Final Fantasy XI

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 137 out of 191
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 191
  3. Negative: 34 out of 191
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  1. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this eleventh game in the series.
  2. mirg
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    it has a steep learning curve but once you get past it this game is better then Final Fantasy XIV.

    But due to it's age and the fact that SE keeps trying to discard PlayOnline despite it being Square Enix's own private launcher for it's games with basically only ffxi on their for decades. there are many players that have either died or left for other games for a wide array of reasons.    it has a steep learning curve but once you get past it this game is better then Final Fantasy XIV.

    But due to it's age and the fact that SE keeps trying to discard PlayOnline despite it being Square Enix's own private launcher for it's games with basically only ffxi on their for decades. there are many players that have either died or left for other games for a wide array of reasons. Almost 90% of my friends list on FFXI from 2003 is now filled with people that have both confirmed to have died and/or confirmed to have left for good and it's a shame because this is a great game but its content is drying up and Square Enix has been ignoring it in favor for other products like Final Fantasy XIV which gets all the attention from the company.

    Maybe if they released a sequel to this they'd give it the attention and love it deserves but for now it's best to just enjoy it while you can because sooner or later it won't be around anymore. I hope i'm wrong but it's clear to me that SE just wants FFXI to shutdown based on how they've been treating it since FFXIV was released back in 2010. If the company gave it the attention and love it deserved I would'a given it a solid 10 but... here we are in 2021 and the company is just trying to quietly brush this game under the rug.    … Expand
  3. neuvieme114514
    Apr 28, 2019
    9
    This game is a game that was developed by the development team that produced "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild", "Xenoblade Chronicles" and "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" independently from Square and before creating Monolith Software. .
    This game is best for stories, battle systems, many fields and background music.
    The story reminds me of the Final Fantasy series, which was released    This game is a game that was developed by the development team that produced "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild", "Xenoblade Chronicles" and "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" independently from Square and before creating Monolith Software. .
    This game is best for stories, battle systems, many fields and background music.
    The story reminds me of the Final Fantasy series, which was released before this game, and still fascinates with an atmosphere full of originality, texts that accurately express subtleties and situations of emotions, and very elaborate motions.
    The battle system is aimed at winning by using appropriate equipment, skills, magic, etc. while the situation is changing every moment, and it is simple and easy to understand while having a solid response. And that gives the battle a depth. The battle system is one of the best three funs compared to any RPG, including today's online games.
    The field gives us a sense of immersion in the game. The scenery that looks at the features of each field is so beautiful that it inspires my adventure. However, the graphics of the field are as old games as they are inferior to current games. However, now, such graphics are collected by volunteers, and MOD is distributed as an HD version, which has been solved to some extent.
    BGM makes the game lively. Not only this person, but that should be because Nobuo Uematsu, who has continued to provide great songs for Final Fantasy, is mainly making it. The artistic beauty of BGM in this game will be difficult to taste with any other game.
    The downside is that graphics and stories aren't updated, people are scarce, and the character's level is flattered.
    As old games are, graphics are not as beautiful as the current standard. However, as I mentioned in the field, it is possible to solve this point using MOD.
    The story is too few people to update. However, people seem to be increasing recently. In some cases, story updates may be resumed.
    There are reasons for the small number of people. As I said in this game about battle, equipment holds an important key in battle. The game used to have an item-level system for equipment, which forced out those who could not get the equipment. Equipment equipped with item levels can now be easily obtained, and since the item level has stopped at a fixed number, there is no hindrance to game play, but equipment is initially provided when the item level is implemented. It is difficult for players who are unable to get the equipment and who can not take equipment equipped with item level substantially. The vicious circle in which there are few people continues because of such past mistakes and the future darkness that comes from the fact that there are few people themselves. However, people are increasing recently. It is because you can now play a lot. The problem of having few people is being solved, albeit little by little.
    It is said that the character's level has plateaued because the old game has left the developer with no way to release the level limit. If the level goes up, there is an advantage that even if the equipment is not very strong, you can follow the battle to some extent, but you can not benefit from it. This problem can not be solved without reverse engineering this game, but it takes a lot of time and money, so solving will be extremely difficult.
    If you look at the difference between like and dislike, the game is still at a high level of difficulty even at the current level. For those who are fun to cultivate characters, it may be easier to set goals and enjoy them. However, people who are not interested in character development or who are not good at setting their own goals may not enjoy much.
    As I said a lot, I like this game, although it has drawbacks. I think it's very interesting. Now it's easy to play, so I want to recommend it to everyone.    … Expand
  4. lewj85
    Oct 4, 2016
    10
    It's an MMORPG; you either love them or hate them. This MMO sticks out in a few ways. It has cutscenes and 7 different storylines to pursue as you level up. It has the best/most helpful community of any MMO I've played. The music is amazing. The class system is unique and cool (you can change classes in town and you get to choose a sub-class). This used to be the hardest MMO out there, butIt's an MMORPG; you either love them or hate them. This MMO sticks out in a few ways. It has cutscenes and 7 different storylines to pursue as you level up. It has the best/most helpful community of any MMO I've played. The music is amazing. The class system is unique and cool (you can change classes in town and you get to choose a sub-class). This used to be the hardest MMO out there, but now most content is soloable. If you're looking for a new world to explore, you can spend years on FFXI and still not see everything this game has to offer. The only downside is the nearly non-existent PvP, but this game makes up for it with its huge amount of other content. Best MMO I've played so far.… Expand
  5. kelman66
    Nov 26, 2015
    10
    Best MMORPG ever . . .
  6. Bynr
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    I stopped playing when Abyssea came out, not my cup of tea. I've since returned and am really enjoying the quality of life improvements. You can now use "Trust Npc's" and your adventure buddy to make a party of five that exceeds the quality of any casual party I've been in. As a solo player with these npc's I can fight Incredibly Tough mobs and get proper xp. If you have or make evenI stopped playing when Abyssea came out, not my cup of tea. I've since returned and am really enjoying the quality of life improvements. You can now use "Trust Npc's" and your adventure buddy to make a party of five that exceeds the quality of any casual party I've been in. As a solo player with these npc's I can fight Incredibly Tough mobs and get proper xp. If you have or make even one human friend you can have a full party. I also appreciate the ease of travel now with the ability to teleport among home point crystals and survival guides including the past and bcnm zones. I even have a warp ring now that never runs out of charges so I don't have to sub /blm or beg for a warp2. I've turned my level 60 AF gear into level 109 reforged gear and I can solo a campaign battle with it on (the entire enemy force). Trusts work in campaign also, btw. I have yet to try Adoulin content, but even without it I am pleased. Come back and play during the free time and/or get the package discount they're offering. I wish more MMO's genuinely cared about their product. If you're new, come to Carbuncle server and I'll party with / help you. I'm a big ugly galka named Larodar.… Expand
  7. Virgal
    Jan 26, 2014
    10
    Best MMO RPG in existence to date. unfortunately the population has become low due to how old the game is i believe it should become FTP.

