Final Fantasy: Every Numbered Game Ranked

11. Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy ranked
Square-Enix

Square-Enix's first leap into the online world left a lot of long-term Final Fantasy fans unwilling to pay a perpetual monthly subscription somewhat alienated - not least because there'd now be a gap in their collection.

Being such a drastic diversion from the norm makes Final Fantasy XI practically incomparable to the rest of the main-line series. So how did it stack up as an MMORPG in its own right? From the outset, it was an accessible if entirely uninspiring exemplar of the genre, except with chocobos, and one of the first since Phantasy Star Online to make a console MMO viable. Over the years, the experience was hugely enlivened by five expansions, each one gradually bringing FFXI in line with the evolving expectations of the genre.

Ultimately, though it proved a valuable money-spinner for Square-Enix in the choppy post-merger waters, it could never distinguish itself above the almighty shadow of World of Warcraft. Final Fantasy XI was effectively supplanted by Final Fantasy XIV in 2010, though remarkably, it remains live to this day.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.