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