FFXII's Japanese Release

1up has coverage of the Japanese launch for Final Fantasy XII. The much-anticipated and very delayed game began sales yesterday, prompting more pictures of Japanese gamers in line. If you don't mind spoilers, they also have a fairly extensive preview based on the import version of the game. From that article: "FFXII begins with a stunningly gorgeous full-motion video which depicts a royal wedding in Dalmasca, a small kingdom wedged precipitously between the warring nations of Archadia and Rosarria. But the celebrations are cut short as Dalmasca is dragged into the war and the newlywed prince is felled in battle by an arrow, leaving one very bereaved princess to mourn her loss."

Re:WARNING: SPOILERS

[EggyToast]

Of course. You don't want the last boss to be so difficult that most people can't finish the story. It's why lots of games nowadays have "collectathons" that will grant some bonus or extra feature, but isn't necessary for the completion of the main game -- a way to flesh it out for more advanced players.

Looking back, I actually think it's one of the more unique elements of FF6. The last boss is actually pretty tough. Some of the other fights in the game are hard due to limitations or restrictions, but the 4-in-a-row boss fight took me about 3 tries before I beat it.

Of course, after I played a bit more I learned some tricks that made it easier (yay life 3) but it's still one of the harder fights in the game.

Can't wait!

[dannycim]

I've been playing every iteration of FF since... Since they've been making them and you can bet you sweet patootie I'll be in-line for this one.

I've also been playing FFXI for over 2 years now and I enjoy the combat system a lot. I makes sense to me that while engaged in combat, attacking is the default action and doesn't require pressing the X button repeatedly. You're left instead with the decisions (Use magic? Defend? Order the other characters? etc... etc...)

I loved the demo that came with Dragon Quest 8.

They're mentionning Thanksgiving as a North American release date but... Can we really expect it to be on time?

The music is awesome.

[Audigy]

I ripped it last night, to PSF2 format. If you don't know what PSF2s are, you should probably research. They're the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Watch out for the remix of "Clash on the Big Bridge" :) I think it's track 91.

http://oddigy.com/ [oddigy.com]

Hurry up and grab it before the Chinese leechers suck down all my bandwidth.

You're welcome.

Impression from the demo

[Puhase]

I playhed through both parts of the demo that came with Dragon Quest 8 and although I am skeptical, it will still be fun and that is what matters. I am one of those that enjoyed the menu'ed battle system and lament its loss, but the new system isnt terrible. There are a few holes that I think made it alittle too easy. I found myself "kiting" all the enemies with the ranged class character, (kiting being the process of casting a spell to slow a monsters movement/attack and then running it around as it gets beat down) which made everything but the boss fights very easy. Hopefully they have some nice ranged attack monsters and have removed some the ridiculous effectiveness of Time Magic.

In summation, the only thing new this time around is the battle system and I find it a fresh experience, although the jury is still out on whether it is "better".

Where's my NES?

[DesireCampbell]

Can I choose my class? No? Then I hate it. Back to FF1.