I personally loved FFXI, but I would definitely consider the Ultimate Edition versus just downloading it and having to download each of the episodes. Also know that next year they will be releasing Final Fantasy XIV which is a brand new MMO. It already looks pretty amazing.

It's generally a good game though much better on the PC than the Xbox 360 but well worth playing.

I was playing XI for a while also, there are so many skills to build so it was a lot of fun for me. I just couldn't afford it after a while. If I were you, I'd wait for XIV, like gamingangel suggested--look up some trailers, you'll be floored.

I played FF XI for over a year. I have many great memories of it, but honestly, just like every other MMO, it's the community that makes the game. The people you play with have a huge effect on the game because you'll mostly be leveling with them alot. Trying to find a party if you don't have people to play with is quite a chore and then you have to go out and find a spot to level at. If your looking for something to get on, play for a hour and then take a break, stop now. It's not that kinda game.

This game is challenging, but rewarding. If you die, you lose experience even if you find someone to revive you. Also, if you play a class like Dragoon, your not gonna get many party invites. White Mages, Bards, Red Mages, Black Mages, Paladins, Warriors, Thieves, Rangers, and Ninjas are the classes parties want.

My suggestion is to try it out and if you think you'll like it, then try and convince some people who have the same schedule to come play with you. If you don't, then try something easier like WoW or wait and see if FF XIV will be something more to your liking.

I have heard nothing but good about that game..I'm looking at giving it a try as well! Good luck and have fun :)