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FFXI: Online
by Jolex Del Pilar

Friday, April 11 2003

The next incarnation of Final Fantasy to come to these shores will be an online game. Read our full preview for some details you might not have known.

Title: FFXI: Online

Platform: PS2

Publisher: Square-Enix

Developer: Square-Enix

# of Players: Thousands.

Genre: MMORPG

Origin: Japan

Expected Release: Spring 2004

Grapevine: What was readily apparent was that FFXI derives a lot from other successful MMORPG such as Everquest, and Asheron's Call.

As one of the most successful videogame licenses of all time, Final Fantasy has had not only cross platform appeal (SNES to PSX, PS2) but also cross-genre appeal. While Final Fantasy is primarily known as an RPG series, it has had stints as both a strategy game with Final Fantasy Tactics, and even as a racing game with Chocobo Racing. However, the series has never delved into the online world until now.

Final Fantasy XI will be the first game in the series to be a completely online affair. What does this mean? You single player introverts will be forced to come out of hiding and socialize (even if its only online) if you wish to play the next game in the Final Fantasy series.

We first got our look at FFXI at E3 2002. At that time, the game was only out in Japan, and as a consequence none of us could understand the dialogue which was in kanji, so we mostly got a sample of the combat rather than the NPC interaction and so forth.

What was readily apparent was that FFXI derives a lot from other successful MMORPG such as Everquest, and Asheron's Call. However there is still a distinct Final Fantasy art and character style that will be familiar to fans of the series. One thing that is different from games such as Everquest is the type of races you can pick as your main character. No more "Tokien-esque" Orcs, Elves, or dwarves. Now you can pick from five classes; humans, elvaans, tarutaru, mithra, and galka. The humans are the average race of the game, having both average magical power and physical strength. Elvaans are physically stronger than humans, but slightly lacking in magical power. Tarutaru are the magic experts of the game, but lack much physical strength. Mithra are fast, cat-like creatures with amazing dexterity making them the best thieves. The pure warriors of the game are the Galka, monstrous ogre-like creatures with ponytails.

You can also customize hair color, and face style ala Morrowind. Once you choose your race and sex you go on to pick a profession. Some of these include; warrior, monk, thief, white mage, black mage, and red mage. Professions determine what type of player you will be in battle. A warrior will probably get his hands bloody quickly, as it is a combat oriented role. Mages will probably stand back casting and healing as needed. It's very familiar for Final Fantasy fans and other MMORPG fans alike. Higher level classes will become available as you progress similar to what happens in Dark Age of Camelot.

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