[quote name='Zing']There are many cutscenes and almost every quest in the game is, in some way, tied to the main storyline. I feel that out of all the mainstream MMOs, Final Fantasy XI has the most detailed and involving storyline inside of the game. Sure, games like WoW have this huge backstory that you need to read a novel to grasp, but FFXI doesn't need this. Its story is right in the game and the players experience it.
Sadly, there is a huge amount of mindless exp grind in the game, so the bits of the story appear more sparse than they really are.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I was like "WTF?" when I saw someone say FFXI didn't have a storyline. I saw my friend with WoW...and I was just not impressed. Not to mention people I met on FFXI, quit for WoW, then coming back.
I have to agree....the exp grind in FFXI blows, unless with a group of people you know, then ya can make your own fun and chat as you do kills. Definitely not a game if you like to do your own thing (after the last update, even Beastmasters are commonly looking for party as a change went into effect that doesn't it make it as easy to solo as before). Then again...I never understood some people who are just loners, coming into an MMO.
The stories are great though. Each starting nation has its own storyline as you move up on ranks (and at anytime change nation, though I would rather do a whole nation, then switch and see that story).
The expansion pack Rise of the Zilart which was included in the NA release has a good storyline, though most people once they reach "sky" or beat the Ark Angels, don't bother ending that chapter. There's just no reward at the end except a good job and pat on the back sort of thing.
The newest expansion Chains of Promathia is one of the best storylines really. Challenging to reach "sea" but with great cs, and plot. Not only that, but a choice of one of three different rings that are not sellable or tradeable, and are pretty much uber.
Plus many many many quests to keep you busy. Even the new NPC quest, where you get your own NPC and lvl him/her (I use her for farming pretty much and to keep going in the storyline which leads me to believe will lead to the new expansion being released this year).
Pros:
- Lots to do if you actually go out and do it. Not waiting around like I see a lot of people do.
- Missions, Quests, various stories to keep you entertained.
- Challenges vary from soloable to alliances of players.
- Great community.
Cons:
- Exp grind....it takes forever.
- Recent economy, prices are insanely high, especially since holidays just ended and it seemed Jr. got some gil for Christmas.
- Not much variation on mobs or armor (Though it is getting better on armor, but you see a lot wearing the same thing. If I see the samn damn crab over and over again with a different name and tougher just to lvl on.... >.