It's always sad to see an MMO close its doors. Gamepot just announced that Fantasy Earth Zero will shut down in North America on March 21, less than a year after the game's official launch on May 18, 2010. Check out the farewell post for some important dates and information on a limited refund.

Fantasy Earth Zero's Pasta has written a heartwarming letter to the community that attempts to shine a positive light on the closure:

"I refuse to see this as an end of a great relationship I have had with you all. Instead, I want to view this as a six weeks long party that we get to have fun in. Like how I deal with many things in life, I want to remain optimistic about this situation, and enjoy the last moment that we get to spend together. So join me, along with everyone else, to end Fantasy Earth Zero NA with a blast.  Like a beautiful, vibrant firework that fades into the night sky. I will be in game everyday until the very end.  So please stop by and chat if you like, and enjoy the new contents that the team had been working hard to try to bring to you guys for the last two months."

Players who choose to stick with the game until the very end will enjoy a 400% exp bonus. Also, some former Fantasy Earth Zero players are eligible to receive free PotCash to try out Mir2, another free-to-play Gamepot game.

Maybe you're tired of your current MMO. Maybe you want something a little more action-packed. Maybe you've grown bored with treading on the bones and ashes of your enemies and thirst for new worlds to conquer. Well then, Fantasy Earth Zero may be for you.

Here are our top five reasons why you should be interested in the game.

Gamepot has partnered with Square Enix to bring Fantasy Earth Zero to the United States. The free-to-play MMO is scheduled to launch early this year and features three classes (warriors, mages, scouts), five kingdoms and a 50 vs. 50 PvP system.

According to the press release, the world of Melpharia has been thrown into chaos.  "Kingdoms are created and destroyed over the years while their inhabitants fight for control of powerful crystals spread throughout the land.  These crystals are the origins of everything in the world and their power can be used for transformations, healing, and more, making them invaluable."

More information on Fantasy Earth Zero can be found after the jump or on the newly launched teaser site. Register to become a Gamepot member if you'd like the chance to participate in the upcoming beta test.