Is Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age A Good Remaster?

We've seen so many games get remastered and remade over the years, now it's FF12's turn!
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[@MyNameIsSonsky]

I remember putting 200+ hours over this game because of its content. the environment and how the towns were gorgeously done and seeing it during the ps2 era just completely blew me away. My first final fantasy game and fell in love with it.. probably the best ff game for me. Ff8 falls off 2nd. Thanks for reviewing it. Subscribed! 🤘

[@urielhernandez2974]

Sonsky Infante my first FF game too XD played to te very end,collecting all the weapons lml

[@xXlDUBAHOLIClXx]

I remember the 6 hour hidden dragon boss fight. Yiasmat or something I forgot. Spent a good 300 hours, easily best ff for me.

[@taylorgibson1994tg]

Sonsky Infante it was my first Final Fantasy game as well. Also my favorite.

[@AliceInsanity]

It was my first FF too and it's my favourite, especially because of its great fighting system To this day I really don't understand how they never made use of it again

[@kadhem6952]

Agree! I did exactly the same.. And it was my 1st ff game i played

[@TheGunmanChannel]

I had so much fun on my recent playthrough of FFXII, I don't think I could have done it without the fast forward button though. Nice video, thanks for the upload.

[@TakahiroShinsaku]

I remember playing the original version back in the past, i kinda did my fast forward version using Vaan having a nice Samurai sword and everyone else focusing on him being berserked, hasted, protected, and occasionally healed, most fights felt like being skipped.

[@MrMultiPat]

I really loved the Gambits system as a kid, I got so into it. I had such a complex system by the end of the game, where all my characters were autocasting different protect spells on the whole party whenever they ran out, and healing each other when their health reached certain points.

[@jf4156]

It’s really fun and quiet an easy system to grasp too, one of the better executed mechanics in the series for sure!

[@freddquadros]

I think most people fail to realize that Vann and Pennelo represents the commoner's point of view. The idea of the common folks taking action in the shaping of history as well, not only knights and kings.

[@RedFloyd469]

I don't think that's what people fail to realize. It's more that Vaan and Penelope, past the introduction of Basch and the princess, no longer truly contribute to moving the story forward. At best Vaan will say something about getting to see the world or being a sky pirate. Penelope would then gaze at Vaan and add absolutely nothing. Basch, Balthier, Fran and Asche all added important elements to the story, Vaan and Penelope simply didn't. This is because the addition of those two was a late decision, meant to appeal to younger, largely american audiences. (Hence why Vaan and Penelope have a cringe-inducing American accent in comparison to the Shakespearean old english dialogue of the other party members.)

[@Flaris]

I think what most fail to realize is that people don't care about the commoner's point of view.

[@mr.battle20]

@@RedFloyd469 Pretty sure Vaan and Penelo were meant to appeal to Japanese audiences, not American. American audiences tend to favor older, more masculine protagonists, whereas Japanese audiences prefer younger, "prettier" main characters (bishounen). While Americans would've been just fine with Balthier or Basche as the protagonist, Square panicked and threw Vaan in as a last-minute addition.

[@Evil_Chronic]

Red Floyd I stopped reading what you wrote. You can’t even spell Penelo right. And I thought OP got it wrong.

[@Wayward_Fox]

@@Flaris Okay then, Sir FlareKnight the Edgelord. I wonder what your noble title is?

[@OpalDargon]

Vaan and Penelo never bothered me a whole lot compared to others, but I am bummed to hear you can't switch Vaan out in the cities. It would have been great to see Fran run around Bhujerba shouting that she's Basch fon Ronsenberg.

[@silver08gunblade91]

fran and the others leave at that... Certain event so it won't make sense hearing a nice ass bunny saying im captain bash (i don't know the spelling) but yeah that would have been real fun to do 😂

[@borderlineexperimental]

@@silver08gunblade91 the spelling was in the OP. Are you high? :D

[@silver08gunblade91]

@@borderlineexperimental *hides weed in panic*... no

[@borderlineexperimental]

@@silver08gunblade91 hah 😂

[@vDorgengoa]

I lived Vaan and Penelo. Penelo was my favorite character.

