Final Fantasy XI Online: Treasures of Aht Urhgan

The Final Fantasy Saga has been a long time favorite among many gamers.  The Final Fantasy’s first MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game) has done quite well and is very popular among gamers.  Recently, the third expansion to this MMORPG has been released… Final Fantasy XI Online:  Treasures of Aht Urhgan.

In this third expansion of the ever so popular game, players search to uncover facts about the Aht Urhgan Empire.  This is done across an entirely new continent with over 40 new areas.  These areas include 2 new lands:  Mount Zhayolm and Halvung.  Theses new lands are full of new and deadly enemies including: Cerberus, Trolls, and Black Puddings.

Treasures of Aht Urhgan is jammed packed with new features and aspects.  It is said to be the best expansion yet.  One of the best new features is that you now have a choice of 3 new jobs.  First is the Blue Mage. The Blue Mage has a curved sword for close combat, magic spells to attack from afar, and the ability to learn enemy skills.  Second is the Corsair.  The Corsair is a pirate with a multi barreled gun called the Hexagun.  The Corsair has a “Card” ability.  Cards are drawn similar to Blackjack.  The cards drawn decide on special attacks and bonuses to aid in battle.  Finally is the Puppet Master.  The Puppet Master has various types of “pets” that it controls and the ability to fight in hand to hand combat.

The next new feature is that there are 2 new battle modes.  Assault mode allows players with high levels to jump in and play without having to assemble a huge party.  After the mission, players get assault points which can be used for gil, items, and experience.  Mercenary ranks will also go up.  Besieged mode allows players to defend a town under attack by beastmen.  Both new modes offer new challenges that are both fun and rewarding.

A feature that many people were hoping to be included is that you can now raise, care, and breed Chocobos.  You can also race your Chocobo in a racing circuit.  This offers up a nice change when you want to relax after the toils of battle.

The last couple of new features that Treasures of Aht Urhgan has are smaller by comparison, but nice.  First is the Coliseum where you can watch monsters go at it.  Next is the Mog Locker.  The Mog locker allows you to store more items for a fee.

Expect the same great musical score and breathtaking graphics as you found in the previous parts of the Final Fantasy XI saga.  The controls are the same as well.  If you haven’t played the rest of the saga, you can still jump right into the expansion since it includes the previous versions.

Final Fantasy XI Online:  Treasures of Aht Urhgan is available for your PC or for Playstation 2.  Like all MMORPG’s, you can play it online for a monthly fee.  The game has an ESRB rating of T for teen.  This is because it features mild language, violence, and animated blood.