I can say this - in most Final Fantasy games it feels like game's world is created to support the main story. But only in XI, XII and XIV (of which two are MMOs) it feels that world had existed before and story happens IN the world. FFXII is a very special RPG in my heart, with all of its shortcomings it has most fascinating setting where I believe I could have lived if I was a normal citizen of this world. I love gameplay of XII as well. It's a really good looking and fun game in my opinion. It has probably strangest case of soundtrack that I can't name a single song, but I know that "Yes, this song IS from Final Fantasy XII", unlike FFXIV where OST is great but let's be clear, "Fiend" doesn't sound like it's from Final Fantasy at all and "Scream" reminds me more of Persona 3 rather than Final Fantasy while "Dedicated to Moonlight" or "Return to Oblivion" would fit Eurovision rather than end of the raid. For those who don't know - those are fantastic songs and I love them, XIV has beautiful soundtrack and many songs are memorable and in many cases lyrics tell part of the story along with visuals. However, where XII lacks on distinctive sound for each of its song, it makes up on consistency of the style, and you can say quickly that each song fits XII amazingly.
The composer is called Hitoshi Sakimoto. He also composed the soundtrack for the other Ivalice Alliance games: Vagrant Story and FF tactics. All three are set in the same universe.
Totally agree. I'm a The Legend of Dragoon fan, more than a Final Fantasy fan, and FF12 ended up being my absolute favorite among the Final Fantasy games i've played. Even above FF7 or 9
World building. From art direction to music, this game is aces at it. You hit the nail on the head, the story happens in this preexisting world, and makes the game so much better for it.
FFXII is my comfort game. I was also 14 when it released and my little brother bought it because we were both such huge fans of the franchise. He couldn't get into it, and stopped playing within a couple of weeks. He gave it to me and, even with the obvious flaws, I loved it. I've since replayed it countless times, and it's the only one of the series that I own on every major console. This has been such a validating video after years of defending it from naysayers, so thank you for that. :)
It took some time for me to appreciate XII but the more time I spend with it the more favourably I view it and the higher up my list it goes. Honestly think it slots just behind X for my favorite of all time, and I could easily see a world where if I started with XII it would be #1 vs X
Dude! Great comment. People like you got me wondering about this game. When it released I was much younger and the free camera really took me out of it for some reason. Played for a week and Never touched it again. Now in 2023 I am doing a proper play through and only just started this morning. A bit dated, but man this is such a blast from the past with the mechanics!! I feel like it paved the way for future installments
I loved ff 12 as a kid. Awesome gameplay, beautiful world, epic voice acting. BUT The story is super cliche, the character development is non existent and so could never compete with ff 10. Of course it's filled with typical Japanese sexism. Look at what Princess Ashe is wearing. Is it a mini skirt? NO It's literally to small pieces of cloth barely held together by a belt on top. Utterly revolting what these freaks do to their female characters.
I told my mom I wanted FF7 for Christmas when I was younger and she ended up buying me FF12. I was so bummed out that it wasn't the game, so I just popped it in and tried to play it. I fell in love with it, I also have it on every one of my consoles.
Famitsu was ahead of its time, they already realized it was a masterpiece right away. First and only final fantasy to receive 40/40 until the release of XIII-2
That’s actually bull though with it having by far the weakest combat system of any before it. I hate how bad it is because I love everything else about the game
@@ChronoMune Definitely a matter of opinion, as my favorite thing about the game is it's combat system, & I'm a die-hard stan for the old, turn-based games. It's definitely different, but I still really enjoy the freedom it gives you. It's like a real-time, more strategic FFV, which might have my favorite battle system of the first 10. I will say though that I never played the original release, just Zodiac Age.
When XII came out, i was already a huge FF fan since the SNES days, i was 25 years old and i despised the game for i saw the story boring and how different it was from the classics i adored. Then recently, a few years ago i picked up the Zodiac Age and gave the game a second change and holy cow, the story, characters, world, tone, music and gameplay is absolutely awesome, i as an adult now with a different mindset see how the game really was and is a masterpiece, and it instantly became one of my favs.
So different than me, i never liked old school FF games, they were too cheesy for me, this one was just right. From gameplay and story perspective to world and music. I played FFX remaster in 2018. and it was so boring for me.
But but.. I never get past "cure on low health ally > attack closest enemy" Before my brain shuts down. I think i'd need a coach, to sit along side me and guide me through learning it, explain why certain choices are made, stuff like that. Looking it up I usually make it 20% of the way at most through the story and hit the point I put the game away.. for years lol. Tried to play it like 4 times now.
@@udalix Gambits do require you to know your abilities and visualize situations. What would you do first in X scenario? Then you order them so they're prioritized in the most efficient way. _That being said,_ keep in mind this game has Wait Mode where the action freezes while in menus. It can be played by directly controlling the actions of every character-even to the point of never using Gambits at all, or limiting them to a simple setup and taking manual control for important or context-sensitive actions. I always thought the Gambit system was an awesome premise, but personally I played in Wait Mode and did every single action manually for my party because that's the experience I wanted.
I'm so glad that this game is getting praised lately, it's has been misunderstood and underrated for quite a while, this game is a Masterpiece it's should have been the one of top tier best FF games
Just began this game this morning! Can’t wait to see what it’s all about. Love FF but got out of it after 13. 15 rejuvenated my interest in the series so I’m playing the ones I missed or didn’t give a chance to . brilliant
@@Sammsy1126 well, I’m telling you the first few hours will be pretty fun, exploring the world around and not knowing what to expect and then when you get the whole party to play with.. it’s fun to play with each character and have the desire to keep levelling up and getting stronger and equip new weapons and armors and the hunt quests are awesome and challenging and yet completely optional
I love the Gambit System but my problem is the marriage of automation and manual inputs is not as seamless as I want it to be. The menus are buried in sub-menus and there's a lot of menu hopping going on. For trash mobs this is not noticeable because you don't need to change anything. But when you get to the later stages of trial mode, hunting monsters and exploring places that are levels above you, you begin to notice how tedious it is. Changing gambits, party members, and equipment mid-fight feels like I'm wrestling with the UI.
@@One.Zero.One101 I don't even change my Gambits often lol, my Gambits are basically "Phoenix down, Cure for 60%, Items to remove negative status, Attack the enemy" for every single character, I only change it when I get new Magic for more healing or for Elemental damage or Protect, Shell, Haste, Bravery and Faith, the entire time I keep moving the analog stick and press the menu battle button, the only thing I change in Mid fight are accessories for special abilities against some certain enemies or use items for something, but the other equipments I always choose the strongest or the better for each character and their job, but I agree with you and I also always level up so much before facing anything and then most of the bosses dies with few hits
FFXII is my favorite game in the series for its world-building, music, and art design (including characters as well as environments), and tied up with the beautiful ribbon that is the *incredible* translation and localization. The plot is AAAALMOST there before getting a bit lost in the second half, BUT I would still argue that it has one of the best FF plots for feeling so much more "grounded" (while remembering it's still high, high fantasy).
for me no other installment can match the world building of final fantasy xii, the game mechanic was perfect, open world, the stories is heavy, it has diverse culture, many new installment isnt as good as ffxii even new one like fvii remake and xvi. FFXII was the best game that carried final fantasy atmosphere.