[@sadmarinersfan8935]

btw 12 is my favorite ff

[@andresmontano7454]

I've only just found this review by you and I really liked it! I liked a lot of the things that you touched on and I'm just overall glad that I get to see someone else talk about how much they liked this game!

[@Bestgameplayer10]

Seeing you pop up in the video to talk caught me off guard.

[@Bestgameplayer10]

BMO - What are you talking about?

[@blizzrd6578]

@BMO Yeah I agree with Bestgameplayer10, what in the fuck are you on about?

[@asraeth11]

@@blizzrd6578 It's because Suzi is transexual

[@blizzrd6578]

@@asraeth11 who the fuck is Suzy?

[@asraeth11]

@@blizzrd6578 The sphere hunter

[@Lucavi86]

That stare at the end lol

[@JSmoothSoul]

This is my favorite ff because of the beautiful ambient music and strategy battle system.

[@Jack_80]

i really liked the original but the complete removal of difficulty ruined the remaster for me.

[@vitiate7750]

@@Jack_80 whatcha mean? Did they make it easier?

[@MegaAndyGG]

@@Jack_80 This is only good thing for me lol

[@Xarkom89]

Fran is the only borderline furry I'll accept in my life. :P

[@Dr.Stein_]

Krait I see u r a man of culture...

[@geoffreychauvin1474]

I don’t understand how people can’t see the difference between a character who has animal characteristics or is anthropomorphized and a furry. Fran is not a furry she is a from a different race of beings in Ivalice. Furries are weird awkward fuckers like Sonic Fox...

[@GodBroly]

Fran is not a furry and furries are not weird fuckers.

[@dibdap2373]

@@GodBroly yes they are.

[@GIR177]

Kemonomimi =/= furry

[@KC-fi2or]

*me, slowly walking around as fran as my party lead so she walks like she's on a catwalk:* this game is great

[@ZionsWorld]

That end was so hilarious...

[@TantricMoon]

I own FFX for PS2, PS3, PS4, and Vita. They keep releasing it and for some reason I keep buying it. Lol

[@shedijon]

Not pc tho

[@monkeyswag57]

You gonna get it on switch and pc?

[@TheBrazilRules]

The battle system is one of the best from the series

[@alanlee67]

Tantricmoon don't know why SE doesn't get memed for it like Bethesda does with skyrim

[@tigerex777]

I did that with RE4; can't stop buying re-releases of masterpieces.

[@geoffreychauvin1474]

I know it’s a lame complaint but I miss the opening cinematic that played prior to starting the game in the original version. The epic music with the judges walking toward the screen that eventually builds to the prelude theme always got me pumped to play. All that said 12 is easily in my top five as well. I’m currently in a playthrough at sixty seven hours and change with nine of the thirteen summons and I haven’t let the final guest character leave yet. This is my third time through but my first with TZA

[@AugustMeyer]

Love your channel! You provide a lot of good context for why the systems in this game are cool that other reviews I’ve seen lack. Nice job!

[@NonRegnumDei1934]

Loves this game as a kid but I never finished it. Hoping to pick up the remastered version soon and just binge my way through to victory.

[@elevenAD]

The original PS2 release was the last FF game i ever played, unfortunately life got in the way lol, the nostalgia is so strong with this video i may start playing again! Great Channel!

[@mcbaksteen]

12:08 i really like the way the voices sound, don't really know why but, it just feels like it belongs to ivalice, even in vagrant story where they don't talk, but you can still hear the recording quality for sound effects (especially screams and grunts)

[@dreamplace7469]

Stumbled upon your RE3 review and was already loving the tone of voice, attitude, and pace of your content. 2nd video I clicked on was this one, and once I heard Twin Peaks: The Return music kick in, I was more than sold. Beautiful stuff.

[@JavierFernandezSound]

FF XII is one of the best i've played. Specially this version with the job system. The gameplay is so fun and fluid that you can play for hours and not get tired. And the story. The fact that Vahn is a completely normal person (no super power, no epic destiny dragging him, etc) that kinda gets involved in the story makes me feel like any person could be Vahn. But this is not a bad thing at all. It feels like somewhat realistic or down to earth... I don't know what word use to describe it, i'm babbling at this point. I found that speed boost is a double edge sword. I mean, it's really useful for grinding and all that. But man, the second that you feel confortable with that speed, going back to normal feels like a torture and the game kinda looses it's charm, at least for me. So, no x2 and x4 for me speed junkie. Anyway, great video!

