ff xi

hey guys whats up.....I have been looking to get this game recently and have a few questions of my own.
Can I play offline? like the origional FF games? or is this a strictly online play? Im looking at getting the PS2 version, but have been also looking at the PC game as well, do you have any reccomendations as to which system to do this on? Also how does this compare to the other FF games? I am a real fan of FFVII and FFVIII, so if it is like these, in battle sequence/controls, FMVs and overall playability Im in.

thanks for you help

Catz

1) Its online play only.
2)Get the ps2 version for sure if your pc is beloew a 2ghz processor with 512mbDDRAM. Because it will not run vey well below that. You can also get the benchmark which will tell you how the game should run...u can get it off the FFXO website. All PS2's run the game the same and is made to run at its best on the system.
3)In battle, u select attack adn it will auto attack...depending on ur weapon adn stats determine lenght between auto attacks, but if u use a weapon skill, magic or anything else, after its used it will go back to normal attacking. You see the enemies and some will be aggressive towards you depending on ur level. You can also move around the enemy at will.
There is a lot of playability, a lot of missions and quests. No FMV's, all in game cut scenes. If you expect it to be like FF7 and 8, you will be disapointed. Expect a lot different style of game and play. There is a story too.

hmmmmm, I may sway away from this then, I was hopeful for solo play. When I hear online play all I can think about is a bunch of guys fighting each other, not like the whole quest thing.....how is the gameplay though? I know you answered my questions, and then some, but I mean is it based like the old games where you were on missions and random encounters occured or is it you fight each other?

edit also:
Im aboard a ship most of the time, so if I had a PS2 and the game I cannot play because I am required to hook up?

Don't worry, in this game no one can just run run and attack you. They have speciale events where players can fight eachother.

The gameplay is an advanced form of Lineage 2. You see all the monsters so you can avoid them at will. On some missions and quests, you will need some high level people to help you complete the mission or quest. You have "levels" that you can go through at will, but most levels you need to be a certain level before u atempt to cross them due to high level monsters. Im not the best at describing gameplay, sorry.

You mean, in real life your on a ship most of the time?

But yes, you need an internet connection to play, so you need to be able to hook up.

yeah in real life, what the hell? you think I make that kinda shit up?

Im US Navy and would like to play this game, but if it is all Inet based Im Faqed because I cannot just plug into the wall.

Alas Ill just beat the shit outta FF VII and VIII again