Wow, I really understand the feelings that the OP had to share. Those sound like fond memories, not comparable to my experience with the game (I solo'd 95% of my time there). I really hope this is how it turns out for me when FFXIV comes out I am so hopeful I swear I've watched the video like 5 times now and it is still tear jerking each time

Very enjoyable reading. I'm guessing most of us have experienced what you wrote about and can relate heavily to it. It's been 2 years since I delted my character and I haven't found anything yet to fill that void FFXI left behind. I always kinda knew that Square Enix's next MMO would be the only MMO I would be able to play again. FFXI was a great game and, although frustrating at times, the focal point of everyone working together I think it was what really made that game stand out for me. I know this will sound corny but I'm trying ot get a lot of loose ends tied up now because I know when FFXIV comes out it will be right back to the good ol days.

Aye Aye! Ha! I remember when it was released in Japan but not North America... I would actually watch the live streams of FFXI. When it came out, I got my ps2 and anxiously set my account up and such. Creating your first character, running through town with others around you in the same boat. Man SO much great memories. I actually feel like a child again... FFXI and this game are the only games I've been excited about. Ever. I can feel a new love growing strongly!

More Chad! You have a whole subforum dedicated to you, and I demand more lov- I mean reading pleasure!

DAMN , you said it all man. my exact feelings..., you know that stomach ache you got as a thf/nin when you sa'ta'd something? yeah that feeling when you hit it perfect or when you fire your first gun is how i felt about hearing of FFXIV. i was...well..fucking excited lol.

As a writer myself, I loved the voice you used with this article. You could really tell the feelings you experienced as well as feeling it a little for yourself also. I'm all for a blog section.

If you ever read the blog "Milkman: The adventures of Vanadiel" in GMR magazine I'd like to do that one the game gets out. Basically a weekly review of what he had done as a character.

It was really cool. I'd like to see this continue past launch, so keep on writing!

Did Chad disappear?

Seems like it. Maybe we should change this to Arcano's Amusing Inquiries? Or Daifuki's Amuzing Inquiries?

sick article dude, i'm excited too and i agree with everything u said their was no game like ffxi and i played all of them

Very good article! Can't say i disagree with anything you said there. I too remember my early days in good old South Gustaberg! :)

Sort of! Just been terribly busy. Although, it's hard to actually be too busy to simply log onto a forum for a few minutes a day... I just haven't.

/shame

I hope you decide to frequently check the forums more often. I'd hate to lose you man.

you is the truth dawg

Hey lol.. I think Im kind of late but Im new and just surfing this site.. I also remember those days in Gustaburg as a Taru and not knowing how to heal myself.. Great times...

Ah yes the good ole days, i remember my first pt in the dunes ofcourse my buddy go me invite to the pt he was in then once i showed up they disbanded because i was a galka, right then and there i knew it was time to make myself well known. I never saw that pt ever again but i became a well skilled player, i took war all the way to 75 from late Nov. - Feb. My goal was to fully gear my job, have every sub possibly for it and merit it fully, along with completing all the expansions. As of right now my goal is within grasps with just 500k in merits to go and completing Nyzle Isle i can lay my war to rest, and begin another job to 75.

When i heard the announcement of FXIV my jaw dropped, i even convinced some friends that would never play XI, that they will join me in XIV once it is released.