I'm sitting here in the middle of the enormous process of moving and had a chance to take a break and think about things. Why do I keep playing FFXI?
I've been playing for over a year now and wonder sometimes what is it that keeps me coming back to this addictive game? There have been countless times when i was so frustrated or so depressed with this game i wanted to take my hard drive out and crunch it into little pieces. The time when all of my close friends quit the game comes to mind. Or how about all those times it seemed like i just couldnt beat a certain mission no matter how hard I tried. And don't forget those weeks when it seemed like you lost more xp than you gained. If i was to judge myself based on these experiences i would have to wonder was I crazy? Is fate trying to tell me something?
Even though i feel like I'm in the dumps and cant seem to get out of this rut something always cheers me up. I can remember sitting in Attowa Chasm on top of the mountain there(the one with all the winding paths) and it was just about 0500 game time and I was having one of those days when one of the most beautiful sites I have seen in this game appeared. The sun rose from behind the range of mountains in the distance painting the sky a wonderful collage of oranges, purples, reds, and yellows. As the sun rose higher that same site spread over the landscape below giving the trees and area a sort of unwordly halo. I thought to myself how can I quit a game that continues to amaze me even after all this time playing?
Even after all my close friends left the game and i was left without a ls or it seemed anyone that i could really confide in, yet again a kind soul took the time to help me out once again and introduced me to a new assortment of friendly people(I owe my still playing this game to you Tainted^^ thank you for everything you've done for me.)
Now I sit here looking back at everything I've been through and i realize that I don't want to let go of this game now. Things are looking better and I've realized the one reason why I'm still playing this game: FFXI is all about the friends you make and the experiences and moments you spend with them. Don't get so caught up in the game that you forget this. Sorry this is so long but sometimes what you have to say can't be expressed in a few words. I miss you all and can't wait to get back on after I move.