I started out playing this game over a year ago when I was chosen to be a beta tester. I just couldn't wait to get it in my hands!!!! Sadly when I started playing it I quickly lost intrest in it so I put it on the shelf never to play it again. Almost a year later I decided to give it a second shot, but this go around I would be paying to play since my beta testing expired. The moment I loaded it up I was shocked with how many people were playing and the activity. Much different from the beta days. I quickly got started and was introduced into a shell (Short for "linkshell" for those who don't know) and met some great people which I call my friends to this day. Quick listen, a linkshell alows you to communicate with a group of people that all share the same shell as you. That's were the game really starts to stand out. The people you meet and friends you make! If you plan on sticking to yourself and not meeting people you will NOT enjoy this game. That was the mistake I made the first go around. Yes, every game has flaws. For example, the storyline can be alittle weak, but getting in a group and just playing through missions with people you have never met or seen still to this day amazes me, and it greatly makes up for any weaknesses the game has. To sum it up, the game isn't a single player game. Don't play this game alone, even though you can I wouldn't recommend it. It's much funnier meeting and playing with people and you will quickly become friends. Though there are some things to be aware of. First the cost. It can be alittle steep for some to purchase the game and harddrive and then pay a monthly fee. I was greatful that Square Enix gave me the harddrive and game for free just for being a beta tester so cost wasn't an issue in my case. The other thing to be aware of, the game takes a GREAT amount of time to play. Sometimes I have to schedule it into my day just to be able to play it, lol. It's something you can't play for 15min and expect to get anything done. Plan at least playing it for an hour. All and all the game is about meeting people. That's were it's fun! If you have the time you should check it out. It's not for everyone. That's what I thought about me the first go around, but after a really gave it a chance I found it's one of the funnest games I've played and I have made good friends in the process.
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