    It far exceeds ffxiv in every single aspect accept for Graphics.
  8. Saber82
    Sep 7, 2013
    10
    Oh my Final Fantasy XI what can I say, it is the first MMO I truly fell in love with. As all my reviews with MMO’s start out the same as I’ve been playing MMO most all my life and they are my favorite type of game to play. As this review is being done on 9/7/2013 that’s how I’ll be looking at the game as it stands now. I’m still currently subscribed to FFXi and really have no plains ofOh my Final Fantasy XI what can I say, it is the first MMO I truly fell in love with. As all my reviews with MMO’s start out the same as I’ve been playing MMO most all my life and they are my favorite type of game to play. As this review is being done on 9/7/2013 that’s how I’ll be looking at the game as it stands now. I’m still currently subscribed to FFXi and really have no plains of unsubscribing even with FFRR out now. I’ve been playing since the game was first released on PS2 and took a year or two off around 2005 because of a move. The game itself is really in a category of its own when it comes to MMO’s there is really nothing else quite like it out there. It still has a decent community and it’s one of the strong points of the game, people are extremely friendly and helpful. The game will defiantly require you to search the internet A LOT, this is a true adventure that will not hold your hand and tell you where to go. The game itself is much different then is was a few years ago due to game tweaks and changes done by SE in an attempt to appeal to a larger audience. However even with the leveling difficulty dialed back a little this is still a very hardcore mmo make no mistake about it. Game maps are just maps and don’t have any kind of way point system even when doing quests or missions. Quest/mission logs are simple in comparison to today’s MMO quest tracking. Combat is stats based, but I find the animations and combat very enjoyable. Graphically the game looks good for being over 10 years old now, but get the pc version it’s by far the best. Let me be honest I’m very biased when it comes to this game; like I said before it’s the first MMO I really fell in love with. With that being said it defiantly will only appeal to a select audience due to the nature of the game. I find it very enjoyable and rewarding when I complete something in the game due to the high challenge of the game. I’ve also made some great friend through FFXI that I still play with today. In closing is a 10 out of 10 for me any day of the week and I’ll most likely hold a memorial service in it’s honor is SE ever shuts it down. My best advise to anyone joining is be social, ask questions any of the severs have a great hardcore friendly community willing to help new people out. If your not social this is not the game for you as missions and quest require parties.… Expand
  9. Highlulu
    Mar 23, 2013
    10
    One of the best MMOs I've played in my life. It's the one game that I've consistently enjoyed over the years. The game's only problem, though personally I don't consider it to be a problem, is it is a bit grindy. The community however is one of the best I've ever seen in my lifetime of playing tons of MMOs and for an MMO, the community makes the game.
  10. vampireking330
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    The game FFXI was the first mmo I had played, since then I have played many others like Tera, Diablo 3, WOW, GW2, Forsaken world, and many others but none ever quite match up to FFXI. i played for 5 years and i want to play again. totally awesome and unforgettable game.
  11. yvesquo
    Jul 9, 2012
    9
    In my humble opinion, this MMORPG is the best in its genre...the finest ever released. The story line is extraordinarily engaging, the character controls are right on target, and the player community is exceptional. My major problems with other titles in this MMO genre are the clumsy controls that demand rapid button mash techniques...the cheesy and highly contrived art direction...andIn my humble opinion, this MMORPG is the best in its genre...the finest ever released. The story line is extraordinarily engaging, the character controls are right on target, and the player community is exceptional. My major problems with other titles in this MMO genre are the clumsy controls that demand rapid button mash techniques...the cheesy and highly contrived art direction...and the unsatisfying lore that lies just beneath the glossy surface of monotonous gameplay. This game shines in these areas, and also provides a player experience that allows for truly symbiotic relationships between party members...where timing and skill do factor in as necessary components and result in a truly rewarding MMO experience. The genre might have grown a bit past its prime...but if you are truly looking for the "best of the bunch", pick this title up and try it out. There is nothing wrong with playing a tried and true classic, especially if it is FF11!… Expand
  12. Zongo
    Aug 7, 2011
    9
    One of the best mmorpg i played (and i played a lot of them).
    The graphics are old now (a game launched in 2001)... and a game that not everyone will like...
    But the variety of gameplays are one of the most wide there was in a mmorpg (fishing, gardening, craft, fights, chocobo races,...ect....ect...). Many gameplay ideas was very creative/original when it was launched... and some are still    One of the best mmorpg i played (and i played a lot of them).
    The graphics are old now (a game launched in 2001)... and a game that not everyone will like...
    But the variety of gameplays are one of the most wide there was in a mmorpg (fishing, gardening, craft, fights, chocobo races,...ect....ect...). Many gameplay ideas was very creative/original when it was launched... and some are still today.

