When i first bought XII i played on it for around an hour or two and really could not get into the new battle system. In the end i dug out my FFX and started that again, but after coming on this forum and hearing everyones love for XII i want to know is it really as good as its being made out to be?

I guess i just want to know if the battle system grew on you and what was your first impression at the start of the game? Oh and is there a lot of mini game, side quests and extras to do? ive always enjoyed them in an FF.

I LOVE it. Tied with Civilization 3 for favorite video game of all time. At the beginning, they don't let you use the full combat system. Did you get to use gambits? There aren't really any mini games, but plenty of side quests.

Meh, I didn't think the game was all that great. Granted the cut-scenes were pretty awesome but I got really bored with the game. For me it really really lacked the character development that I have come to know and love with FF games.

The battle system at the start did seem like kind of a shock, but after beating the rogue tomato I got used to it. I probably enjoy the hunts the most. pretty much like optional monsters to fight but there are so many.

Character development is overrated. Farming is where its at.

yeah, the battle system was a bit of a shock, but i think that it works, and i prefer it to the normal one, also, to the original poster, i think you need to give it more then two hours, it is a great game, especially when it opens up more.

I have to disagree. I found it interesting at the beginning and started to hate it as it dragged on and revealed its flaws.

Prak, have you actually played FFXII since the last time you posted about it?

Why would I have done so? I'm not a masochist. I dislike the game and I am quite certain I won't suddenly change that view.

Fair enough, that's your call. But if you're going to start a debate about it, you could probably do with actually knowing what goes on in the last 50% or so of the game.

If you want sidequests, FFXII actually has a lot of really cool ones. If you want a game like FFX though, don't bother. As JRPGs go, FFXII is almost the antithesis of FFX.

Wait just a moment... Are you trying to say (as people have been bashed for doing previously) that it's not enough that I find the first half to be horrific, and that I must force myself to play through the second half before my views will be credible?

Ceidwad, you're smarter than that, so I really hope that wasn't your implication.

If you want sidequests, FFXII actually has a lot of really cool ones. If you want a game like FFX though, don't bother. As JRPGs go, FFXII is almost the antithesis of FFX.

And yet I enjoyed both FFX and FFXII, even though I prefer FFX. And many others are the same. I don't think that if you like FFX, you'll auotmatically dislike FFXII and vice versa. Some people do feel that way though, it's true.

I think im going to give it another shot, i just have to wait for it back off a friend i lent it to. I went round his house the other day when he was on it and he'd got rid of those attack lines (which were one of the things that really annoyed me).

Wait just a moment... Are you trying to say (as people have been bashed for doing previously) that it's not enough that I find the first half to be horrific, and that I must force myself to play through the second half before my views will be credible?

Ceidwad, you're smarter than that, so I really hope that wasn't your implication.

I am merely saying that your position in a debate about it could be tenuous because you don't know what goes on in the second half of the game. You may have valid views about the first half, but unless you've actually seen the conclusion others will be able to argue against your points by citing things from the rest of the game that you won't be able to counter. If we had a debate about it now, I feel I could probably argue pretty competently against your views.

And yet I enjoyed both FFX and FFXII, even though I prefer FFX. And many others are the same. I don't think that if you like FFX, you'll auotmatically dislike FFXII and vice versa. Some people do feel that way though, it's true.
I didn't say that someone who likes FFX would automatically dislike FFXII. I said that if he expects a game like FFX, he's going to be disapointed.

I didn't say that someone who likes FFX would automatically dislike FFXII. I said that if he expects a game like FFX, he's going to be disapointed.

Ok, misunderstood you there. ;)

I have to disagree with you, Ceidwad. I can make a perfectly viable (perhaps even bulletproof) argument that if the first half of the game is bad, there is little incentive to see the rest of it, thus separating our arguments into completely separate and incompatible categories. At that point, you would either have to engage in debate on my terms or disengage completely.

OK, let me use an analogy. You're acting like someone who picks up a Bible, reads it to Deutoronomy, and promptly claims to know everything about Christianity.

