Like any good expansion,
Treasures of Aht Urhgan opens up new areas, adventures and jobs in
Final Fantasy XI. However, simply purchasing the expansion is only half of what is needed to really experience the expansion – you’ll need to complete a special quest, which will then give you access to the new area. Once there, things get a little more complicated since you’ll also need to perform three rather difficult quests in order to unlock the three new job classes: Corsair, Puppet Master and Blue Mage. While this will rule out most low-level players, the more seasoned ones shouldn’t have too much of a problem.
The new Corsair class is a ranged fighter whose main weapons are guns and special dice abilities. These abilities, which include stat and experience buffs, use dice rolls to determine just how strong they will be. Puppet Masters are another “pet class” and have control of puppets that can be used in battle. These puppets can be modified to include different attributes. Perhaps the most anticipated of the three is the Blue Mage, who has the ability to absorb skills and abilities from enemies. However, Blue Mages must first be hit by the ability and then defeat it in order to gain use of the ability.
Two new modes, Besieged and Assault, have also been included. Besieged is the FF XI equivalent of the Battle of Helm’s Deep in “The Lord of the Rings”. At certain points in the week, groups of beast men will begin attacking the town, at which point players are asked to help defend. Dying during a siege does not come with any penalties, but at the same time, it’s not a free experience spout either. Instead, participating in sieges opens up new items and quests.
In Assault, players get a series of quests that earn points which can later be spent on new items and equipment. Most of the new items found in the expansion are gained through amassing assault points, including a set of special items that must be appraised before equipping.
Other additions include a Mog Locker, which gives you a little added storage while you’re in the Whitegate.
