FFXI Gil Farming Article

The developers of the hugely popular online role playing game FFXI, Square Enix banned hundreds of accounts in an effort to cease the practice of selling FFXI Gil for real money. The developers had also hoped to bring down what they believed to be inflated prices of the in game currency.



In FFXI, Gil is the name of the currency or money used by players of the online game. Gil can be used to buy items, weapons and other accessories at the many stores throughout the worlds in FFXI. Gil is earned primarily in battle.



Gil however can also be bought from the numerous currency providers offering this service to players who don't have enough time to earn enough to continue to make the game fun. This Gil comes from professional gamers or Gil farmers who are people who spend all day playing FFXI with the sole purpose of earning Gil that can be sold for real money.



The problem started with a recent investigation by FFXI's developers and game masters who discovered a large group of players apparently farming large amounts of Gil. Enix Square believed that this large influx of gil was resulting in an artificial inflation of normally stable item prices in FFXI, which was what alerted Square Enix teams that there might be a problem in the first price.



So the developers of the game concluded that since their was so much extra currency now in the game and limited amount of items, this was the causing the inflation problem.



After the investigation over 700 accounts were disabled and over 300 billion Gil was removed in order to return the in-game economy to normal. In terms of real dollars that amount of Gil would be worth about $5,000,000 USD.



However this hasn't worked according to plan, apparently the guys at Square Enix weren't required to take economics 101 when getting their Computer Science degrees. When you look at supply and demand, you cannot take 300 billion FFXI Gil out of the system and expect the price to go down.



What did happen, the price of gil is at an all time high. The price of items being sold in FFXI have also climbed higher not lower.

The Future of Final Fantasy 11

Final Fantasy 11 has performed brilliantly since its launch and has become one of the leading games of its kind. There are going to be plenty of exciting developments for this title in 2007. Its release on xbox 360 has seen its audience grow even larger. A forth expansion is also coming and will add new content to its world.



Final Fantasy 11 has already established itself as a success. The decision to take the Final Fantasy series into the realm of online gaming was a bold move, but it paid off. Vana’diel is a community that has flourished and brought many players into its world. It has built up a massive subscription base, accumulating more than 2 million game characters by the close of 2006.



Final Fantasy 11 will preserve its popularity as it moves through 2007. It is clear by this point that it is a game with long-term appeal. There is great depth and invention to its gameplay and players have responded well to it. Its developers update the game regularly and include new content to keep people interested. It is extremely likely that its player base will grow even further in the course of this year. The main reason for this is that it is due to xbox 360.



Final Fantasy 11 was released on the Microsoft Xbox 360 console in the spring of 2006. The launch was a great success. Square Enix have more than three years experience of running the game and they know how best to present it. This move has helped it to reach an entirely new audience. Moreover the Xbox 360’s power has heighten the whole feel of the game. The ability to play it on this platform hasl made it especially appealing.



A possible complication comes in the form of Final Fantasy 12. The twelfth game in the series will be released in Japan on March 16, 2006. The question is whether players will drift away from Final Fantasy 11 towards the charms of this new title. It seems unlikely, as Final Fantasy 12 is not an online title and so it will not be a direct rival to its predecessor. Instead it will be classic in approach. The two games will be able to co-exist in harmony, each offering something different to players.



The latest expansion for Final Fantasy 11; The Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion will be was released on April 18 2006 in Japan. This is the third expansion pack to date and will offers a great deal of promising new content. The expansion will revealed a new continent of Vana’diel, called Aradjiah. There are new careers available in the occupations of Blue Mage and Corsair. New opponents such as Imps, the serpent-like Lamia and the gigantic Marid will feature.



Treasures of Aht Urhgan looks like an excellent expansion to Final Fantasy 11’s world. The first two expansions have both been great titles and this third one looks every bit as beguiling. The new continent is refreshing and has broaden the game world nicely. The new careers and opponents are strong additions and have rejuvenate the gameplay. The purpose of an expansion like this is to bring some new energy into Vana’diel and it looks like it hasl accomplish this task admirably.



The outlook for Final Fantasy 11 is bright. Its release on a Microsoft's 360 has increased its popularity. A further expansion will also broaden its horizons and make the game even more compelling. All in all, the world of Vana’diel has a promising future and will continue to soar and prosper.

The FFXI Experience

Final Fantasy XI is more than just a game. It is an experience, and it will delight you and interest you on every possible level. It is a gripping title and has astonishing depth to its gameplay. It is sure to surprise you as a player.



Final Fantasy XI is unparalleled entertainment and is great fun to play. Vana’diel is a world of many pleasures. You are able to meet new people and it is nice to encounter the different characters that are present in the game. The quests that you can go on are rewarding and very satisfying to complete. There are plenty of battles to fight, with combat proving to be a bracing and unpredictable affair. Vana’diel has some truly picturesque landscapes and it is worth progressing just to see new areas and sights.



When you play Final Fantasy XI you will find yourself in a simulated world. It is a totally believable and unique experience and proves to be much more engaging than a normal game could ever be. It is a joy to wander around, observing the world of Vana’diel and its residents. You can visit it, spend time in it, and move through it as you please. The cities in the game are lively and pulse with characters and bustle. There is always something going on and some new attraction to discover.



Here Final Fantasy XI proves to be fascinating and enchanting. Vana’diel is an exciting environment to be in. You will travel through its many regions, and you will need to familiarize yourself with the different locations and grasp the layout of this world. The forests and countryside domains are especially big and are good places in which to roam around. The fact that there have been a series of updates and expansions to the game has kept its world new and fresh.



Final Fantasy XI will test you and push you to become a better player. Success in Vana’diel demands that you master a number of skills and challenges. There is a legion of opponents to contend with and defeating them requires serious resolve and talent. The ability to align your character to a nation gives you a way to distinguish yourself, and you must do well so that you can honor their reputation. The missions that are available will stimulate you and help to hone your abilities.



The multi-player content in Final Fantasy XI is marvellous. Indeed the whole experience of joining a group of characters is a thrill. The game’s party system requires players to work together and you will need to embrace this in order to proceed. You will always feel grateful when you are invited to become part of a group and it really opens up the possibilities of the game. It is great to experience Vana’diel with a host of allies by your side.



The economy and trading system in Final Fantasy XI also makes the overall experience more effective. The game is certainly more agreeable when you have enough money to do as you wish. There is a good assortment of crafts that are there if you wish to pursue them. The auction houses are an essential feature, and it can be hard to tear yourself away from them because you don’t want to miss catching an important item. The economic aspects bring complexity to the game.



In general Final Fantasy XI offers players a very fine experience. It is enjoyable and charming, and can be quite a challenge as well. The world of Vana’diel is far-reaching and contains plenty of territory to traverse. This is a clever and exhilarating title.

What Makes Final Fantasy Online So Special

Final Fantasy Online is a brilliant game and is distinguished in all manner of ways. It is beautifully made and its world has been designed with great care and thought on every level. It is a deeply satisfying and enjoyable experience with much to offer to its players. It is truly a special game.



Final Fantasy Online is special because it is a cross platform title. It is possible to access the world of Vana’diel on both PC and PlayStation 2, which makes it a cutting edge and innovative piece of work. It was the first massively multi-player online role-playing game to do this. Its game world is open to players in America, Europe and Japan, and it features an amazing online community. The game includes a translator so you can communicate with the Japanese players and interact with each other.



Final Fantasy Online has a strong social aspect to its gameplay. It is possible to play with your friends and this can be useful when it comes to forming a party to complete challenges in the game. The interaction in the game also allows you to befriend other players and get to know them. People are always happy to talk to you and are very helpful if you are having any problems. Vana’diel is one of the warmest of all the online game communities and it is a pleasure just to be there.



Final Fantasy Online is addictive and engrossing. It is a game that can be played for a long period of time and still maintain your interest. Indeed, it is so absorbing that you could literally play it all day. The game’s storylines will really draw you in and capture your attention. There are a variety of quests and missions in the game, and they include things like looking for objects and tracking down people. You will also carry out conquests for your government. There is a nice diversity of tasks on offer.



There is great imagination on display in Final Fantasy Online. The creatures and races that inhabit Vana’diel are all very intriguing. The five main races are likeable and individual enough to satisfy any player. The Beastmen that you encounter make for riveting opponents, comprising an assortment of animal, demon, giant, orc and undead creatures. You will come across all manner of characters as you proceed. The game’s array of species creates a sense of a fantastic and original world.



