What Exactly is Online?

[Yuffie514]

lets get into the minor details:

1) there are 5 races to choose from. unfortunately, Galka are generally considered male and only the female Mithras venture out. i think each race has 8 face models and 2 hair-color choices [more would be better].
2) you can form parties and fight monsters with other players from around the world. all battles are ATB-style.
3) in-game screenshots - gotta love it.
4) a rather shabby [IMO] selection of "starter" Jobs: Thief, Red-Mage, Warrior, Black-Mage, White-Mage, and Monk. plus, you can choose to ally yourself with one of three nations of Windurst, Bastok, and San D'Oria.

I hear that you have to pay money every month for it is it true?

yes...Square-Enix wants your money and has never offered anything free of charge. it depends where you live. for me [USA] i pay $4 for each character, plus a $12 activation fee...