Why You Shouldn't Overlook Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age - Gameinformer

Jimnymebob · Apr 23, 2019

I struggle to get into this game. I really like it, and I have a good time when I play it, but I got it at launch, and I'm not far in it whatsoever. Like, I'll play for a weekend and get super into it, then on the Monday I'll just feel burnt out, and drop it for months.

Sky87 · Apr 23, 2019

Second best FF game after XIV. Loved playing through it last year. Also the combat is far superior to the earlier FF games.

Jamie · Apr 23, 2019

Still my favorite Final Fantasy game of the series, though not sure I'll get it at launch with that price tag. Will see.

Necronomicon · Apr 23, 2019

I prefer the not zodiac age system.
All of the characters could be almost everything, yes.. but I think the jobs introduced later are not the way the game was intended to be.

BGA · Apr 23, 2019

Still somewhat early on and I like the settings, music, fast forward system and characters so far, but combat/gambit system is still complicated for me. I keep dying on a boss

Fire horse boss

and not sure if I'm underleveled or lack skill in understanding it's mechanics. I'm hoping it's not a lot of grinding I need to do.

The Spoony Hou · Apr 23, 2019

AnGer-dono said:
Time & Eternity is... "special". I never thought I'd say this, but I can even sort-of get why people like FF XIII (a game I truly, deeply, detest) after having played it, because it's just that bad. The art's pretty and the music is OK, but the MC is a reprehensible pervert (the first conversation in the game has him make sexual passes at his fiancée's friends IN FRONT OF HER), the gameplay is lame and it's technically just a step above Ride to Hell.

I can believe Toki Towa there could be the worst RPG of all time. I'm curious to try it, but it sucks that's PS3 only, as far as I know.

Elephant · Apr 23, 2019

I absolutely hate this game, which is a strong word, but Final Fantasy was my favourite series until this monstrosity came along and helped turn the franchise from gaming classics like VI, VII and IX, into "Alright, I guess" games like XIII & XV.

The story is dull and the characters are tedious. Gone is the charm. You thought the voice acting in X was a bit too anime? Heeeeeeerrrrreeeee's XII! Turn based battles are gone, but not really, it's a weird mish mash of both because "Da kids want action!" - excels in neither as a result. The fast forward button is included in ZA which relieves some of the boredom, but i don't think it ever gives you a reason to care, it just allows you get the experience over and done with so you can move on and play a good FF game to cleanse yourself of this mistake.

Overlook it!

Blade24070 · Apr 23, 2019

How in the world is FFXII's voice acting too anime? What the fuck

Dreamboum · Apr 23, 2019

Elephant said:
I absolutely hate this game, which is a strong word, but Final Fantasy was my favourite series until this monstrosity came along and helped turn the franchise from gaming classics like VI, VII and IX, into "Alright, I guess" games like XIII & XV.

The story is dull and the characters are tedious. Gone is the charm. You thought the voice acting in X was a bit too anime? Heeeeeeerrrrreeeee's XII! Turn based battles are gone, but not really, it's a weird mish mash of both because "Da kids want action!" - excels in neither as a result. The fast forward button is included in ZA which relieves some of the boredom, but i don't think it ever gives you a reason to care, it just allows you get the experience over and done with so you can move on and play a good FF game to cleanse yourself of this mistake.

Overlook it!

You're joking right ? You must be joking

Elephant · Apr 23, 2019

Dreamboum said:
You're joking right ? You must be joking

Nope. :)

Edit: I will say that if you hated yourself enough to enjoy this game when it was first released on the PS2, then Zodiac does polish the turd enough for you to enjoy it more. *Thumb ups*

Vincent Grayson · Apr 23, 2019

XII was my favorite FF for a long time until Zodiac Age went and made it just my favorite game, period.

So excited to go through it again on XBX.

Deleted member 26768 · Apr 23, 2019

Blade24070 said:
How in the world is FFXII's voice acting too anime? What the fuck

Macbeth is my favourite British anime

Mantrox · Apr 23, 2019

Is the story any good?
I only played an hour or so, and dropped it more than a decade ago.

Elephant · Apr 23, 2019

Blade24070 said:
How in the world is FFXII's voice acting too anime? What the fuck

I assume you were talking to me? I take it you never played with the Japanese VA's? Tip: Don't.

