Final Fantasy XI (Sony PlayStation 2, 2004)

First and foremost, if you can buy it new, do so. I got my copy used, and unfortunately PlayOnline doesn't transfer accounts. I found that out the hard way. This is the ONLY downside to the game, but if you buy it new, you won't have this problem.

AS far as the actual game goes, it's awesome! Have you ever played an RPG and wished it was just you on the adventure? Not two otrher people you have to look out for? Then your wish has been granted. Create up to 16 characters inb a game and travel through the beautifully rendered countrysides as you battle monsters of all kinds. Go it alone or eventually join a group of adventurers ranging from warriors to monks, ninjas, or mages. Choose the job of your choice and advance in it as far as you'd like. Even become a mercenary if you like. Whatever the quest, you'll love it.

The graphics are great. The country side is alive with people and monsters as you travel. Be careful, because some may be stronger than they look.

Another cool factor is Tetra Master, a card game that you can play online and off. Think of it as Final Fantasy's version of Magic the Gathering or YuGiOh. It's a great way to pass the time and meet new people to adventure with later.

One last thing to remember is that there is a monthly fee. However, I look at it like the cable bill. You want to keep the great movies and channels, pay the bill. If you want to meet people, fight epic battles, and enjoy Vanad'iel, then somebody's gotta maintain the servers, right? Besides, it's very well worth it.

So, I hope this helps and enjoy the game!!

A unique gaming experience! When you go online to play this game you will truly be in a different world complete with politics and economy. The game saves all data on the server so even if you get disconnected you spawn exactly where you left off and with exactly everything you were still holding down to how much Health Points and Magic Points you have left.

The game is very hard at first as you almost cannot defeat any monsters on your own. Staying true to the Final Fantasy Genre... you need to create Parties with other Human-players and team up against monsters to level-up or do quests.

Unlike the previous FF series there is no concrete story-line but rather different Quests with stories that tie into them. Some are long some are quick. Awesome battle engine and complex combat strategies make this game a must-have.

There's so many things to do and learn that no one could possibly finish this game in one lifetime!

If you're not patient don't play this game... it's hard to make money... and level up... even power-leveling with a buddy gets tough. Definately not your regular online game!

There's no hacking and PK in this game so that's also a plus!

Come online and meet me! World: Valefor Name: Kaisen

I just clicked the "buy it now" option and was immediately excited. I played the game for almost a year then stopped last summer due to summerschool and work. Eventually, my playonline viewer disk broke, the disk you need to access the game. Here I am now buying it again, and since i have some experience witht he game, I can let you guys in on it.
To me, the ONLY flaw is that Gil(The currency in this world and every other Final Fantasy world if you're a fan) is tedious to 'farm'(attain) and the items are often expensive. Aside from that, this game never once ceased to entertain me.
A warning is that it's a party-based game. The designer made it with the intention of having high-leveld monsters so that you would need a group to defeat them. In my opinion it was genius, for I cannot count the innumerable amount of friends(and enemies) I've encountered via party that have only improved my game experience.
The graphics are AMAZING, especially for the low lag rate this game has. Only in one place will you severely lag, in the main city, the grand dutchy of Jueno. Aside from that, you'll have a smooth experience whether you're dial-up or DSL. I personally play with a cabel modem.
I easily lost myself in this emmersive world, Vana'diel. Whether I was a Samurai or Black Mage, a Ninja or a Paladin, my adventures were always grand and my triumphs amazing. You even get a thirty day free trial!
The game is $12.99 Per month plus $.99 for each additional character. The world is always expanding, new adventures, NPCs, and jobs are being added with each expansion pack. What are you waiting for? Get 'em while they're hot! THey're impossible to find anywhere else.

I come accross many people who are not die-hard FF fans yet they claim to be. For some reason, though, these die-hards always complain about one of the games or the other. How Square-Enix isn't offing quality anymore. To those, I say, "Then please, DON'T BUY!" Save theses games for the rest of us, the real fans and collectors. This is a great game and the HDD has a lot of great features.

this is completely opinionated but its just something to help people that are unsure of this game.

i personally spend most of my time playing this game. all the hours spent on other games played wouldnt even add up to the countless hours played on ffxi.

ive been playin for 2 years and im still enjoying it. square enix provides many updates and new expansions to keep the game entertaining. however the fighting isnt all that exciting with the engage and watch but thats how final fantasy has always been so who can complain.

the monthly fee had me questioning myself about starting this game but it is still less that WoW and some other online games. but after i started i couldnt put the sticks down.

if you have alot of time on your hands and love playin a good mmorpg then you should try Final Fantasy XI out.