Final Fantasy 12, the game all us FF fans have been waiting for, is here at last. With such a long wait, you’d figure the game would be an outstanding experience, and maybe even be the pinnacle of the series. FF12 is a good RPG with high production values, but it falls short in some areas. First, I’ll let you know what this game does well. The graphics are amazing, especially for PS2. The environments are enormous and inextricably detailed.
Early on in the game, it becomes clear why FFXII took five years to make. The artists did an admirable job with this game and I can’t wait to see what they can do on future systems. The voice acting is the best I’ve seen in an RPG and some of the best I’ve seen in video games in general. All the main characters have great voices and use appropriate amounts of expression. The music is also well done, although it fails to live up to the FF series’ high pedigree. It’s more like a movie soundtrack, in that it provides an atmosphere appropriate to the gameplay, but there just aren’t many memorable tracks.
Now to the gameplay; Square-Enix decided to do away with the random battles of yore and came up with a MMORPG like battle system. The benefits of the system are there are no more pesky random battles and the game feels more fluid. On the other hand, the game has lost the traditional Final Fantasy feel, and you lose some control over your other party members with the gambit system. I’m glad they tried something new but I’m disappointed with the battle system. Another problem I have with FF12 is the story. I’m glad they created a politically charged narrative, but it felt nowhere near as deep as Final Fantasy Tactics, and it just wasn’t creative. FF12 is a good, long RPG that most fans will likely appreciate, but I’m hoping for more in the next installment of the series.