Let me first say that if you 1. Love Final Fantasy and 2. Like MMORPG's, this game will definitely be a must play if you haven't already. That said, DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THE PS2 VERSION!!! I am very dissapointed in the graphical quality of the PS2 version enough that it actually deters from the immersive experience. All of the screenshots that you've seen have to have come from the PC version. I have my PS2 connected to a high end, flat screen, non-HDTV through component cables and I find it very difficult to make out details or even read simple text. Furthermore, I haven't yet seen that I've gotten any Dolby 5.1 sound as the game claims, it's all simple stereo. So, for $50-$75 cheaper, get the PC version if you have a decent PC to play on. Also, just to warn anyone installing the PS2 version - allow up to 4 hours before you'll actually be able to play the game. And, add another 2 hours if you install the Chains of Promethia expansion pack at the same time. I'm told that the PC version requires a similar amount of time as well; it's all a matter of downloading all the updates (which is actually pretty good as it shows how much the world is constantly updated). As for the game itself, however, it's just as great as any of the reviews have stated so I won't comment too much on that. A couple things that I would comment on, however: The fact that there are very limited ways to get Gil forces you to explore more of the game. The fact that you just don't automatically get Gil from every creature is actually very cool because how many times have you played an RPG and said to yourself, "why am I receiving a monetary reward from killing a worm or bee or some other creature that would never carry money?". Instead, you use skills such as cooking, fishing, alchemy, woodworking, etc. to create items of worth from components (through recipes) found on creature kills. There is this issue with crystals which complicates the issue, but not much. In all, a game that will definitely suck up much of your time as there is so much to do and obtaining money, xp, items, etc. requires many steps but has overall been quite fun. I would just recomend the PC version if you have a decent PC to play on.
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