User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 34 out of 191
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  1. 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
  2. ChrisH.
    Oct 30, 2003
    10
    Awesome, thats it just plain Awsome...
  3. JonM.
    Mar 9, 2004
    10
    It is a masterpiece of gaming.
  4. JackT.
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    PERFECT!!!! If you can't escape a beast, just CHECK it before the fight.
  5. AlanL.
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    This is the best MMORPG around, and its soooo under rated.
  6. KillaK.
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    Best game ever made IMHO. Still keeps me entertained after 3 years.
  7. JONM.
    Nov 6, 2003
    10
    I love it. better than all others.
  8. AmjadZ.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    Hi, i'm one of the players of Final Fantasy XI,she's a fantastic game!,iwould vote to it as the finest game i've ever seen,thank you!
  9. Keiva
    Dec 23, 2003
    10
    Well even if other poeple don't like this game i do. for all you ff freak's out there this game is a must. And if you like Star War's better then maybe you should just keep playing that instead.^^ See ya on Diablos^^
  10. Ace
    Dec 25, 2003
    10
    This game is as close to perfect as any PC game can come. Its constant updates will keep the game interesting for years to come. And to roger m., he OBVIOUSLY has a cheap video card and takes out his poor financial state like so...
  11. MattJ.
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    I think that this game deserves a 10 because it's the first out of the series to be online and it wasn't forced out quickly just because they wanted it to be out. They actually put some thought into the game, and it's well designed and just a great game to play =)
  12. Lightshade
    Dec 9, 2003
    10
    The user-interface takes some getting used to, but the game itself is polished, bug-free, lag-free, and because it's been out for a year in Japan, it's fleshed out with content. The one aspect that sets FFXI above other MMORPGs is the skillchain system that can be used at higher levels.
  13. ScottG.
    Oct 31, 2003
    10
    This game rules. It's what I would expect from Square. I'm Squares #1 fan.
  14. AaronC.
    Jan 1, 2004
    10
    Mage's are col, cat people rule, whoever hates this game has to be a fool... Nice rhyme, huh 8O coolvile dadio (all cool like).
  15. PatrickP.
    Feb 13, 2004
    10
    I play it constantly...Its really good....I have 15 days playtime on it so far.
  16. WiredA.
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    I love how the low posts concentrate on graphics. I won't even get into the fact that you just might need a better computer. I'll agree with the difficulty to get your money back for playing, except for the free month. In addition, every MMORPG is this hard to stop playing. Anyway, This game is SO much more than graphics. Its got so much team efforts going around, there is no I love how the low posts concentrate on graphics. I won't even get into the fact that you just might need a better computer. I'll agree with the difficulty to get your money back for playing, except for the free month. In addition, every MMORPG is this hard to stop playing. Anyway, This game is SO much more than graphics. Its got so much team efforts going around, there is no comparison. The gameplay FAR supersedes any flaw you may think it has with graphics. Expand
  17. AxSa
    Feb 9, 2004
    10
    It's very good.
  18. 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.
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. BenM
    Sep 29, 2009
    10
    Bought it in 2005 and played for 3 years straight, retired a little over a year now
  22. BarisA.
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    It is the best game I ever played!!!!
  23. DanielO.
    Nov 21, 2003
    10
    Best online game EVER!!! is there anything more to say?
  24. BerticusRex
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    First, the graphics are beautiful, and there are good low performance options if you can't handle all the high performance ones. The economy is innovative with an auction system, always-accesible player bazaars, and lots of balance it seems so far; you don't have an tough time getting gear and spells from the get go like in some other MMOs. As far as the server blunder, I think First, the graphics are beautiful, and there are good low performance options if you can't handle all the high performance ones. The economy is innovative with an auction system, always-accesible player bazaars, and lots of balance it seems so far; you don't have an tough time getting gear and spells from the get go like in some other MMOs. As far as the server blunder, I think Square made a mistake with the World Pass system. I also thought that having nonsegregated servers would be a mistake because level 70 Japanese players would run every server. But that isn't true. They're mostly very nice, and you can occasionally get to group with one who is building up their advanced class. Finally, what I see Square doing is it is combining the most popular elements of each highly successful online RPG to date. From UO there is quasi-housing, or Mog Houses, point based skill advancement that seems to be a combination if EQ/UO with both skill levels and points, and a nice transportation system that seems very very cool - airships, chocobos, awesome! From EQ there is, of course, level based advancement, a very group conducive hunting system, a similar spell system, and hopefully big boss fights. And from DAoC there is RvR competition (not combat at least, yet). As far as Square's own innovations, I think the job system with subclasses, advanced jobs, and support classes is a great original innovation. And I'm sure there is more. Square has, once again, unsurprisingly, delivered. Best series ever + Best genre ever has to lead to something good :) Expand
  25. MeMoi
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    Greatest game ever made!!!!!
  26. Senshi
    Dec 8, 2003
    10
    This game rocks, who ever the joker is that gave it a 5 is stupid, he must not know how to SKILLCHAIN!!!!!!!!! Skillchaining is were its at folk the explosions and magic burst are cool, and you get a good group you wouldnt have to run away!!!!
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. SeanT.
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    This game rocks.
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. 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. 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.
  3. 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.