What is so bad about FFXI?

[Gasher]

WoW knew how to have a good time, even if it wasn't the best storyteller.

I only played to like 50ish Rouge so really would not assume to know what WoW was all about. But the part I quoted I do agree on, WoW seemed to be all about that. Luckily for me (since I was a long time FFXI veteran) I did not (and still do not) want to just "run in for some fun". I want something deeper, something which takes a little while longer than shorts and a Hawaiian T-Shirt. I want intricate storytelling at it's very best and FFXI (until Abyssea) delivered just that. IMHO that is!

[Reliquia]

I only played to like 50ish Rouge so really would not assume to know what WoW was all about. But the part I quoted I do agree on, WoW seemed to be all about that. Luckily for me (since I was a long time FFXI veteran) I did not (and still do not) want to just "run in for some fun". I want something deeper, something which takes a little while longer than shorts and a Hawaiian T-Shirt. I want intricate storytelling at it's very best and FFXI (until Abyssea) delivered just that. IMHO that is!

I highly agree with this. I played WoW a few months and it felt like a massive drag. I think it's pretty much because I'm not that big of a fan of neither the WoW lore or the style, also I found the presentation of the story to be terrible and bland.

In addition I wasn't a big fan of the gameplay or the community either, I even had more fun with Lineage II. But I have to admit, the PVP was quite fun, and it kept me playing for some weeks.

What I liked about FFXI was that there was a great community, loyalty and co-operation, a great sense of adventuring, a well presented story with a great world to back it up. Also must of all, which has been pointed out before, there was a deep sense of accomplishment. I remember how scary Vana'Diel was the first time I joined an xp pt, how grateful I was when I got help on my first AF quest, i remember the thrill of being accepted into an end-game linkshell. I also remember drooling on certain end-game gear, when I earned it, I could sit in front of my screen and watch my character for half an hour without doing anything else but being social.

This is what I miss from every single other MMO that I have played. I understand that there are a lot of players who prefer a fast paced game style with instant gratification and that requires low effort. But honestly I find that dull and shallow, I'd rather play a single player game.