"Keeping up" with modern MMOs means EverQuest II, Age of Conan, Darkfall, etc. which all happen to be miming World of Warcraft. I wouldn't go so far as to say that's a good thing.

As an avid player of FFXI, I rather like the direction the game has taken instead of hopping on the WoW bandwagon. FFXI is most definitely a niche game, but I would prefer that it stays that way. The day they implement the carebear features that have made modern MMOs so popular is the day I unsubscribe.

Well, the thing about FFXI is that it's a very challenging and punishing game. The issue is, however, that half of the challenge comes from the game itself, and the other half from the game's clunky UI and odd design decisions, such as being unable to attack a mob for a certain duration after killing another one, allowing said mob to just demolish you while you watch if you happen to pull adds.

I like the game, I really do. But some of its design decisions are baffling, and the UI could use a bit of a make-over for PC users at least, especially in the realm of mouse-targeting.

But I really do like how challenging and punishing the game is, quirky design decisions aside.

Though there is a line between "carebear" and "user-friendly," and it wouldn't kill FFXI to at least scooch a little more into user-friendly territory, while remaining far from carebear-land. It's definitely doable. Fields of Valor is a great start.

When all is said and done, however, the game is still mostly a grindfest, and that needs to be remedied.

Hey dude, what don't you like about the UI?
FFXI has been the MMO I've spent the longest on, about 4 years, and perhaps because of that reason and that it was my first MMO- I find the UI easier than other MMO's. I can't get the hang of the WoW layout at all, but obviously millions can.
Just wanted to know what parts you don't like about the UI, personally I think it's only flaw is that the compass should be a minimap like WoW..

I don't think many people bother with mouse targeting on it, TAB is usually quicker, or other macros. But I see where you're coming from on that. They're not going to alter that though, because they're trying to keep the 360ers and the PS2ers happy.

I agree that it is a punishing grind game. But if you're way into it, like I am and many others, it feels much more rewarding when you get new armor/equip/merits/levels/etc, and the challenge makes you feel like you've actually accomplished something, rather than in WoW where people can get to level 60 in a matter of weeks.