Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 49
  2. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. 100
  3. 100
  4. 100
  8. 10 / 9 / 10 / 9 - 38 platinum [May 2002]
  20. 88
  23. Unfriendly, unwieldy and expensive - but put the time in and you'll be rewarded with the most extraordinary online RPG. [GamesMaster]
  24. The clashing of weapons, the whooshing and swooshing of spells, the grunts and roars of monsters, wind passing through a valley, the sound of crashing waves on the shore, they all bring the game to life.
  25. This is one huge game, and I’m still discovering people and places some 80+ hours in...Simply put, what makes Final Fantasy XI so great is that it allows you to do almost anything you’ve wanted to do in a FF game and then some.
  26. It may not only threaten to take over your life, but also frustrate the heck out of you. [June 2004, p.98]
  27. 85
    Another great feature is the skill chain system -- like in Square's "Chrono Trigger," weapon skills can be combined for extra damage, and then followed up with compatible spells for even more damage.
  28. It's hampered by some of the MMORPG genre's cliche weaknesses - it's a real level grinder with a de-emphasized plot - but the FF magic is still here. [June 2004, p.18]
  29. It has more good points than bad though, at the least it will tide you over until the next generation of MMORPGs hits the streets and at best you will have fun for months, even years to come.
  31. It doesn't win high marks for ingenuity. But a massively multiplayer adventure based on this coveted universe is exciting.
  32. 80
    But should this game be placed above "Everquest"? Should it be played instead of "City of Heroes"? In the opinion of this reviewer, the answer to both of those questions is no, unless one happens to be a life-long fan of everything Final Fantasy.
  33. This game does convincingly place you into a fascinating world that is seemingly endless to explore. It’s going to take you months to get the most out of it, and that means monthly fees.
  34. For the first time in over a year I found an MMORPG I can stand to play for more than a few weeks.
  35. The accompanying hard drive is a neat toy, and there's no denying that FFXI is addictive. $12.95/month after the first one, though? That's a fair bit o' jack.
  36. Rather a good game, but it certainly isn’t $150USD ‘good’, especially if you can get it on a PC.
  37. 80
    There is so much to do in Final Fantasy XI, go fishing, cook stuff, make armour, join linkshell groups, kill Goblins. The world is Vana'Diel is such a large place, just don't forget to send everyone else postcards.
  38. 80
    For many, Final Fantasy XI will be the Holy Grail of nonlinearity: a wide-open RPG universe with Final Fantasy flair, defined by its players as much as its developers, beloved for all its flaws. Love it or hate it, there’s nothing like it on your PS2.
  39. Aside from the chaining, the core combat system isn't worth getting too worked up about. It's still automated, requiring little more of the player than target selection. There aren't even tactical position bonuses or penalties, which is pretty weak. And forget the player-versus-player, at least in the game's current iteration.
  40. 80
    An incredibly attractive game with a vast world to explore and countless hours of entertainment in store for those willing to make the investment. But we warn you: those who venture to Vana'diel may not be coming back.
  41. The amount of time required before discovering the nuances that make Final Fantasy XI such an intriguing world for fans of the massive multiplayer online role playing game genre is gargantuan. As such, this isn't a game for the masses, but for the diehards.
  42. Unquestionably the best MMORPG available for the console, with a high potential to eat away at your free time, and possibly be responsible for some "sick" days at work. [May 2004, p.99]
  43. It strips away many of the old-fashioned frustrations without eliminating the enjoyable aspects of the genre. Experienced players, however, will be disappointed by the lack of the depth and breadth of a game like "Anarchy Online" or "Everquest."
  44. Final Fantasy fans will love Final Fantasy XI, but a difficult sign-up process, poor online support, and lack of any kind of in-game tutorial or training may try the patience of those new to the series of games.
  46. The game itself is good, far better than the online "Everquest" games for the PS2 and even holding up well next to fancier PC MMORPGs. It’s genuinely fun and runs well.
  47. It's the first to actually get me hooked on an MMORPG.
  48. Admittedly, the classes and jobs have been wonderfully balanced to make large parties fit together perfectly but this is no excuse for making solo play so difficult for anything but the toughest classes and so distinctly unrewarding. [Oct 2004, p.114]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Negative: 5 out of 24
  1. Nov 2, 2010
  2. RickB.
    Jan 12, 2005
    Why in god's name would i buy this game. I played about 9 hours of gameplay at my friends house(a die hard FF fan), and its like playing something so soul-less, its hard to think it's final fantasy. First they F**k up final fantasy X with FFX-2 and now this. A game that first of all is gonna cost you about 150, then playing online for 13 bucks a month, and get this if you wanna play with someone you have to have two acconts that will run you about 30 bucks a month(yes to play a game). Thats dollors,so i'm giving Square about 250 dollors before i even play the game, and a sh*@ game at that. Ever since final fantasy 10, the games have gone from worse to horrid. I'll really pass on this game. Full Review »
  3. Yomurphy
    Jun 5, 2004
    Greatest game i ever played....period.