To use a more relevant counter-argument, you have often defended FFX-2 (sometimes from me, sometimes from others) as being something good because it rewards those that persevere and explore it further. Now I'd argue that a good chunk of FFXII's merit comes from its optional content and obviously the character development that occurs late on in the game. If you've used that argument before, it seems irrational to dismiss it when I use the same thing to defend something else.

Or maybe I'm missing something here?

If we disagree, we disagree, fine. I have no problem with that. I only have a problem with you claiming that your opinions are nothing short of absolute truth based on having played half the game.

Unfortunately I've still not had the chance to give this one a go so am in no position to comment on the game personally. :(

But I would advise anyone, who's in the least bit interested in how good a game really is or isn't, not to go by first impressions as a result of just a few minutes of gameplay. Or even just a few hours if it happens to be a game as long as this one. Give it a proper chance by playing it through to the end, if you can bring yourself to muster up the patience. You're not likely to get an accurate idea about it otherwise.

Of course, someone deciding not to continue with a game because they've simply decided it's not their thing taste wise is another matter.

I have never claimed that my views on FFXII are anything other than my own perspective. It is, however, based in fact, and thus gives me a launching point for debating the issue. There is nothing at all wrong with debating one's own perspective strongly, provided that there are facts to support it, and you should have noticed that I only carry a debate as far as my experience with the issue will allow.

As for X-2, the optional segments I've defended are present throughout the entire game, not concentrated in the second half. Also, don't misquote me. I don't claim that FFX-2 is a grand masterpiece of game design. It isn't. No matter how heavily it's updated, it's still based in outdated gameplay systems and chock full of dubious design choices that balance with its merit. All I do is defend the game against those whose hatred of it defies logic.

As for X-2, the optional segments I've defended are present throughout the entire game, not concentrated in the second half. Also, don't misquote me. I don't claim that FFX-2 is a grand masterpiece of game design. It isn't. No matter how heavily it's updated, it's still based in outdated gameplay systems and chock full of dubious design choices that balance with its merit. All I do is defend the game against those whose hatred of it defies logic.

Quoted for truth. X-2 is one of the few games that, though mediocre, a lot of people's hatred for it does indeed defy logic.

But I would still be interested in hearing your arguement against FFXII, cause I dunno if I'm missing anything, but from what I see you keep saying you can have a very valid arguement for your dislike of it despite having only played through the first half, yet you have yet to present it. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm just interested in hearing it.
For all we know it may also "defy logic" the same way a lot of people's dislike for X-2 does, then again it could be legit. But it seems like as long as you haven't presented it yet, a lot of people here will assume the former, so go ahead, prove them wrong.

As for X-2, the optional segments I've defended are present throughout the entire game, not concentrated in the second half. Also, don't misquote me. I don't claim that FFX-2 is a grand masterpiece of game design. It isn't. No matter how heavily it's updated, it's still based in outdated gameplay systems and chock full of dubious design choices that balance with its merit. All I do is defend the game against those whose hatred of it defies logic.

I never quoted you as saying that. Furthermore, XII is exactly the same as X-2 in that its optional content is present throughout the game. The whole point of my previous post was to try and show you the paralell between the two games in the hope that you might lay off XII.

Pardon my lack of clarity. You did misquote me in that you said that I claimed X-2 was good because of that. I have only ever brought up that point about optional content when someone attacked what they perceived to be a lack of story.

And anyway, you're running in circles now and I'm not entirely sure about what you're trying to say. First you (seemingly) took the position that the second half of FFXII contained enough merit to redeem the first, but now you claim that the first half's merit was hidden? I'm quite confused, but to be perfectly honest, I don't really care if you clarify your stance or not. I have no intention of actually debating the issue at present. That isn't to say I won't be drawn in by continued replies, but my heart won't be in it.

Zak, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I simply can't be bothered. It just doesn't matter enough to me to try. If you're really interested in my views, feel free to PM me with specific questions about them, and I'll reply whenever the mood strikes me to do so. Anyway, I have very little to prove to most people around here, as they know me to be quite reasonable.

Pardon my lack of clarity. You did misquote me in that you said that I claimed X-2 was good because of that. I have only ever brought up that point about optional content when someone attacked what they perceived to be a lack of story.

