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Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 23 Mar 04
User Rating
10 (10 votes) -
- The moment of truth has arrived, and Square Enix has delivered a 'must buy' title. The immersive world of Vana'diel beckons!
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Overview
We have all heard of hype, but when you hear about a game four years prior to its release, you know the game is going to be one to talk about. When you combine a game that is part of the most popular RPG franchise in history with Sony's new toy, the 40 GB HDD in a $100 bundle, you're going to get quite a bit of attention. Now the day has finally come, the development has been completed, and FFXI + Hard Drive is now available for the PS2! So how does the game perform, you're just going to have to read on and find out.
Gameplay
There are two types of people out there in the gaming market. There are those that love MMORPG and there are those that despise them. There are very few if any that are in the middle of the two. It's just one of those genres that you either love it or hate it.
You start your adventure in the world of FFXI by first installing the hard drive into your PS2. Now this task is as easy as one, two, and three. Unscrew your network adapter, plug the hard drive in, and place the network adapter back on the PS2, and you have a PS2 with a 40gig hard drive. What is really a nice feature of the hard drive is that it already has FFXI installed on it, so you can just plug and get the game going. Give it an hour to go through registration (so you can pay your $9.95 a month fee), and you will be taken off to the world of FFXI.
For those gamers who haven't used the Play Online service, you will find that this is really a true online gaming service. I personally see the Play Online service as a step up from the Xbox Live service for many reasons. In the Play Online service you have instant access to e-mail, downloadable content, screenshots, instant messaging, and updated news regarding the service and downtime. I really like the way Play Online is set up; in fact it is just as good if not better then Xbox Live. Connecting to Play Online is nice, quick, and smooth. Once you have connected you are ready to enter the world of Vana'diel.
To start the review of the game we will talk about the storyline involved in the game. One of the most intriguing parts of the Final Fantasy series has always been the top-notch storylines that go along with them. Each of the Final Fantasy games has had an interesting story that always has kept you glued to the TV. Now that Square has taken its series online will the story come along for the ride? The answer is, yes, and it does in the best fashion I have seen in the online world. Now you're not going to be able to jump right into it, and just play through the story, but it will be a gradual process that will let you immerse yourself in the story as you go.
You start in FFXI by being placed into a random server, which can be chosen if you happen to know the code to a specific server. Now you start by creating the character, arguably the most important part of an RPG. Well in FFXI you get an extremely deep and complex character creation that will get you ready for your very extensive missions to come.
You start in the game by talking to a bunch of NPC (Non-Player Characters) to receive missions or quests. These are to really get your feet wet in the vast world of FFXI and to also start helping you on the tedious process of leveling up. This is one of those games that if you are not used to MMORPG titles then you are going to feel very out of place at the start of the game. For those who have played their fair share of these types of titles then you will find FFXI to be quite familiar.
The gameplay is quite impressive, and in my eyes I must say that Square Enix has done some really great things to FFXI. With the use of the USB keyboard you will find that communicating with fellow players can be done with a breeze, and joining there groups can be done by just accepting their invitation.
The combat system does take place in real time, and employs an "Active Time battle" not unlike the recent Final Fantasy X. The combat is really solid, especially when you are in a group. At times while walking alone I found myself being swarmed by enemies and losing. Therefore since that time I made it a habit to normally travel in groups, which does help quite a bit. As I said the combat is still similar to the previous FF games so basically press your command and watch it happen.
Overall this is a MMORPG that I really feel is solid in everyway possible. You will find yourself totally engulfed in the world of FFXI if you give yourself a little time to get used to everything going on in FFXI.
Graphics
With FFXI being released on the PC only a few months prior to this release on the PS2, it's really hard to see the great job Square did with the PS2 version, when comparing to the PC. But what it all comes down to anyways is, does FFXI hold up its fair share and create a nice looking MMORPG for the PS2? And the answer is, yes.
FFXI takes place in a gigantic world and what is so impressive about this world, is that there is a good amount of detail found all over this game. The characters in FFXI have some great detail, and all have there own distinctive appearance to them. The enemies on the other hand aren't as impressive but do get the job done.
The environments throughout the game range from breathtaking to about average, depending on where you are located. If you compare these environments to the EQOA environments, you will find that FFXI stays a good step ahead of them throughout the game.
Overall the graphics from what I have seen aren't as high as quality as I found in the PC version, but for the PS2, I must say that I am impressed on the quality of graphics that stays consistent throughout the game.
Fun Factor
If you find MMORPGs fun (as I do) then you will also agree with me that Final Fantasy XI is just a blast to play. As I look back on my experiences in the game, there were times of confusion, and frustration, but for the most part this game is filled with wild adventures, grand quests, and epic battles. I must say that this is by far the best MMORPG on the PS2, and is one that I had a great time playing.
Overall
After all the wait, after all the hype, after everything, FFXI is finally here, and you may be wondering what is my final word. If you are in the market for a MMORPG for your PS2 then don't pass up FFXI. It is definitely worth your time.
- Gameplay
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Fun Factor
9.0 - Overall
9.0
