Final Fantasy XIPublisher: Square Enix USAPlatform: PS2 (with HDD) & PC
Square Enix had a dream: a game that was compatible across platforms, playable across two continents as well as multiple time zones, and engrossing enough to bear the Final Fantasy name. The eleventh iteration of a franchise recognized worldwide, Square Enix is also the only company that could pull this one off. First of all, making a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for the PC is a Herculean task in and of itself. Now, try designing it to work with PS2 as well as the computer.
Square Enix has not only created such a world, it created one that thrived. I was enthralled from the very moment I unpacked my HDD unit, installed it in my PS2 and set up my account. By the way, I also have a PC account. Unfair? Not at all. In fact, it makes it even more difficult to divide my attention between two accounts and accomplish anything useful enough to justify the monthly subscription cost. So, for the sake of my sanity, I kept the PS2 account so I could brag that my HDD gets plenty of use.
Speaking of which, let me go on a brief tangent for PS2 users for a second. The 80-GB HDD is a good addition to your PS2. Reason being that several upcoming titles will take advantage of it and it comes preloaded with Final Fantasy XI. Furthermore, it is quite simple to install and get the HDD up and running in your PS2. With respect to my installation, it took me about 20 minutes to fully install and initialize FFXI on my HDD. Of course, I have noticed that boot-up time is somewhat slowed as a result of the install, but not enough that I care.
Getting on with it, FFXI is a MMORPG that is of the "persistent world" variety. Meaning, while you are out, life goes on without you. You can miss important events and things you wanted to participate in. I did notice the translating software is also quite good for the games I played alongside my Japanese counterparts. Now, you should be prepared for the sheer amount of time it takes to make any progress in the game-Everquest/Ultima Online veterans are well aware of this. You will likely spend at least an hour or two each session just trying to get something accomplished.
Truthfully, I recommend FFXI to anyone who has a hell of a lot of time on his hands and wants to experience the most engrossing Final Fantasy to date. However, the MMORPG experience is not for everyone. It will frustrate for the casual gamer. On the other hand, hardcore RPG fans, Final Fantasy zealots, and shut-ins are the perfect candidates for this excellent game.