One of my favorite MMORPGs. I played alot of MMOs. EverQuest, Planetside, City of Heroes, EverQuest 2, World of Warcraft and tons more, but Final Fantasy XI is my 2nd favorite. MMO..

The game is fun it self, The reason I think it gets bad reviews, is because of Final Fantasy fans and Square-Enix fans that can't play it.. They say stuff like its not a true Final Fantasy or its not Final Fantasy. For all thoughs you say that, let me say this. It is Final Fantasy and it counts as a Final Fantasy. Square always said Final Fantasy is ment to be different. Also this mainly ment for MMO fans.

Moving on.. The good and bad..

I played this for a really long time, I quit 2 years ago, I played as Samurai. I just got back into game about a week ago. Going for Blue Mage this time. I hate how Square gets rid of you character if you stop playing for 3 months. Its not like other games like EQ where stop and come back anytime and you character will still be there. The job systems isn't like anything for another MMO, you get sick of one job, you can play another without starting over..

I also love how every place has a story behind it. You can learn about it by doing quest or whatever. Making Gil can be problem in as well. SO learn a craft early on.. Don't start one when your like lvl40 or whatever..XD

Auto translator is the best it help bridge the gap between Japanese and English players, so that's a big plus..

I play on the best world ''Sylph'', lol. Anyway, I'm glad I got back into Final Fantasy XI. Its a great MMORPG and its about teamwork and helping others.

~Good~
1.Job system
2.Auto translator
3.Solid community with frequent player events.
4.Always something to do. ~Bad~
1.Not for solo players(why play MMOs just to solo beats me)
2.Huge time investment needed(so if u a weekend gamer, not for you)
3.I love FFXI, but I can't wait till Vanguard : Saga Of Heroes
comes out..XD
4.economy isn't the best(getting better though)
5. Looking for a party can take hours sometimes and I mean hours..

~Over All~

FFXI, is fun if you don't mind using teamwork and helping others. There is always something to do in the game, learn and gain.. You use skill in game not games like WoW where you can just spam ability's till you win.