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STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED
5 Stars Classic
4 Stars Excellent
3 Stars Good
2 Stars Fair
1 Star Tragic

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.


Reviewer: 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. ... Read More

Chojin About me
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... Read More

Kadaj About me
15:37, 06 June 2007 | Report This Post

RE: Outstanding!
Empire User Rating

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. ... Read More

Kadaj About me
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!!! ... Read More

simontchilds07 About me
20:43, 01 May 2007 | Report This Post

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

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... Read More

jomo999 About me
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. ... Read More

Rob_Gordon About me
20:03, 28 April 2007 | Report This Post

RE: Outstanding!
Empire User Rating

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... Read More

Auron41 About me
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. ... Read More

Black Cat About me
10:38, 15 March 2007 | Report This Post

Outstanding!
Empire User Rating

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. ... Read More

pstdavis About me
10:58, 12 March 2007 | Report This Post

Surprising!
Empire User Rating

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! ... Read More

draney About me
19:25, 08 March 2007 | Report This Post

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