[Pai Pai Master]

Today, May 16th, 2007, marks the 5th anniversary of FINAL FANTASY XI.

Five years ago today, the servers went live for the Japanese launch of the game on the PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System.

Sure, some of us came shortly after that with importing the PS2 and Windows Japanese versions and many others some time after with the North American and European releases, but today is indeed a special milestone for the game and everyone who loves it.

Let's all take a moment to reflect on the last five years with Vana'diel and its wonder. Any special moments you remember above all others? Any friends you made who you'll never forget?

Please take the time to discuss what has made Vana'diel a worthy place to be for five years so far, and many more to come.

[Skoal]

I can remember the first day I played and tried to kill an orc. It beat the shit out of me. After I hped, I went back to west ron and saw a mithra kill an orc. I sent that person a tell saying "wow" or something like that. I remember that person making fun of me since orcs were so easy to kill.

The best thing I can remember was when I found out I could solo with my drg. That opened up a whole world of new exploring and new things to kill me.

I will bring some beer home with me today to celebrate the birthday!

[Sharks]

I remember fishing four years ago, for some reason. Taking the ship ride over, and over and over again just to fish. I played for a whole year and only got to level 24.

Why? I fished.

[Mhurron]

I was so scared to fight anything when I first started. I still get nostalgic hearing the music in Windurst and Sarutabaruta. That first week was so fun for no real reason.

[Sevv]

Originally Posted by Skoal

I can remember the first day I played and tried to kill an orc. It beat the shit out of me. After I hped, I went back to west ron and saw a mithra kill an orc. I sent that person a tell saying "wow" or something like that. I remember that person making fun of me since orcs were so easy to kill.
The best thing I can remember was when I found out I could solo with my drg. That opened up a whole world of new exploring and new things to kill me.
I will bring some beer home with me today to celebrate the birthday!

God so true best moment on FFXI hell had to be the first time I soloed a nm that drgs "cant" solo, now I'm days from retiring it for ever...

Happy birthday ffxi, 5 years and still going.

[Mhurron]

Originally Posted by SevIfrit

God so true best moment on FFXI hell had to be the first time I soloed a nm that drgs "cant" solo, now I'm days from retiring it for ever...
Happy birthday ffxi, 5 years and still going.

Which nm, and retiring what?

[Raydeus]

Since I never played a MMOG before the first days it just seemed like Vana was HUGE, just going outside and hearing about all the stuff going on out there was great.

Running around mobs to "avoid" their attacks.
Traveling with a good friend of mine to many places we didn't know.
Cheering a new NIN leveling in the Highlands the first time we saw a Ninjutsu spell.
Getting my RDM hat.
Making a 5 hours run to get Bastok Rank 10
Just hanging out on the Selbi/Mhau ship and making emotes about trying to learn the Jecth's shot.
That time I HQ'd a Corsage even though I was like 6 levels below cap on the item.

And all the many many things I've done in these past 3 years that have been very fun and great (and sometimes frustrating), but as dorky as it sounds I've had much more interesting memories from Vana than I've had from RL.

Which is why I'm still playing and will keep playing for as long as I can.

[Armando]

Experiencing Hall of the Gods, Promyvion, Purgonorgo Island, Sanctuary of Zi'Tah, and Lufaise Meadows with my ex-girlfriend. Those would definetely be the most special moments ever. Oh, and mining my ass off when I was level 30 PLD to buy the full Kampf set when CoP came out.

Why do I still play? To find stuff. As long as there's mysteries to solve, numbers to crunch, and money left in dad's credit card, I'll be there. ;D

[Sevv]

Originally Posted by Mhurron

Which nm, and retiring what?

Ose was the first one of merit really, others were just solo @ my lvl

Im hanging my spear up, done with dragoon

[Mhurron]

I predict 30 days before you bring it back for those just incase moments :p

Personally I would have to say the best, and I mean absolute best thing I've done is finishing CoP chapter 1. That felt like a hell of an accomplishment. Getting my RDM AF was cool, but beating those promyvions was fantastic.

[Seraph-H]

I began as a thf, and I still remember my first sneak attack. It was in Tahrongi Canyon, on a EM yagudo and I did 92dmg~ =D
Probably getting 75 on NIN after such a long road (3years around), being able to see and do all the things I never thought I would be able to do.

And...well...this is gonna seem really sappy...but definitely tops on most memorable moments for me is the many people I've met that make this game worth playing.

[Eohmer]

lol.... I started on the first day of PS2 launch in the states... I didn't have a keyboard for my PS2 yet, so I was talking to a guy that was helping me on AIM! lol
I still remember his name... Silvercobra.

[MisterCookie]

Darn, 3+ years since NA launch, and I'm still not 75. Damn IB program...

[Lmnop]

The linkshells are like the rise and fall of dynasties. I remember every single one. A lot of people to keep track of. I think it's interesting to open up your friends list and scan each entry thinking "how did I meet this one?"

I was listening to Sparta while leveling my MNK (first SJ) in Ghelsba Outpost. I now have a connection between them. Hearing Sparta makes me think of punching orcs and crossing the bridges of Ghelsba makes me think of screaming teenagers.

Ronfaure music is all sorts of nostalgic to me. I have soooo many memories over the past 3 years but you guys don't want to hear them all, and I should probably do some work so I don't get fired today.

[Sevv]

I celebrated the games birthday by Beating Apocalypse Night and soloing Wyvernpoacher on Nin/Rdm.