    I see 2 major points that could be very negative for some players : - It's a strongly team oriented mmorpg. At some level it become nearly impossible to play solo.
    - you can't move freely in the world. Some areas are composed in majority of corridors (external areas i mean)... you can't fall from a hill or a bridge...ect...ect...

    There will be plenty more things to say on this game... but to conclude and resume, i'll say :
    FFXI is a definitly not Mainstream mmorpg.
    It seem logic to me that most players will love it... or hate it    … Expand
  13. azurefiction
    Mar 1, 2011
    9
    With the advent of Abyssea, as well as experience being roughly doubled in non-Abyssean areas, experience points flow like spice and it no longer takes months to get a job to the level cap, it could be done in mere weeks. A lot of the past complaints seen in people's reviews have been fixed. Monsters do not immediately attack after spawning, instead having several seconds of "summoningWith the advent of Abyssea, as well as experience being roughly doubled in non-Abyssean areas, experience points flow like spice and it no longer takes months to get a job to the level cap, it could be done in mere weeks. A lot of the past complaints seen in people's reviews have been fixed. Monsters do not immediately attack after spawning, instead having several seconds of "summoning sickness" where they will not attack, giving you time to get away. No, the graphics are not as shiny as other MMOs. Yes, there is a sharp learning curve when it comes to the game. It doesn't matter, because FFXI is for a breed of relentless gamer that will pursue everything they can.

