Cant really judge FFXI to others FF since this one is special. Its an MMORPG, you buy the game, install it with your cds and input cd-keys. It has 3 expansions at the moment but a 4th is coming out in winter (!!!!!). The game is simply awesome, graphics are superb, animations are really well done, the world is HUGE, so much weapons/armors etc to get, I could list a hell lot of things, but it would be too long... It has defaults too, like any great MMORPG, it requires monthly fees (which are worth it
), and you need to have A LOT of patience and A LOT of free time, this game requires time, time and time. You should try to find someone with a trial (I already gave mine away
) or unless you want to spend 40$ for the game and play the first month (free month), then I'd say you have to look over the game, watch videos, go on the site, inform yourself!