Final Fantasy XII

[Link Antilles]

Ok folks, Final Fantasy XII will be released in just a few short days from now. Who here is picking it? What do you expect from it?

[Nate]

*comes in and says obligatory "BAH!" and leaves*

XP

[Link Antilles]

Your loss. XP

[Radical Dreamer]

Well, I may end up getting it someday. I'm willing to try it out, but getting a job (so I have the money to actually buy it) comes first. XD And after that, I still have to buy KH2...it may be a while before I get this game. XD

[Cognitive Gear]

I'm getting this on the 31st. Collectors Edition FTW!

The review for the game have been good in general. The ones I've read have spoken particularly high of the story and of the battle engine. Apparently the story is much deeper and more mature than previous FF. Also, the battle engine apparently has been improved in some way since the demo; considering that EVERYONE seemed to dislike the demo version, but now loves the final. Well, other than one.... but that particular reviewer hated the fact that it changed rather than giving it an honest review.

[Stephen]

I plan on getting it at some point. I skipped FF11 due to the whole online bit. My only hope is that FF12 is not a X ripoff. They need to do somthing new.

[Puritan]

I'll probably pick this up sometime, but I wasn't impressed with the preview that came with Dragon Quest VIII. I do understand the battle system may have changed (I haven't kept up with it, been too busy), but it didn't interest me as it was. As for a more mature story...to be honest, I found Final Fantasy VII and VIII to be great, IX was good, and I enjoyed X as well, so I'm unsure what a more mature and deeper storyline means as I found those stories to be interesting and multi-layered. Once I get a television set up, and the game comes down in price a bit, I'll pick it up.

[Tommy]

This game looks like a breath of fresh air. However, I think it would have been beneficial to Square to make this a game of it's on as opposed to another FF due to the extreme difference of a battle system.

[Myoti]

This game looks like a breath of fresh air. However, I think it would have been beneficial to Square to make this a game of it's on as opposed to another FF due to the extreme difference of a battle system.

Personally, I don't quite understand that. It's in the 'world' of Final Fantasy, even if some things have changed (possibly for the better).

Though I do suppose there's the argument of "making a game and applying the 'Final Fantasy' title just to boost sales." Something like that would be half-and-half, as it can be bad (like movie-based games often end up), but at the same time can be good if the game itself is solid.

[Gypsy]

I'm pretty excited about it - anything FF is for me. (Hopeless fangirl, I know ...)

[everdred12a]

Hello? This game has so many nods to FFT that it's not even funny. But it's a good thing XD Even the spell animations are the same... but prettier and in 3D. I'm so getting this when it comes out. Collector's edition, but I'm not sure if I can afford the hard-bound players guide....

[Tenshi no Ai]

Hello? This game has so many nods to FFT that it's not even funny. But it's a good thing XD

FFTA you mean?

I SO enjoyed that game. Played it as a rom and just so fun with the different classes and stuff, and to see Vieras and Bangaas on XII... it's great^^ Too bad now that I actually have a DS to play the real game on, I can't find it to buy anywhere >_< Gah! I hate when games are hard to find :/ Well, at least with XII I know it'll always be around and abundant, and probably in about 2 years or so, turn into a greatest hit for twice as less. *sigh* even the PS FFs are easy to find at EB, but are the Advances? Nope! :/

[Nate]

Though I do suppose there's the argument of "making a game and applying the 'Final Fantasy' title just to boost sales."

Final Fantasy Legend I, II, and III (originally SaGa games).

Final Fantasy Adventure (originally Seiken Densetsu).

Both titles were changed to the "Final Fantasy" name to boost sales in America.

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest - Nothing really to do with the FF universe, just a beginner's RPG they thought would sell better with the name attached.

Final Fantasy Dirge of Cerberus - Pretty self-explanatory.

Yes, Square-Enix has proven they are VERY willing to take a game and slap the Final Fantasy name on it just to boost sales. That is how I view Final Fantasy XII. Like the other games, it has nothing to do with the Final Fantasy universe, it merely has the title of the series, like an odd video game doppelgänger.