    ... and just because the level cap is higher and more people get there faster doesn't mean the game is easier. Level 90 people STILL fail at Dynamis, die at the hands of certain Notorious Monsters, or just plain get whomped on for overestimating themselves.

    It's taken some time, but all those changes we wanted? We're getting - and it took long enough.    … Expand
  14. Tubie
    Oct 2, 2010
    8
    This game was my introduction to MMOs and as many I came to it simply because I was a fan of the series. I have to say I do not regret getting it and playing it for nearly 4 years. I made many friends and had so many great nights and moments. This game is a "hardcore" MMO done right.
  15. Z
    Feb 11, 2010
    10
    I don't know about many others, but I have played FFXI since 2004 and I've seen just about everything you can see in the game. The game started out slow, thankfully having friends to play with that I can talk to helps out a lot when you can team up to do partying. The end game starts out very brutal to people new to it. It makes the victory all the better. The game is a very I don't know about many others, but I have played FFXI since 2004 and I've seen just about everything you can see in the game. The game started out slow, thankfully having friends to play with that I can talk to helps out a lot when you can team up to do partying. The end game starts out very brutal to people new to it. It makes the victory all the better. The game is a very rewarding experience if you have the time to play it. Which I know many people could not devote to it due to other responsibilities. I've tried many Mmos since to see if there was anything that could take me away, and WoW had my attention while I was playing final (Yes dual boxed in both games at times) for about 4 months before I got a character up to 77 and then got bored with it. I also have many other 60 + but the game never really grabbed me. Nor did any of the other mmo's I had played. My point is FFXI is a good game to play if you do have someone to play with you or at least get footing in the game with, yes it is a grind but so is any other game to get good at it. The only real complaint I hear even from people that play the game is lack of pvp, and it's understandable seeing what it could possibly turn into with the auto translating problem as well. Otherwise for the game being as old as it is, it's still a well made game that is enjoyable and still very rewarding to newer players.… Expand
  16. EeachL.
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    Jack Attack must be confused. Besieged, Campaign, Level Sync, & Fields of Valor are all new systems added since 2003 that fix a lot of the complaints people had about the game. IMO if FFXi were released as a new game today, it would be the WoW killer. Trouble is, it is a 7 year old game; people like Jack Attack that played it in 2003 aren't willing to give it a 2nd chance and new Jack Attack must be confused. Besieged, Campaign, Level Sync, & Fields of Valor are all new systems added since 2003 that fix a lot of the complaints people had about the game. IMO if FFXi were released as a new game today, it would be the WoW killer. Trouble is, it is a 7 year old game; people like Jack Attack that played it in 2003 aren't willing to give it a 2nd chance and new players aren't willing to try an older game.… Expand
  17. JoshuaF
    Nov 15, 2009
    10
    let me just state that i love this game. I have played it on and off since the release date I own it on the PC and Xbox 360 and i love the community. It is not a WoW game You need to form a party to level up once you hit 11-13 or you are in for a long haul. Great game and I wont stop playing it unless FF14 is as great as i think it will be.
  18. RyanS.
    Nov 14, 2009
    9
    No MMO can surpass the beauty, depth, and addictiveness of FFXI. The game is over 8 years old, is is still going strong. In fact, there's more people playing now then there ever have been. The graphics are showing age, but you simply cannot find another MMO with characters and environments as beautiful and well-designed as those in FFXI. The combat isn't your average MMO combat, No MMO can surpass the beauty, depth, and addictiveness of FFXI. The game is over 8 years old, is is still going strong. In fact, there's more people playing now then there ever have been. The graphics are showing age, but you simply cannot find another MMO with characters and environments as beautiful and well-designed as those in FFXI. The combat isn't your average MMO combat, but more of a real-time system made to seem turn-based. It takes some getting use to, but it allows for more strategy than faster-paced combat. The sound is this game is jaw-dropping. The sound effects are well-done, but the music is just gorgeous. There are hardly any games(not just MMOs) that can match the quality of music in this game, except some very high-budget games, and the other Final Fantasy games. The story is of the same quality Final Fantasy fans have come to love, and surpasses some other Final Fantasy games, despite being a MMO. As of right now, you can buy the game for $20, which includes every single expansion pack(they're not making any more expansions), and all three mini-expansions. Paying $20 for the game with 1 month free, and then $12 per month after that, you will be hard-pressed to find any form of entertainment of this quality, for such a low price. Worth every penny.… Expand
