questions about FFXI

[halo12003]

im thinking about getting this game but i read reviews that complain about it being hard to find a group to level up(and i probably dont want to be a beastmaster), pretty plain world(i saw some gameplay vids), and that the combat looks kind of slowpaced, kinda like it plays like a regular final fantasy game cept u just see the order of who attacks. i dont mind the slow leveling. i have no friends i kno who play this game so i play with strangers. is this game good for me? if so can someone explain anyhting else wrong w/ the game that u dont like? i kno everything tahts good so just give cons plz

[KingOfZeal]

Re: questions about FFXI

1) In some ways, yes, it is tough to find a party. But, if you pick up any support job (BRD, RDM especially) you won't notice it at all. General melee jobs (MNK, WAR) may feel it. Less popular jobs (DRG, PUP) will feel it more, but those jobs will also be more adept at soloing.

2) It's... also not really a plain world. While the landscape may be plain, the storyline is ESPECIALLY not. The overall storyline (with the Shadow Lord and the reconciliation of events after the Crystal War, via the starter missions), all of the expansion storylines (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promethia, Treasures of Aht Urghan, Wings of the Goddess) not to mention all of the quests storylines and the intricate details of the interactions found therein, FFXI is in fact a very vibrant, colorful world. Remember, landscape <> world. On an off-subject, if you're interested in knowing the storyling of Vana'Diel, there are several of them written up on websites, such as this one.

3) Slow? Not so much. Depending on which job you take up, you can be extremely busy (RDM is especially known for this, as is BRD at times).

4) No friends? While... amusing... it's not necessary. You develop relations fairly quickly. Just maintain an open personality, and it'll be good.

[WovenDarkness]

Re: questions about FFXI

is this game good for me?

I have a better question...

From what you have read, do you think this game is good for you? While I'm sure that's not the answer that you wanted to hear, it's probably the most appropriate. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks....or likes.....or doesn't like. If you think that the game looks interesting enough to pay the monthly fee for then buy it and give it a shot. ...if not, buy something that looks fun to you.

[halo12003]

Re: questions about FFXI

1) In some ways, yes, it is tough to find a party. But, if you pick up any support job (BRD, RDM especially) you won't notice it at all. General melee jobs (MNK, WAR) may feel it. Less popular jobs (DRG, PUP) will feel it more, but those jobs will also be more adept at soloing.

2) It's... also not really a plain world. While the landscape may be plain, the storyline is ESPECIALLY not. The overall storyline (with the Shadow Lord and the reconciliation of events after the Crystal War, via the starter missions), all of the expansion storylines (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promethia, Treasures of Aht Urghan, Wings of the Goddess) not to mention all of the quests storylines and the intricate details of the interactions found therein, FFXI is in fact a very vibrant, colorful world. Remember, landscape <> world. On an off-subject, if you're interested in knowing the storyling of Vana'Diel, there are several of them written up on websites, such as this one.

3) Slow? Not so much. Depending on which job you take up, you can be extremely busy (RDM is especially known for this, as is BRD at times).

4) No friends? While... amusing... it's not necessary. You develop relations fairly quickly. Just maintain an open personality, and it'll be good.

hm very good info u gave me thx, how are parties formed, u say certain classes have it easier to form parties, u cant simply party with anyone? and how about the battling system?

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: questions about FFXI

This will give you a decent overview of FFXI at beginner levels, including battles: New Player Guide

[Kafeen]

Re: questions about FFXI

hm very good info u gave me thx, how are parties formed, u say certain classes have it easier to form parties, u cant simply party with anyone? and how about the battling system?

You can party with anyone but people usually want an optimum party, tank, healer, support and a few damage dealers in order to take down the hardest mobs they can. It is possible to make smaller parties and work your way through easier mobs but people like to see big numbers, especially if its the amount of exp they get for a single kill, even if they could have had more from several small mobs in the same time it took them to kill the harder one.

[Heartily]

Re: questions about FFXI

Once you get the feel of the game and decide you like it,
join a link shell group, and you have instant friends that need
your help, and will help you. Find a social link shell that does
a variety of events and is flexible on participation. I like members of
my shell better than some people in my family !
I've been playing 3 years, and it never has been boring once.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: questions about FFXI

Once you get the feel of the game and decide you like it,
join a link shell group, and you have instant friends that need
your help, and will help you.

Instant friends are a bit like instant noodles; quick and maybe even gratifying when you crave something warm, but ultimately bad for you in the long run. It's well worth the trouble to build solid, long term friendships in FFXI.


p.s. I need to get more Korean instant noodles... Shouldn't buy those, but... *sigh*