Eating is a thing of the past
If you are new to the game joining up with a group of people is essential, you’ll be safer, you’ll feel more involved and you won’t get lost. The map marking system provides essential help when you do get lost - just click on markers, place the mark where you wish to head to, and bingo, you’ll be there in no time. Working with a team is not only essential but also great fun, I hooked up with a group of 6 people from the U.K and headed for the barren wastelands to take on some beasts. Working with a group makes things a lot easier – as the old saying goes, ‘two heads are better than one’.
Click for larger imageThe gameplay of FFXI is what hooks you in and can stop you from eating, drinking or sleeping. There is a witty introduction at the beginning of the game that says, ‘Remember that FFX1 may take over your life’. This couldn’t be more true. I jumped online for an hour last night and played for four. There is so much to do, so many ways to do it and the temptation to take on one more quest before you go to bed iplays on your mind. The controls are responsive and the menu is easy to activate and navigate. Your character does tend to run of his/her own accord at times but this doesn’t really distract from the game. There is some slowdown, although in a game of this size I would have actually expected more, in no way is it a major issue. The fighting in the game isn’t thrilling, it sometimes feels slow and unresponsive, but, because you’ll want to level up as soon as possible, you’ll find yourself taking on a swarm of hornets or dingbats at every opportunity.
Graphically the game has its flaws, but the grainy textures and blocky landscapes are a secondary annoyance to the main aspects of FFXI. You’ll run around with a million things on your mind and you’ll hardly even notice the graphics.
Click for larger imageThe game requires a lot of dedication if you are ever going to be a great adventurer. Levelling up is slow but deliberate, you’ll want to reach that next level and no amount of wandering around will put you off. FFXI is a game for the hardcore, it won’t appeal to everyone - it requires a certain obsession to be able to rise up the ranks. Play it for 15 minutes and you’ll probably wonder what all the fuss is about, play it for an hour or two and you’ll be hooked. Buy a strategy guide or download maps and tips from the numerous Final Fantasy fan sites to gain full advantage of this vast world.
If you haven’t played Final Fantasy before don’t miss out this time.
TOP TIP
Use the private chat function on the dashboard to speak to friends in game, then you won't have to text that person. Unfortunately the chat function only accomodates one friend at a time, but it's better then nothing.
For more information, help and to take part in a thriving Final Fantasy community head over to the best FFXI site on the net. Thanks to the community for all their help!