FF Tactics and FFTA have the same level of world building with FF12 granted they all share the same universe so their story telling is really similar. But I agree; In the main line nothing is as intriguing as Ff12 when it comes to the story of the world. FF VII up until now sounds gibberish to me when it comes to "Mother", "Shinra", "Eco", "Jenova". But in FF 12 the use of Hinduism and Greek Zodiac constellations are well assimilated that despite being more complicated in terms of english phrasing, you actually understand what the characters are saying and they are all speaking in a "shakespearean way". The cinematography is also great. It's not just beautiful anime characters, there's a story to tell with how the angle was placed far from the viewers while the characters like Vayne and the emperor are talking but neither's faces were not seen.
i played the original, and i honestly kinda preferred the license system to that over Zodiac's job system, but i know that makes me an outlier. main reason was because of the buffs. before a battle, i'd spend time getting everybody fully buffed as would be done in a typical MMO. with the old job system, everybody had access to the same spells, which would make every instance of the same buff on relatively the same timer. more menu hopping, but faster in-game results on Zodiac, now that everyone is limited to their jobs, it feels like it'd take more time cuz now i'd have to wait on 1 party member to apply every applicable buff one after the other. after looking up the spells and finding they're practically the same, it would've been better if some spells (like Bubble) got an upgrade to affect the whole party, cutting down on wasted time
This game blew my mind when i first got it back in 2006. I had the demo of it from dragon quest viii and played it often. I'm playing the original again on my ps2 in 2024 and it still holds up to this day. Amazing rpg in every way
You really nailed something I appreciate about Vaan that I’ve never really been able to articulate. He’s not a super memorable character (and possibly a bit of a prick), but his curious personality, zest for adventure, and lack of worldly experience really play well with thr player’s experience of the map. I think that position he’s in gives you an element of innocence when it comes to exploring; depending on the type of player you are, in some games the main character’s narrative/demeanor might induce a sense of urgency to push on in the main quest. With Vaan wandering around cities you don’t feel that as much, if at all. Like, if Basch was the main character like he was originally supposed to be, do you think he’d be the type of person to chat up random socialites to collect social currency in Archades (not my favorite required side quest, but you get my point)?
Out of the 13 FF's I have maxed out (platinummed or whatever), this is probably my all time favorite single player FF. I often dream of a new FF expanding and polishing this amazing game, world and gameplay. This game actually first released on PS2 is absolutely nuts. For gameplay theres a few things I would loooove to see: - Gambits profiles swapable on the fly (gambt set A, B, C) - Steal would actually be bypassed when item is stolen - Gambits menu available by touch of a button (not have to go through menu) - Same as above for equipment menu - If a 2/4x modifier, include it for CS, espers etc too - A new game+ which actaully carries over items/gear etc ...to name a few. Still. Best game ever.
Not just the best ff title but my most favourite game of all time. So much great memories playing it on PS2 back in the day. Uncovering all secrets,all hunts and beating yiazmat is still the best gaming experience i ever had. Game was WAY ahead of its time
I think that Vaan feels much better in the story when looked at as a side character. Initially playing as him also let’s you experience life in Rabanastre in a way that would not work with any of the other characters. It gives space for connecting and exploring the world in a grounded way, which couldn’t be done as a sky pirate, ‘traitor’ knight, or Princess.
Vaan also represents the player cause they are also interested and re going along with the story and the world like Vaan and player are relatable and they experiencing these events for the first time
Who do you think would be a good fit for the main if not Vaan? He always looked like a little gay boy but now I appreciate the look as I’m a gay boy as well
I remember hearing about "Cid" being an antagonist and had perceived this game without finishing as crap when it first came out. I finished the game today and I have a much greater appreciation for it. Its an amazing political thriller, accepting loss, and addictive gameplay.
This is an absolutely fantastic retrospective. You should have more subscribers for sure. FFXII was an incredible game. To think the devs managed to squeeze everything on to a PS2 disc is mindblowing. I was absolutely enthralled with the world and production values. The OST and the script was so high level it felt like a novel written by a celebrated author. To follow up after X - a game which I never thought could be bested - with XII which stood side by side with it in terms of quality, originality and scope is testament to the greatness of the game. The last great FF title for me. All others since have felt vacant in comparison.
I FELT every ward I heard. What a beautiful experience this game was. And from a 7 years old child prospective (at the time, 2006, I already loved it) Vaan was simply... Me, exploring a beautiful world, with some SPECTACULAR OST that I still return listening (Seeking Power, To the Place of the Gods, Realm of Memories, The Forgotten Capital).
It couldn't have been explained any better ,this is the game that always came back to my mind after palying it, because is like a real life experience that was being witnessed , the details , emotions, characters, the graphics ,this combination nailed it down, now we dont know if we'll ever see some other game like this one🎉
Man I loved this game very much! I got the original on release the day I moved to my first house. I was going through a rough break up, and this game took me away from that. I got the Tournesol, which to me was a big achievement. I also beat Yiazmat, it took me forever. Great video.
Hehe, it WAS my first FF, and it has a special place in my heart, so it is funny to hear it should not be an introduction to FF, since I haven't found anything that compares in terms if battlesystem, it was ahead of its time.
It’s my favourite FF!! I’ve played it on the BBC PS2 2X, on the PS4 1x and playing it on the switch for the 3rd time now 🙈. Every time is different and I’m still discovering new secrets.
Really enjoyed your video and perspective! Also your audio is fantastic. Far too many “professional” RUclipsrs have inexcusable amateur audio recording and as an engineer it’s incredibly frustrating to sit through!! Yours on the other hand is top notch and I applaud you sir.
I have a weird POV of the FF franchise because FFXII was my first ever FF game when I was kid who discovered their older brother's abandoned copy of the game for PS2. I adored this game even if I wasn't playing it with a full understanding of what was going on or the combat systems. Never actually finished but definitely spent countless hours playing.I hope to revisit it through the Zodiac Age version soon! Thank you for the awesome video. Glad to know I'm not the only one who appreciates it.
Personally I played FFXII on release day.. I was 10 back then and the best friend of my father was and still is to this game a huge gamer himself and a fan of Final Fantasy as a whole, so he got it for himself and me [which was super lovely of him] And I remember that.. I was just blown away by it, to be honest I had never played a Final Fantasy game before this one.. [pretty much all of them later tho] and it felt.. so pure, in it's delivery.. the writing, the voice acting.. so believable as if I was to truly step into another world.. Yes Vaan is a terrible protagonist -but- an amazing stand-in for the player as a side-character.. caught up in something bigger and along for the ride! And I loved that... visiting these places for the first time and what seemed to be a genuine reaction from Vaan and Penelo to all of them, similar if not exactly the same how I reacted behind the screen. It took me approximately 200hours [not counting the times I died and got reset to the saving gem] to fully finish the game.. and to this very day, Yiasmat.. Omega MKXII and that god damn fishing mini-game stick with me.. earning the Wyrmhero sword was just an insane feeling.. I knew back then that I will never use it as getting it meant that I pretty much did all there was to do in the game.. but it was a sign of accomplishment and one I hold dear! Then again the version I played had the license board where every character had the same with no direct job system but honestly.. I did not care.. i did not know jobs existed and having that level of freedom.. that level of choice of what and how to do it. got I am getting goosebumps @Lord High Summoner Thank you, for making such a wonderful video about my personal favourite game of all times.. yes it isn't perfect.. far from it actually, but I do not care.. it holds a special place in my heart
One of my favourite games. I'm not a FF fan or the like. I'm always surprised when I hear FF fans saying it's not good. Like, at the very least you might think it's not good, but to say it's bad is such an injustice to the game.
As a 14 year old I thought the game was a tad boring I didn’t care about the side characters and stories I played the remaster and holy was I fuckin wrong and this game to this day is my fav ff game of all tome
FFXII is my favorite Final fantasy game. My favorite back when it released when I was young and in HS, and still my favorite as an adult. I still have my original PS2/memory card with my fave file. I also have the remastered version on my PS5
I love this video, yes ff12 was really a victim of the constant troubles SE kept facing suring development, it played a huge role shaping this game, to a point where you can't review this game without first giving context on what happined before release, otherwise you wouldn't be just in your review, tho even with all the things that happened, after 17 years since i first played it, i stil think that it's the most artistic game I've ever played, i used to think that no game was as artistic as vagrant story, until ff12 came out, but to this day nothing toppedvff12, especially with the release of the zodiac age which only reiforced it for me. The zodiac age was a dream come true to me. Yeah thats probsjust me because i got somethifor that art style. But damn. It's just so beautiful.