The English VA is well acted and overall it's well localised, although I'm hesitant to praise it too much because the material doesn't exactly set the world on fire. Especially when comparing it to it's ancestors.

Vincent Grayson · Apr 23, 2019

Elephant said:
I assume you were talking to me? I take it you never played with the Japanese VA's? Tip: Don't.

The English VA is well acted and overall it's well localised, although I'm hesitant to praise it too much because the material doesn't exactly set the world on fire. Especially when comparing it to it's ancestors.

The writing and VA in 12 is worlds above anything else the series has produced. Like, I love FF from 1 on, but the writing has never been stellar.

Blade24070 · Apr 23, 2019

Elephant said:
I assume you were talking to me? I take it you never played with the Japanese VA's? Tip: Don't.

The English VA is well acted and overall it's well localised, although I'm hesitant to praise it too much because the material doesn't exactly set the world on fire. Especially when comparing it to it's ancestors.

Ohhhhh okay. I just assumed you were talking about the English version.

Elephant · Apr 23, 2019

Vincent Grayson said:
The writing and VA in 12 is worlds above anything else the series has produced. Like, I love FF from 1 on, but the writing has never been stellar.

In what way? I'd argue that from 3 - 10, while the localisation wasn't always on point, the games demanded your interest. XII was well written in the sense that it made dialogue seem more natural, but it offered nothing to keep you excited and want to keep playing.

Blade24070 said:
Ohhhhh okay. I just assumed you were talking about the English version.

That's OK, I wasn't clear :)

Vincent Grayson · Apr 23, 2019

Elephant said:
In what way? I'd argue that from 3 - 10, while the localisation wasn't always on point, the games demanded your interest. XII was well written in the sense that it made dialogue seem more natural, but it offered nothing to keep you excited and want to keep playing.

That's OK, I wasn't clear :)

I find 12's story, despite the obvious point where things went a bit awry, to be very compelling.

Korigama · Apr 23, 2019

Prison_mike said:
Is Switch version 60fps?

Only XB1X.

Youngfossil · Apr 23, 2019

Korigama said:
Only XB1X.

PC too

Korigama · Apr 23, 2019

Youngfossil said:
PC too

Naturally, but I was focusing on the new ports (which will have additional new features that neither PS4 nor PC are slated to get).

Elephant · Apr 23, 2019

Vincent Grayson said:
I find 12's story, despite the obvious point where things went a bit awry, to be very compelling.

That's fine, I disagree. So it's a standoff! We'll just quietly judge each others tastes and carry on.

Youngfossil · Apr 23, 2019

Korigama said:
Naturally, but I was focusing on the new ports (which will have additional new features that neither PS4 nor PC are slated to get).

What new features?

creamcake · Apr 23, 2019

Mantrox said:
Is the story any good?
I only played an hour or so, and dropped it more than a decade ago.

The zodiac age version is a way better game, just an FYI.

But to answer your direct question, yes, the story is good. But it's really not good at all until you get into the meat of it. It has probably the worst start of any FF (in my opinion, of course). There's a pretty good Mega64 skit about the game that somehow is not even more embarrassing than how it happens in-game.

But basically every aspect of this game is the epitome of "stick with it, trust me, it's worth it." And it absolutely is worth it.

Korigama · Apr 23, 2019

Youngfossil said:
What new features?

Ability to reset job choices after making them rather than being permanent, three different Gambit sets to program and switch between according to occasion, and a modified NG+ (can start at Lv. 90, carry over weapons, items, magic, and Gil).

Vincent Grayson · Apr 23, 2019

Korigama said:
Ability to reset job choices after making them rather than being permanent, three different Gambit sets to program and switch between according to occasion, and a modified NG+ (can start at Lv. 90, carry over weapons, items, magic, and Gil).

Also, 60 fps on XBO X, which the PS4 Pro version does not do, IIRC.

Korigama · Apr 23, 2019

Vincent Grayson said:
Also, 60 fps on XBO X, which the PS4 Pro version does not do, IIRC.

PS4 Pro doesn't, no (though I had already mentioned 60 FPS for XB1X, I did neglect to mention it being the only console version at all to have it).

Mantrox · Apr 23, 2019

creamcake said:
The zodiac age version is a way better game, just an FYI.

But to answer your direct question, yes, the story is good. But it's really not good at all until you get into the meat of it. It has probably the worst start of any FF (in my opinion, of course). There's a pretty good Mega64 skit about the game that somehow is not even more embarrassing than how it happens in-game.

