Not as good as 7/8/9 but miles better than 10 (Final Fantasy XII (PS2))

Member Name: blitzwing85

Product:	Final Fantasy XII (PS2)
Date:	26/06/09 (1 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: gameplay style is new, loads of optional things

Disadvantages: no replay value due to gameplay style

I was a bit dubious of this game after reading about the Gambit system, liscense board and the new battle system. And as i'd give 7 (5stars), 8(4stars), 9(3stars) and 10 (0 stars as i couldnt even bare to finish it) i was worried that FF games had been destroyed.

But having put this game on when it arrived (whilst in the middle of playing 'Lucifers Call') i immediately stopped playing the latter...and that's saying something!!
The story is intrieging so far(i've done about 30hours)and it makes me want to keep playing to see how it all un-folds. The characters are interesting and are all pretty useful in battle.

I love the battle system....you can still select ATB options to 'wait' and turn off gambits to have the feel of a traditional style rpg battle.....but i think the new system is great, a refreshing change. It flows really well.

The liscense system is very good....it allows for complete customisation of each character in anyway you want. Unlike FFX where you had 1 route and you didn't have much customisation for each character. FF12 allows you complete freedom in who you use, what weapons they specialise in, spells they use, summons etc.

The optional hunts are also a very good adition to the game. It's hard to distract yourself from the story at times but Hunting down strong monsters is a perfect way to do it. I've completed about 15 so far and enjoyed each one!

Although it is not very good wondering around at level 10 then your party attack a level 50 enemy and you get slaughtered....but there is a skill to prevent that...just don't learn the hard way like me!

Anyways....all in all i'd say this is the best FF game ive played and from the amount of optional stuff ill be playing for a lot longer! Deffinately worth buying if you want a slightly different...but extremely enjoyable RPG

Summary: Worth playing though once, fun game but no replay value