Is the game still active?

Yes, concurrent players online at once on a single server range from 500-1500. There are still 16 servers (worlds) online and running. If you've just started and aren't seeing many players in the starting cities, it's because everyone is in Jeuno or the new Adoulin city.

I haven't played/subscribed in years, is my character still there?

As long as you didn't actually delete your character, yes it'll likely still be there and should return when you reactivate your account. SE rarely ever deletes inactive characters (even though they say they do).

I want to return, but don't have my CDs. Where do I get the game?

There is a free download of the game client available on the PlayOnline website: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/download/media/install_win.html If you're missing expansions or addons, your best bet is probably to buy the digital full Collection while it is on sale (Steam, Amazon, etc).

I'm looking to return, but I forgot my PlayOnline ID or password. What can I do?

If you want to use your account still, call FFXI support (1-858-790-7529) and they will ask you various questions to confirm the account is yours (DOB, name, etc).

Does it still take a very long time to level up to max?

Not at all, XP gains have massively been improved. See the next question below.

Is grinding still as essential to the game as it ever was?

No, typical parties are no more and replaced with Fields/Grounds of Valor alliances (at lower levels) or soloing with trust npcs and Abyssea alliances (higher levels). Typical XP gains are now 75k/hour at the least, even 500k/hour (screenshot) isn't uncommon. One could level from 1 to 99 in a matter of weeks (or less), outside of Limit Breaks etc. As with most MMOs, there are still some aspects of grinding in other parts of the game (such as Trial of the Magians).

I miss the old FFXI (typical XP parties, etc). What can I do?

It's still possible to form 6-man parties to sit at camps and grind down IT mobs, there have been Linkshells dedicated for this purpose. But SquareEnix is aiming to make the game more accessible; leveling is no longer as time consuming as it used to be, which allows players to work on the actual content of the game like missions, item upgrades, events, etc. The old way of leveling may be less common, but that does not mean the social aspect has been lost. It is much more convenient nowadays to pick up a small group to accomplish a larger event (like a mission or endgame event) which results in more social events on a daily basis, instead of planning days in advance to gather a large group.

I heard the level cap changed, what is it now?

The level cap was raised to 99 (thus subjob would be 49), with more Limit Breaks as usual. Most of the LBs are easy until the last one, and even that is not difficult with the proper preparation.

Has soloing changed at all?

Yes, it's easier to solo now (in terms of missions & leveling). Fields of Valor make it easier to solo for XP, and a lot of the missions (like the CoP missions) have been uncapped so it is possible to solo them now (being level 99 also helps with that as well as the addition of Trust npcs).

What upcoming content is there to look forward to?

The new full-fledged expansion called Seekers of Adoulin was released in 2013 and continuous [free] updates are released expanding areas and story around Adoulin. This is important because the last content packs were add-ons and not expansions; it includes 2 new jobs and brand new areas. Version Updates (full of content) are still typically released every 2 or 3 months.

I want to play for the story. How viable is this without help?

The story is fantastic and it's very possible to play through the story with little help. Many missions (missions are the main story) were either eased in terms of access or had their level cap removed. Trust NPCs is a new system giving players NPCs to help them in a party which can assist you in mission battles. The level cap increase to 99 also makes fights easier when you're a higher level. All of this allows for players to complete story battles alone that previously was not possible (typically without a full party).

Can I still play on the Xbox 360 or PS2?

Yes, your account/characters will work on any system (PC/PS2/360). You just need to get the game installation/discs, but it will be activated under your account. You'll need all game discs for full expansions and no discs for add-ons (add-ons are downloaded from PlayOnline). The PS2 version is essentially being "retired" outside of Japan, as the latest expansion (Seekers of Adoulin) will not be released in the US on PS2. It can be installed on an American PS2 though.

What is Windower? Can I get banned for it?

Windower is a 3rd party tool to allow windowed mode in FFXI and also includes various other helpful add-ons. There is now an official windowed mode in FFXI though, but Windower still features many useful tools like chat logging. In the ToS it does prohibit 3rd party tools, but generally you won't get banned unless you come out and say you're using it (or advertise Windower). SquareEnix has stated "Won't start banning […] hopes everyone will start using the official windowed mode, but if you use a 3rd party one […] it will be at your 'own risk'".

How is x/y/z job now?

This is a tricky and possibly biased question. Jobs have changed (especially with being able to be level 99main/49sub) and the developers are still tweaking jobs.

Does the game still use PlayOnline?

Yes, but not very much anymore. Billing is now done through SquareEnix's account management website.

I'm missing only a couple expansions/addons, what's the best way to get them?

Buy the latest Ultimate Collection on Steam/Amazon/etc. There are very often sales that drop the price. The one key you get from this purchase can be used on existing accounts to unlock everything.