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Final Fantasy XI is a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Role Playing Game) developed by Squaresoft (now Square Enix). The game was first released in Japan in 2002 on Playstation 2, and then was adapted on PC in 2003 in North America and in 2004 for Europe. An Xbox 360 version was also released worldwide in 2006. This episode of Final Fantasy differs greatly from the other episodes, because it offers online gaming sharing many adventures with players from all over the world. Like many MMORPGs (World of Warcraft, Lineage, Dark Age of Camelot, etc.), we must subscribe to a paying account in order to take advantage of what Final Fantasy XI has to offer.

This episode immerses the player in the fabulous world of Vana'diel. This universe was created especially for the game and extends over 2 large continents, Mindartia and Quon, and on several islands. At the beginning of the adventure the player has to create his own character that he will embody once in the game. Final Fantasy XI offers 6 different races of characters: Elvaan, Tarutaru, Hume, Mithra and the Galka. The Elvaans are powerful warriors that look like elves. The Tarutarus are cute little creatures gifted to use powerful magic spells, but physically weaker. The Humes, are the humans people of Vana'diel and have balanced characteristics. The race of Mithras is composed exclusively of females (males, however, exist but remain mostly hidden). They are dexterous and agile cat-women very but who have a weak physical constitution. The Galka are massive creatures with a strong physical resistance and a great strength, but very few skilled in magic power.

Once the race is defined, the player must choose his country of allegiance between the 3 nations of the peoples of Altana: Bastok, San d'Oria and Windurst. Bastok is the industrial capital of Humes and Galkas, where technology runs society. The city also has large mine excavations from which a large variety of minerals is extracted. San d'Oria is the fortified city of the proud Elvaan people. Based on Knighthood codes, constituting the pride and honor of people, San d'Oria is a city strongly linked to its traditions. The Federation of Windurst brings together the Tarutaru and Mithra peoples. It is the magic capital of Vana'diel and is governed by 5 ministries. Whatever the race defined by the player he can choose to swear allegiance to any nation.

Once the race and the country chosen, the player must define what character class he wants to embody. He has the choice at the beginning of the adventure between 6 different jobs. There is Warrior, who is specialized in physical attack and defense, Monk, who has a powerful damage dealing rate and can attack twice per turn thanks to its fist weapons, Thief, who has a large agility, can steal some items from the enemies and get more loot, White Mage, a specialist in healing and divine magic spells, Black Mage, who excels in offensive and enfeebling magic spells, and finally Red Mage, who can use various white magic and black magic spells, while wielding the sword with dexterity. The player can freely switch from a job to another by visiting his Mog House (a small apartment belonging to the character that the player can decorate at his convenience). All races may choose to exercise the job they want. However, a Galka will be far less effective as a Black Mage than a Tarutaru, as well as a Tarutaru is less powerful as a warrior than an Elvaan. At level 18 the player can accomplish a quest allowing him to use a subjob. This allows choosing a second job in addition to the main job. The second job is limited to half the level of the main job. We must choose the best job combinations in order to be even more effective. At level 30 many quests can be done in order to unlock advanced jobs. These jobs bring more new way of playing. Counting all the extensions,the game includes no fewer than 14 advanced jobs (Paladin, Dark Knight, Ninja, Dragoon, Samurai, Summoner, Beastmaster, Bard, Ranger, Blue Mage, Puppetmaster, Corsair, Scholar and Dancer). All these jobs have a gameplay very different from each other, which constantly renews the pleasure of gaming.

Unlike most MMORPGs of the same style, Final Fantasy XI has a real storyline. The player takes control of a new adventurer who will face a mysterious evil that threatens Vana'diel once more. 20 years after the terrible Cristal War, that opposed the 3 nations of the Altana and the Beastmen led by the Shadow Lord, the history seems to be about to be repeated. The 3 nations recovering slowly from the war, observe a strange activity on the side of the Beastmen peoples: Orc, Quadav and Yagudo. The Shadow Lord seems to be back. The player will then have to investigate on behalf of his nation and ultimately prevent the world to fall once again into war. Depending on the chosen nation, the story will be addressed in a different point of view. In addition to the main story which is divided into several missions, many side quests can be accomplished, increasing the reputation of the player throughout the world.

The combat system of Final Fantasy is pretty well thought but somewhat rigid. The interface is not very ergonomic and it takes some time to adapt and learn to use shortcuts (called Macro) in order to be most effective as possible during the clashes. From level 1 to 10 the player is wandering in the departure area of his nation and becoming familiar with the abilities of his job. After level 10, solo gaming isn't viable anymore and we must then join a group of other players to combat monsters and earn experience points. It is almost impossible, or at least very hard soloing (except for certain job, as Beastmaster), because Final Fantasy XI put forward the mutual aid between players.

Despite his great age, Final Fantasy XI still has many followers throughout the world who continue to keep his universe alive. With its rather high difficulty, Final Fantasy XI is demanding and calls upon players to spend very long hours in the game regularly, so that we can move forward effectively. Those who can invest enough in the game can then discover a world of infinite wealth, offering an endless game content. The game has indeed 4 extensions (Rise of the Zilarts, Chains of Promathia, Treasure of Ath Urgan, and Wings of the Goddess) considerably extending the life span of the game by providing new jobs, scenarios, quests and games systems.



Learn more about Final Fantasy XI on:

FF Tears

	PC Developper : Squaresoft | Editor : Square Enix Genre : Online games Rank : 79% (by 2 magazines) Review (2) | Preview (2) | Cheat (2) |
	Ps2 Developper : Squaresoft | Editor : Square Enix Rank : 80% (by 1 magazine) Review (1) | Preview (5) | Cheat (2) |
	Xbox 360 Rank : 58% (by 4 magazines) Review (4) | Preview (3) | Cheat (2) | Guide (1) |

Final Fantasy XI reviews

Final Fantasy XI previews