Thanks for the video! It's so good to hear people acknowledging this game, because it was misjudged for so many years, imo. I remember being really excited about it back in the PS2 days, and though I liked it, FFX was so fresh in my mind, that I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I could. But playing in the switch again, I started to appreciate so much more, specially now that I'm an adult: feels less anime, more real and as you said, even Vaan being the protagonist and not really connected to the whole story it feels fresh, like the story is not about him, it has been going on before. I think the game is more mature than most of the other FF, which is not a criticism to the others, causa I like them too, but it's nice to see a change of direction and that makes it so special to me ❤️
I love FFXII! It was my first FF and it remains my favorite (I rented in 06 or 08 after years and years of avoiding FF on purpose lol, game was calling out to me lol), while I have the original and TZA I do wish we could've seen Rozzaria, so I hope at some point we get a sequel focused on that (revanant wings doesn't count.)
I loved FFXII from the very first screenshot I saw in EGM. Over the years I have struggled to articulate exactly why the game is amazing and to accurately discuss its systems and place in FF history. Now I will just point everyone to this video. You have said everything I wanted to be able to say about this amazing game. Ironically, it actually was my entry to FF, but I was 22 when it came out and I had a better appreciation for the game's themes than I would have at a younger age.
I loved this game when it first came out. As a developer at the time, I found the gambit system to be very interesting. A lot of people felt like the game was too automated but what they forget to mention is that the automation was completely at the control of the player. I thought it was a great evolution of the ATB system where I can pre-define the actions of each party member which I would normally do in the original ATB system. The game design also ensured that the player would require to adjust the gambit system depending on which area they were exploring. There was a sense of accomplishment when you saw your party performing optimally. Definitely one of my favorite Final Fantasy games.
One of the last times game made me sad when I had finally exhausted its content, explored every corner of this wide world. I wanted more. It was ridiculous, I spent hundreds of hours total, just running around, finding new things I had missed before. The game world was just such perfection.
Being completely honest, XII’s charms took a while to grow on me. Of course I loved the world and graphics, and the exploration felt almost Xenoblade-ish, but everything else irked me at first. I didn’t hate Vaan, but I just kept waiting for him to be a compelling or interesting character and he only had maybe three moments of substance. Sure Tidus was similar in his ignorance about the world, but that was intentional and gave both him and the rest of the party good development by gaining new perspectives. The License system was frustrating through and through. Not because of the jobs, but because having to unlock the ability to use your equipment is a really stupid idea. Before I truly got the hang of gambits, the combat felt finicky and micro-managing at best, and uninvolved mindless auto-battling at worst. Even the music didn’t immediately grab me the way IV, VII, and X did. For all my irritations, I should not have loved this game. And yet I did. And yet I do. By far, it is the most overlooked Final Fantasy game, but also one of the most underrated.
FF12 is by far my most favorite game ever created. I played the original PS2 version and had over 700 hours of playtime before my memory card got corrupted, and I refused to play it again until it was released on a console with internal save files.
This is 100% my favorite FF game and one of my all-time favorite games. The story is great, the environments are believable, the gambit system and job classes are really helpful and interesting. There is very little that I don't like about this game, I would happily replay it right now.
I ate up FFXII on PS2, it's my favorite game, and the only one I've ever beaten, I also own TZA and the DS sequel. FFXII: Revenant Wings. I have over 200+ hours on the PS2 game, and am going to put TZA at maybe taking that long, and longer to finish. I love the Gambit and ATB system. it's my favorite thing. The Judges in XII were so interesting to learn about even though you learn little. I have shed tears over this game with the story, character development, and will always love the game.
It's my all time favorite game. I was about 28 when I first played it and was newlywed. I remember staying awake night after night fascinated by its story. I replayed it a couple of times, each of these completing more sidequests. The only reason I watched this video is because I miss playing it again. Could anyone walk me through how to play it on android? Thank you in advance and thanks to the channel for the videk.
Great video! FFXII has top tier art direction and voice acting plus my absolute favorite rpg combat system! I love iterating on ides of how to program Gambits as your party progresses and gains new abilities. I’ll die happy if we ever get another FF that reintroduces the a Gambit system.
The problem with Vaan being as unimportant as he is, is that the game is only a 6 party team, and 3 of them aren't as polished or story related as the other 3. So he feels even less special.
This was my first Final fantasy game and JRPG, and I absolutely loved it. I wonder if not having played the earlier games or any other in the genre, basically not giving me anything to expect out of the game helped my experience. The version I played was even the OG PS2 one. If I had a lot of free time to experience something I will definitely go back and play this fully.
I haven't it yet, but I came back to TZD. I was bad at party building when I was a teenager and didn't get too far in the game the first time around. I love the gambit system, and building the characters jobs has been great. Like you said, being able to swap characters out and use them for different situations has been fun. I really like the strategizing. My only complaint is most of Ashe's dialogue is gasping and sighing lol.
I first played this game as a recommended and lended game from a friend whose taste in games I resonated with. He had the collector's edition and the game guide book. it was 2007 and i was 12. Much of it was too complicated for me to completely enjoy at such a young age, i thought guns sucked because their base attack stat was low and their attack time was longer than any weapon in the game. I did later do another playthrough of it in 2014 when i was 19 and i used the guns. in fact i studied the damage equation, something i just didn't have the matured and educated brain for 7 years earlier. i got the whole party gastrophetes guns which was fun. i finally got the zodiac spear which i did through not toughing the 3 chests. i also got the tournesol sword. but of course the really neat weapon set up in the game, seemingly the most powerful was the masamune and the genji gloves, if i recall the cat eared hood could also be a part of it, but as far as damage per second was concerned, I don't know of anything better than genji gloves and masamune.
This has always been one of my favourite Final Fantasy games. I ignored the initial hate the game received back in the day because gamers don’t always take change well. It was a new style of combat and the faster pace makes it more exciting and engaging. Thats just my opinion of course.
The more time I spend with XII the more I love it and the more nostalgic I get for it. X will always be special to me by damn if XII isn't right behind it these days
For me final fantasy 12 always has been a great game. I got it back when i was 12 and since my parents couldn't afford to buy me a ps3 i played it literally for years. My favorite about this game has always been the quickenings. It just feels good getting that luminescence or black hole combo😂
its the worldbuilding for me. Just read these entries: Banshee "Appearing in places where much life has been lost, these zombies cry for those who can no longer weep for lack of eyes, and wail for those who can no longer moan for lack of throats. Should you hear their mournful dirge, you would shiver and weep, and when the tears dried, you would take your own life for sorrow. Should you wander a battlefield, and hear the cry of one who should not be crying, cover your ears, my child, cover your ears." Balloon (a bomb type enemy) "Being a fiend created by a Gran Kiltias of long ago to roam the Stilshrine, protecting the relics of the Dynast-King that rest within. Its body exudes great magickal power, fueling a pale glowing flame that burns around it incessantly. Made to defend the relics of the Dynast-King with their lives, or more precisely, with their deaths." Just 2 examples, of recolored enemies that brings them to life and gives the world such an awesome depht. I could spend hours reading the bestiary.
This game is what made me love RPG. Play this with my sister, she's picking a random PS2 game for us to play and voila, a Masterpiece game we have ever played. Kinda miss those moments.
X2 was my first ever ff game, and it got me into the series. I remember i bought ff12, but accidentally returned the disc to Blockbuster instead of a movie I'd rented
I loved it when it first came out on PS2, both the license system and the gambit, being able to personalize every aspect of a pre programmed automatic combat, like having characters that similly "think" for themself was huge for me at that time. The job system is what I hate in the Zodiac Age, I installed a mod to revert to the previus license system, it was unbearable for me; it took away room for personalizzation and you are forced to do a decision that is irreversible early in the game while in the original game you could decide to change completely the role of any character and potentially you had available all roles for everyone.
Hey yea. Iv'e heard alot of people say that Vaan is a useless character, could just not even be there, plot remains the same ect... The idea that hes just a standin for the player, to react to the cast and be "along for the ride" is actually a pretty cool take.
