My favourite game

Good day inmates!

I wanted to take an opportunity to talk about something i love today. That something is video games. Or rather a specific video game. First things first though. Yes, the Harlequin is a huge gamer. I’m a huge nerd, clearly! I’ve been playing video games since the Sega Megadrive. I adore them. They could be my primary hobby, if it’s fair to call them one.  Console or PC, it doesn’t actually matter.  I play RPGs (Role playing games), strategy games and the occasional action game. Games like Total War, Civilization, Dark Souls and Disgaea to name a few.

One of my favourite gaming franchises is Final Fantasy. I’ve played the majority of the games in the series, as well as many of the spin offs. I have two favourite entries into the series. One of which is Final Fantasy 9, that nostalgic trip into crystal fantasy fun land. I’m not going to be talking about that today though. Nope, instead I’m going to be talking about my other Final Fantasy love: Final fantasy 11.

Picture belongs to Square Enix, obviously.

Right, Final Fantasy XI. Henceforth I’ll refer to it as FFXI, it’s just easier to type. It’s probably my most favourite game ever. I’ve made a number of lasting friendships while playing this game so it has a lasting place in my heart. It’s an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), much like World of Warcraft or Eve Online, but it takes all the little quirks and ideas from previous Final Fantasy games. That’s what i really love about it. Everything from the moogles to the job system makes this a true Final Fantasy game. It has all the same monsters, the whole emphasis on crystals, airships and even chocobos. Basically, the point I’m trying to make here is this is a real Final Fantasy game, despite being online. That actually works in its favor in my opinion. People you meet in virtual space are your party members now, not a host of occasionally irritating anime characters (I’m looking at you Vanille).

You pick a job (or a character class) from a list of 22. From the destructive Black mage to the iconic Dragoon, from the humble Warrior to the quirky Puppet master, there’s a class to suit all kinds of play styles. Personally i chose to play as a White mage. Basically my job is to keep everyone else alive and protected from enemy damage with healing and support magic. Easier said than done. Imagine a priest or cleric, that’s pretty much a White mage.

You then level up your character in a given class and go out and adventure! Fight big monsters, complete quests and traverse through a number of pretty impressive story lines. Yet another advantage FFXI has over other MMOs is the story missions. They make you feel like you’re playing a single player Final Fantasy game as you conquer boss monsters and watch cut scenes with other friendly players. It makes you feel special and valued while keeping that aspect of teamwork. From destroying an evil god,  to exploring new frontiers, to traveling through time and space, FFXI has it all! I’ve poured countless hours in this game. That may reflect badly on my social life, but i don’t care all that much. It’s all in good fun eh?

I hadn’t really intended to tell you everything about this game, i just wanted to spill how much i adore this game! It’s the best, yet unrecognized Final Fantasy game in the series and far superior to the more recent Final Fantasy 14.  Seriously, just go play it!

Have fun adventuring in real like and virtual land inmates!