All joking aside, I hope you guys enjoy this game, I really do. However, I cannot take the change, and the only efficient way to communicate my disapproval is with my wallet. If I were to say, "I don't like the changes, but I'll buy it anyway because it might be good," Square would take that as approval. To them, purchase of the game = approval. Since I do not approve, I have no choice but to withhold.

Seriously, you think this doesn't bother me? I've been playing Final Fantasy games since I was a KID. I don't want to have to skip out on this one, believe it or not. I WANT to get it, but I don't like the changes they've made, and I want to make it clear they cannot treat one of my favorite game series like this.

Again, I merely want to tell Square I do not approve of this. You guys think, "Oh, it's just a little change to the battle system, it's not so bad." But approval of this kind of thing can only go downhill. And in ten years when Final Fantasy games are barely even what can be called RPGs and all of you are sitting there going, "What happened to the Final Fantasy games, how come they're nothing like the games we used to love?" I will point to this game, this very game, which spawned it.

Then you and I can sit together in a cafe and talk about those good times.

[Tenshi no Ai]

Final Fantasy Legend I, II, and III (originally SaGa games).

Final Fantasy Adventure (originally Seiken Densetsu).

Both titles were changed to the "Final Fantasy" name to boost sales in America.

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest - Nothing really to do with the FF universe, just a beginner's RPG they thought would sell better with the name attached.

Whoa, so I was just looking those up nwo and never even KNEW that Adventure/Legend weren't even real FFs! Mystic Quest I remember playing once though as a rom, but I got stuck on it and so then quit :/

As for another tidbit I found, I'll have to make a new topic on it because it's totally off topic (but something I found when looking at Legend/Adventure stuff) but still somethign I NEVER EVER knew that may come as a surprise to some...

[Kkun]

TONIGHT!!!!!

MIDNIGHT RELEASE PARTY AT GAMESTOP!

I'm so going to be there to grab my reserved Limited Edition copy.

Of course, I'm not gonna be able to play it until Friday. I WILL have it, though, and it will be amazing. I'm glad to see it's getting some love, not counting our resident Ebenezer Nate.

Has anyone else been playing the demo in anticipation? I've been messing around with just casting spells and stuff to see what they look like. It's so pretty.

[Kkun]

Final Fantasy Legend I, II, and III (originally SaGa games).

Final Fantasy Adventure (originally Seiken Densetsu).

Both titles were changed to the "Final Fantasy" name to boost sales in America.

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest - Nothing really to do with the FF universe, just a beginner's RPG they thought would sell better with the name attached.

Final Fantasy Dirge of Cerberus - Pretty self-explanatory.

Yes, Square-Enix has proven they are VERY willing to take a game and slap the Final Fantasy name on it just to boost sales. That is how I view Final Fantasy XII. Like the other games, it has nothing to do with the Final Fantasy universe, it merely has the title of the series, like an odd video game doppelgänger.

All joking aside, I hope you guys enjoy this game, I really do. However, I cannot take the change, and the only efficient way to communicate my disapproval is with my wallet. If I were to say, "I don't like the changes, but I'll buy it anyway because it might be good," Square would take that as approval. To them, purchase of the game = approval. Since I do not approve, I have no choice but to withhold.

Seriously, you think this doesn't bother me? I've been playing Final Fantasy games since I was a KID. I don't want to have to skip out on this one, believe it or not. I WANT to get it, but I don't like the changes they've made, and I want to make it clear they cannot treat one of my favorite game series like this.

Again, I merely want to tell Square I do not approve of this. You guys think, "Oh, it's just a little change to the battle system, it's not so bad." But approval of this kind of thing can only go downhill. And in ten years when Final Fantasy games are barely even what can be called RPGs and all of you are sitting there going, "What happened to the Final Fantasy games, how come they're nothing like the games we used to love?" I will point to this game, this very game, which spawned it.

Then you and I can sit together in a cafe and talk about those good times.

