Square Enix Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

So this is a remake of the PS2 game FFXII. The graphics look a little nicer of course, but there are several quality of life improvements. Gone are things like “if you look at this chest sideways, much less open it, you’ll never see the Zodiac Spear”. There are job classes (only 12) that you choose (though they can be changed) which determine your license boards. This adds a element of strategy as opposed to “everyone has access to everything so pick your favorite three characters (or the best three) and use them all the time”. It adds a small amount of challenge to the game over the original. Overall it’s just a better version of the original PS2 game that I recommend over the original (and I have played the original). It’s combat system (in Gambits) is a departure from the previous FF games in the series as it moves away from turn based combat and instead delivers a more real time experience. You can choose to ignore the Gambit system, but it’s not recommended you do that. The story is fairly solid, (and no it is NOT a copy of Star Wars story), and most of the characters, for what little personality they are given, are likeable. Overall it’s a game that you’ll get a great deal of playtime out of, especially if you’re a competitionist as there’s a lot to do, explore, and discover.

This is the first JRPG [or even RPG] in which I have *desired* to grind. The truly brilliant customizable gambit system makes my team of “leading” men and women a powerhouse of awesome, that work they way I want them to, while I can hit the speed-up option, enjoy the scenery, and the sweepingly beautiful John Williams-esque music. I’ll often run between far locations rather than fast-travel. I repeat, this is unusual behavior for me. I usually hit that fast travel button quicker than you can say “where are we headed?”. Ivalice is a place you want to stay and enjoy for as long as you can.

There are a few things you should look into before playing so you have a plan/better understanding before charging ahead, as you will be better able to enjoy the systems when you understand how they work: the Zodiac job system and the gambit system. I lot of the gripes I see about this game refer to these two things. Do some reconnaissance, learn how to utilize them to your advantage, and be a powerhouse!!!

Also, I walked into this game with the idea that Vaan (although I liked him well enough) was simply one of many main characters. His purpose is to be the one who asks questions so people explain things to us throughout the game. If I was stuck in the idea the he was “the” main character, I think I might have enjoyed the game a little less. (Besides, we all know that Balthier is the “leading man” hahaha) Each of your party is a main character in their own right, and each has a story, motivation, and plan unique to them.

The deeper storylines, political intrigue, recurring guest party members, multiple main characters, great personalities (looking at you Balthier!), all make for an exciting, downright enjoyable romp in lovely Ivalice that you won’t be able to forget anytime soon! Do yourself a favor, if you are on the fence, give it a try. I truly doubt you’ll regret it.

Si te gustan los RPG con este estilo medieval de fanstasi sin duda está edición de FF12 te va a encantar una nueva de forma de disfrutar los grandes juegos de ella saga.
Muchas misiones y un mundo semi abierto que te dará para muchas horas entre tratar de descubrir todos sus secretos. Una historia mejorable pero que se dijiere por su lore y una excelente jugabilidad con nuevo sistema ZODIAC JOB SISTEM que ahora marcan diferencias y utilidad entre los personajes del grupo.

I enjoyed this game immensely when it first came out on PlayStation 2, but was a little reluctant to play the whole game over again because of its density. I pulled the trigger and picked up the game while it was on sale, and am extremely glad I did so. The game is still as enjoyable as ever, and with the time elapsed since my last playthrough I feel like the story is still fresh and exciting. The improvements made by Square Enix are extremely welcome. The graphical overhaul makes the game look amazing, even at 12 years old. The ability to fast forward (at either 2x or 4x) at the push of a button is great for getting through some of the more dragged-out sequences, especially grinding for loot or experience. The fast-forward works surprisingly well in tandem with the semi-automated gambit battle system, as you can carefully craft your battle plan through setting up gambits and let the characters take care of combat after that. I am especially grateful that the game now contains an auto-save feature. I have vivid memories of frantically searching for save points when I had to stop playing the game, or leaving it running if I couldn’t find one but had to leave. I am glad that the portion of 2006 that needed save points is done, even if they still existing in this game.

I am excited to be able to re-experience this unique chapter of my favorite video game series in a way that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time. Final Fantasy XII definitely withstands the test of time, even more so than the Final Fantasy X HD Remaster from a few years ago. I look forward to what Square Enix has to offer with other legacy games in the series.