An Epic Game That Nears Perfection.

NOVEMBER 11, 2006       By: Des Manttari, Editor-in-Chief, Phoenix Genesis       FINAL FANTASY XII GAME REVIEW


Part 1: Overview   [TOP]


This year, Square-Enix has made an epic comeback with the release of their Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children followed by Kingdom Hearts II and now Final Fantasy XII. Ever since the PlayStation 2 came out, Final Fantasy fans have been disappointed by both Final Fantasy X and its sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. Although these two RPG installments had the usual state-of-the-art graphics and stunning CG cutscenes, there was something missing from the series. Even the online introduction of Final Fantasy XI didn't quite make the cut, lacking the usual Squaresoft innovation of days gone by. After endless delays and a long anticipated wait, Square-Enix has finally provided its fanbase with a game worthy of the franchise's name. Final Fantasy XII goes back to the roots of pure fantasy with a game that one cannot stop playing. In a little more than one week since the game's release on October 31st, I have clocked in over 80 hours of gameplay.


Part 2: Storyline   [TOP]


The beauty of Final Fantasy XII is that it combines the best elements of past games with a fresh new storyline. The player is thrown into the world of Ivalice, first introduced in Final Fantasy Tactics. As in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, the world of Ivalice contains various races such as Humes (Humans), Moogles (with Montblanc again making an appearance), Viera, Bangaa and Seeq. With the exception of Fran, a Viera, the player's six party customizable configuration is comprised of only the Hume race. It would have been nice to include a Moogle or Bangaa.

The story starts with a stunning CG introduction of a parade that celebrates the recent marriage of Lady Ashe and Lord Rasler, heirs to the Dalmascan throne. However, war soon rages as the Arcadian Empire clashes swords and magic with the Rosarian Empire over the politically and strategically important Dalmascan corridor. Ill equipped, the small kingdom of Dalmasca falls to the Arcadian Empire and short-lived bliss evaporates into tragedy for our main characters. However, a small and secret resistance is brewing.

As with all Final Fantasy games, our heroes embark on an epic quest to save the world from evil. There are plot twists galore, with the thematic threads of trust, betrayal, revenge, loss, and loyalty. The script is extremely well written with amazingly cast voice actors to give life to the dialogue. The story is well balanced with gameplay interwoven with both in-game cutscenes and jaw-dropping CG cutscenes. The pacing is just right, with enough storyline to keep the player intrigued and pushing through battles to get to the next plot point. Both villains and heroes are enshrouded with just enough mystery to keep one guessing.


With the Archadian Empire to the east competing with the western Empire of Rozarria over the supremacy of Ivalice, it was also a time of war. As its first step towards its domination of the west, Archadia invaded the Kingdom of Nabradia. Lord Rasler's motherland fell to the fires of war. Dalmasca later met the same fate. With its defeat at Nalbina Fortress, Dalmasca lost the bulk of its military power. The brave Dalmascan soldiers attempted to fight back, but the overwhelming superiority of the Archadian army wiped them all out. Archadia presented a truce offering to Dalmasca. In reality it was nothing more than a declaration of surrender.


-- Excerpt From Harem Ondore IV's Memoirs, Sunset of the King, Chapter 12



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