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Alone in the Dark
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
 GAMES: 
The world of Vana'diel stands at the brink of war. Three powerful nations, united in their plight against the beastmen forces, look to their last hope -- brave adventurers like you! Will the beastmen gain the upper hand, and thrust the once-peaceful Vana'diel into another war? Step into the world of Vana'diel and journey forth on grand adventures with players from all across the globe! Final Fantasy XI is the first online game in the award-winning FINAL FANTASY series. How you play is up to you, with limitless possibilities for adventure. Set out on your own to discover the countless secrets of Vana'diel, or form a party with your friends to purge the beastman forces and bring home sensational spoils! [Square Enix]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Stuff
Final Fantasy XI far outstrips "Everquest's" addictiveness in the multiplayer online role-playing realm.
100
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
In all my years of playing MMORPGs, none has grabbed me as strongly as FFXI. None has made me more proud of my in-game accomplishments or more excited to see what's around the next corner. I'm addicted. [Mar 2004, p.97]
100
Play Magazine
I can honestly say that I have logged more hours playing Final Fantasy XI than any other game in my life. [May 2004, p.46]
100
PSX Nation
Highly addictive gameplay that seems to never end, generally impressive visuals, and a portal designed around an interactive worldwide community all combine to make this the best possible solution SCEA could have hoped for with regards to launching it's new 40GB Hard Disc Drive.
 100
Deeko
Filled to the brim with intense combat, expansive environments and a fantastic online community, Final Fantasy XI is one of the finest examples of online gaming to date.
100
NTSC-uk
Undoubtedly, this game offers far more playtime than the entire series put together, with constant tweaks and updates ensuring the experience remains at its best, through the constant evolving gameplay...a game which sucks you in and refuses to let go, a game which you'll wake up to every morning with that fresh "must play" feeling. [JPN Import]
98
Da Gameboyz
It would be nice if there wasn't such a heavy emphasis on menu driven gameplay, though it never gets in the way of having the best damn time of your life.
95
Weekly Famitsu
10 / 9 / 10 / 9 - 38 platinum [May 2002]
91
Next Level Gaming
The graphics are worlds apart from "Everquest Online Frontiers" and the gameplay is just off the chart as well.
91
GamingTrend
Few of the tasks are dreary and boring, the graphics are gorgeous, the music is Final Fantasy grade A, most of the online community is helpful and fun, and you’ll never run out of things to do.
91
Into Liquid Sky
If FFXI gets its hooks into you, you may find yourself not buying any other games for a long time.
91
Game Over Online
Square managed to capture most, if not all of the addictive, endearing qualities of the genre while retaining a decent amount of good ol’ fashion Fantasy elements.
90
GameZone
Get very comfortable because Final Fantasy XI will have you so engrossed in its superbly massive world that you won’t want to leave your couch ever again.
90
GMR Magazine
It can be frustrating at times, but it's not until around levels 18 and 20 that the true appeal of the game even makes itself known. [May 2004, p.83]
90
Console Gameworld
It is so involving and addictive that perhaps Sony and Square Enix should consider putting a warning label on the box, something like “Caution: life altering game contained within”.
90
GamerArchive
“Merely” a fantastically addictive, and quite easily one of the very best in the genre to date.
90
Gamestyle
The defining aspect of FFXI is the huge amount of time that is required to play the game. Couple that with the fact it is dangerously addictive and soon enough you will find yourself firmly ensconced in your chair not wanting to leave to do anything else.
90
Gamer's Pulse
Deep character customization and development systems utilizing the series’ unique job system makes the game highly enjoyable and rewarding.
90
DailyGame
I absolutely love this game. I can see myself playing it for at least a year. There is so much to do and see and, quite frankly, I’d feel like I was letting my party down if I bailed.
88
Gamezilla!
As a MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI is definitely one of the best around and for those who enjoy them prepare for hours upon hours of fun.
88
Gaming Illustrated
Its tight game design, multiple chat tools, and nods to story and questing amid the combat-heavy game play make it a worthy choice for those new to or familiar with the MMORPG genre.
88
IGN
One of the single most significant releases in the history of the PlayStation 2. Regardless of how many massively multiplayer games came before it and after, nothing this big, this ambitious, or this good has ever graced a home console before -- that's pretty important.
86
Armchair Empire
The clashing of weapons, the whooshing and swooshing of spells, the grunts and roars of monsters, wind passing through a valley, the sound of crashing waves on the shore, they all bring the game to life.
86
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Unfriendly, unwieldy and expensive - but put the time in and you'll be rewarded with the most extraordinary online RPG. [GamesMaster]
86
BonusStage
This is one huge game, and I’m still discovering people and places some 80+ hours in...Simply put, what makes Final Fantasy XI so great is that it allows you to do almost anything you’ve wanted to do in a FF game and then some.