  19. TroyR
    Nov 12, 2009
    8
    I started playing this game around the time the Xbox360 version came out. It is a lot of fun. You will have to do a lot of grinding. It will take you a lot longer to get to lv75 then it does it WoW for example. If you get find a group of people that play around the same time as you and can communicate well with since the amount of people playing has gone down. Use level sync and the I started playing this game around the time the Xbox360 version came out. It is a lot of fun. You will have to do a lot of grinding. It will take you a lot longer to get to lv75 then it does it WoW for example. If you get find a group of people that play around the same time as you and can communicate well with since the amount of people playing has gone down. Use level sync and the fields of valor and the other new things they have added and you can still get to 75. Don't take the easy way out and get into a SMN burn and get to 75 and have no idea how to play your job correctly.… Expand
  20. JoshM
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    Simply the best MMO out there. A lot of people played it when it was new and were turned away by it's lack of content, but it has had seven years to grow and expand, and continues to get better over time.
  21. BenM
    Sep 29, 2009
    10
    Bought it in 2005 and played for 3 years straight, retired a little over a year now
  22. SpenserDavis
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    the gameplay is great, with a good system the graphics are beautiful, and the only issue there seems to be is everyones "cookie cutter" ideas of "the best" leveling spots, for any given level range there is prolly 4-8 areas to level... just because someone tells you you have to go doesnt mean you do.... anyways.. great game and good if you have friends and find good parties =D playingthe gameplay is great, with a good system the graphics are beautiful, and the only issue there seems to be is everyones "cookie cutter" ideas of "the best" leveling spots, for any given level range there is prolly 4-8 areas to level... just because someone tells you you have to go doesnt mean you do.... anyways.. great game and good if you have friends and find good parties =D playing over a year and a half now , tried VG tried EQ2 and WoW came back to this everytime.... hehe =)… Expand
  23. TimH.
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    Not only a fantastic endeavor of gorgeously detailed graphics and strategic gameplay, but a true success in terms of multiplayer comradely. Time consuming as it is, you won't feel like a seconds been wasted after playing it. If you want a tactical, fun, and vastly open-ended game, look no further. FFXI allows the complete game experience to any one character!
  24. SeanT.
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    This game rocks.
  25. KillaK.
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    Best game ever made IMHO. Still keeps me entertained after 3 years.
  26. ZachD.
    Dec 17, 2006
    10
    This is by far the best game i have ever played its most addicting, nice graphics, good storylines, and awsome chars and spells and specialskills too.everyone should play......NOW!
  27. AxelG.
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    this game is the most amzing game ever they did somin grate still a bit repetitive but still amazing if i only could play it right now i woould be on 24 freaking 7.
  28. AlanL.
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    This is the best MMORPG around, and its soooo under rated.
  29. ShawnB.
    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    If the game seems fast but the graphics aren't good enough for you, go ahead and turn up the settings even higher. Click on the windows Start button, Programs, PlayOnline, FINAL FANTASY XI, FINAL FANTASY XI Config. The only option you need to change is the Background Resolution which changes the quality of both the characters and terrain. My game graphics went from pixelated to crisp If the game seems fast but the graphics aren't good enough for you, go ahead and turn up the settings even higher. Click on the windows Start button, Programs, PlayOnline, FINAL FANTASY XI, FINAL FANTASY XI Config. The only option you need to change is the Background Resolution which changes the quality of both the characters and terrain. My game graphics went from pixelated to crisp just by changing that one setting.… Expand
  30. JackF.
    Mar 13, 2004
    10
    Complex game that will drive the some idiots back to FPS where they belong. If people can't figure out the keyboard, then maybe they should quit using computers hehe.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PC Game of 2003
14
#14 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
80
#80 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Boomtown
    80
    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.
  2. IGN
    80
    Things are only going to get better as they add new content, so you can expect to see this game living a long and healthy life.
    Read full review
  3. GameNow
    83
    The most beautiful MMORPG currently available. Its environments are second to none, and the character models are elegant and, frankly, a pleasure to behold. The world also feels more alive than any other.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »