A game that brings me nothing but pure joy. All the boxes are checked. Insanely loveable cast, sprawling world to explore, stellar voice performances, gut punching story, gorgeous soundtrack, and an option filled combat system. Another entry where I constantly want to know what happens next whilst never wanting the game to end. A euphoric feeling, felt a third time over. A few QoL issues like no reloading in-game, chain attacks taking too long, no leveling down before post-game are but small blemishes.

Can't say enough good about it. The story, voice performances, and enormous areas will always be its greatest appeal. But for as much as it is hailed as a modern classic, I think there are many hold ups for players who don't gel with its various parts such as the numerous fetch quests, mixed AI, or slow affinity gain. Despite these things I can't help but want to do everything just like in the MMOs it takes from. For some, only its best parts are for them but undoubtedly all its parts are for me.

I respect it's attempt at providing insane amounts of lore payoff, telling a complex story where characters actively lie and switch side, and regularly changing the point of view. This is FFXI's big one. However, I did not come away feeling as positive as many do about it. Reading small text in long, jargon filled cutscenes that often have hours of tedium filled questing between them made it difficult to keep up let alone find myself invested. Even still, Prishe had me crying and that's worth something.

Story is paced better and I like the focus on Rubedo this game. While the game does feel faster than the first, it is still too slow with lengthy battles towards the end. Skill system is enjoyable progression but eventually I felt my character builds becoming homogenized and they are, again, stingy with skill points considering just how many skills I never got to unlock. Realistic faces made for an uglier game and the voice actor changes are both jarring and offer worse performances. People act like this game is a DMC2 level crime. It isn't good but it definitely isn't that bad.

Unlike Xenogears, Xenosaga makes great strides in not trivializing most battles. The game pushes you to use all of its systems, battles are tough and it pays to plan ahead. Unfortunately, the game is just too slow. Slow walking, long loading screens, and battles that can last 5-10 minutes. Compelling cast of characters but much of the story is bogged down by sci-fi jargon. This makes it difficult to ask for the my full attention in the many 20-40 minute cutscenes. Also I'm as a big a Yasunori Mitsuda fan as the next guy but I don't agree with the decision to have no area music.

Ambitious and layered narrative that is hindered by a poor English localization, a soundtrack that is far too short, a disc 2 with pacing and presentation issues, bland dungeon design, and combat that feels good but soon becomes trivialized by a lack of depth in its systems. How the game became flawed is no secret. Rather than contemplate what could have been, I am instead appreciative of just how much the staff set out to acheive and its delightfully complex narrative framework that would be put to good use in future games.

Quality of life features are bolted on to a game that used to be harsh, demanding, and require cooperation. It's not enough to ease the pain of progression compared to modern MMOs yet it is still too much to ever replicate what the game was originally like. I am well aware of the fondly remembered original experience but I don't think I'd personally ever want that. It was a punishing time sink that gave people who, at the time, had the time, great memories. Now, it asks far too much from new players like myself compared to what it gives back.

If you're a newcomer like I was. If you want to play every FF game. If your sole goal is to simply see all the story content. I can't recommend this to people like me. There is no breezing through the story content. You will have to dig in fairly deep and engage with much of FFXI to get to the end. There are some fantastic stories and characters in this game. Some among the best in the series. Playing the game to see that is more engaging than watching it all on YouTube especially because none of it is voiced. I am not someone who could've enjoyed the story as much if I just read it. With no break from the dialogue, no area or battle music, and no atmosphere to soak in. Yet I can't deny this is a matter of tens of hours vs hundreds. And I don't think the time investment justifies the returns you get. Mainly because I find playing the game to be the least fun part. It hurts me to say that because there is a lot to love about Vana'diel. Yet even with the quality of life updates, FFXI is an archaic game that will frustrate a new player who only wants to see the story.

If you're still committed to seeing this story unfold before a potential shutdown then I offer a few bits of advice. First, try and find some fans to play with who share your goal. The company improves the absurd amount of time you'll spend traveling, leveling, and farming drops. Second, don't be afraid to ask for help in-game. Much of this game is soloable now with the help of NPC party members but the more human players, the lower the barrier to clear some of the harder story content becomes. You will inevitably hit a wall, but when my group stopped being stubborn and gave a shout for help, it came instantly. It's a social game, don't be afraid to ask. Lastly, use a guide. This game needs it, especially if you're going to be efficient