I had posted this elsewhere last year, and figure I may as well repost it here. +1?


An Optimistic Outlook for the Future of a Game that will Devour my Free Time, Alienate Me from Reality, Be Utterly Addictive, & Throughly Enjoyable

I retain fond memories of South Gustaberg, late 2003. The arid desert atmosphere was far from depressive, and I found excitement and endless possibilities under every rock (often accompanied by a Sand Worm.) Although I was little concerned with the status of my in-game happiness months, or even years, into the future, I recognized the humble beginnings of an expansive and gratifying gaming experience. Quickly graduating past South Gustaberg, past North Gustaberg, into an intimidating and frustrating seaside training ground called Valkurm Dunes, I came up against challenges at every stop and each time overcame those challenges, more and more often with the help of others. Past this point the game really took on a life of it's own. The goal was always clear: higher level, better gear, become a better < insert job name here>. Yet even though I basically knew what accomplishments I would be pursuing for hundreds of gaming hours to come, I enjoyed every minute of it and surprises were never lacking. Unique experiences occasioned every party, and alliances were drowning in them.

I guess I'm rambling. My point is, the experiences I have taken away from Final Fantasy XI are the best of any game I've ever played. It had a special aura surrounding nearly every moment of it. When I heard the "announcement" of a "sequel" to ffxi, I was, well, I was fucking excited. I enjoyed xi for years and I think I really did get the most out of it. But towards the end frustrations mounted and with a final blow to my character (namely, getting all my gear stolen) I decided it was time to retire, at least for the time being. I still keep my character in case I should find myself with the time and means to play again, but for the most part I feel I'm done with ffxi. But when I think of the opportunity to relive those first experiences of starting a new character, in a new world, figuring everything out along with hundreds of other players, I feel, again, "fucking excited". I suppose it's somewhat lame to be so into a mere MMO, but I personally can't wait for Rapture to be released.

The fact that it's being developed by the same team that did ffxi hopefully means it will be a spiritual successor to xi, and that's a great thing, because there isn't another game quite like ffxi out there right now. I have faith in Square Enix that, at least with this title, they won't be looking to simply recreate the "successful" formula of so many other MMOs that were released after ffxi, yet eclipsed the player base of xi. The tech demo video doesn't necessarily have any bearing on the final product we'll be playing, but I think that it is somewhat representative of their original conceptions of the world, and it looks wonderful to me. Overall, this game has more potential than any other game being made right now, at least in my eyes, and I'll be waiting with bated breath for any drop of info Square Enix leaks in the months to come.

This an excellent and well-written article, we might have to have you come up with some kind of blog section of the site, haha. I'm sure everyone will find it an enjoyable read. What do you all think?

Very...whats the word? Its like comparatively applicable between two or more people...
Well, I get exactly what you're saying.

OMG Valkrum dunes was torture but it's also where the game got me hooked. Level 1 - 10 was brutal at least it was in the beginning before they add exp bonuses. I agree though, till this day I still haven't played an MMO that gave me more enjoyable and memorable experiences as FFXI did.

I've played
EQ2
WoW
AoC (Still playing best thing since FFXI but it's no FF)
Warhammer

Way to capture the pleasure of gaming.

Good read there Chad. I can remember moments such as these as if it were yesterday, but alas it's been too long since I've been able to roam the vast countryside of Vana'diel. When I heard of FFXIV announcement I couldn't help but feel over eager and excited. I'm ecstatic thinking of the Tech Demo Square debuted back sometime ago and then seeing the trailer of FFXIV. So here's to future endeavors, and I hope to be seeing some of you in Eorzea. CHEERS!

i loved how you explained the game at the begining.. one thing i've always wished for, and surprised that it hasnt happened yet, was that someone would write final fantasy books of past games made.. and reading about your adventures in gustaberg.. well, you know.. tickled my balls. lol. it was an enjoyable read :)

good read, keep it up

If the CT novel is any indication, you'd end up getting served a C&D and the thing would never see the light of day.

CT novel? never heard of it

Thanks for all of the replies! I'm extremely glad you guys liked it.

CT = Chrono Trigger, another game that Square-Enix owns. The Chrono Trigger Novel Project received a C&D from SE even though the author didn't really intend on making any money from the project, just on writing a book based on a game he loved and making it available to the public. He's continuing work on the project, but he has to try to get it released through SE.

Well said post there Chad.

I have to agree that the best moment's i have had in FFXI was in the beginning. When i first tossed that game in my PS2 and created my character.

Being lost, so to say... was the best, lol.

awe the bitter sweet truths of FFXI. I love it. I hope that FFXIV does the same!