Let's skip the buildup and get to the gravy:

PSYCH!!! Every project needs an intro! Silly buns.....

Final Fantasy XI is Square Enix's first tackle at the MMORPG genre. First released in 2002, FFXI has drastically evolved over the years, with 5 expansion packs, 3 add-ons, and an....arena? That's what Abyssea is, right? The MMO has reached millions of players worldwide, and is available for PS2, PC, and Xbox 360, which means I CAN'T F###ING PLAY IT!!!!!!!!! All I have is a PS2 slim, and from what I know, the only to play FFXI on such a console requires an external HDD released ONLY IN JAPAN!!!!!!! I am well aware about the whole PS3 compatability mumbo-jumbo, BUT HOW AM I GONNA AFFORD A PS3??! What? Computer? The computer I'm using was thrown out by a school to make room for newer models, AND I CAN'T INSTALL ANYTHING WITHOUT ADMIN PERMISSION!!!!!!!!! Alright, let's say I managed to get some sort of access to this game. Here comes ANOTHER problem: SUBSCRIPTION FEES. I actually don't have a problem with the price, or method of payment, BUT I'M BROKE ALL THE F###ING TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In conclusion, FFXI is just simply not accessible to me, or a bunch of other people who are in my position. And so, I present my project.

RM2K3 (RPG (Role-playing game) Maker 2003) is a very reliable game engine for, you guessed it, RPGs, albeit kinda dated. Enterbrain, the creators of RM2K3, has indeed released newer models, but just like with FFXI, they're not accessible to me. Now, let's take in how much an offline version could compare/contrast to an online version of this game.

I fully understand that the main hook for FFXI was community as a whole, the ability to make new friends, or chum up with old ones. That is why so many people continue to play it. I've played MMOs before (mostly browser-based and free-to-play), and I know how it feels to cooperate and make huge achievements with someone you just met. However, that's never been what I liked the most about MMOs. Rather, it was the story that I would find so appealing. MMORPGs in particular are known for having very complex storylines, and that's all I really look for in a game. Needless to say, this project will focus around the central plotline.

I will treat expansion packs as "sequels," of sorts. Players will be able to carry their completed game files over to future expansions, and be able to continue on with their journeys. It's only the bare essentials for these expansions, after all. However, this feature will not be supported during the alpha and beta stages, for somewhat obvious reasons.

You're probably wondering, "Why not just watch YouTube videos or something?" I'll tell you why: THERE'S NO CONSISTENT LET'S PLAY FOR FFXI AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!! Just a few mission walkthroughs here and there, and don't even bring up Mrhappy1227's vids.

I'll also need a bit of info regarding missions, both story-based and not, as I intend to include as many of the sidequests as possible. Due to YouTube's unreliability, that's where forum members here apply. That, and I'll also need various info of Vana'diel to use as reference. Also, any comment expressing extreme prejudice at this project just for existing to begin with will likely be reported immediately. If you don't like the concept of a NON-PROFIT offline alternative to FFXI, at least explain your reasoning.

Hope to hear some feedback soon.