In Defense of FFXII

Next Generation has an article defending many of the somewhat 'controversial' decisions made in the design for the newest chapter in the Final Fantasy series. While it recieved a 40/40 from Famitsu, Final Fantasy XII has recieved some harsh criticisms for straying as far as it has from the Final Fantasy norm. From the article: "With Gambits turned on (and configured with just five minutes of commonsensical thought), battles go at least twenty times more quickly than in any other RPG. At their best, Final Fantasy XII's battles resemble rollicking fights in fantasy movies. The player merely directs his party through an area, freezing the action when he sees fit to make adjustments on the battle plan (stronger enemies appear, et cetera). This alone should be enough to qualify XII as a 'videogame.' The controller's vibration, for example, provides wonderful feedback. Yet players feel betrayed. They say, 'I want to press buttons.' They say, 'I don't want to watch my videogame.'"

Not planning on getting this one

[the_demiurge]

I've played Grandia III and the battle system is superb. Classic turn-based, no "active battle system", but the battles are fluid and full of motion and strategy. The demo for FF XII seemed exactly as the quote described (although a link to the article would have been nice...): the game plays itself.

I like RPGs not just for the story, but for the challenge of beating some bad guys using some tactical thinking. The demo didn't offer any thinking. I'll watch a movie or read a book instead if there's no meaningful interaction with the game.

LINK TO ARTICLE

[Sean0michael]

Here Is The Article [next-gen.biz]

Re:Gameplay?

[DeadMilkman]

You picked up FFX-2

Things you should know...That was a disney like "direct to video" sequel of FFX..it is a fanboy/girl title. It quite honestly is a joke of a FF title.

You picked up the lowest rated FF game, ever "."

Sorry you made an uninformed illgotten choice. Next time bother actually reading reviews and you might find what you want.
Here's a quick pro-quo guide.

FF4 Classic good vs Evil Fantasy story. (SW like, but no injokes)
FF5 Lite on story, heavy on new battle system at the time (jobs)
FF6 Classic Fantasy Empire vs Rebels. (Yes there are SW injokes)
FF7 One of the best, heavy psyco-scifi Steam-punk theme'd
FF8 Still Steam-punk theme. Heavy love story, light on the Scifi but its still there.
FF9 Classic Fantasy in a truer since. Overall story disjoined at times but a frolic nontheless.
FF10 Classic Drama (almost shakespeirean) One long dramatic Deathmarch. throws in a love story to boot. Part scifi part fantasy.
(one culture for each)
FFX-2 Austin Powers directs a Charlie's Angels remake featuring characters from FFX.