I have been playing Final Fantasy XI since it has come out.

This game has gotten a LOT easier and is a LOT more accessible since the early days ('03-'08). Because in no small part to the mini-expansions Abyssea, you could easily reach the level cap -playing for the first time- in two months, if you are willing to put some time into it.

There is still a strong playerbase that is really quite welcoming. Due to the fact that teamwork has been emphasized in this game to such a large degree, the community tends to know each other if not by name, then by sight. You will definitely find plenty of people who can help you out.

The gameplay isn't that bad, but you will definitely have to learn the nuances of your job. Some of the jobs are much more technical than other jobs, especially at the end game part, but its not that bad.

As for the storyline...there is a -LOT- of it. But you can easily solo a fair chunk of the expansion by yourself at 99 (the level cap). The storyline in Chains of Promathia and Wings Of The Goddess is some of the best things that Square-Enix has done in YEARS, in my honest opinion.

If you want to join, send me a PM and we'll discuss it further