85
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It may not only threaten to take over your life, but also frustrate the heck out of you. [June 2004, p.98]
85
GameSpy
Another great feature is the skill chain system -- like in Square's "Chrono Trigger," weapon skills can be combined for extra damage, and then followed up with compatible spells for even more damage.
80
netjak
But should this game be placed above "Everquest"? Should it be played instead of "City of Heroes"? In the opinion of this reviewer, the answer to both of those questions is no, unless one happens to be a life-long fan of everything Final Fantasy.
80
GamingWorld X
This game does convincingly place you into a fascinating world that is seemingly endless to explore. It’s going to take you months to get the most out of it, and that means monthly fees.
80
Yahoo! Games
Aside from the chaining, the core combat system isn't worth getting too worked up about. It's still automated, requiring little more of the player than target selection. There aren't even tactical position bonuses or penalties, which is pretty weak. And forget the player-versus-player, at least in the game's current iteration.
80
PSM Magazine
It's hampered by some of the MMORPG genre's cliche weaknesses - it's a real level grinder with a de-emphasized plot - but the FF magic is still here. [June 2004, p.18]
80
GameSpot
Go into this game with the right expectations--knowing, for instance, that this is a time-consuming game that takes a while to get into and isn't dramatically different, at its core, from other online RPGs--and you'll find in Final Fantasy XI a different-enough take on the online role-playing genre that the experience can end up being both rewarding and refreshing.
80
Cincinnati Enquirer
It doesn't win high marks for ingenuity. But a massively multiplayer adventure based on this coveted universe is exciting.
80
GamePro
For many, Final Fantasy XI will be the Holy Grail of nonlinearity: a wide-open RPG universe with Final Fantasy flair, defined by its players as much as its developers, beloved for all its flaws. Love it or hate it, there’s nothing like it on your PS2.
80
G4 TV
An incredibly attractive game with a vast world to explore and countless hours of entertainment in store for those willing to make the investment. But we warn you: those who venture to Vana'diel may not be coming back.
80
Gamenikki
The accompanying hard drive is a neat toy, and there's no denying that FFXI is addictive. $12.95/month after the first one, though? That's a fair bit o' jack.
80
PALGN
There is so much to do in Final Fantasy XI, go fishing, cook stuff, make armour, join linkshell groups, kill Goblins. The world is Vana'Diel is such a large place, just don't forget to send everyone else postcards.
80
My Gamer
Rather a good game, but it certainly isn’t $150USD ‘good’, especially if you can get it on a PC.
80
GamerFeed
The amount of time required before discovering the nuances that make Final Fantasy XI such an intriguing world for fans of the massive multiplayer online role playing game genre is gargantuan. As such, this isn't a game for the masses, but for the diehards.
80
Gamer's Hell
For the first time in over a year I found an MMORPG I can stand to play for more than a few weeks.
80
Boomtown
It has more good points than bad though, at the least it will tide you over until the next generation of MMORPGs hits the streets and at best you will have fun for months, even years to come.
78
Inside Gamer Online
It strips away many of the old-fashioned frustrations without eliminating the enjoyable aspects of the genre. Experienced players, however, will be disappointed by the lack of the depth and breadth of a game like "Anarchy Online" or "Everquest."
78
Game Informer
Unquestionably the best MMORPG available for the console, with a high potential to eat away at your free time, and possibly be responsible for some "sick" days at work. [May 2004, p.99]
76
Gamers' Temple
Final Fantasy fans will love Final Fantasy XI, but a difficult sign-up process, poor online support, and lack of any kind of in-game tutorial or training may try the patience of those new to the series of games.
75
GameCritics
I've never had an interest in MMORPGs until now, and since this game has released, I've got a full-fledged addiction (witnessed by my 14 full days of playtime since the PlayStation 2 launch last month).
75
Gaming Age
It's the first to actually get me hooked on an MMORPG.
75
Game Revolution
The game itself is good, far better than the online "Everquest" games for the PS2 and even holding up well next to fancier PC MMORPGs. It’s genuinely fun and runs well.
70
games(TM)
Admittedly, the classes and jobs have been wonderfully balanced to make large parties fit together perfectly but this is no excuse for making solo play so difficult for anything but the toughest classes and so distinctly unrewarding. [Oct 2004, p.114]
60
Cheat Code Central
I would simply advise getting the PC version (providing you meet the system requirements). Otherwise you're going to be spending money, and lots of it, to essentially turn your PS2 into a PC.
Bryan S. gave it a10: Jose V. gave it an8: James T. gave it a0: Matheus G. gave it a5: Dave B. gave it an8: Steven C. gave it a10: Rick B. gave it a3: |
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