Top 3 FF games - FF12, FF10-2, FF8. This is a hill I die on a lot with other fans. I love how different they are in visuals, gameplay, and mechanics from the rest of the series. FF12 however, for me, encapsualtes how the series can be magical for someone who has played most of the series. It shows that every game if daring and different can feel individual and fulfilling.
I loved JRPG's as a kid, and over time progressed to things like Elder Scrolls because they seem to create richer experiences. But THIS game. Sublime in it the depth of its gambit system. A complex clever and endlessley satifying system - even when you are just watching your guys rip through a new area. Where you can still intervene if you want to. But also It's art and lore inspired by the ancient Near East , Buddhist and Hidnhu scripture. It's a ten for me just for the incredible design of the creatures and Espers. So original! And don't get me started on the amount of different spells and items compared to other entries. And then you have the voice performances of characters like engimatic Fran and Baltheszar. Lastly, it's massive world wih so many secre,ts and optional dungeons and hunts, and bloody seasons! It blows my mind. Especially for the PS 1 era. It's easily a contender for my best game of all time.
I have over 60 platinum trophies and XII Zodiac Age is still my favorite one. Just a true RPG with a lovely world. Optional Espers were epic,gambit system is awesome... Best FF!
I'm not a big fan of FFXII myself. But it makes me happy to see people enjoying it for what it is. It's clearly a game with a lot of soul and fascinating development history. But now let's talk about the TRULY underappreciated masterpiece... FF 13 ^^
FFXII is still my favourite game in the franchise. I also played it when it released and look at that i was also 14. But i liked it from the start and today i ask myself why. I think the reason for that was, that the game let me play it the way i wanted to play it. You see, the thing with FFX, for example, was that no matter how many times i played it, it always felt the same. Sure, with the pro grid, you could change things up, but they were always detrimental to your experience, because the characters were simply not built to use other classes. If you wanted to play Lulu as a brawler for example, her overdrive became useless. But with XII you could change things up. You could try new weapon types, play almost with no magic at all or with almost only magic. There were so many areas the game didn't NEED you to explore in order to complete the game. So many optional areas to invest time in and the LORE?! The lore was incredible. I LOVED reading the monster encyclopedia. And then there were the sidequests... i LOVED the sidequests, especially, of course, the monster hunts. I love XII so much... even after all these years. Granted, the story went far over my head as a 14 years-old, but without english as my native tongue, i think i REALLY appreciated this vastly different version of the language, i before never heard. I LOVE the dialogue writing in this game. I quote some characters even today sometimes.
I was 18 when it was released. Ive played all the previous FF games so when 12 came out I was struggling to like it. It felt different. Almost quit and sell the dvd but I gave it a chance. How I was almost regretted my decisions. It became my fav ff of all time. Even beat 13 and 14 imho. Everything about the game is great. I love the combat and the city designs. Even the npc has great dialogs. Also the devs just know where and what to place the npc to make me go and talk to them.
I never got to play ff12 as a kid since my family went broke around when ps2 came out. Finally got as an adult for zodiac age on steam and love almost everything about it. My big criticism is the loot and low-spawn chests for ultimate weapons and armor. I'm not even counting the invisible ones, i just opted out of those cause i don't want to break the game. But those on the actual license board that are obviously meant to be the ultimate weapons and armor really bother me how you first have to know where they spawn or what monster has the super low rate materials to make it (making guides basically necessary), but it kills a lot of the fun of the bulk of hours spent in late game. I think it would have been nice if the zodiac escutcheon was a reward for beating the hell wyrm, that would make sense: engage in a long and challenging battle, use strategy, tweak gambits, find the monster's weaknesses and protect from its strenghths and be rewarded with the best shield... makes sense. Instead i spent like half an hour beating the hell wyrm, felt accomplished at the end of the battle even though i only got a bit of gil from cat ear hoods on my reserve party, then decided to try to get the shield... the next couple of hours have been incessant anticlimactic entering and exiting a room to be frustrated to find nothing there. Needless to say the satisfaction of having beat hell wyrm is long faded and i'm just frustrated at an "ancient door" now, lol... I really don't want to resort to rng manipulation but it's making it hard not to consider it. At this point i feel like the game turned into a gacha and the more frustrated i get the more i want to keep trying since i've already lost long hours of my day going in and out of a door :(. I'd much rather have to do a big challenge and having had spent those hours fighting an even harder monster or something... Aaaalll that aside, everything else about the game is great and i love it very much, which makes this so much more frustrating haha.
I never understood the hate it got. Im 36 now, and i enjoyed the game when it came out. It was more or less ahead of its time. Was it perfect? No, but neither is any game. It also cranked out every last bit out of the PS2, considering how big that game was. Combat was refreshing and i got frustrated before i learned it. After that, it was pretty easy. I'd like to see a real remaster of it...
I didn't complete 12 when it 1st came out (I cannot remember why), I even purchased the metal case for it, too. But now I play 12 International Zodiac Job System (translated) on PS2 emulator On the side note..... I had to start over after attaining Mateus (Espir) because certain jobs I assigned to the characters, I later to find out the Zodiac Age was the only release to have double jobs (after attaining Belias). Sucks that I had to start over, but I'm able to cleanly do hunts & side quests in a timely manner.
People saw FF13s trilogy is bad but to me is another underrated masterpiece to me but FF12 is the best game in the Final Fantasy universe especially with world building, combat, and overall performance of not being simplicitic.
This is the game that really want to play but don't have back in the day of ps2. Growing up playing ff 3 or 6 whatever the version you have 4 5 7,8,9,X. my friends says 12 its not good it has flaws its not like this or not like that. I don't care. As long as you enjoy the game, you love the game. Hey its a good game in my book! And i finally got my copy literally yesterday and youtube knew your video just pop out in my feed. Great video keep it up!!
I'm only now as an adult realizing how much the world design was clearly influenced by Star Wars because I never saw those movies as a kid
And the music sounds like John Williams (Star Wars composer).
I can say this - in most Final Fantasy games it feels like game's world is created to support the main story.
But only in XI, XII and XIV (of which two are MMOs) it feels that world had existed before and story happens IN the world.
FFXII is a very special RPG in my heart, with all of its shortcomings it has most fascinating setting where I believe I could have lived if I was a normal citizen of this world.
I love gameplay of XII as well. It's a really good looking and fun game in my opinion.
It has probably strangest case of soundtrack that I can't name a single song, but I know that "Yes, this song IS from Final Fantasy XII", unlike FFXIV where OST is great but let's be clear, "Fiend" doesn't sound like it's from Final Fantasy at all and "Scream" reminds me more of Persona 3 rather than Final Fantasy while "Dedicated to Moonlight" or "Return to Oblivion" would fit Eurovision rather than end of the raid. For those who don't know - those are fantastic songs and I love them, XIV has beautiful soundtrack and many songs are memorable and in many cases lyrics tell part of the story along with visuals. However, where XII lacks on distinctive sound for each of its song, it makes up on consistency of the style, and you can say quickly that each song fits XII amazingly.
The composer is called Hitoshi Sakimoto. He also composed the soundtrack for the other Ivalice Alliance games: Vagrant Story and FF tactics. All three are set in the same universe.
Totally agree. I'm a The Legend of Dragoon fan, more than a Final Fantasy fan, and FF12 ended up being my absolute favorite among the Final Fantasy games i've played. Even above FF7 or 9
The songs sets the atmosphere without stealing attention
It helps that Ivalice is the most explored world of any FF… being introduced in FF tactics.
World building. From art direction to music, this game is aces at it. You hit the nail on the head, the story happens in this preexisting world, and makes the game so much better for it.
