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Final Fantasy XI is the first title in Square's acclaimed console role-playing game series to feature online play. In order to take part in the online-only adventure, PlayStation 2 owners must possess the PS2 Network Adaptor as well as the system's 40GB add-on hard drive. A monthly fee is also required through the PlayOnline service offered by developer Square Enix. Five different races are available at the onset, including the human-like Humes, the elfish Elvaan, the magical Tarutaru, the powerful Galka, and mischievous Mithra. The majority of races offer male and female genders as well as individual customization options for hair, eyes, and so forth.
Characters in the game belong to one of three countries locked in a bitter struggle for control: the Republic of Bastok, Kingdom of San D'Oria, and the Federation of Windurst. Players will be able to decide which region to pledge their loyalty, which will open up specific quests and missions unique to the area. Gameplay follows a similar format to EverQuest, in that players fight enemies in real-time using a variety of commands tailored to an individual character's attributes and abilities. Up to 18 players can enlist in a single party, with commands like Shout, Tell, and Party available to communicate with the group at large.
Packaged along with the game is the PlayOnline Viewer, an Internet portal that offers free e-mail, downloads, chat rooms, and a list to keep track of online friends. The card game known as Tetra Master is also provided, which was first introduced in Final Fantasy X, and is playable alone or online with a group of friends. Final Fantasy XI on PlayStation 2 is also playable with the PC version of the game, meaning owners of either version can connect to the same world and battle together despite using different platforms. To make typing commands easier, the PlayStation 2 version supports USB keyboards for inputting text.
~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Joystick/Gamepad
Keyboard
Role-playing
Persistent World Online RPG
Online Only
Features Dolby Digital Sound
Downloadable Release
3D Graphics
Hardware Supported:
Date of Release: 03/24/2004
Developer:
Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher:
Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.
Controls:
- Joystick/Gamepad
- Keyboard
- Role-playing
- Persistent World Online RPG
Included Items:
- 70-page Instruction Manual
- 16-page Quick Start Guide
- 40GB Internal Playstation 2 Hard Disk Drive
- 52-page Hardware Installation Guide
- 112-page Hard Disk Drive Instruction Manual
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