| You may have grown up with characters like | | | | might find the Final Fantasy XI experience as |
| Cloud Strife, Sepiroth, Tifa, Squall | | | | completely unconventional. First of all, the |
| Lionheart, Yuna, and the likes. These are | | | | control scheme utilizes the mouse as well as |
| characters that have been integrated in | | | | the keyboard for movement, which is far |
| popular culture, thanks to the wide success | | | | different from the simple point and click |
| enjoyed by the franchise that spawned them. | | | | that other MMORPG systems employ. Second, the |
| Indeed, the Final Fantasy series is anything | | | | other aspects of the game are simplified, and |
| but final. It is an enduring succession of | | | | you won't have access to the maximized |
| wonderfully prepared and genre-breaking games | | | | leveling up that other MMORPG systems afford. |
| that has captured the hearts of millions and | | | | This is both good and bad. Good because |
| millions of people around the world. | | | | customization can take hours in most MMORPG |
| | | | systems, which can prove dragging. Bad |
| The Legend That Gave Birth To Final Fantasy | | | | because some players do prefer total control |
| XI | | | | over how their characters develop. |
| | | | |
| Let's look at the facts. Every time a Final | | | | These aside, the MMORPG world of Vana'diel |
| Fantasy game is released in Japan, their | | | | promises to offer a lot of fascinating |
| country stops. Students skip school. Urban | | | | adventures for the gamer. With close to a |
| professionals file for vacation or sick | | | | dozen classes and jobs, a world at the |
| leaves. Long lines form outside retail | | | | crossroads of magic, warfare, and technology, |
| stores. And the whole nation is engaged in a | | | | and the backing of the most successful RPG |
| perpetual race as to who will get to finish | | | | developer in history, Final Fantasy XI is an |
| the game first. | | | | experience that would define this age of |
| | | | MMORPG gaming. |
| The same success was repeated in the United | | | | |
| States since the release of Final Fantasy VII | | | | Is Final Fantasy XI Worth $12.95 A Month? |
| for the original Playstation. It was the | | | | |
| first time that US gamers were introduced to | | | | Square Interactive, a division of Square |
| polygonal characters in a role-playing game, | | | | Enix, does charge $12.95 per month of play, |
| and it heralded the start of America's love | | | | as well as an additional $1 per new character |
| affair with the beloved franchise. | | | | created under the same account. Relatively |
| | | | speaking, Final Fantasy XI is one of the most |
| But previous games had limited hours of play. | | | | expensive MMORPG programs today. |
| Once you defeat the final boss, the game ends | | | | |
| and the credit rolls. | | | | The question is not really a matter of how |
| | | | much. Rather, it is a matter of whether or |
| The newest incarnation of the series, Final | | | | not the experience is worth it. |
| Fantasy XI, deviates from that. It takes the | | | | |
| form of a massively multiplayer online | | | | The answer is a resounding yes! |
| role-playing game (MMORPG) where players | | | | |
| participate in a persistent world that will | | | | Final Fantasy XI offers a different flavor |
| never end. Indeed, Final Fantasy XI is the | | | | compared to your usual MMORPG flair. The |
| fantasy that will never end. | | | | difference is as great as that of an |
| | | | American-developed RPG and a |
| Final Fantasy XI: Not Just Your Ordinary | | | | Japanese-developed game. Japan is the home of |
| MMORPG | | | | console RPGs, while America is where PC RPGs |
| | | | reign supreme. Both genres offer a diverse |
| It's been two and a half years since the | | | | experience. While some people prefer the feel |
| original release of Final Fantasy XI, | | | | and the atmosphere of PC RPGs, a lot actually |
| together with its expansion pack Rise of the | | | | enjoy console RPGs better. |
| Zilart, for the personal computer, but the | | | | |
| game shows no sign of slowing down, despite | | | | Final Fantasy XI has the console RPG feel, |
| strong competition from newer MMORPG | | | | which is quite an accomplishment for an |
| offerings like World of Warcraft, Star Wars | | | | MMORPG. It's definitely one of a kind, and |
| Galaxies and Everquest II. The reason for | | | | stands proud for its uniqueness in a world |
| this is simple. Final Fantasy XI is the only | | | | populated by different MMORPG programs that |
| MMORPG that has been released for two | | | | come in different skins but offer the same |
| platforms. Playstation II owners have the | | | | experience. |
| option to participate in this MMORPG game | | | | |
| world through their consoles. And very soon, | | | | And with its recently released expansion, |
| Xbox 360 owners will also be given such an | | | | Chains of Promathia, as well as the Treasures |
| opportunity. The result? More players are | | | | of Ath Urhgan in the horizons, Final Fantasy |
| expected to join in the months to come, | | | | XI solidifies itself as an investment very |
| making the MMORPG world remain dynamic, | | | | much worth making. It is truly an MMORPG that |
| diverse, and exciting. | | | | has, and will continue to, withstand the test |
| | | | of time. |
| If you're a veteran MMORPG campaigner, you | | | | |