Final Fantasy XI Critic Reviews

Final Fantasy XI far outstrips "Everquest's" addictiveness in the multiplayer online role-playing realm.

In all my years of playing MMORPGs, none has grabbed me as strongly as FFXI. None has made me more proud of my in-game accomplishments or more excited to see what's around the next corner. I'm addicted.

I can honestly say that I have logged more hours playing Final Fantasy XI than any other game in my life.

Highly addictive gameplay that seems to never end, generally impressive visuals, and a portal designed around an interactive worldwide community all combine to make this the best possible solution SCEA could have hoped for with regards to launching it's new 40GB Hard Disc Drive.

Filled to the brim with intense combat, expansive environments and a fantastic online community, Final Fantasy XI is one of the finest examples of online gaming to date.

Undoubtedly, this game offers far more playtime than the entire series put together, with constant tweaks and updates ensuring the experience remains at its best, through the constant evolving gameplay...a game which sucks you in and refuses to let go, a game which you'll wake up to every morning with that fresh "must play" feeling.

It would be nice if there wasn't such a heavy emphasis on menu driven gameplay, though it never gets in the way of having the best damn time of your life.

10 / 9 / 10 / 9 - 38 platinum

If FFXI gets its hooks into you, you may find yourself not buying any other games for a long time.

Few of the tasks are dreary and boring, the graphics are gorgeous, the music is Final Fantasy grade A, most of the online community is helpful and fun, and you’ll never run out of things to do.

The graphics are worlds apart from "Everquest Online Frontiers" and the gameplay is just off the chart as well.

Square managed to capture most, if not all of the addictive, endearing qualities of the genre while retaining a decent amount of good ol’ fashion Fantasy elements.

It is so involving and addictive that perhaps Sony and Square Enix should consider putting a warning label on the box, something like “Caution: life altering game contained within”.

It can be frustrating at times, but it's not until around levels 18 and 20 that the true appeal of the game even makes itself known.

“Merely” a fantastically addictive, and quite easily one of the very best in the genre to date.

The defining aspect of FFXI is the huge amount of time that is required to play the game. Couple that with the fact it is dangerously addictive and soon enough you will find yourself firmly ensconced in your chair not wanting to leave to do anything else.

I absolutely love this game. I can see myself playing it for at least a year. There is so much to do and see and, quite frankly, I’d feel like I was letting my party down if I bailed.

Deep character customization and development systems utilizing the series’ unique job system makes the game highly enjoyable and rewarding.

Get very comfortable because Final Fantasy XI will have you so engrossed in its superbly massive world that you won’t want to leave your couch ever again.

Its tight game design, multiple chat tools, and nods to story and questing amid the combat-heavy game play make it a worthy choice for those new to or familiar with the MMORPG genre.