And anyway, you're running in circles now and I'm not entirely sure about what you're trying to say. First you (seemingly) took the position that the second half of FFXII contained enough merit to redeem the first, but now you claim that the first half's merit was hidden? I'm quite confused, but to be perfectly honest, I don't really care if you clarify your stance or not. I have no intention of actually debating the issue at present. That isn't to say I won't be drawn in by continued replies, but my heart won't be in it.

Not at all. I'll start again. What I am trying to say is that the parts of XII you played have a lot more merit when you take into account what happens after around Archades, and seeing those events would reveal more about the plot. XII's mandatory plot moves along pretty slowly but trust me, it is worth perseverance.

The point about the optional content is another argument altogether and the optional missions are often available from the beginning, often being sidequests which branch off from hunts or main plot events. That is where the FFX-2 paralell comes into play.

Not at all. I'll start again. What I am trying to say is that the parts of XII you played have a lot more merit when you take into account what happens after around Archades, and seeing those events would reveal more about the plot. XII's mandatory plot moves along pretty slowly but trust me, it is worth perseverance.

I have two problems with this.

First, I take issue with the claim that it is worth sitting through a boring story in order to get to interesting events at the end. No matter how you slice it, that's bad. Pacing is an important factor in any composition from any storytelling medium, and uneven pacing has always been regarded as a demerit.

Second, my complaints with the game are not limited to its story. In fact, it's safe to say that my qualms with the plot are the least of my issues with the overall product.


The point about the optional content is another argument altogether and the optional missions are often available from the beginning, often being sidequests which branch off from hunts or main plot events. That is where the FFX-2 paralell comes into play.

I still fail to see a parallel, but this is not a X-2 discussion, so it's not worth pursuing.

Zak, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I simply can't be bothered. It just doesn't matter enough to me to try. If you're really interested in my views, feel free to PM me with specific questions about them, and I'll reply whenever the mood strikes me to do so. Anyway, I have very little to prove to most people around here, as they know me to be quite reasonable.

Fair enough, maybe I will. I also know you to be reasonable when you want to be which is why I was interested in whatever you had to say.

And the be quite honest, comparing FFXII and X-2 are like apples and oranges, seriously the only thing they have in common is those two words in the title.

And since I haven't gotten around to responding to the topic itself, FFXII was alright, but I did have some issues with it. Like most people said, it's like everything that FFX isn't.
The only thing XII and X have in common is voices, the lack of a world map, and the function of save crystals. And I guess the license board is very comparable to the sphere grid. Other than that, they're completely different.

I kinda consider that a good thing though, but solely because of originality and nothing else, cause I wouldn't want it too much like X.

One of the only things I liked about this game was how the boss/mark battles were actually a challenge. I like having to plan out a strategy rather than just going all-out on bosses like in most other games. There was a point in the game where the marks became like the arena monsters in X. That was fun beating them, and I think this is the only game with fights that take an hour (there are at least 7 of them).

X, having no map, had a very linear world, with each area next to the other in a straight line, from Besaid to Zanarkand. XII, on the other hand, is just about as non-linear as you could get, for a world with no world map, it's all spread out. I like it like that, you don't have to worry about backtracking and all. But it can be confusing as to where you've been and where you haven't been.

To those who said the sidequests are cool in this game: I wholeheartedly disagree, with the exception of marks. The sidequests do have potential to be good with the setting this game is in, granted, but the rewards for them are shitty because by the time you complete them, you've already got the reward. And sometimes there are sidequests that are very long-winded and all you get in the end is two ethers. Few are worthwhile, though, such as the marks.

XII had a new system with chests, which, though was original enough to impress me, also pissed me off. It was a good try, but they should go back to having fixed items in chests. Some items, like the Zodiac Spear, are IMPOSSIBLE to get without a guide, unless you're lucky with judgment or just plain lucky.

And the Espers! Did anyone else think they all kinda looked the same, just like huge mechanical things with different shaped halos, I've been playing for a while and I still haven't gotten used to them enough to identify most of them by looks. Our old summon-friends became ships. Lame. I hope they bring them back.

