Originally Posted by
Stompa
I've played Ubisoft games, and most other games since my first computer in 1981. I wasn't talking about those other games, although I would be happy to write a long essay here about all the games I've played. I was talking about FFXI, and how I could (if I quit my job) play this game all day long, and I would still not be bored and I would still not finish building my empys, lol.
I love the actual physical world of Vana'diel, all the small things, the cave paintings on some of the walls in QC, the glowy lights and ancient brickwork in TC. The girl in Norg who is saving up for a new parrot. This world is atmospheric and engaging to me, it continues to beckon to me, it calls to something in my soul. When Star Sibyl said to me "please come home safely" that one time, I actually cried in real life. This world is important to me, and I feel I am important to it. And that is the sign of a well-crafted atmospheric roleplaying world.
If I beat all content on my main, I would start a new character and play the whole game again, all quests, all missions, and gear / weaps. Because I love playing this game, the way it is, with or without new content. I love the way the mini-menus are on the screen, opening up into spell lists, weaponskill lists etc. I love the Equipment Grid system, for switching gear manually. I love the macro systems. I love the way weaponskills feel solid to me, and have their distinctive styles and elements. I love the mobs and the NM spawn rule systems. I love the fishing, all the different fish with their quirky individual pulls. I love my Moghouse, which has taken me almost twelve years to get looking "just right." I love the complexity and perplexity of FFXI. I just enjoy playing it so much, I will never stop as long as it is available to play online.
I don't really care if other people crave New Stuff all the time, that is not my problem. I enjoy the game itself, I think it is wonderful, and I never get bored.