Final Fantasy XI isn't a new game--it's just newly released for the PlayStation 2 in North America. However, the game originally debuted in Japan nearly two years ago in the summer of 2002. Late last year, a PC version of the game shipped to these shores, which was many English-speaking gamers' first exposure to the persistent world of Vana'diel. The new PS2 version of the game is identical, to the point where you can freely transfer your player character between the different versions of the game. Yet while it's the same Final Fantasy XI, the context is completely different. Despite the fact that the PC gaming market is oversaturated with massively multiplayer online role-playing games, many PS2 owners have never experienced such a game before. But let's not beat around the bush: The PC is the better platform for Final Fantasy XI, and to properly enjoy it on your PS2, you'll need to pay $100 for the PS2 hard disk drive (the game comes included) and possibly $40 for a PS2 network adapter if you don't already have one. Plus you'll need a USB keyboard hooked up to your console to communicate with other players. On top of this, Final Fantasy XI is a time-consuming game that's got monthly fees associated with it. And now the good news: For some players, the unique experience that Final Fantasy XI provides is well worth it.