chocobo Circuit and the quest "Inside the Belly". From increased chocobucks for rewards to being able to land new equipment through some of the assorted new fish that you'll be able to exchange, this update will allow those adventurers who don't seek fortune through the use of sword and spell to still reward themselves for their time and effort!

Discuss this on the Zam Forums!

When the Square Enix devs said that they hope their players will play both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV, I don't think this is what they had in mind. That poor poor tank...

Click the image for the full size

Discuss this on the ZAM Forums. Got an idea for Happy Friday? Email us!

In conjunction with the recently announced Evolith system, Square Enix has announced a new synthesis-based system, known as the Synergy system. Designed to, but not limited to, being the focal point behind the Evolith system, Synergy will allow whole parties to come together for the sake of creating a new equipment piece. Expect this unique system to be arriving in Vana'diel as early as late November.

Discuss this on the Zam Forums!

With the desire to create new and unique arms and armor reaching an all-time high, Square Enix has announced the introduction of the new Evolith system. Making use of long-neglected stones that can be obtained after certain requirements are met, this system, slated for a release as early as late November, will allow for far more unique and customized equipment than ever before.

Discuss this on the Zam Forums!

It was a tight race and a hard choice with so many talented entries in this year's Pumpkin Carving Contest Top 25 finalists! 362 votes were cast before the poll deadline, leaving us with four clear winners!

In the end, the Tonberry was able to deal a deadly Throat Stab to the infamous Shantotto, stealing victory right from under the rhyming wizardess's nose! Congratulations to Efiel of Bahamut for snagging the grand prize of a Shadow Lord statue and to Lahurah of Seraph for coming in a close second!

The stunning pumpkin, Tales from the Cryptaru, which used a combination of shading, etching, and carving, came in third place. Congratulations to Serileth of Sylph on a job and pumpkin well done! A complicated etching of the epic scene from the Kingdom of San d'Oria in the past came in 4th place. Congratulations to Alobont of Quetzalcoatl for a great entry! Read on for more details!

Discuss this on the ZAM forums!

 To commemorate the arrival of the third add-on scenario, "A Shantotto Ascension", Square Enix is announcing that those loyal fans who have purchased all three add-on scenarios will be able to receive a new gift. The Nexus Cape, capable of teleporting a potentially straggling adventurer to their party leader's location, will be available from the treasure coffer in Lower Jeuno's Tenshodo Headquarters.

Discuss this on the Zam Forums!

There's only one day left to vote in this year's FFXI Pumpkin Carving Contest, so be sure to log in and cast your vote for your favorite! Voting ends on Halloween!

This year, we received 127 entries for the contest and six late entries, each of them displaying their own unique flair of pumpkin carving talent. This was the first year the contest was held globally with the help of Square Enix, with exclusive in-game items being awarded to contestants simply for participating. A lot of common trends emerged, here are some you may find interesting!

Apparently, the adventurers weren't terribly pleased with the Super Kupowers they were rewarded in today's Happy Friday.

Click the image to see it full size.

Discuss this on the ZAM Forums. Have an idea for Happy Friday? Email the ZAM team!

From Playonline.com:

Be fairly warned! Only six days remain until the submission period for the Shantotto Fan Art Contest, inspired by the imminent release of the third add-on scenario, "A Shantotto Ascension," comes to a close.

Submissions will be made available for the admiring pleasure of the entire world by way of an online gallery accessible via Topics, with all entries to be judged by a star-studded panel consisting of development and community team members. Selected winners are set to be awarded a special prize – the "Nomad Moogle Rod" in-game item!

Be sure to send in your masterpiece by the Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 deadline.
Don't miss this chance to flex your creative muscles and be a part of this premier community event!

Learn how to participate here.

*Please confirm all entry requirements and ensure that your artwork is attached in the correct format prior to submission.

From Playonline.com:

It is our pleasure to announce that registration codes for "A Shantotto Ascension—The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born" are now available for purchase. The official site has been updated to mark this momentous occasion, so head on over and see what's in store!

Follow the "A Shantotto Ascension" banner on the PlayOnline Viewer's main FINAL FANTASY XI page to purchase your registration code.

Detailed information can be found at the official add-on scenario site.

*Purchasing users will be able to access the new content with the release of the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update, currently scheduled for November 9.
*One registration code will grant all characters within a single PlayOnline account access to "A Shantotto Ascension."

Discuss this on the Zam Forums!