FFXII is my comfort game. I was also 14 when it released and my little brother bought it because we were both such huge fans of the franchise. He couldn't get into it, and stopped playing within a couple of weeks. He gave it to me and, even with the obvious flaws, I loved it. I've since replayed it countless times, and it's the only one of the series that I own on every major console. This has been such a validating video after years of defending it from naysayers, so thank you for that. :)
It took some time for me to appreciate XII but the more time I spend with it the more favourably I view it and the higher up my list it goes. Honestly think it slots just behind X for my favorite of all time, and I could easily see a world where if I started with XII it would be #1 vs X
Dude! Great comment. People like you got me wondering about this game. When it released I was much younger and the free camera really took me out of it for some reason. Played for a week and Never touched it again. Now in 2023 I am doing a proper play through and only just started this morning. A bit dated, but man this is such a blast from the past with the mechanics!! I feel like it paved the way for future installments
I loved ff 12 as a kid.
Awesome gameplay, beautiful world, epic voice acting.
BUT
The story is super cliche, the character development is non existent and so could never compete with ff 10.
Of course it's filled with typical Japanese sexism.
Look at what Princess Ashe is wearing. Is it a mini skirt? NO
It's literally to small pieces of cloth barely held together by a belt on top.
Utterly revolting what these freaks do to their female characters.
I told my mom I wanted FF7 for Christmas when I was younger and she ended up buying me FF12. I was so bummed out that it wasn't the game, so I just popped it in and tried to play it. I fell in love with it, I also have it on every one of my consoles.
Facts should make a mod for it.
Famitsu was ahead of its time, they already realized it was a masterpiece right away. First and only final fantasy to receive 40/40 until the release of XIII-2
That’s actually bull though with it having by far the weakest combat system of any before it. I hate how bad it is because I love everything else about the game
@@ChronoMune Definitely a matter of opinion, as my favorite thing about the game is it's combat system, & I'm a die-hard stan for the old, turn-based games. It's definitely different, but I still really enjoy the freedom it gives you. It's like a real-time, more strategic FFV, which might have my favorite battle system of the first 10.
I will say though that I never played the original release, just Zodiac Age.
Cremamon digivolves to Semenmon
I love that Vaan isn’t some special guy, he’s literally just a guy that’s going along for the ride
Please watch your mouthy mouth
When XII came out, i was already a huge FF fan since the SNES days, i was 25 years old and i despised the game for i saw the story boring and how different it was from the classics i adored. Then recently, a few years ago i picked up the Zodiac Age and gave the game a second change and holy cow, the story, characters, world, tone, music and gameplay is absolutely awesome, i as an adult now with a different mindset see how the game really was and is a masterpiece, and it instantly became one of my favs.
Back when we still young and didn't understand anything. When we're adults everything starts to make sense.
So different than me, i never liked old school FF games, they were too cheesy
for me, this one was just right. From gameplay and story perspective to world and music. I played FFX remaster in 2018. and it was so boring for me.
@@DonPastor100
Original FF VII has better story... suttile and brutal at the same time.
This was my entry point into he franchise in the PS2 era and it was perfect
Agreed! So perfect in fact that when i played the other FF games none of them quite reached FF12 in my eyes. FF12 was still the best to me.
the gambit system alone makes this the best FF ever. Period.
Exactly!
Gambits are awesome, but its Music and Job System for me. #1
But but.. I never get past "cure on low health ally > attack closest enemy" Before my brain shuts down. I think i'd need a coach, to sit along side me and guide me through learning it, explain why certain choices are made, stuff like that. Looking it up I usually make it 20% of the way at most through the story and hit the point I put the game away.. for years lol. Tried to play it like 4 times now.
@@udalix Maybe look for gambit setups for different party members. And you can copy those and you star getting the hang of it.
@@udalix Gambits do require you to know your abilities and visualize situations. What would you do first in X scenario? Then you order them so they're prioritized in the most efficient way. _That being said,_ keep in mind this game has Wait Mode where the action freezes while in menus. It can be played by directly controlling the actions of every character-even to the point of never using Gambits at all, or limiting them to a simple setup and taking manual control for important or context-sensitive actions. I always thought the Gambit system was an awesome premise, but personally I played in Wait Mode and did every single action manually for my party because that's the experience I wanted.
I'm so glad that this game is getting praised lately, it's has been misunderstood and underrated for quite a while, this game is a Masterpiece it's should have been the one of top tier best FF games
Just began this game this morning! Can’t wait to see what it’s all about. Love FF but got out of it after 13. 15 rejuvenated my interest in the series so I’m playing the ones I missed or didn’t give a chance to . brilliant
@@Sammsy1126 well, I’m telling you the first few hours will be pretty fun, exploring the world around and not knowing what to expect and then when you get the whole party to play with.. it’s fun to play with each character and have the desire to keep levelling up and getting stronger and equip new weapons and armors and the hunt quests are awesome and challenging and yet completely optional
@@Sammsy1126The optional content is really worth it
I love the Gambit System but my problem is the marriage of automation and manual inputs is not as seamless as I want it to be. The menus are buried in sub-menus and there's a lot of menu hopping going on. For trash mobs this is not noticeable because you don't need to change anything. But when you get to the later stages of trial mode, hunting monsters and exploring places that are levels above you, you begin to notice how tedious it is. Changing gambits, party members, and equipment mid-fight feels like I'm wrestling with the UI.
@@One.Zero.One101 I don't even change my Gambits often lol, my Gambits are basically "Phoenix down, Cure for 60%, Items to remove negative status, Attack the enemy" for every single character, I only change it when I get new Magic for more healing or for Elemental damage or Protect, Shell, Haste, Bravery and Faith, the entire time I keep moving the analog stick and press the menu battle button, the only thing I change in Mid fight are accessories for special abilities against some certain enemies or use items for something, but the other equipments I always choose the strongest or the better for each character and their job, but I agree with you and I also always level up so much before facing anything and then most of the bosses dies with few hits
FFXII is my favorite game in the series for its world-building, music, and art design (including characters as well as environments), and tied up with the beautiful ribbon that is the *incredible* translation and localization. The plot is AAAALMOST there before getting a bit lost in the second half, BUT I would still argue that it has one of the best FF plots for feeling so much more "grounded" (while remembering it's still high, high fantasy).
It's science fantasy, but the plot is much more grounded in realism than the other games which is why it's the only one I take seriously.
for me no other installment can match the world building of final fantasy xii, the game mechanic was perfect, open world, the stories is heavy, it has diverse culture, many new installment isnt as good as ffxii even new one like fvii remake and xvi. FFXII was the best game that carried final fantasy atmosphere.
FF Tactics and FFTA have the same level of world building with FF12 granted they all share the same universe so their story telling is really similar. But I agree; In the main line nothing is as intriguing as Ff12 when it comes to the story of the world. FF VII up until now sounds gibberish to me when it comes to "Mother", "Shinra", "Eco", "Jenova". But in FF 12 the use of Hinduism and Greek Zodiac constellations are well assimilated that despite being more complicated in terms of english phrasing, you actually understand what the characters are saying and they are all speaking in a "shakespearean way". The cinematography is also great. It's not just beautiful anime characters, there's a story to tell with how the angle was placed far from the viewers while the characters like Vayne and the emperor are talking but neither's faces were not seen.
i played the original, and i honestly kinda preferred the license system to that over Zodiac's job system, but i know that makes me an outlier. main reason was because of the buffs. before a battle, i'd spend time getting everybody fully buffed as would be done in a typical MMO. with the old job system, everybody had access to the same spells, which would make every instance of the same buff on relatively the same timer. more menu hopping, but faster in-game results
on Zodiac, now that everyone is limited to their jobs, it feels like it'd take more time cuz now i'd have to wait on 1 party member to apply every applicable buff one after the other. after looking up the spells and finding they're practically the same, it would've been better if some spells (like Bubble) got an upgrade to affect the whole party, cutting down on wasted time
This game blew my mind when i first got it back in 2006. I had the demo of it from dragon quest viii and played it often. I'm playing the original again on my ps2 in 2024 and it still holds up to this day. Amazing rpg in every way
You really nailed something I appreciate about Vaan that I’ve never really been able to articulate. He’s not a super memorable character (and possibly a bit of a prick), but his curious personality, zest for adventure, and lack of worldly experience really play well with thr player’s experience of the map. I think that position he’s in gives you an element of innocence when it comes to exploring; depending on the type of player you are, in some games the main character’s narrative/demeanor might induce a sense of urgency to push on in the main quest. With Vaan wandering around cities you don’t feel that as much, if at all. Like, if Basch was the main character like he was originally supposed to be, do you think he’d be the type of person to chat up random socialites to collect social currency in Archades (not my favorite required side quest, but you get my point)?
