1) This isn't just "buy a hard drive for $100". If you don't plan on playing ffxi, then it's silly to get it since no other games support the HD at the moment. (They will, though, within a month, and Sony may very well bundle them or unbundle the drive...)

2) The graphics are impressive. Sure, it's not TV. It's not supposed to be. It's very very much playable on the PS2 and even over a modem connection (Square-Enix did a great job on reducing bandwidth need). if you enjoy playing games on the sofa instead of at a desk, the PS2 version is great for that. If you like playing games at a desk, go for PC.

3) There is a story: whoever claims there isn't should start paying attention to the opening movie and missions 6, 10, 11, and 12 as well as the city-specific missions.

yes, there is a monthly cost. All in all, though, it's still cheaper than any game I've played in a dollar/hour comparison.

Oh, and as a ps2 beta player, I got this kit for free: but I still paid good gil, er, money, for the PC version a few months ago so I could keep playing.

HDD has more functions than you think it does (Rating: 4.00)
Review : First off you MUST have the Network Adapter to install the HDD!

I was the beta tester and now the owner of FFXI and the HDD and it is a good expansion to the PS2. For certain games like Resident Evil Outbreak (the one released this week) the HDD decreases load times. Also about the memory feature, it's true you CANNOT save directly to the HDD. HOWEVER you can LOAD ALL OF YOUR SAVES from your memory cards to the HDD as a backup. So you fill up a memory card move the files to the HDD, fill it up again and move those to the HDD. Then when you want to use the old saves just move them back to the memory card. It may sound like a hassel but it LITERALLY only takes 15 seconds to do and you'll never have to buy another memory card again.

As far as FFXI goes, it is completely different from previous FF games but its quite addictive (even to those not found to RPGs) the graphics are great and the game never ends, I mean you'll be playing this for months and still not see half of what the game has to offer. I recommend you use a USB keyboard as well, b/c you can't keep up w/everybody else otherwise. One more thing, the game COST $13 a month to play so I suggest you really play it for the 30 day trail period to see if you really enjoy it.

Overall this a very costly investment, a good one but costly.

just to make this short (Rating: 5.00)
Review : fun, buy it, and enjoy it

A review not a bashing (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Lets start off with the game. I am basing this game on my experience Playing it on the PC, so i am assuming it will be the same for the PS2. Also i am not hear to bash any systems or the HDD that comes with the game. I own every system you can name IMO a true gamer is one that doesnt bound themselves to 1 system but tries everything and plays everything and gives each system the respect they deserve. Thats the reason why we all play videogames cause they are fun to play.

Graphics 8.5-10
What can i say its a final fantasy game as for it being online i have played a lot of online MMORPG games and this has some pretty clean and beautiful graphics. Especially when you change your equipment and are allowed to see it wonderfully done. Would of been a 10 but its nothing new or something that has not been done before.

Sound/Music 8-10
The sound track in this game is great, but something i think should have been worked on it sounds bland at times, and a bit repetative. As for sound effects aswesome its something that would be enjoyed especially in surround sound you have to hear it to believe it.

Gameplay 9-10
Its an ONLINE GAME lol its endless so much to do you got crafting skills with over 5 guilds to join, missions, quests, changing your job, advance job quests, and a slew of secrets to find out! all i gotta say is you are NEVER gonna beat this game its pretty much endless.

Control 10/10
its easy although the learning curve is set pretty high for a novice to pick up and go, but veterans of this genre will find it suitable and easy to learn. Macros make this game even better to make battles much much easier on you and your party. This is where i feel bad for PS2 players who want to use a control i would say save yourself the trouble and invest in a keyboard trust me you will need it. Chatting, fighting, casting spells, and making sure everyone is okay epecially yourself will be a hard task if you use just a game controller.

Story 4.5/10
Not much of a plot really its kinda how would i say jumbled, but an okay story at that. I suggest making your own story as it is in a way your own adventure and what you make of it. Also if you think there will be a stand alone game instead of just playing online there isnt one this is PURELY an online game.

Final score 8/10
and thats the bottom line Its a great MMORpg game that has a lot of promises and updates to keep you happy for years to come, and i mean A LOT of updates, hence thats why they threw in the 40gig Hard Disc Drive.The game alone is about 5-6 gigs. Well thats all i have to say see all of you playstation 2 players online.

Simple Facts (Rating: 0.00)
Review : I read all the silliness above, but here's the scoop. You're buying the HDD for a hundred bucks. As a bonus, you're getting FFXI and a free month of play. Not so bad, is it? If you don't want the game, don't play it? It isn't all that large as MMORPG games go. Better yet, try it for the free month! The game is beautiful, rich and full of opportunities to play the game YOUR way. And you don't even have to install it like the PC players do. If you don't like it, don't pay for another month. Simple. You'll still have the HDD at a price which isn't bad considering that it's a peripheral for a console and not a PC hard drive. If you DO like it, you'll be joining half a million players worldwide in one of the BEST MMORPG games ever. Find out what makes Vana'diel so amazing and see what you're missing. If you're planning to buy the HDD anyway, it won't cost you a thing.