As with all other massively multiplayer games, combat plays a huge role in Final Fantasy XI. However, unlike other titles, which can sometimes foster a lone wolf attitude in its players, FFXI forces cooperation and party dynamics as a premium. Yet this isn’t as restrictive as it sounds. When your character is starting out, he or she is more than capable of handling some of the minor beasts that are roaming the woods. Along with the basic attacks, players have access to both job and weapon skills that need to be powered up to be used, but provide additional attacks or greater damage. There will probably be a few moments where you’ll need to rest and heal yourself, but otherwise, you’ll be fine. The difficulty slowly ramps up, however, with some of the higher-level quests and missions, ones that will require help from other players simply to survive. However, players are also rewarded by the addition of combo attacks, powerful moves that cause obscene amounts of pain to enemies when party members are charged up. Gamers have to beware, however, because monsters can pull off similar moves against heroes.