Out of the 13 FF's I have maxed out (platinummed or whatever), this is probably my all time favorite single player FF. I often dream of a new FF expanding and polishing this amazing game, world and gameplay. This game actually first released on PS2 is absolutely nuts.
For gameplay theres a few things I would loooove to see:
- Gambits profiles swapable on the fly (gambt set A, B, C)
- Steal would actually be bypassed when item is stolen
- Gambits menu available by touch of a button (not have to go through menu)
- Same as above for equipment menu
- If a 2/4x modifier, include it for CS, espers etc too
- A new game+ which actaully carries over items/gear etc
...to name a few. Still. Best game ever.
People never acknowledge the writer for FFXII died prematurely - so the story was never complete.
I'm actually replaying it right now
I have started it again today! After trying twice on ps but couldn’t get into it! How did it go for u
+1
Not just the best ff title but my most favourite game of all time. So much great memories playing it on PS2 back in the day. Uncovering all secrets,all hunts and beating yiazmat is still the best gaming experience i ever had. Game was WAY ahead of its time
I think that Vaan feels much better in the story when looked at as a side character.
Initially playing as him also let’s you experience life in Rabanastre in a way that would not work with any of the other characters. It gives space for connecting and exploring the world in a grounded way, which couldn’t be done as a sky pirate, ‘traitor’ knight, or Princess.
Vaan also represents the player cause they are also interested and re going along with the story and the world like Vaan and player are relatable and they experiencing these events for the first time
Who do you think would be a good fit for the main if not Vaan? He always looked like a little gay boy but now I appreciate the look as I’m a gay boy as well
@@Sammsy1126 Wtf? No.. he doesn’t look like gay boy just because he is shirtless blonde dude, also.. You’re gay??! lol
@@Omega-jg4oq who’s asking eh?
@Sammsy1126 the game tells you a fair few times that Balthier is the main character. He even says it while looking into the camera 😉
I remember hearing about "Cid" being an antagonist and had perceived this game without finishing as crap when it first came out. I finished the game today and I have a much greater appreciation for it. Its an amazing political thriller, accepting loss, and addictive gameplay.
This is an absolutely fantastic retrospective. You should have more subscribers for sure. FFXII was an incredible game. To think the devs managed to squeeze everything on to a PS2 disc is mindblowing. I was absolutely enthralled with the world and production values. The OST and the script was so high level it felt like a novel written by a celebrated author. To follow up after X - a game which I never thought could be bested - with XII which stood side by side with it in terms of quality, originality and scope is testament to the greatness of the game. The last great FF title for me. All others since have felt vacant in comparison.
I FELT every ward I heard. What a beautiful experience this game was. And from a 7 years old child prospective (at the time, 2006, I already loved it) Vaan was simply... Me, exploring a beautiful world, with some SPECTACULAR OST that I still return listening (Seeking Power, To the Place of the Gods, Realm of Memories, The Forgotten Capital).
It couldn't have been explained any better ,this is the game that always came back to my mind after palying it, because is like a real life experience that was being witnessed , the details , emotions, characters, the graphics ,this combination nailed it down, now we dont know if we'll ever see some other game like this one🎉
Man I loved this game very much! I got the original on release the day I moved to my first house. I was going through a rough break up, and this game took me away from that. I got the Tournesol, which to me was a big achievement. I also beat Yiazmat, it took me forever. Great video.
Hehe, it WAS my first FF, and it has a special place in my heart, so it is funny to hear it should not be an introduction to FF, since I haven't found anything that compares in terms if battlesystem, it was ahead of its time.
Amazing video, I just started this game after playing FFX as my first Final Fantasy game
It’s my favourite FF!! I’ve played it on the BBC PS2 2X, on the PS4 1x and playing it on the switch for the 3rd time now 🙈. Every time is different and I’m still discovering new secrets.
Ff12 was my first ff game as a kid and i loved it the world and the music were my favorite parts of the game
Really enjoyed your video and perspective! Also your audio is fantastic. Far too many “professional” RUclipsrs have inexcusable amateur audio recording and as an engineer it’s incredibly frustrating to sit through!! Yours on the other hand is top notch and I applaud you sir.
I have a weird POV of the FF franchise because FFXII was my first ever FF game when I was kid who discovered their older brother's abandoned copy of the game for PS2. I adored this game even if I wasn't playing it with a full understanding of what was going on or the combat systems. Never actually finished but definitely spent countless hours playing.I hope to revisit it through the Zodiac Age version soon!
Thank you for the awesome video. Glad to know I'm not the only one who appreciates it.
I absolutely loved this game - it’s one of my favorites. I loved the battle system.
Personally I played FFXII on release day.. I was 10 back then and the best friend of my father was and still is to this game a huge gamer himself and a fan of Final Fantasy as a whole, so he got it for himself and me [which was super lovely of him]
And I remember that.. I was just blown away by it, to be honest I had never played a Final Fantasy game before this one.. [pretty much all of them later tho] and it felt.. so pure, in it's delivery.. the writing, the voice acting.. so believable as if I was to truly step into another world..
Yes Vaan is a terrible protagonist -but- an amazing stand-in for the player as a side-character.. caught up in something bigger and along for the ride!
And I loved that... visiting these places for the first time and what seemed to be a genuine reaction from Vaan and Penelo to all of them, similar if not exactly the same how I reacted behind the screen.
It took me approximately 200hours [not counting the times I died and got reset to the saving gem] to fully finish the game.. and to this very day, Yiasmat.. Omega MKXII and that god damn fishing mini-game stick with me.. earning the Wyrmhero sword was just an insane feeling.. I knew back then that I will never use it as getting it meant that I pretty much did all there was to do in the game.. but it was a sign of accomplishment and one I hold dear!
Then again the version I played had the license board where every character had the same with no direct job system but honestly.. I did not care.. i did not know jobs existed and having that level of freedom.. that level of choice of what and how to do it. got I am getting goosebumps
@Lord High Summoner
Thank you, for making such a wonderful video about my personal favourite game of all times.. yes it isn't perfect.. far from it actually, but I do not care.. it holds a special place in my heart
One of my favourite games. I'm not a FF fan or the like. I'm always surprised when I hear FF fans saying it's not good. Like, at the very least you might think it's not good, but to say it's bad is such an injustice to the game.
As a 14 year old I thought the game was a tad boring I didn’t care about the side characters and stories I played the remaster and holy was I fuckin wrong and this game to this day is my fav ff game of all tome
FFXII is my favorite Final fantasy game. My favorite back when it released when I was young and in HS, and still my favorite as an adult. I still have my original PS2/memory card with my fave file. I also have the remastered version on my PS5
Me too. Thats only physical game copy i left after selling PS4 with games.
I love this video, yes ff12 was really a victim of the constant troubles SE kept facing suring development, it played a huge role shaping this game, to a point where you can't review this game without first giving context on what happined before release, otherwise you wouldn't be just in your review, tho even with all the things that happened, after 17 years since i first played it, i stil think that it's the most artistic game I've ever played, i used to think that no game was as artistic as vagrant story, until ff12 came out, but to this day nothing toppedvff12, especially with the release of the zodiac age which only reiforced it for me.
The zodiac age was a dream come true to me. Yeah thats probsjust me because i got somethifor that art style. But damn. It's just so beautiful.