Final Fantasy Online has beautiful graphics and is remarkable on a visual level. Vana’diel is a handsome world. The countryside areas in particular are lovely to look at, with the terrain encompassing features like beaches, canyons, jungles, oceans, and waterfalls. It can be very gratifying to observe something as simple as the sun rising and setting. The character design is of a fine quality and the different creatures have an appealing style and look to them. They move well and come across as graceful.



The game world in Final Fantasy Online is deep and vast and rendered in great detail. You move around mainly by walking and here the game creates a convincing sense of distance, space and perspective. Vana’diel is enormous and feels like an actual place. The sense of realism is strong and shows the excellent design of the game. While walking around on foot is pleasant it can also take time, so there is transportation like airships, ferries and chocobo creatures to carry you as swiftly as you like.



The Final Fantasy series is renowned for its music and Final Fantasy Online is highly proficient in this department. The game features a wonderful soundtrack with a score that is played at numerous points throughout the game. There are also ambient sound effects that stem from your environment as well as things like the noise of battle. These give the game serious atmosphere and presence.



Final Fantasy Online is an extraordinary title. It is a game that is peerless in every way and that represents the best of its kind. There is a magic and beauty to it that is rare, and everything about it combines to create a tremendous experience overall. It should definitely be considered a special game.

A Newcomer’s Guide to FFXI, Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI is an excellent game and has a variety of strengths. It is a wonderful title because even if you are new to this series it is simple to play and understand. The game contains an enormous world and yet it is easy to become familiar with it and learn how everything works. A newcomer should find it a delight.



FFXI is a massively multi-player online role-playing game. It functions as an online world. Players can access this world by buying the game and paying a subscription of $12.95 a month. The game is a cross-platform title, which means that players on both PCs and consoles can interact with each other in the same game environment. This makes it a truly unique experience.



The PC version of FFXI comes on five disks that you must install to set up the game. The first disk installs the PlayOnline client, a piece of software required for access to the game, while the other disks install the game itself. The PlayStation 2 version requires a special Hard Disk Drive and network adapter, the first of which is usually sold with the title. Once the game and the PlayOnline software have been set up, you will need to download any updates, and then it will be ready to play.



The first thing that you will do in FFXI is create your character. There are five races to choose from, all of which possess their own abilities and skills. There are the Hume, who are human and are useful in most areas of the game; the Elvaan, who are Elves and are strong in combat; the Galka, who are enormous beast creatures; the Mithra, who resemble cats; and the Taru Taru, who are small individuals and are talented at magic. They are all great characters and they excel in different ways.



FFXI allows you great range in customizing your character. You are able to choose your character’s body size, face and appearance, and select a particular look and style that will suit them. You will also choose a career for your character, and this will affect your progress in the game. The various careers include positions like mages, monks, thieves and warriors. The characters suit certain careers better than others and you must choose one that will fit your character perfectly.



Final Fantasy XI is set in the world of Vana’diel. Vana’diel is a fantastic world that is home to a number of civilizations. The game takes place in the aftermath of the Crystal War, a battle where the five main races fought with the Beastmen, a collection of hostile creatures who wanted to destroy them. The story of the game sees the Beastmen return and stir up further conflict. It is up to your character to face them and defeat them.



Vana’diel consists of two main continents, Mindartia and Quon. It is further divided into a number of regions, all with their own climate and features. There are cities, towns, forests, ports and wasteland areas. Final Fantasy XI allows you to choose from one of three places as your starting point. You can be a citizen of the nations Bastok, San d’Oria or Windurst. Each nation is unique and has its own history and population. In the course of the game you are able to visit other nations and explore them.



FFXI contains a great deal to do and is a very engaging game. The world of Vana’diel is immense and there is much to explore and see. There are missions and quests to go on and there are a number of storylines running through the game. There is also an element of teamwork. It is often necessary to join a group of players and work together to defeat enemies and opponents. In general the gameplay is multi-layered and enthralling.



FFXI has a well-designed control system that works as a perfect complement to the game. It is best experienced with a keyboard, which allows you to chat with other players. The game controls are logical and it does not take long to grasp the various functions and commands. The game camera works nicely and is easy to handle, allowing you to view the world of Vana’diel as you please. The entire system is great and really strengthens the whole experience.



FFXI is a joy to play. A newcomer to the game will be pleased with it and will have no difficulty getting set up and started. It is ideal for anyone who is looking for an interesting and rewarding game.

