Last week I got the opportunity to sit down for some hands on time with the first in the add-on content trilogy coming to Final Fantasy XI. A Crystalline Prophecy represents the pinnacle of the Final Fantasy XI storyline, connecting players back to the origins of the game, while at the same time providing them with fresh new end game content. My hands on time with Ode to Life Bestowing -- the first in a three part add-on series -- gave me the chance to see this pivotal storyline for myself, or at least part of it.
As with everything in the Final Fantasy franchise, it all began with a crystal. In this case, a sentient crystal appears to your character and several key NPCs from the game an event that was foretold long ago. Even stranger is the appearance of young Aldo, the boy who plays a starring role in the game's opening cinematic. Finally we are going to get a chance to delve into the mystery surrounding the child.
In my short time with Crystalline Prophecy I was absolutely enthralled. I'm not so much excited about the three new sets of armor or the daily quest system to augment gear with random stats. It's the story that intrigued me during my hands on time. The player gets the opportunity to experience pivotal events in Vana'diel's history, actually being there to make history themselves. I got the distinct impression that I was witnessing the best storytelling Final Fantasy XI has to offer, and I definitely wanted to see more.
Obviously, this isn't the sort of content you can jump right into if you haven't been playing the game. As the magnum opus of the MMO's storyline, Crystalline Prophecy is almost entirely end-game content. You're going to need more than just your skills and wits to complete this content, you'll also need a party of reliable warriors to help you, in true Final Fantasy style. I for one am seriously picking up my little black mage again and pushing through to level 75 to see if I can experience this add-on for myself. Something tells me it would be worth it.