But basically every aspect of this game is the epitome of "stick with it, trust me, it's worth it." And it absolutely is worth it.

Humm, i'm intrigued.
If you had to categorize the story with 5 tags, what would they be?

Golnei · Apr 23, 2019

Mantrox said:
Humm, i'm intrigued.
If you had to categorize the story with 5 tags, what would they be?

Dry, bare, awkward, predictable, dull.

But the game around it is still worth trying.

Mantrox · Apr 23, 2019

Golnei said:
Dry, bare, awkward, predictable, dull.

But the game around it is still worth trying.

well =/ ... that sucks...
Did you complete the game?

I get really bored with rpgs if the story isn't engaging.

Golnei · Apr 23, 2019

Mantrox said:
well =/ ... that sucks...
Did you complete the game?

I get really bored with rpgs if the story isn't engaging.

Yes - the script is localised and acted well; and there's a surprising amount of reactive NPC dialogue that adds up to a well-realised setting; but if you need a dynamically-told and well paced main plot with characters you can get deeply invested in to pull you through a RPG, you'll likely drop the game in an hour again.

It's also not entirely accurate to say that the storytelling gets better as it goes, as while it doesn't have anything it particularly mishandles on a game-ruining level in terms of plot points, having the narrative just dry up for a few hours in a particular mid-late game section as you go from dungeon to dungeon and go through several large new areas with maybe two cutscenes total isn't exactly fantastic pacing.

Geist 6one7 · Apr 23, 2019

If the only FF game I've ever really liked is Tactics will this appeal to me? Always wanted to go back to Ivalice.

Lucifonz · Apr 23, 2019

Still unsure whether to go for the X version for 60fps or Switch for portability. HELP!

J-Skee · Apr 23, 2019

Is the PS4 version ever gonna get the enhancements of the PC, Switch & Xbox One versions or do I just give up on that dream?

Jake2byFour · Apr 23, 2019

J-Skee said:
Is the PS4 version ever gonna get the enhancements of the PC, Switch & Xbox One versions or do I just give up on that dream?

We will find out in the coming weeks, I guess.

Mantrox · Apr 23, 2019

Golnei said:
Yes - the script is localised and acted well; and there's a surprising amount of reactive NPC dialogue that adds up to a well-realised setting; but if you need a dynamically-told and well paced main plot with characters you can get deeply invested in to pull you through a RPG, you'll likely drop the game in an hour again.

It's also not entirely accurate to say that the storytelling gets better as it goes, as while it doesn't have anything it particularly mishandles on a game-ruining level in terms of plot points, having the narrative just dry up for a few hours in a particular mid-late game section as you go from dungeon to dungeon and go through several large new areas with maybe two cutscenes total isn't exactly fantastic pacing.

So, the pacing is awful and the story is not that great either.
This is not for me then.

WyLD iNk · Apr 23, 2019

It's my third favorite, and as far as I'm concerned, the last Final Fantasy ever made. But sorry, I spent almost 200 hours on the PS2 version. I'm not going back. I have to move on. I can't sink that kind of time again.

But I'm envious of those who will be playing it for the first time. Always.

StraySheep · Apr 23, 2019

Great, now I am listening to the OST at work. Thanks.

Mcfrank · Apr 23, 2019

Never played this due to the timing of its release. Will be picking it up for switch for my 24 hours worth of plane time

Deleted member 18400 · Apr 23, 2019

I never played it when it was released due to financial limitations. But I jumped on the remake this last summer and loved every minute of it. I miss good Final Fantasy games.

Count of Monte Sawed-Off · Apr 23, 2019

J-Skee said:
Is the PS4 version ever gonna get the enhancements of the PC, Switch & Xbox One versions or do I just give up on that dream?

The PS4 version did get a random patch last week, so that could be a sign. But I wouldn't hold my breath.

StraySheep · Apr 23, 2019

Count of Monte Sawed-Off said:
The PS4 version did get a random patch last week, so that could be a sign. But I wouldn't hold my breath.

What enhancements would that be?

Golnei said:
while it doesn't have anything it particularly mishandles on a game-ruining level in terms of plot points, having the narrative just dry up for a few hours in a particular mid-late game section as you go from dungeon to dungeon and go through several large new areas with maybe two cutscenes total isn't exactly fantastic pacing.

