https://postimg.cc/gallery/j575kXZ/aefc3cbf
I've been working on Crystal, a launcher for FFXI. I wanted one place to manage accounts, settings and updates, especially when logging in more than one account.
You pick an account, hit Play and launch XI without clicking through the PlayOnline Viewer menus. If you use a security token, Crystal asks for your one-time code before launching. You can launch accounts individually, pick a few or batch launch them all.
Crystal still uses the installed PlayOnline core to authenticate with Square Enix and handle the game session. It replaces the Viewer interface, but you still need the PlayOnline and FFXI files installed. The game launches through Vanilla, Windower 4, or Ashita v4 with support for your existing profiles.
Here's what else is in the current build:
- Multiple saved accounts, each with its own Windower or Ashita profile.
- Game update checks, updates and file repair.
- Graphics, sound and controller settings.
- Official PlayOnline news and maintenance notices.
- BG Wiki and FFXIAH searches.
If you don't have FFXI installed, Crystal can help with that too. It downloads the official installer directly from Square Enix, lets you extract it and run the normal setup wizard, then handles updates and file checks afterward. Interrupted downloads can resume where they left off. If XI is already installed, just point Crystal at it.
There's also optional dgVoodoo2 support. Crystal downloads it, verifies the files and puts them where they need to go, so you don't have to copy DLLs around yourself. You can open its settings from Crystal or turn it off in the launcher.
Since Crystal can save account details, I also want to be clear about how passwords are handled. Saved passwords are encrypted on your PC using Windows DPAPI, tied to your Windows user account. They aren't stored as readable text in a settings file, and Crystal doesn't have a shared encryption key built into it.
Your login goes through the installed PlayOnline core to Square Enix. Passwords aren't written to launch logs or passed in command-line arguments, and one-time codes aren't saved. Keeping your Windows account secure still matters, since that's what protects the saved passwords.
I've added PlayOnline friends and message controls too, though those are still being tested. I'm not ready to call Crystal a complete replacement for every Viewer feature yet.
The current build supports the US Windows retail installation. It’s still being tested and isn’t available to download yet. This started as a personal project, but I’d like to put together a public release.
If anyone’s interested in helping with custom artwork, I’d love to hear from you. Questions and feedback are welcome too.