The World Of Final Fantasy XI Explained

Final Fantasy XI is an impressive game in many respects. It has been especially successful at creating and establishing its own world. The game world of Vana'diel is a complex and convincing environment, and has been realized with great power and vitality. It is a terrific place to experience.

The world of Vana'diel is the setting for Final Fantasy XI. Vana'diel is a large and rich game world, and possesses its own culture and history. Players are able to align themselves with one of the three main nations, Bastok, San d'Oria or Windurst. Their character will become a citizen of that nation and it will essentially be their home. This allows players to feel that their characters have a proper background and identity. They can be proud of their nation and will represent them in the game.

The nations in Final Fantasy XI are all very different and distinct. Bastok is a mining civilization, a force in industry and technology, and home to the Hume and the Galka. San d'Oria is an aging kingdom, with a noble and remarkable past, and has a royal family as its rulers. The Elvaan race lives there. Windurst is a very old nation, with its own port and woods, and is inhabited by the Mithra and the Taru Taru. The nations all have their own cities and political systems, and are lively, interesting places.

Final Fantasy XI is appealing because it contains an alternative world in which players can immerse themselves. Vana'diel is a virtual world that simulates life as closely and as authentically as it can. Players have their own home, known as a Moogle house, which acts as their personal living space in the game. There are all kinds of activities that players can do, like fishing, gardening and other crafts. The game world runs on a proper clock and calendar, and portrays both day and night.

Final Fantasy XI contains some truly splendid landscapes and sights. Vana'diel is a charming environment and is a pleasure to behold. The cities in the game are busy and attractive places, and are full of activity and life. The countryside is visually stunning, featuring an assortment of forests, deserts, mountains and plains. The game captures the thrill of exploration, and lets you visit all manner of fantastic areas and locations. You will quickly discover an imaginative and sumptuous world.

Final Fantasy XI showcases a world with its own features and social structure. A particularly clever aspect is that Vana'diel has its own economy. This economy has been organized in extremely elaborate detail. The currency in Final Fantasy XI is known as Gil (or G) and can be used to buy items and weapons. There are merchants and stores situated throughout the game. Players can accumulate money by taking treasure from enemies and activities like selling fish and mining.

The Vana'diel economy has become a thriving and lifelike system. As the number of people playing Final Fantasy XI has risen, there has been inflation and so item prices have increased. There is competition among players who sell items for profit. It can be necessary to spend money on crafting items before they can actually be put on sale. You will need to assess whether there is a sufficient demand for what you want to make and try to dominate the market.

The economy in Final Fantasy XI also revolves around trade. Vana'diel includes a large number of auction houses that can be used for buying and trading goods. This auction system functions as a global market that is open to every player of the game. You are able to sell and exchange your own items through an auction house, or search through the available stock to look for a worthwhile bargain. Once you have bought an item, a special courier will collect it for you and deliver it to your home.

Final Fantasy XI is compelling because it allows players to join a community. A huge number of people play this game and have their own characters in Vana'diel. The interaction between players is polite and friendly and Vana'diel is a welcoming place. The fact that the game is a cross-platform title means that a great variety of players can mix with each other. People from a vast geographical range can meet with each other and become friends. There is a lot of teamwork and this is also very enjoyable.

The world of Vana'diel is a remarkable game environment and is essential to Final Fantasy XI's success. It is a highly realistic creation, and is perfect for exploration and social interaction. Vana'diel is truly the finest game world yet.

The Growth of FFXI

FFXI was launched in May 2002 and quickly became a popular and acclaimed title. It has expanded its world since its launch and much outstanding new content has been added. The fact that it is still successful today demonstrates that it is an excellent and significant game.



FFXI has prospered and has built up a substantial base of players and subscribers. Before its release, the game’s developers, Square Enix, hoped that it would achieve a figure of around 400,000 users by March 2004. The president of Square, Yoichi Wada, had high expectations for the game, commenting that Square hoped to “make the online game service another key profit generator besides our package game business”. It was an important title for the company.



FFXI’s performance pleased Square, and it soon became one of the most prominent online multi-player role-playing titles around. It reached the milestone figure of 500,000 users by January 2004 and saw the world of Vana’diel become a busy and well-populated community. It impressed Final Fantasy fans who were uncertain about the series’ move into online gaming, and drew in new players as well. It was essential in making Square a force in the online sector.