The story sucked hard IMO. It just wasn't very fun to follow like the other ones, even X. It didn't really weave much of a plot, and there were some points where it got too boring for me to even care. I wasn't really eager at all ever to find out what happens next in the story, I just wanted to see the whole game. It's not like the other games where I was eager to know what lies ahead, or would jump at the plot twists and revelations.


The battle system and gameplay were fun and addicting, though.


I was disappointed though at how the reward for completing the sky pirate's den we worked so hard on is just a piece of loot nor part of any recipe and sold for 1 gil and having no function at all. I was hoping for a weapon. Oh well.


That's my two cents... I still reccommend playing and continuing it, despite the negative parts of what I said.

I think FFXII was great. I actually liked it much better than FFX and FFX-2 put together :p. Imo it's the best Final Fantasy on the PS2 yet. What I liked about this one alittle better than the Xs was that it was more challenging (the battles).

What I liked about this one alittle better than the Xs was that it was more challenging (the battles).

Yeah that was really a downside of X. I always found the battles pretty easy (espiecially the ones along the storyline). Im just starting the new file on the game now. I dont suppose anyones got any quick tips for the start of the game like "level up to a certain level" or "dont miss this chest" ??

Prak seems to think the same about XII as I do for FFX.

Although both games are flawed, people can still enjoy the games despite the these shortcomings.

I thought FF X's story and gameplay were boring. Like Prak thinks the same about FFXII.

At this point, no matter what the facts are about the games' flaws, in the end it is just a matter of taste and personal expectations.


And Prak, I thought we already talked about those "outdated" gameplay styles. ;)

I think XII is fantastic, despite the notable lack of character development. Consider the scope. The sheer vastness of the world. When running around in some of the overworld areas, such as the Sandsea ruins, you can really get the sense that you're on another world, and that is something other FFs have failed to realise, imho. I love FFs, but this one has epic jawdropping graphics. So it's entirely understandable why some people care little for it's depth or shallow/stiff characterisations.

The game is great especially the gameplay. Gil is a problem though.

thinking of getting this. between this and another game cant choose. is it worth getting?

The gameplay is good, but if you play Final Fantasy solely for the storyline you're not going to like it.

One of the best battle systems; one of the more lacking stories.

I loved the battle system, I loved the story, I loved the characters.. I found that FFXII had every day a new challenge to bring.. Though I also liked X, I have a "special bond" with FFXII, the music, the places, the graphics.. It's just epic.. I totally agree with Malphregor

My opinion is kinda divided when it comes to FF XII... You know I'm a huge fan of the old battle systems: you know, turn based and stuff. So maybe Im a little biased on this topic, but even though I found it to be pleasant.

I liked the story of the game not because it developed the characters or anything of the sort, that's maybe one of it's weak points. But the thing I love is the fact that the story revolves basically around a War between two nations, and I always like that kind of stories, but that may be just me.
Also I found some specific characters to be amazing, as well as some others I'd kill with my own hands if I could... And the ones I liked are not especially main characters or anything, take for example one of my favourite characters was Azelas (Vossler), dunno specifically why, I just liked him, the way he was made, it was nothing in particular. The main character Vaan is kinda lame, in fact, I really doubt he is the main character to start with, he's just the character you start with. Ashe and Balthier make some really good characters too, while Penelo for example, I'd kill her as painfully as I could to make her suffer, GOD I hated that character.

Overall, I think it's a nice game to play, not a masterpiece or anything, but surely worth the while, I recommend playing it.

To me, it was such an atmospheric, amazing world to live in for a while that I really didn't want to come out again. I still feel that way about the art direction and Sakimoto score. Looking back, I can see why people might say the story was boring -- I just was so enthralled with the production design and running around the environments looking at everything that I was basically not focused on the story. I still think some of the locations in this game are the best looking, most mysterious, cool places you could ever visit on a PS2. If it weren't for the resolution, I think it looks more like a PS3 game.

I really liked XII. I thought the world was very vibrant and alive. I also enjoyed the seamless transition from exploration to battle; it was a nice change of pace for the series.

This game is one of my favorite Final Fantasy! Great game^_^

I found the story incredibly forgettable and dull, but I lost so many hours just wandering around in the world. It really is immersive and beautiful.