.co.uk Review
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In a nutshell:
Denied a release on the PlayStation 2, Square Enixs first ever
massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) comes to
the Xbox 360 with all new graphics and all the expansion packs
and extras from the PC version.
The lowdown:
Although this is part of the core, numbered, Final Fantasy series
it is a fully fledged MMORPG that cannot be played offline or in
single player mode (it also requires a hard drive to work). That
said, its easily one of the most accessible and attractive
MMORPGs around and the first proper one to be released on a home
console. Once youve created and customised a character, the
world of Vana 'Diel is yours to explore and adventure in as you
like, with complete freedom to focus on exploration or monster
hunting to increase your characters skills. The controls and
interface can be a bit fussy at times but the game is great at
encouraging teamwork between players, and since this is a social
experience above everything else thats all important.
Most exciting moment:
Ganging together with the other members of your linkshell (an
online clan of friends) to take on a giant monster you could
never defeat alone.
Since you ask:
This is the first ever Square Enix game for an Xbox console, but
the company has already promised to develop a second, as yet
unspecified, title as well.
The bottom line:
The first ever online Final Fantasy has never looked or played
better.
Harrison Dent
Manufacturer's Description
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Twenty years have passed since the Great Crystal War, when the
forces of darkness gathered and evil threatened the peaceful
kingdoms of Vana'diel. An alliance was formed to rid Vana'diel of
the evil but after a narrow victory, the threat has returned. As
the beastmen organize their forces and make their advance towards
the nations of San d'Oria, Windurst, and Bastok, a desperate call
goes out to adventurers around the globe for help.
Begin your journey into the world of Vana'diel by creating a
customized character from a host of physical attributes and jobs.
Experience missions, quests, and boss battles by yourself or join
up with other party members to form powerful alliances as you
explore the incredibly vast environments that make up Vana'diel.
In the end, fans will be pleased to discover that Final Fantasy
XI will incorporate new features while retaining the renowned
series familiar look and feel.
Through the PlayOnline Viewer, players will be able to connect
and communicate on Final Fantasy XI. Aside from using the
PlayOnline Viewer as your gateway to Final Fantasy XI, players
can use other applications including PlayOnline Chat and
PlayOnline Mail, access to support, customization tools, and
other games, like the enhanced online version of the Tetra Master
Card game from Final Fantasy IX.
The Final Fantasy is world-renowned for creating new standards in
the RPG genre while redefining the limits of existing technology.
And it has entered its next phase of evolution online play.
Now players from around the globe can unite in the exploration of
a new and breathtaking fantasy world. With over 100 spectacular
locations to visit, players can fight fierce enemies and
undertake missions to aid their nations.
Witness the Final Fantasy series' next phase of evolution on Xbox
360. Join parties to explore new frontiers, and form alliances to
vanquish the most powerful of foes. The e of the world rests
in your hands!
- Requires Xbox Live Connection.
- First MMORPG on Xbox 360: Players will connect to the same gaming world of the renowned Final Fantasy series. Retention of the same FF visual style and deep storylines that have become a ste of this series.
- PC and PS2 compatibility: Play in the same servers as the PC and PS2 owners. Jump straight into the action with thousands of other players!.
- A persistent world: More than 100 areas to explore including ains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles, and dungeons. Time and climate changes that range from full day/night cycles to desert sandstorms, thunderstorms, fog, and snow.
- Three starting nations: Players can partake in conquests to elevate their nation's standing, missions to build their reputation within a nation, and special quests to discover useful items, new jobs, earn money, and uncover valuable information and discover more about the story of Vana'diel.
- Customizable characters: With a host of physical traits and jobs, gain the ability to equip and switch support jobs at any time to overcome any challenge.
- An accessible battle system: Experience a complex yet well-balanced battle system fit for beginners and experienced gamers alike allowing the performing of strategic attacks using magic, job abilities, and weapon skills.
- Smart control systems: Players will be able to play at their own pace and form parties by utilizing various integrated communication tools, including easy-to-use PlayOnline Chat and PlayOnline Mail.
- Expansion packs included: Includes Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia and Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion packs containing 70 original areas, new jobs, items, mission scenarios and quests which will get you closer to solving the mystery of Vana'Diel.