Sure, here you go:
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So, okay, like… a long time ago, in the video game world — I’m talking eight years before Final Fantasy 14 even dreamed of existing — there was Final Fantasy 11. Crazy, right? I know. This was the first time gamers could dive into the iconic RPG series online. A total game changer! Loads of stuff you love now about FF14, yeah, it started in FF11. Custom characters? Oh, absolutely. And those chocobos? Yep, they were already running around back then. FF14 definitely took the spotlight eventually, but FF11, oh man, it’s still here! Can you believe it’s been almost 23 years? Wild.
I get it, it sounds ancient, but don’t let its age fool you. FF11 is like that vintage game in your collection that just doesn’t quit. Released way back in 2002, it brought the whole cross-platform thing to life. Long before FF14 became a household name, FF11 was setting the stage. So maybe you’ve never tried it — maybe you’re thinking, “Is it worth diving into now?” Absolutely, yes! Trust me, there’s never been a better time to wander around the lands of Vana’diel.
Here’s a fun tidbit: development kinda hit pause in 2015, but flash forward to 2020, and new stories, expansions, and updates started rolling out again. Like, who knew? Regular events are a thing too, with a massive anniversary bash right around the corner. Once upon a time, you had to wrangle with this awkward PlayOnline system to get in the game, but they’ve ditched that for something way smoother. So if you’ve played before May 2025, you can jump back in for free. Nice perk, right?
What’s really cool about FF11? It’s the dedicated players. I read somewhere (or… I dunno, dreamed?) that in 2024, they almost hit the pause button forever. But the fans? Those loyal, pixel-loving warriors saved it. They showed up in droves, which convinced Square Enix to keep the updates and content coming. Pretty heartwarming, honestly.
And talk about a crossover! FF14 and FF11 are like two peas in a pod lately. Players in FF11 can now switch races, similar to FF14’s Fantasia bottles. Plus, there’s a heap of FF11 appreciation in FF14 — the newest raid, Echoes of Vana’diel, has players buzzing. Point is, if you have any love for these titles, you’ll find both pretty enticing.
Want to hear something astonishing? FF11 sticking around is a testament to its small but mighty fanbase. And while it might show some wrinkles here and there, I swear it can still capture a newbie’s heart. Even if you’ve never plunged into its world, now’s your chance. Who knows how long it’ll last, but hey, it’s here now.
So, there it is. My semi-coherent musings on a game that’s both old and… surprisingly spry. Why not give it a whirl and see what all the fuss is about?
