Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or wet-behind-the-ears newbie, Chains of Promathia adds even more to see and do in the already robust world of Vana'diel.
  2. 85
    From the moment I got in game and started doing the new quests and missions, I knew that I would see some great things. However some of the content in the Empty areas seemed to be more difficult than needed.
  3. The expansion is only $29.99, and well worth it for the hardcore FFXI player.
  4. FFXI may not technically be the future of MMORPGs, as there’s no ignoring its derivative nature. However, it has cleverly assimilated all the elements that make the genre so popular and married them with international brand popularity well beyond the reach of other, more ghettoised MMORPGs. [Dec 2005, p110]
  5. 80
    Bigger is exactly what Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia truly is, as it adds a considerable amount real estate compared to most enhancement bundles out there -- with storyline superfluities that are rarely seen in appendices of this type.
  6. The enemies were incredibly intelligent. Antlions would not only attack you in a mad rush straight on but they would also construct sand traps and wait for you to walk over them whereupon they would attack you from below.
  7. 80
    Those that have yet to exceed level 40 and undertake some of the main game’s tougher challenges are probably unprepared for the trials this expansion pack has to offer and will likely find them frustrating and unrewarding. For those prepared to throw down the gauntlet, though, there’s a lot of fun content and gorgeous new areas to be discovered.
  8. Offers tons of new things to see and do, but relative newcomers to the game may want to hold off...for now. [Dec 2004, p.102]
  9. The new enemies, areas, quests and story elements make this a must-buy for anyone who plays Final Fantasy XI, as well as those that have yet to go hunting in Square Enix's MMORPG masterpiece.
  10. Basically, if you are level 30 and up, this expansion throws a ton of new content your way. [Dec 2004, p.177]
  11. While the geographical and story elements Chains introduces are top-notch, it is regrettably light in other areas. [Holiday 2004, p.88]
  12. It's designed exclusively for Final Fantasy XI's most dedicated players, and probably should have been a downloadable update for those players.
  13. 60
    Though it's a fairly robust expansion, most of its content isn't immediately accessible, nor is it even readily apparent, especially for beginning players.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. 10
    Simply one of the most amazing stories in a Final Fantasy to date, sure you had to go through hell in order to complete the main quest line but it was well worth it. Reaching "Sea" and exploring it for the first time was such a memorable moment and then a few months later being able to finally conclude the story was truly amazing. Full Review »
  2. Bobness
    10
    B-E-A-UTIFUL!
  3. Bobness
    10
    B-E-A-UTIFUL!