Personally, I think your fears are totally unfounded. The ATB system was a change to the original battle system (though not quite as radical). The new battle system is basically ATB with the ability to move freely on the field. Is a turn-based battle system the only thing that makes an RPG an RPG? What about Star Ocean?

Also, this is WAY WAY WAY WAY different than them just slapping the name Final Fantasy on it but it has nothing to do with Final Fantasy. It takes place in Ivalice, it has chocobos, the same magic, moogles, cactaurs, airships, political intrigue, a massive cast, summons, Tetsuya Nomura, women that don't look Asian, gigantic bosses with tons of HP, etc. etc. Is the battle system the only thing that makes it Final Fantasy for you? It sounds as Final Fantasy as Final Fantasy can be.

Seriously, I understand not wanting to see ATB go but dang, man. It's not like they've taken Final Fantasy and pushed its face in the dirt and shot it in the back of the head. This game is going to be awesome, and it's going to be just as Final Fantasy as the others. When I was playing the demo, the thought I got was, "THANK GOD, IT FEELS LIKE FINAL FANTASY, AS OPPOSED TO FINAL FANTASY X-2!!!"

I think it's cool that you're voting with your wallet and all, I just disagree very, very strongly.

[blue elf]

I pre-ordered the collector's edition game and the collector's edition guide from EB games. *I'm a huge Final Fantasy fan.* lol I don't really care if they changed the battle system, since I'm mainly in it for the story anyway. ^^ I'm so excited about this game! Are the stores actually going to have the game on the 31? Usually they don't get them till the day after the release date....or maybe that's just the stores in my area.

[Cognitive Gear]

Stores should already have it in stock. It's just a matter of the 31st rolling around.

It's been a long time since I've been this pumped about a game. I am so picking it up at midnight tonight.

[Mithrandir]

Wow. I might get it, but I'll wait until March. I've got to make sure I finish a few things before I get hopelessly myred in a game.

[Yojimbo]

Yeah while I'm really stoked to play it I have alot of stuff on my plate this week that I need to get done. Not to mention Gears of War comes out a week from today...then Rainbow Six Vegas so I'll definetly have my hands full for awhile. And then I have exams after Thanksgiving of course so I don't need a game that's gonna suck up a huge amount of time. Definitely a Christmas present for me.

[Link Antilles]

I just picked it up an hour ago (CE, of course) and have vanquished a rogue tomato (never expected to say that… ever.). So far, I am very much enoying the game and it's super high production values. The opening presentation is second on the PS2 to none, I dare say. The music. The voice acting. The cinematic direction. All excellently done. (I like the fact that you can turn off the subtitles before starting the game, unlike FFX)

As for the gameplay, it is really still up in the air for me. I have no complaints or praises at the moment, aside from it all looking very nice. It is really like trying to judge the turn-base system of FFX from the part where Auron and Tidus are fighting the insect-like sin creatures at the beginning.

However, I do have a *tiny* complaint about the camera. While it is very nice to have a 3-d camera in a single-player Final Fantasy game, it is unfortunate that you cannot change any settings on the camera. Even though I prefer it reversed, Dragon Quest VIII players will be just fine with the default.

Putting that minor detail aside, it feels like XII is going to be another magical Final Fantasy adventure!

*goes back to play more*

[Kkun]

I won't be able to really play it until Friday, but I got it, played it for an hour or so, vanquished a Rogue Tomato, and I can honestly say that it is beautiful. I've enjoyed the battle system since the demo so I'm already fine with the gameplay. I can't wait to start unlocking Gambits, and doing more stuff on the License Board.

I also really agree that the presentation is beautiful. What is really clinching this game for me is all of the Final Fantasy Tactics fanservice and how well it is done. From the narration in the opening, to the map of the overarcing conflict, the betrayal at the start of the game, and even little touches like "Faram" after a prayer and announcing Ashe as being dead (this reminds me of Delita being called the hero at the start of FFT) at the game's onset, I am really, really digging this game.

I'll have more to say this weekend.