The world of FFXI has grown since 2002. Square Enix have added all manner of updates and new content to Vana’diel. The fact that there was over a year between its release dates in Japan and North America gave Square the chance to rework and improve the game before it was unveiled to the west. This meant that when it was launched in the United States it was an even better title than it had been originally. These enhancements helped the game to succeed in America and Europe.



In 2004 player versus player content was added to FFXI. Square released an update in April 2004 containing a sporting event called Ballista, which is similar to basketball. In Ballista, players have to throw a stone called a ‘petra’ into a receptacle called a ‘rook’. Further content came in February 2006 with the addition of Brenner, a game where players have to capture another team’s ‘flammen’ or flame. These games are very entertaining and made for strong additions overall.



Another interesting piece of new content was the feature of weddings, which were introduced to FFXI in October 2002. This feature allows two characters to ‘marry’ each other, and share the experience of the game together. It is enacted just like a real marriage, complete with a wedding ceremony between bride and groom. This option has become a fun and attractive feature of the game.



There have been two expansions to FFXI to date and they have broadened its world considerably. The first expansion is called Rise of the Zilart, and it was released in Japan on April 17 2003 on PlayStation 2. This expansion’s storyline focused on the Zilart, an ancient race who attempted to open a portal called the Gate of the Gods. This expansion added in new areas to Vana’diel such as desert and jungle settings, and included new careers like dragoons, ninjas, samurais and summoners.



The second expansion to FFXI is called Chains of Promathia. It was released in Japan, America and Europe on September 21 2004 for both PlayStation 2 and PC. Chains of Promathia continued the Zilart storyline and featured a narrative about ancient legends and settlements. It included new areas on the outskirts of Vana’diel, and new creatures such as the Moblin, a goblin that lives underground. Both expansions were very creative and featured appealing new game territory.



A third expansion is planned, entitled Treasures of Aht Urhgan was released early 2006. FFXI has also made it's debut on Microsoft Xbox 360. These moves will help the game to grow even further. Overall FFXI has developed beautifully since its launch. Vana’diel is a thriving community and will captivate players well into the future.

The Final Fantasy XI Job The Warrior Explored

Warriors excel in close combat fighting. They use the widest variety of weapons of any job (i.e. all of them), and gain the provocation ability at level five, which makes them the only job that can lure monsters to attack them instead of their more fragile party mates. This is also the reason that the warriors are the primary Tank Job (class) in final fantasy xi (Note: A tank is a combat role. The tank is the character in the party who is good at absorbing large amounts of punishment).



Warriors have all of the skills and characteristics necessary to make them the primary defensive fighters of Vana d'iel - high hp (hit points), high defense (both innate and because of the variety of armors they can wear), good evasion and solid damage with their weapons.



The best race to be a warrior would unquestionably be the large galka who start with 36 hp and 9 str. Elvaan also do good as warriors with a starting hp of 33 and a STR of 9. Taru are definitely not recommended as they are small and nimble with a starting hp of only 27 and 7 STR. Warriors have strong defensive skills: they get both Shield (allowing them to block attacks with their shield) and parry (allowing them to parry attacks with their weapon).



The warrior's initial active skill is the might strike which lasts for 45 seconds and makes attacks do critical damage. It can only be used every 2 hours so use it sparingly. At level 5 they attain provoke which will allow them to taunt an enemy into attacking the warrior. This is useful when you want to redirect all damage away from your team mates, or to steal enemies away from other players.



You can use the provoke ability every 30 seconds. Level 15 lets them receive the Berserk ability which allows them to power up and increase their attack power while decreasing their defense. Level 25 sees the warrior with a defender ability which is the opposite of berserker, in which it increases defense while decreasing attack.



The war cry skill is acquired at level 35 and enabled the warrior to increase the attack power of all nearby party members for duration of 30 seconds. Level 45 sees the Warrior with the aggressor skill which increases attack accuracy while decreasing the evasion stat.



For the warrior's passive skills, they have at level 10 a defense bonus which increases his physical defense. At level 15, the warrior acquires a passive resist virus ability which gives them better defense against disease. They also receive a double attack bonus at level 25 which gives them a change to attack twice with a single attack. Reaching level 30 gives the warrior an attack bonus which increases their physical attack power.

The Fanbase Of Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI has become a huge hit with gamers and the general public. It is a very appealing title and has caught the attention of a major cross-section of society. It now enjoys a passionate following and has built up a substantial community of fans.

