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STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED
Unmissable 5 Stars
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Tragic 1 Star

PACKSHOT
Final Fantasy XII

GAME DETAILS
Released
23 February 2007
Format
PS2
Developer
Square Enix

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Final Fantasy XII


Final Fantasy XII (2007)
Review
While digital swashbucklers have gorged themselves on inferior spin-offs bearing the Final Fantasy label recently, it feels like an age since 2001’s FFX awed players with its sweeping story, inspired characters and stunning, Hollywood-style production values; and while the stellar presentation of this latest instalment will be familiar to fans, an overhauled combat system helps make this Fantasy one of the freshest, most engaging quests in Square Enix’s evergreen franchise.

Unlike previous escapades – where your exploration was hampered by the sudden appearance of random monsters that forced you into combat, whether you liked it or not – enemies are now visible on the battlefield, allowing you to sidestep skirmishes and making the action flow seamlessly. The new gambit system, where you ‘teach’ your heroes to behave in certain ways during battle, also makes for more strategic fights, and even though old hands will have to learn new tricks to keep up with this magical mash-up, the subtle tweaks help FFXII feel like a true evolution of this groundbreaking series.


Reviewed by David McComb

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Your Reviews

Average user rating for Final Fantasy XII
Empire Star Rating

RE: Outstanding!

after having my xbox for 3-4 months i was pulled back to my PS2 to play this game. I have to say once you've tasted HD there's no going back....looks so dated and awful.   gameplay however was fun, except for one boss when i had to pointlessly level up for about 10-15 hours straight :)   definately a worthy farewell to the PS2 though. ... More

Posted by Chojin at 17:13, 13 July 2007 | Report This Post


RE: Outstanding!

L: Auron41 Let's start with the negatives. I'm starting to find a lack in originality in the Final Fantasy series. Aren't Vaan and Ashe more or less carbon copies of Tidus and Yuna? Basch and Balthier have more than slight leanings towards Auron and Wakka. Fran?  Lulu, anyone? Penelo =  Rikku. And the greatest annoyance is the world itself.  Ivalice - the Final Fantasy Tactics universe.  Great.  Moreover, although I approve greater freedo... More

Posted by Kadaj at 15:37, 06 June 2007 | Report This Post


RE: Outstanding!

L: Rob_Gordon so, I finished this last night and boy what a miserable failure. Easily falls into the category of Worst FF Ever - not including FF-X2 which was just agony from beginning to end. sp; Yeh it's a real empty ending. ... More

Empire User Rating

Posted by Kadaj at 15:35, 06 June 2007 | Report This Post


RE: It's been a long wait and boy was it worth it...

I OWN THIS GAME AND I LOVE IT!!!   SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! ... More

Posted by simontchilds07 at 20:43, 01 May 2007 | Report This Post


It's been a long wait and boy was it worth it...

Every aspect of this game is lovingly crafted. The new battle system makes for a nice change even if it takes a while to get used to and it helps the game flow from one stunning looking environment to the next in the massive world there is to explore. Then theres superb voice acting, a great cast of believable characters, loads of sidequests and fun mini-games plus an outstanding musical score and sound effects - FF12 gives you all you could want and more from this deservedly reknowned and consi... More

Empire User Rating

Posted by jomo999 at 16:08, 30 April 2007 | Report This Post


RE: Outstanding!

so, I finished this last night and boy what a miserable failure. Easily falls into the category of Worst FF Ever - not including FF-X2 which was just agony from beginning to end. ... More

Posted by Rob_Gordon at 20:03, 28 April 2007 | Report This Post


RE: Outstanding!

Let's start with the negatives. I'm starting to find a lack in originality in the Final Fantasy series. Aren't Vaan and Ashe more or less carbon copies of Tidus and Yuna? Basch and Balthier have more than slight leanings towards Auron and Wakka. Fran?  Lulu, anyone? Penelo =  Rikku. And the greatest annoyance is the world itself.  Ivalice - the Final Fantasy Tactics universe.  Great.  Moreover, although I approve greater freedom for players, I... More

Empire User Rating

Posted by Auron41 at 16:49, 22 March 2007 | Report This Post


RE: Outstanding!

The game is great, i love the battle sytem, hate the license system and love the espers.  All is good with the world. ... More

Posted by Black Cat at 10:38, 15 March 2007 | Report This Post


Outstanding!

The change in gameplay has just added a whole new dimension to the battles, and the variety in side-quests and extra missions is immense. By far the biggest, most enjoyable and immersive game I have played. ... More

Empire User Rating

Posted by pstdavis at 10:58, 12 March 2007 | Report This Post


Surprising!

This is a great game. The graphics, sound, vioce acting and story are all excellent. The only drawback could be the Battle system which has changed considerably. The new system takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, its very deep, immersive and highly satisfying. Another excellent game in the Final Fantasy Series! ... More

Empire User Rating

Posted by draney at 19:25, 08 March 2007 | Report This Post


RE: Game of the year!

The game is not out here yet but I will most likely be borrowing as much money of as many people as possible to buy this the day it comes out (23rd Feb - ish). But what I've heard from reviews on tv and forums etc this looks to a very enjoyable game to play. However, like said before i think the battle system does not look like a strong point for the game but nonetheless looks to be addictive and exsilerating as any FF game to date has been.- time to sell FFX-2 and FFXI!&nbs... More

Posted by HawkesAndCO at 22:33, 09 February 2007 | Report This Post


Game of the year!

I didn't approve of the gameplay at first but it grow on me and I think this one of the best games ever made. Forget the short lived Gears of War and play this immersive, masterful game. ... More

Empire User Rating

Posted by LeonX42 at 13:15, 01 February 2007 | Report This Post



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