[dyzzispell]

Getting it today. Can't wait. Gamespot gave it a 9.5, if I remember right. They said it was incredible. I skipped FFXI too because of the online thing. It's been 5 years since X came out, so I'm anxious!

[Link Antilles]

As yes, the Tactics fanservice is indeed nice and it continues throughout the soundtrack (I got the LE import OST in the mail this afternoon and am listening/ripping it at the moment).

OK, let’s see, I am a couple more hours in and have be doing a little "playing it safe" via level grinding - before and during Penelo joining the party. Unfortunately, it is still too early to play with the gambit system, but you can at the very least turn it on.

So far, I am liking what is available of the battle system. The look of the fights are starting to resemble something out of KOTOR and less so of XI. -Which is a very good thing. Also, obliviously, you level up a ton faster than in XI and there are, of course, no silly 'ol random battles to cause annoyances as you look for a place to save (saving crystals bring people back from the dead for free!).

Speaking of leveling, the License Board is a very nice evolution of the sphere grid. When you kill a baddie, you get a hand full of XP along with one LP (License Point -not sure if you can get more from a enemy). New skills on the LB cost 15 LP or more… yeah, you gotta’ kill 15 baddies. Sounds harsh, eh? No at all. The fights go by fast and before I knew it I had 60 LP to spend. These new skills range from increasing the amount of HP potions cure to allowing you to carry better/varied weapons (lances, guns, bows - another nod to Tactics). Very funny to explore, so far.

However, battling is not all sunshine and happiness, you have to be cautious. There are enemies very close to even the first city that can cream you in one blow (well, I didn't have time to check, but I'm sure Penelo didn't make it... ). So, fair warning: make sure *not* to fight anything twice your size (namely T-rexes - some giant bird/people are safe). On the other hand, if you’re curious on what the game-over screen looks like, I assume that is the best why to see it.

Also, I heard people complaining about not have enough money. It is fairly true there really isn't much money to be found on the map. However, that does not mean it is hard to get. Remember: Sell! Sell! Sell! After around an hour of fighting and selling I easily made over 3,000.

Well, I think it's about time to eat and then scare off those pesky trick or treaters.

[Link Antilles]

Getting it today. Can't wait. Gamespot gave it a 9.5, if I remember right. They said it was incredible. I skipped FFXI too because of the online thing. It's been 5 years since X came out, so I'm anxious!

I believe that is the IGN review that give it a 9.5. Gamespot seems to being taking it's sweet time on it. Since Gamespot gave FFX a 9.3, my guess is that FFXII will get a 9.4

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I guess I'll be buying this sometime or something. Might as well. I need some more ps2 games

[Debitt]

FFXII sounds much better than I expected - I was a tad cynical at first, considering FFX-2 and my vague disappointment with DoC. But it sounds like so far, Squenix might have something here. We'll see. I don't have my own PS2 at the moment, so I can just hope that this managed to momentarily distract my brother from his Wii-saving. XD

[Mithrandir]

Someone up there loves me, or at least wants me to succeed in my schooling; the place I went today was out. O.O

[Myoti]

This is actually sounding pretty promising to me (though I still have to get a PS2 first).

Yes, Square-Enix has proven they are VERY willing to take a game and slap the Final Fantasy name on it just to boost sales. That is how I view Final Fantasy XII. Like the other games, it has nothing to do with the Final Fantasy universe, it merely has the title of the series, like an odd video game doppelgänger.

I can only think one thing now:

Chocobo Racing. XD

Seriously, I understand not wanting to see ATB go but dang, man.

Shoot, I do. I never really did like it. And strangely enough, it seems like many games I've played that didn't use the ATB system moved along much more quickly and just felt, overall, more fun (to me at least).

[Link Antilles]

I started playing again a few hours ago and this game is addictive. Honesty, I never really have been all that addicted to a Final Fantasy game before. Normally, I play them a couple hours at a time during the course of a week or something. -Kind of like I do with a Zelda game. You simply want the adventure to last.

So why am I just “addictedâ€