The success of Final Fantasy XI is interesting because it appeals to a great variety of players. The game has appealed to fans of the series, to fans of online games, and to new players as well. The Final Fantasy series obviously had many fans to begin with but this didn't guarantee that they would take to the new title. The series' move into online gaming was different and initially the fans weren't sure if it would work. The excellence of the game removed any concerns or fears that they might have had.

A wide range of people play Final Fantasy XI. The game naturally appeals to the young, with many teenagers playing it. Adults enjoy it too, with the opportunity to be in a simulated world proving to be a major draw. The world of Vana'diel is a family experience for some - people will play it with their parents, while brothers and sisters will compete against one another in the game. The feature that allows two characters to ‘marry' each other encourages couples to play together as well.

The fanbase of Final Fantasy XI is global, reflecting the international make-up of the Vana'diel player base itself. The game was released in phases, first of all in Japan, followed by America, and then finally in Europe, and it developed a following everywhere it was launched. The fact that everyone plays together on the same servers helps the fan community to thrive, as the fans all directly interact with each other in the game. Players can meet people from other countries and bond with them.

The world of Vana'diel acts as a home for the Final Fantasy XI fanbase. You can become acquainted with other fans and then see their characters in the game world itself. There are special in-game events that help Vana'diel to feel like a proper community. Celebrations and festivals are common and are open to every player. There are also tournaments and sporting events where teams can compete at activities like Ballista, in a kind of virtual championship.

Final Fantasy XI has an extensive presence on the Internet. There is an official site that provides news and information for the game's fans. The game's developers Enix have established a good relationship with the fanbase and the official site is well run and full of interesting material. It serves as a focal point for anyone who is interested in the game. In general, the attention and warmth that Square show towards players is impressive.

Final Fantasy XI has a large number of unofficial fan sites as well. Players set up web sites containing guides for the game and forums where they can discuss every aspect of it. The fan sites are often beautifully made and feature lavish artwork and images. They convey the love and affection that people have for this title. The fans are very creative and like to write ‘fan fiction' stories that have been directly inspired by the game. They also make fan ‘movies' based upon their own personal game footage.

There have been special fan events held for Final Fantasy XI. In October 2004 there was the Anniversary Masquerade event in the San Francisco Metreon. This was a celebration to mark the game's first year of release in America. Fans wore special costumes modelled upon characters from the game, and took part in contests and challenges. There were prizes to win and gifts for all of the attendees. It was a party with music and dancing and it proved to be very popular.

There is a special Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival taking place in Los Angeles in March 2006. This event has much to offer to enthusiasts of the game. It features the premiere of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion and includes the opportunity to speak with the game's developers. It is set to be the largest fan event to date.

Overall, the fanbase of Final Fantasy XI is going from strength to strength and faces a bright future. It is a community of players from many different backgrounds and age groups. Its presence is pleasing and enriches the whole experience of the game.

History of Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy series is a superb set of games that have become an important part of video game history. Final Fantasy XI is an especially strong title. It is a terrific modern update on the series, advancing it and taking it into exciting new territory.

Final Fantasy XI is an outstanding entry in a series that is nearly twenty years old. The Final Fantasy series was created by the Japanese company Square Co. in 1987. At the time Square were in a difficult position, as they had focused on making games for the Nintendo Famicom Disk System and this format had become unpopular. The company were eager for success and saw great potential in the role-playing genre. Final Fantasy was their attempt to make a new kind of role-playing title.

Final Fantasy came out in Japan at the end of 1987. It was excellent, offering a fresh and original role-playing experience. Final Fantasy’s strength was that it had a strong narrative that ran throughout the game. This made it very compelling and helped it to capture people’s interest. It was an enormous success and launched what would become a hugely popular franchise. It would lead to Final Fantasy XI and beyond.

When Square made Final Fantasy, they looked at the role-playing genre and explored the possibilities of what it could do. Final Fantasy was innovative, and this sense of invention would become a major element of the series, continuing all the way through to Final Fantasy XI. The first sequel, Final Fantasy II, was equally creative, surprising people by coming up with a completely new plot and characters.

The Final Fantasy series flourished and a number of dazzling games followed. Final Fantasy IV was a gripping, brilliant game and became the second title in the series to be released in North America. Final Fantasy VI had an enthralling story that gave it serious emotion and depth. Final Fantasy X used voice acting and beautiful three-dimensional visuals to create its own game world. These were all strong titles and laid the way beautifully for Final Fantasy XI.

