Here’s a post written by a Friend of mine, Cuj… Enjoy.

When I read some of the first information about what Final Fantasy XII, I was somewhat put off. The idea that the latest installment of the franchise would be based in the same world of Ivalice from Final Fantasy Tactics irked me. Save for X-2 there was little to no references to any of the previous Final Fantasy worlds, so why would they go back and use the same world for a game that, I thought, didn’t deserve to be called part of the Franchise?  I swore I’d never buy it…..

If I ended there and followed my resolve on that issue I wouldn’t be writing this, so suffice to say, I did go out and buy it, and I have been playing it. There are some noticeable changes, the biggest of which will create great joy for many RPG fans out there, no more random battles. Let me repeat that, no more random battles. Yup, you heard me, in fact combat is quite different from the norm for Final Fantasy games. You have the map sets you run around in like from X and X-2, but now instead of random battles, you actually can see the creatures on the field, and, if you so wish, even avoid them. There’s no more fancy screen changes to go from the game field to a combat field, all the combat is done on the game field.

Characters still gain xp from defeated creatures and gain levels after reaching a certain xp amount, items however are different. No longer do certain types of weapons only work with certain characters. Now also with each kill, you are rewarded license points which are then spent on purchasing licenses for weapons, armor, and skills. In other words, in order to use a certain type of weapon, armor, accessory, or even to unlock certain skills to use in battle including magic, you must have both purchased the license via the license menu and purchased the item itself from a shop. Each character starts with different licenses, however, characters are not limited on what licenses they can choose.

There are some disappointments as well, the voice-over is not as extensive as it was in X and X-2, they the vo’s so far have only been in cutscenes and a little bit for combat. And the music seems to have scaled down some too. But as with all the games of the franchise, it does make for an interesting game.

And as always….there is a Cid, chocobos and airships. Still waiting on seeing Biggs and Wedge though.
[tag:game][tag:finalfantasy]

Be Sociable, Share!