One thing I will say that makes final fantasy xi differ from all the other MMORPG games I've played.. this one has story. Now I know that there is supposed to be some sort of big intricate plot in Everquest that you're supposed to be able to affect once you get to like level 200 or something... but as I played the game I never felt a larger part of anything... this is not true with FFXI. Right from the beginning you start doing missions for your country (note, difference between missions and quests). Missions drive the plot forward, and slowly reveal the unsettling events in the lands of Vana'diel. It really places you inside of the world and you can even become attached to some of the NPC's like the Star Sybil or the S.O.B.'s. One of the greatest features about the game I would also say is the ability to change jobs easily. Unlike other online RPG's, in FFXI you're not limited to being stuck with what you chose when you first started for the entire game. Instead of being a warrior from the beginning until you cancel, you can choose to try a different job, and even use multiple jobs at the same time with the sub-job ability. It really lets you garner a taste for most everything the world has to offer, without making additional characters. This way you can try out all the jobs and still build up a single reputation and list of relationships in the game. The ability to stay in contact with a group of friends via a "linkshell" is also a wonderful addition. Another surprising feature of this game is the player-driven economy. Every item you find on a creature has a use, though most often not to you. You can sell most anything you find on the Auction House, or put it up in a personal store called a Bazaar. Most of the time when you're in need of a specific weapon, piece of armor, or hard to find scroll... you'll head to the auction house. Money in the game is constantly circulating between players, and is held in a very good position so as not to cause over-inflation. Something I know a lot of RPG's have problems with. Like many people when FFXI was first announced I was quite skeptical. Final Fantasy in an online form just didn't quite seem to fit my preconceptions of the franchise. But after picking it up and giving it a try I can honestly say that it's been one of the longest lasting and best gaming investments I've made. Definatly the best MMORPG I've ever seen, and I look forward to the upcomming expansion: Chain's of Promethia. Well back to gaming... Just got level 51 and I need my white mage artifact armor :)
I am a three year player of Final Fantasy XI and i say that it is a brilliant game over world of warcraft. Most MMOs usually make you run around by yourself and run into a few people time to time and chat, Final fantasy ... Read Full Review
Though the market is already saturated with massively multiplayer games, Final Fantasy 11 has managed to distinguish itself through a tough love process…extremely tough love. Despite incredible curves kicking the averag... Read Full Review