Yeah this is what I was referring to on the other page that made me draw this game over a long period of time.I was losing the thread around this section.

Mantrox said:
So, the pacing is awful and the story is not that great either.
This is not for me then.

I mean, that is a extreme comment to make based off one person's opinion.

Isamu · Apr 23, 2019

OK I have this on my wishlist and will get around to it soon, but in the meantime I'm about to complete Dragon Quest XI. IN YOUR HONEST OPINION.....which is the better game between these two?

ThankDougie · Apr 23, 2019

Isamu said:
OK I have this on my wishlist and will get around to it soon, but in the meantime I'm about to complete Dragon Quest XI. IN YOUR HONEST OPINION.....which is the better game between these two?

XII - I think it's top 3 FF material, for one, but on top of that it has an innovative and interesting battle system that virtually nothing else has touched since. Think Xenoblade 2, only you have more control over your party and there's a ton of thought you can put into your systems in order to make the combat more interesting.

Also, the job system is nice.

DQ XI is... good, but very much more of the same, as is the case with all DQ games to some extent (with maybe the exception of IX).

foxuzamaki · Apr 23, 2019

Well I didnt plan to as i plan to buy every mainline FF thst comes to switch

creamcake · Apr 23, 2019

Mantrox said:
So, the pacing is awful and the story is not that great either.
This is not for me then.

Sorry, my original response was probably a little misleading based on what you were looking for (a story-focused jrpg.) It's definitely not what makes the game great.

It is very terribly paced. I had a hard time with the dubs, too. Honestly, by the time the game left me to wander and just start exploring, I was so ready for it. Sometimes there's multiple long cutscenes back to back. The story is hard to warm to, but I think it carries itself well enough and is interesting enough to let the rest of the game shine.

So overall I think you're right.

Deleted member 33533 · Apr 23, 2019

Mantrox said:
Is the story any good?
I only played an hour or so, and dropped it more than a decade ago.

The story is really great. It's divisive because it doesn't focus on the same fantasy JRPG tropes that previous Final Fantasy games did. There isn't an over-the-top anime plotline or a big character romance or anything like that. But it is a very maturely told story with a detailed world and lore that feels like there's a real history there, with political intrigue and drama and solid themes about revenge, duty, and identity. The characters, while important, do not have the entire world revolving around them and so the story in part focuses a lot on the war and what's happening in the world and the various nations than just focusing on the player party and how everyone there becomes best friends.

For example, there's a big focus on the antagonists' of the story and entire scenes play out where it's just them and the main party is not present. And that allows them to focus on the different characters when they aren't directly interacting with the main characters and you see how they disagree and fight amongst each other and how they aren't just hell bent on destroying the world because there is no kind of plotline like that where the villain is this god or demon and the very world is in danger of ending. So it's very different than what people are used to in JRPGs which is why you will hear very drastic posts calling the story absolute crap while others will praise it. I think it's a very unique and compelling story for the genre but really you'll have to be the judge yourself.

creamcake said:
There's a pretty good Mega64 skit about the game that somehow is not even more embarrassing than how it happens in-game.

That part of the game is overblown imo. There's a clear reason why it happens and there's some comedy in it as the characters all acknowledge the ridiculousness of it but it's for a specific purpose that ends up working as intended.

Kodama4 · Apr 23, 2019

This was the last true FF, the rest after this completely mess up the franchise and try to be too mainstream or edgy with ridiculous story lines that confuse this shit out of people.

StraySheep · Apr 23, 2019

ScopehJ said:
This was the last true FF, the rest after this completely mess up the franchise and try to be too mainstream or edgy with ridiculous story lines that confuse this shit out of people.

I have loved every FF I have played since X. And XIV is pretty universally loved.

Lockheartilly9799 · Apr 23, 2019

This game isn't for everyone. I appreciate it's well-polished design. I'm just into the game. The story isn't special to me at all. The characters are mostly blase. Fran and Balthier are great though. What I dislike the most is the combat. My desire to pre-program things and let the magic happen has never been strong. Of course, you can change during the battle but it doesn't make it more enjoyable for me. I just can't fathom why people think it's better than the PSone FF games but to each their own. It's definitely an acquired taste.

Just because I don't like it doesn't make it a bad game either. I do appreciate how polished it is overall. If you're new, you should try it.

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