Thanks for the video! It's so good to hear people acknowledging this game, because it was misjudged for so many years, imo. I remember being really excited about it back in the PS2 days, and though I liked it, FFX was so fresh in my mind, that I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I could. But playing in the switch again, I started to appreciate so much more, specially now that I'm an adult: feels less anime, more real and as you said, even Vaan being the protagonist and not really connected to the whole story it feels fresh, like the story is not about him, it has been going on before. I think the game is more mature than most of the other FF, which is not a criticism to the others, causa I like them too, but it's nice to see a change of direction and that makes it so special to me ❤️
I love FFXII! It was my first FF and it remains my favorite (I rented in 06 or 08 after years and years of avoiding FF on purpose lol, game was calling out to me lol), while I have the original and TZA I do wish we could've seen Rozzaria, so I hope at some point we get a sequel focused on that (revanant wings doesn't count.)
I loved FFXII from the very first screenshot I saw in EGM. Over the years I have struggled to articulate exactly why the game is amazing and to accurately discuss its systems and place in FF history. Now I will just point everyone to this video. You have said everything I wanted to be able to say about this amazing game. Ironically, it actually was my entry to FF, but I was 22 when it came out and I had a better appreciation for the game's themes than I would have at a younger age.
This was my first Final Fantasy game and it started my love for the series.
I loved this game when it first came out. As a developer at the time, I found the gambit system to be very interesting. A lot of people felt like the game was too automated but what they forget to mention is that the automation was completely at the control of the player. I thought it was a great evolution of the ATB system where I can pre-define the actions of each party member which I would normally do in the original ATB system. The game design also ensured that the player would require to adjust the gambit system depending on which area they were exploring. There was a sense of accomplishment when you saw your party performing optimally. Definitely one of my favorite Final Fantasy games.
I love FF12. Recently started replaying. I'll be doing 100% this time. All hunts, rare game, bestiary, inventory, superbosses, etc
This game contends up there with 7 and 8 for me. So freaking hard!!!!
Damn that game was difficult. I remember being stuck in that mine level for days fighting these electric spiders
Mimic 😂
Excellent review, it was my first FF back on the PS2 and I loved every minute of it!
One of the last times game made me sad when I had finally exhausted its content, explored every corner of this wide world.
I wanted more. It was ridiculous, I spent hundreds of hours total, just running around, finding new things I had missed before. The game world was just such perfection.
Being completely honest, XII’s charms took a while to grow on me. Of course I loved the world and graphics, and the exploration felt almost Xenoblade-ish, but everything else irked me at first. I didn’t hate Vaan, but I just kept waiting for him to be a compelling or interesting character and he only had maybe three moments of substance. Sure Tidus was similar in his ignorance about the world, but that was intentional and gave both him and the rest of the party good development by gaining new perspectives. The License system was frustrating through and through. Not because of the jobs, but because having to unlock the ability to use your equipment is a really stupid idea. Before I truly got the hang of gambits, the combat felt finicky and micro-managing at best, and uninvolved mindless auto-battling at worst. Even the music didn’t immediately grab me the way IV, VII, and X did.
For all my irritations, I should not have loved this game. And yet I did. And yet I do. By far, it is the most overlooked Final Fantasy game, but also one of the most underrated.
FF12 is by far my most favorite game ever created. I played the original PS2 version and had over 700 hours of playtime before my memory card got corrupted, and I refused to play it again until it was released on a console with internal save files.
This is 100% my favorite FF game and one of my all-time favorite games. The story is great, the environments are believable, the gambit system and job classes are really helpful and interesting. There is very little that I don't like about this game, I would happily replay it right now.
The Zodiac Age has been my go to comfort game for years now, it's just such an excellent game.
I ate up FFXII on PS2, it's my favorite game, and the only one I've ever beaten, I also own TZA and the DS sequel. FFXII: Revenant Wings. I have over 200+ hours on the PS2 game, and am going to put TZA at maybe taking that long, and longer to finish. I love the Gambit and ATB system. it's my favorite thing. The Judges in XII were so interesting to learn about even though you learn little. I have shed tears over this game with the story, character development, and will always love the game.
My personal top 3 FF's
1 FF VII
2 FF I (Personal nostalgia)
3 FF XII :)
Thanks for the vid:)
It's my all time favorite game. I was about 28 when I first played it and was newlywed. I remember staying awake night after night fascinated by its story. I replayed it a couple of times, each of these completing more sidequests. The only reason I watched this video is because I miss playing it again.
Could anyone walk me through how to play it on android? Thank you in advance and thanks to the channel for the videk.
Great video!
FFXII has top tier art direction and voice acting plus my absolute favorite rpg combat system! I love iterating on ides of how to program Gambits as your party progresses and gains new abilities. I’ll die happy if we ever get another FF that reintroduces the a Gambit system.
The problem with Vaan being as unimportant as he is, is that the game is only a 6 party team, and 3 of them aren't as polished or story related as the other 3. So he feels even less special.
This was my first Final fantasy game and JRPG, and I absolutely loved it. I wonder if not having played the earlier games or any other in the genre, basically not giving me anything to expect out of the game helped my experience. The version I played was even the OG PS2 one. If I had a lot of free time to experience something I will definitely go back and play this fully.
Fran's voice will always give me a smile. This was the best FF ever. No idea what 15 and 16 are. They are not FF.
I haven't it yet, but I came back to TZD. I was bad at party building when I was a teenager and didn't get too far in the game the first time around. I love the gambit system, and building the characters jobs has been great. Like you said, being able to swap characters out and use them for different situations has been fun. I really like the strategizing.
My only complaint is most of Ashe's dialogue is gasping and sighing lol.
Final Fantasy 12 is the reason why I played all Final Fantasy games and got me to like RPG games ❤
FFXII feels like Square's version of Grandia, but with a serious tone.
I first played this game as a recommended and lended game from a friend whose taste in games I resonated with. He had the collector's edition and the game guide book. it was 2007 and i was 12. Much of it was too complicated for me to completely enjoy at such a young age, i thought guns sucked because their base attack stat was low and their attack time was longer than any weapon in the game. I did later do another playthrough of it in 2014 when i was 19 and i used the guns. in fact i studied the damage equation, something i just didn't have the matured and educated brain for 7 years earlier. i got the whole party gastrophetes guns which was fun. i finally got the zodiac spear which i did through not toughing the 3 chests. i also got the tournesol sword. but of course the really neat weapon set up in the game, seemingly the most powerful was the masamune and the genji gloves, if i recall the cat eared hood could also be a part of it, but as far as damage per second was concerned, I don't know of anything better than genji gloves and masamune.
This has always been one of my favourite Final Fantasy games. I ignored the initial hate the game received back in the day because gamers don’t always take change well. It was a new style of combat and the faster pace makes it more exciting and engaging. Thats just my opinion of course.
I LOVE this game. Easily top 5 favorite of all time. Great memories system world everything
The more time I spend with XII the more I love it and the more nostalgic I get for it. X will always be special to me by damn if XII isn't right behind it these days
I cant describe how much i love this Final Fantasy. For me, it is absolutely the best.
My introduction to the series. I loved the gambit system, and maybe because of it, I found other FF games lacking.
For me final fantasy 12 always has been a great game. I got it back when i was 12 and since my parents couldn't afford to buy me a ps3 i played it literally for years. My favorite about this game has always been the quickenings. It just feels good getting that luminescence or black hole combo😂
"It's gonna take ya some time"
*me with a collective 800 hrs spent playing*
yeah... good times
I agree sooooo much
its the worldbuilding for me. Just read these entries:
Banshee
"Appearing in places where much life has been lost, these zombies cry for those who can no longer weep for lack of eyes, and wail for those who can no longer moan for lack of throats. Should you hear their mournful dirge, you would shiver and weep, and when the tears dried, you would take your own life for sorrow. Should you wander a battlefield, and hear the cry of one who should not be crying, cover your ears, my child, cover your ears."
