Final Fantasy XI, a fantasy game that never seems to be final, is making its way into the consumers homes again with its 12th installment, though on a very different basis of gaming experience, with Final Fantasy's first introduction to the multi player online domain.

Final Fantasy as an MMORPG is a huge leap from its origins, and is a great risk to its loyal and devoted fan base, though this change in gaming platform is only an indication of the growing publicity of the Games Industry as a whole, with which Square Enix are only happy to exploit with this huge step in reaching a broader and international market. As not much of an online gamer myself and as a truly loyal and devoted fan to the FF series, i can add how influential a powerful brand name such as Final Fantasy can persuade your interest into this gaming experience.

The game was actually derived from a port of a playstation 2 game, though dont be fooled into believing this an attribute worth mocking, though the game experienced many of the struggles that most MMORPG's do once first going active, the game has grown and come along way since its first release in 2004, and now is a very successful marketed franchise.

The game play is the games most attractive feature, with the brightly interfaced appearance and just colourful outlook which the Japanese do so successfully with there RPG's. The game gives choices of many different racial groups, which you can personalise, though this has limits, is quite an enjoyable feature. The game also works on three different regions to start from, Bastok, San D'Oria or Windhurst each with there unique enviroments. The gameplay itself has been descirbed as initially boring, simply targeting and attacking enemies, though through time experience is gained and abilities are achieved to create a more interesting game time. The game can become alot more tactical with its weapon choices as well as using abilities in conjunction with other party members to help in achieving certain tasks.

The game has suffered much scrutiny and has been heavily slated from a wide range of sources, personnally i have not found much praise worthy recogniton for its gameplay. The games financial status to its consumers is also another feature which falls flat, with purchase of game itself as well as a hefty monthly subscribtion fees, costs to stay online, as well costs for multiple charcters to your account, expansion packs, though optional to get the full gaming experience its essential. Though many other MMORPG's require just this much, for the game experience they are getting from Final Fantasy Online compared to what consumers are paying to play, doesnt seem balanced to many.

Having not played the game to a thoroughly enough level give real judgement i figure it hipocritical of me to give a mark out of 10! But hey they have CHOCOBO'S, WooHoo!