Final Fantasy XI has continued the sense of innovation that is expected of this series. A highly ambitious game, it saw the franchise move into the world of online gaming. Final Fantasy XI is a massively multi-player online role-playing game. It is also unique as it is playable on both consoles and PCs, all of which connect to the same game servers. This has made it the first cross-platform title of its kind.

There was great curiosity about Final Fantasy XI before its release in 2002. Images and previews of the game captured people’s attention. A special bonus disk was included with the release of Final Fantasy X, containing a trailer for the game. Its creator Square Enix also held beta tests for the game to gather players’ feedback and improve it. This allowed them to handle any concerns that people had and fine-tune it.

Final Fantasy XI was launched in Japan on May 16 2002 for the Sony PlayStation 2. The PC release came on November 5th. It had its PC release in North America on October 28 2003, with the European release following in September 2004. The initial Japanese launch was a complicated affair, as the game required a hard drive for the PlayStation 2 console and stocks of these were limited at first. Square Enix responded well to any issues that developed, and also released a game patch to enhance it.

Square Enix adopted an interesting approach to the game, developing it and reworking it even after it had been released. The company has revised it since its launch and made it even better, adding in new areas and new content. This has enriched the Final Fantasy XI experience. There have been two expansions, Rise of the Zilart and Chains of Promathia, to complement the game. A third expansion, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, is planned for spring 2006.

Final Fantasy XI has established itself as a major presence in online gaming. It sold well, building up more than 500,000 subscribers by January 7 2004. There were almost a million game characters active within this time period. It was well received, enjoying many positive reviews from the game press. It was crucial in building up Square Enix’s PlayOnline service and more than fulfilled their hopes for the title.

Final Fantasy XI is a truly great game. It has combined the creativity and innovation that is the hallmark of Final Fantasy with a state of the art online gaming format. It is an amazing experience and has taken the series in a new direction. It will continue entertaining people for a long time to come.

A Look At FFXI Job The Black Mage

Black Mages are the specialists of the Black Magic and all other spells that are used for dealing damage. Black Mages are said to be the damage artist, though this is a thought which should be carefully understood. Black Mages have the broadest sorts of damaging spells available to them, some of which can hit for astonishing sums of damage. However, not all players see Black Mages as being the most overall damaging job, despite their enormous powers. This is because in longer fights, the Black Mage can run out of MP (Magic Points), entailing that eventually other jobs can out damage the Black Mage. With this fat already known, a good Black Mage would know how to quickly deal enough damage to finish the fight.



The Black Mage is the ultimate offensive spell caster bringing death and devastation to the battle field from a distance. They are not so good at taking damage or physical attacks but their strong spells make up for that.



In some ways, Black Mages are best compared to Monks. Both jobs are good at dealing large amounts of quick damage, but do not do as well absorbing damage themselves.



Black Mage magic is mainly damaging magic, with some disabling spells as well. Black Mages can not cast healing magic. Note that all mages need to learn a spell before they can cast it. Learning a spell involves buying the spell scrolls (similar to how warriors must buy weapons) and then learning (using) it to put it into their spell book.



As with the White Mage, the Taru Taru is the best race for the Black Mage because of their high MP. Casting a lot of spells will take up MP fast so you will need a lot to make sure you don't run out in the middle of battle.



The Black Mage has the active abilities of Magicfont which gives the mage unlimited mana for 30 seconds and Elemental Seal which increases the accuracy of the next spell cast. Take note that Magicfont can only be used every 2 hours so it is best used when in great need of mana only.



The passive abilities of the Black Mage consist of Magic Attack Up at levels 10, 30 and 50 which increase the magic attack skill. Clear Mind at level 15 which inreases the mana regeneration rate of the mage. Conserve MP at level 20 which decreases the amount of mana used by spells. HP Boost at level 55 which increases the maximum HP of your character and Martial Arts at level 60 which increases the Black Mage's hand to hand combat abilities.



The Black Mage spells are all different elementals like Earth, Water, Fire, Ice, Wind, Thunder and Darkness. Each type of element does different amounts of damage depending on the enemy, so it is best to know the weakness of the enemy before casting. Some spells may even heal an enemy if that is their element.