There are 32 servers for you to join, however choose wisely because you can't import your character to another server. If you have friends on a server that you want to join, they will need to purchase a world pass for you to be able to choose the server that you want. Otherwise you get to sit there and randomly pick a server until you find the one that you want. Each server has its own quirks and you will always hear about drama no matter where you go. The best thing to do is find a good group of friends, and stick to them like flies on poo. In game, people can create linkshells, which are basically groups of people who help each other, do quests together, or just hang out. Once you equip this linkpearl, it allows you to use a specific channel only your linkshell mates can see. A linkshell can consist 2 people (or just you) or it can have over 100. (Note that only 64 members can have their pearl equipped at any given time).

One of the best parts about any MMO is that as you play, you are creating your own story for your character. But besides being able to make your own story, FFXI has a very involved storyline; in fact there are more than one to choose from. Windurst, San D'Oria, and Bastok are the three major cities, and depending on which one you choose to begin your adventure, your storyline is different each time. You can always change kingdoms later. Each expansion that gets released also adds to the storyline as well, so if you think you've done everything, Square Enix will always come out with new updates and fixes so that your playtime can be more enjoyable. There is a benefit with starting later (like right now!). You have a more stable economy and many high levels that are established and are willing to take pity on a poor newbie.

There are five races in the world of Vana'diel to choose from — Mithra, Galka, Tarutaru, Hume and Elvaan. Mithra are all female with a catlike appearance complete with pointy ears and sexy tail. From my experience, you get the most volunteered help as a Mithra, but prepared to get bombarded with the "r u gurl" questions. Galkas are considered genderless but they do veer a bit on the manly side. Tarutarus are a race that looks like small children, very cute, and mischievous looking. Humes are basically humans, and Elvaan is a race of tall, pointy eared, very seriously looking bunch. Each race has their own strengths and weaknesses, Humes being very average and boring. Most Tarutarus end up as spellcasters and Galkas end up as the meatshield. There aren't too many choices in terms of character selection, besides changing the hairstyle and hair colour. Pick a model that you like, because you will be staring at their backside (unless you like first person view) for a long time.

FFXI has several jobs to choose from and you can always unlock more. You pick your job and once you reach level 18 you may take part in a quest to be able to receive a subjob. Each job needs to be leveled individually and your subjob will always be half of your current level as long as you've leveled it. I decided to play a white mage so I can at least teleport myself places instead of relying on others to do so. I also get party invites like mad, so I don't have to wait very long to jump in and start leveling. This is not a game that is easy to get started, even the strategy guide isn't very helpful. A lot of the game does require you to find help, and sometimes it can take hours to find a party to level with and you're not even guaranteed a good one.

The easiest thing to do is ask, or do some research on the internet. It's amazing how people come up with detailed guides with tips and tricks and it's all available to you! Like real life, money or in this case "gil" is essential for you to survive. Crafting is something you can do to make gil, although as with anything, it takes money to make money. As a newbie, you're basically stuck leveling off the same mobs until you get to a decent level to venture farther. While doing so, you'll be collecting crystals and other random junk that the monsters drop. Sell them in a stack of 12 and you'll get some cash in no time to update your pathetic beginner gear. That or you can be utterly obnoxious and beg for money.

My biggest complaint about this game is the amount of time it takes to do anything. Walking, leveling, questing, moneymaking, these things just take time and lots of it. Maybe it's my short Tarutaru legs, but it's exhausting! With a vast and I do mean vast amount of land in Vana'diel to explore, walking can be very tiring. Once you reach level 20, you can quest for a chocobo which speeds things up. As with all online games, be prepared to spend countless hours and possibly neglect real life for awhile. Once you get into a good party, or get involved in a long quest, it's hard to leave. If you come to FFXI with no prior experience or knowledge about Final Fantasy or online gaming, this game can be quite challenging.

Since FFXI is available on the PC and on the Playstation 2, the picture quality can vary depending on what you're running. Since I own both, I much prefer playing on the PC with an up to date video card. Graphics continue to have higher standards year after year, and FFXI is up to date in those regards. The landscaping was very nicely done, making each area a treat to explore. Special attacks and spells have their own animations which are always cool to see especially if you can pull off skillchains for some extra damage. Sunrise and sunsets are always pleasant to watch and there are times when you find yourself just staring off into that pixilated ocean space.

The battle system is in real time, so no naps at the keyboard or you'll end up dead and your party will hate you. There is a menu system which allows you to engage, disengage, use special attacks, or magic. You get to choose who you want to fight unless the monsters are the aggressive type, in which case you don't really have a choice but to fight it, or flee to the nearest "zone" in hope that you don't die inbetween loading areas. Be prepared to see a big chain of goblins at some point in your life with people screaming "Zone! Zone!"

A Final Fantasy game wouldn't be complete without its music. Even though Nobuo Uematsu doesn't play a huge role, Naoshi Mizuta playing the main one, there are some memorable pieces but they are few and far between. Be warned, the more time you spend in certain areas, the more irritated you may feel about the track. Some bad planning, perhaps? Some of my favourite areas include the Sanctuary of Zi'tah and San D'Oria since I really enjoy the wilderness theme "Ronfaure". Maybe because I started off in Windurst and I didn't have to listen it to the first 10 levels of my online career. I feel that Ronfaure compliments the area well and even though you will spend copious amounts of time in the area, hopefully you'll never get tired of it. There are plenty of areas to explore and many tracks to listen to.

I'm sure some Final Fantasy fans threw a fit when their beloved series went online. Square Enix is definitely taking this series places we've never thought we'd explore, but I'll always be there to enjoy the ride. If you're a fan of online gaming, Final Fantasy XI will not be disappointing. It offers a wide variety of things to do if you have the patience to play it. You will meet people from all over the world, people you will become friends with either online or offline. There will be people who you want to punch, but in the end, it's all a game, and it's there for your enjoyment. Of course, there is that likelihood of becoming addicted. In the words of Square Enix, "Don't forget your family, your friends, your school or your work."