Square-Enix Final Fantasy 12

I really must protest IGN's 9.5 rating for FFXII, and its vote for Best RPG of the Year.

Final Fantasy XII from an overall viewpoint, was a major let-down, and quite possibly the most overrated, overhyped FF title I've ever seen.

The story itself had incredible potential, however instead of flourishing the amazing cast of characters by developing their pasts, and placing twists every so often--something I would've expected from Square-Enix--I was instead graced by unfinished character mechanics and a very hampered storyline that seemed to go by in a few hours.

How they managed to do this? Those 100 so hours spent were mostly--if not completely (/sarcasm)--spent on those tedious dungeons that really didn't change from beginning to end. Although the sceneries were obviously different, you would basically thrash through endless numbers of enemies to get to the final Boss Battle. Unless of course, you actually liked spending hours doing the same thing over and over again--the dungeon mechanics completely failed in terms of providing me 'good gameplay'. I'm sorry, Square, the only 7 hour dungeons I like to play through are the ones in Zelda titles. Either you spice up your dungeon objectives or try again.

Second, in retrospect, Vaan and Penelo had absolutely no reason to be in the game. Penelo more so than Vaan. Vaan makes this gradiose statement some few hours into the game that makes you *believe* he has some purpose for constantly covering your television screen, but sadly this insinuation doesn't meet its end of the bargain as I stared at the ending credits *still* wondering what Vaan meant. The only redeeming quality about the character dynamics was the top-quality voice-acting that completely set the bar for many future titles to come. But those aside, development was stagnant, Gabranth became incredibly emo far too quickly, and to save spoiling for those who haven't played yet, I'll just say I've never seen such a potentially good character *die* in only two cutscenes. Talk about a smack in the face.

Music wasn't anything special, once again we all realize just how good Nobuo Uematsu is--I pray for the success of FFXIII's soundtrack.

All in all, I must say FFXII is like an offline FFXI that has an ending. The hours I spent leveling up in FFXI really reflected the entirity of FFXII's gameplay--except there's no one to interact with and no one to yell "NOOB!" at when they manage to train a bunch of monsters to your camp.

 

I heard that the storyline goes downhill dramatically at the half way point, but people say the battle system is a plus and highly addictive, but I heard that there is alot of leveling grinding, more so than most RPG's, but there is always lot of level grinding in RPG's, so it's nothing new.

But I can't say my opinion until I get it, which will be today since it's finally out in the UK.

 

I haven't gotten too far yet. I've only just escaped from the dungeons and all.

But I must say the combat system is indeed interesting, it's got quite a lot of level grinding too since I've already bought the license for Fira/Blizzara/Thundera but that's okay.

Ashe is so far my favourite character.

 

I'm only 4 hours in, and I can already tell leveling up is a chore, it takes ages to level up characters, which is a bit of a pain, but the story so far is great, voice acting is also great and the battle system is surprisingly addictive/

 

im almost done with the game

 

I'm currently up to the Mines. Make sure you buy a Ally:HP 40% or a 50% one for healing. It's more efficent than HP:70%

 

This should be moved into the FF section.

-MOVED-

And I stopped playing it around Christmas time, too much of a chore.

 

Im with Sara, it was good at first but I had to play like three games before taking interest in it.

 

I love this game, i'm about 25 hours in, though right now i'm training getting readt for a tough area. The battle system is so addictive. O_O

 

I should really get around to saving up some more money to buy this game, I've been itching to buy it for a while now.

What's great is that Gilgamesh is featured in it, and so is Clash at the Big Bridge. ^__^

 

Haven't found time nor the motivation to continue FF12 yet. I want to stay on the forums and post more XD

 

Well, I've finished the game, and haven't touched it since. The ending kinda put me off and made me lose interest in the 'side-quests' (can't be bothered doing the 'missions'... just a waste of time from the story line... specially getting the esper Ultima >_<).

 

Yeah i finished it too and i didnt even wanna play it again ... but the game Was Ok Just hope FF-XIII wont Be like it ^-^

 

i started playing & i was loving it but sadly college got in the way so i haven't played in a bit. but i will after college & KH:FM+. :D

 

the new Battle system sux!

 

I like the new battle system, it is a good change. Turn based got boring. I say it is a welcomed change to the series. I find it very addictive.

 

i can leave the control when i go into battle... very boring i tell ya!

 

It's a lot like FFXI's battle system.

Actually, the game itself is a lot like FFXI. Even the Mandragoras look the same. You spend more hours of the game fighting monsters than you do actually enjoying the story.

*anger and hate for FFXII*

 

I like FF 12 because it's different then most FF games (offline rpgs)

Despite the fact that the combat system is similar to an 'online rpg', you have no noobs running around for say, 99% of the time, asking you what to do and bothering you all the time.

I find it addictive. I'm getting quite tired of turn-based combat.

 

Quite honestly, I prefer this new battle system. I mean, come on! We had 10 games with the old battle system! Time for a change already! I know, I know, "if it's not broken, you don't fix it" but come on! The random battles HAD to go.

I'm sorry, but being attacked by monsters every ten seconds is not exacly my idea of fun. As much as I love the previous Final Fantasy games, I say this is a welcome and needed change. But, I will admit it probably would have been better if they had made the battle system more like Chrono Trigger...