Final Fantasy XII, is “final” more than just the title?

Many people say that this could very well be the FINAL fantasy game, but not because of the title, and SquareEnix is definitely not going bankrupt. So why do so many fans believe this game is Square’s downfall? Because of the intense, new, user-interactive battle style; different from any Final Fantasy game yet!

The Game Play

Final Fantasy XII has a real time fighting style, different from the previous games which uses a turn base fighting style (you choose an action, enemy chooses an action). This game also shows a change in fighting style by the company’s doing away with random battles. In this game enemies are visible at all times, making running through dungeons a lot less frustrating. This game also features a new customizing option called Gambits. Gambits allow the player to choose automatic actions for his characters before the battle starts; then, when an enemy comes in range, the party attacks without the player having to choose actions for every character. This saves time and effort on the player’s part.

Another exciting edition to Final Fantasy game series is the addition of the optional Monster Bounty Hunt (also seen in the Final Fantasy Tactics series). The player simply walks into the pub, reads the bulletin board for new bounties, selects a bounty, and activates the hunt by talking to the person who posted the bulletin. The posted bulletins give a simple explanation of why the monster needs to be hunted, and where the monster can be located. These hunts are exciting, great for gaining experience, and add hours to the game’s already lengthy story line. The more bounties the player completes, the more they grow in clan rank, adding to the RPG format of the game.

Since the game’s debut, countless fans have awaited anxiously for the release of the series’ sequels. Many fans got into the habit of expecting the same turn base fighting style, four character parties, random battles, and automatic camera settings. They also found themselves appreciating the unrealistic, but convenient, finding of gil and other treasures from defeated foes. That is what makes Final Fantasy XII such a controversial game. It is extremely different in the fact that Square is trying new ideas, and looking for a better game experience. It uses a real time fighting style, three character parties with the occasional guest (which does not act as a party member and can not be changed by the player), visible foes, and an optional complete player-controlled camera angle. The story line has also taken a turn for the better, inspiring more thought by throwing in political conflict with the traditional love, and man vs. foe. Gil is also obtained by completing bounties, finding treasure chests, and selling goods. In this game, any character and every character can have any magic, weapon, or accessory the player chooses. The only limit is the game’s License board, where players must purchase the item/ability with License points that they get from defeating enemies.

So why do people (namely sore fans) think this could be Square’s last Final Fantasy? Because they want Square to continue with the same, predictable story line and battle style, and are threatening to quit supporting the game series unless changes are made. What they don’t realize is that change is good, and that with an open mind, you can make any game a great game. Be open minded, and if you are looking for an intense RPG with interesting music, a detailed story line, and dramatic cut scenes, then Final Fantasy XII is a must buy!

Tags: Downfall, Final Fantasy Tactics, Lengthy Story, Video Game