Balloon (a bomb type enemy)
"Being a fiend created by a Gran Kiltias of long ago to roam the Stilshrine, protecting the relics of the Dynast-King that rest within. Its body exudes great magickal power, fueling a pale glowing flame that burns around it incessantly. Made to defend the relics of the Dynast-King with their lives, or more precisely, with their deaths."
Just 2 examples, of recolored enemies that brings them to life and gives the world such an awesome depht. I could spend hours reading the bestiary.
This game is what made me love RPG. Play this with my sister, she's picking a random PS2 game for us to play and voila, a Masterpiece game we have ever played. Kinda miss those moments.
FF12 is my favorite game period.
Good fking video! Very well done!!! Made me want to play that game, without spoiling all the things I’ll have to discover
X2 was my first ever ff game, and it got me into the series. I remember i bought ff12, but accidentally returned the disc to Blockbuster instead of a movie I'd rented
I loved it when it first came out on PS2, both the license system and the gambit, being able to personalize every aspect of a pre programmed automatic combat, like having characters that similly "think" for themself was huge for me at that time. The job system is what I hate in the Zodiac Age, I installed a mod to revert to the previus license system, it was unbearable for me; it took away room for personalizzation and you are forced to do a decision that is irreversible early in the game while in the original game you could decide to change completely the role of any character and potentially you had available all roles for everyone.
Hey yea. Iv'e heard alot of people say that Vaan is a useless character, could just not even be there, plot remains the same ect... The idea that hes just a standin for the player, to react to the cast and be "along for the ride" is actually a pretty cool take.
Top 3 FF games - FF12, FF10-2, FF8. This is a hill I die on a lot with other fans. I love how different they are in visuals, gameplay, and mechanics from the rest of the series. FF12 however, for me, encapsualtes how the series can be magical for someone who has played most of the series. It shows that every game if daring and different can feel individual and fulfilling.
I loved JRPG's as a kid, and over time progressed to things like Elder Scrolls because they seem to create richer experiences. But THIS game. Sublime in it the depth of its gambit system. A complex clever and endlessley satifying system - even when you are just watching your guys rip through a new area. Where you can still intervene if you want to. But also It's art and lore inspired by the ancient Near East , Buddhist and Hidnhu scripture. It's a ten for me just for the incredible design of the creatures and Espers. So original! And don't get me started on the amount of different spells and items compared to other entries. And then you have the voice performances of characters like engimatic Fran and Baltheszar.
Lastly, it's massive world wih so many secre,ts and optional dungeons and hunts, and bloody seasons! It blows my mind. Especially for the PS 1 era.
It's easily a contender for my best game of all time.
I have over 60 platinum trophies and XII Zodiac Age is still my favorite one. Just a true RPG with a lovely world. Optional Espers were epic,gambit system is awesome... Best FF!
This game is hauntingly beautiful 🥲
I've often said that FFXII might be my favorite game of all time but it's not my favorite Final Fantasy. Thanks for doing such a good job showing why!
~My favorite game of all time.
I'm not a big fan of FFXII myself. But it makes me happy to see people enjoying it for what it is. It's clearly a game with a lot of soul and fascinating development history. But now let's talk about the TRULY underappreciated masterpiece... FF 13 ^^
FFXII is still my favourite game in the franchise. I also played it when it released and look at that i was also 14. But i liked it from the start and today i ask myself why. I think the reason for that was, that the game let me play it the way i wanted to play it. You see, the thing with FFX, for example, was that no matter how many times i played it, it always felt the same. Sure, with the pro grid, you could change things up, but they were always detrimental to your experience, because the characters were simply not built to use other classes. If you wanted to play Lulu as a brawler for example, her overdrive became useless. But with XII you could change things up. You could try new weapon types, play almost with no magic at all or with almost only magic. There were so many areas the game didn't NEED you to explore in order to complete the game. So many optional areas to invest time in and the LORE?! The lore was incredible. I LOVED reading the monster encyclopedia. And then there were the sidequests... i LOVED the sidequests, especially, of course, the monster hunts. I love XII so much... even after all these years. Granted, the story went far over my head as a 14 years-old, but without english as my native tongue, i think i REALLY appreciated this vastly different version of the language, i before never heard. I LOVE the dialogue writing in this game. I quote some characters even today sometimes.
I was 18 when it was released. Ive played all the previous FF games so when 12 came out I was struggling to like it. It felt different. Almost quit and sell the dvd but I gave it a chance. How I was almost regretted my decisions. It became my fav ff of all time. Even beat 13 and 14 imho. Everything about the game is great. I love the combat and the city designs. Even the npc has great dialogs. Also the devs just know where and what to place the npc to make me go and talk to them.
I never got to play ff12 as a kid since my family went broke around when ps2 came out. Finally got as an adult for zodiac age on steam and love almost everything about it. My big criticism is the loot and low-spawn chests for ultimate weapons and armor. I'm not even counting the invisible ones, i just opted out of those cause i don't want to break the game. But those on the actual license board that are obviously meant to be the ultimate weapons and armor really bother me how you first have to know where they spawn or what monster has the super low rate materials to make it (making guides basically necessary), but it kills a lot of the fun of the bulk of hours spent in late game.
I think it would have been nice if the zodiac escutcheon was a reward for beating the hell wyrm, that would make sense: engage in a long and challenging battle, use strategy, tweak gambits, find the monster's weaknesses and protect from its strenghths and be rewarded with the best shield... makes sense. Instead i spent like half an hour beating the hell wyrm, felt accomplished at the end of the battle even though i only got a bit of gil from cat ear hoods on my reserve party, then decided to try to get the shield... the next couple of hours have been incessant anticlimactic entering and exiting a room to be frustrated to find nothing there. Needless to say the satisfaction of having beat hell wyrm is long faded and i'm just frustrated at an "ancient door" now, lol...
I really don't want to resort to rng manipulation but it's making it hard not to consider it. At this point i feel like the game turned into a gacha and the more frustrated i get the more i want to keep trying since i've already lost long hours of my day going in and out of a door :(. I'd much rather have to do a big challenge and having had spent those hours fighting an even harder monster or something...
Aaaalll that aside, everything else about the game is great and i love it very much, which makes this so much more frustrating haha.
Loved your video, you deserve more subscribers :)
I am not a fan of Final Fantasy yet,
Final Fantasy XII the Zodiac Age is in my top 3 best games of all time.
Great video 🔥
10:09 I can't believe I burped at the same time as this, while going to sip my coffee. almost spilled it.
Thanks for this!
12 is the best FF game, prove me wrong
Fantastic video :)
Princess ashe doujins got me through some dark times
I never understood the hate it got. Im 36 now, and i enjoyed the game when it came out. It was more or less ahead of its time. Was it perfect? No, but neither is any game. It also cranked out every last bit out of the PS2, considering how big that game was. Combat was refreshing and i got frustrated before i learned it. After that, it was pretty easy. I'd like to see a real remaster of it...
if there's no overdose action with bloods and killing, almost everything is underrated or underappreciated on US.
I didn't complete 12 when it 1st came out (I cannot remember why), I even purchased the metal case for it, too.
But now I play 12 International Zodiac Job System (translated) on PS2 emulator
On the side note..... I had to start over after attaining Mateus (Espir) because certain jobs I assigned to the characters, I later to find out the Zodiac Age was the only release to have double jobs (after attaining Belias).
Sucks that I had to start over, but I'm able to cleanly do hunts & side quests in a timely manner.
People saw FF13s trilogy is bad but to me is another underrated masterpiece to me but FF12 is the best game in the Final Fantasy universe especially with world building, combat, and overall performance of not being simplicitic.
Ffx was glorious. Im about to try ff12 again downloading now
new sub! loved this video
This is the game that really want to play but don't have back in the day of ps2. Growing up playing ff 3 or 6 whatever the version you have 4 5 7,8,9,X. my friends says 12 its not good it has flaws its not like this or not like that. I don't care. As long as you enjoy the game, you love the game. Hey its a good game in my book! And i finally got my copy literally yesterday and youtube knew your video just pop out in my feed. Great video keep it up!!