Final Fantasy XII

With incredible 3D environments, an epic story and an unmatched combat system, this long awaited title satisfies all our expectations as the best Final Fantasy game in nearly a decade.

After you've read our review, be sure to stop by our forums and throw in your own two cents about the latest installment of the Final Fantasy series. Does the game make you pine for the spikey-haired antics of Cloud or are you already saying "Sephiroth who?"

Gamepro.com's official Final Fantasy XII thread!

PROTIP: Short-range weapons can strike multiple times, but long-range weapons keep you out of harm's way, so choose accordingly.

PROTIP: Short-range weapons can strike multiple times, but long-range weapons keep you out of harm's way, so choose accordingly.

It's been almost five years since we last saw a true Final Fantasy game. The online-only FFXI and underwhelming FFX-2 both strayed off the tried and true Final Fantasy path that VII so bravely forged and this left fans yearning for a return to the classic formula.

Well, the wait is now over as Final Fantasy XII has arrived and re-establishes the series dominance as the king of console RPGs. It is a rare gem of a game that simply radiates excellence and quality and has a shot at becoming known as the best Final Fantasy title to date.

A Legend Reborn

Nearly everything about FFXII feels new and masterfully reworked. The highly immersive, 3D world adopts the free-roaming feel of FFXI, thereby eliminating the static, pre-rendered backgrounds that have been a series mainstay since FFVII. By granting you control of the camera to survey the gorgeous architecture and impressive environments, the developers invite you to truly take in the world of Ivalice rather than to merely exist in it.

The different races and nationalities in the game are skillfully expressed by their varied accents and speech-patterns.

The different races and nationalities in the game are skillfully expressed by their varied accents and speech-patterns.

A quick stroll through the bustling city streets of Rabanastre reveals a crowded metropolis bursting with lifecitizens go about their day, shopping, talking and living. The realism and attention to detail are a welcome departure from the RPG norm and results in a wonderful sense of immersion and depth that augments FFXII's grand narrative.

The epic story follows Vaan, an orphaned teenager who lives in the capital city of a conquered nation struggling under oppressive imperial occupation. A clever thief and would-be sky pirate, Vaan attempts to rob the palace but finds himself quickly embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Empire. As epic as it is entertaining, the narrative that drives FFXII's action is as captivating as anything ever seen before in a Final Fantasy title.

Masterpiece Theatre

FFXII was produced by the same creative team behind two of Square's cult hits, Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story, which explains the outstanding character design, stellar art direction, and soaring musical score. The characters themselves are brilliantly conceived and should stand up to fan favorites such as Cloud and Sephiroth. For instance, the cavalier swashbuckler Balthier's combination of rogue bravado and English social refinement make him a perfect example of the varied and multi-dimensional characters featured in the game. Top-notch voice acting propels the narrative forward, whether it comes from the mouths of British- and American-accented humans, snarling Bangaa or the curiously-accented Viera.

The cinematic sequences of the game are beautiful as expected, and occur fairly frequently in short bursts. The opening cinematic is filled with mind-blowing detail and thrilling action as it immediately draws you into Ivalice's state of affairs. Most notably, FFXII gives you the option to play in regular 4:3 aspect ratio or 16:9 widescreen, giving those with HDTVs an even more amazing experience.

The cinematic sequences are as breathtaking as ever, rivaling some of the best CGI work that Hollywood has produced. Pixar, eat your heart out!

The cinematic sequences are as breathtaking as ever, rivaling some of the best CGI work that Hollywood has produced. Pixar, eat your heart out!

The characters each have their own distinctive attitudes and gestures that augment the story in each scene.

The characters each have their own distinctive attitudes and gestures that augment the story in each scene.

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sak777

Has to be the worst FF EVER. It looks awesome and has a great story, but you have to wait very long periods between each new story line. The combat is only somewhat good. After I set the gambits up, I never did anything except run through the entire game. I beat the entire game giving only a few commands the whole time. I never lost even once either. This made it boring because you did nearly nothing most of the time. If anyone knows a way to better enjoy this game, please speak up, cause this game was to easy and had to little excitment.

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