[@pavith3817]

Javier Fernandez I've never played a ff game ever? Is it okay if I start off with this?

[@JavierFernandezSound]

Yeah, Each final fantasy is a standalone story. So, there's no need to play them in order. Feel free to start from whichever you want.

[@JoyBoy1990]

Javier Fernandez i agree! :)

[@dinoflagella4185]

Lil PP you’ll like FF7 as well. It has a cult following. It’s PS1 title so don’t expect high graphics. The story is great, and the characters are legendary. There’s an ongoing debate as to who is the hottest FF female character. Fran from FF12 is one of them, but comes behind Tifa Lockhart from FF7.

[@Leon-wf3xf]

Agreed!

[@aarondelgado2632]

"Skin armor" HA! I used to think Vaans' abs were skid marks from a tire. Like he was run over by a car or something

[@LukmanHakim-gn3uk]

You, good sir, have brought me my 12 yer old thought back.

[@gatz900]

Love your calm and friendly personality! I enjoyed this review even though I couldn't force myself to beat this game after getting through 80% of it. Its cool that people can cherish certain Final Fantasy entries for different reasons

[@maddoggnick96]

SH: “It looks like Square is finally figuring out what to do with their re-releases.” SE: “Hold my beer.”

[@nicholasbalser6901]

The gambit system could have been put in every single FF after and would have made the game so much better. Party members A.I seems to be quite dumb now.

[@andrewhelms6249]

EXACTLY! AIs in FFXV were soooooo trash

[@RedFloyd469]

The combat system of 13 in particular was just the absolute worst. No meaningful individual decisions can be made when you are forced to adhere to a strict paradigm-only combat style. Meaning: every single fight you enter, you will most likely fail beforehand, as you have absolutely no idea to approach that particular situation. In most games, this means you make bad decisions. In 13, you were INCAPABLE of making good decisions, the game simply wouldn't let you unless you got your ass beaten beforehand and change the paradigms accordingly. This was an incredibly frustrating move. It cheated the player and basically told us that using our own intelligence to solve combat situations was no longer an option. Something that was simply never an issue in ffx12. At worst, ffx12 would have a bad gambit placement, something you can test beforehand and for which the blame will be entirely on the player. And 15? The AI was...alright. But party members would still make horrible decisions, just stand still doing nothing, or just be completely useless in general (Looking at you, Prompto.) All of which could very easily be rectified if your allies could wield different weapons according to the situation and if the gambit system was put in place. It's like the idiotic fan backlash that 12 received was misinterpreted as "Fans hate this game, therefore we must never use anything from the game ever again.". Despite the fact that the backlash was initial, reactionary, and focused on the lack of turn-based combat, and that ff12 ranks as one of the highest rated games on the ps2 according to some lists, often higher than 10. Or maybe Enix has entirely embraced the idea that every single new installment needs a completely different combat system. Something that I simply do not support.

[@MrDestroyedSoulx]

@@RedFloyd469 They've been embracing that idea forever though. Look at the history of the franchise. Most of them have different battle systems. Yeah, the ATB os probably the most used, but 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15 all have pretty different battle systems. 7-9 do use the ATB, but they have differences. Like the Materia system for 7, and Junction system for 8. I'm not sure if there's a different magic system for 9 too because I haven't played it yet. But 10, 12 and 13 all have pretty different battle systems. And 15 is just full on real time and removed most of the RPG mechanics from the game. This design philosophy extends further than just the gameplay too. The world's are all separate and have different stories and characters. Except for sequels. And even those tend to have differences. Especially 13-2 and 13-3 which feel like different games in both setting and story. From the very start the Final Fantasy series has always tried to reinvent itself with every new game. Yeah, some things carry over. Like item names, summon names and certain concepts like the crystals and certain character names. But for the most part the world's are pretty different.

[@tomjordan4123]

@@MrDestroyedSoulx ATB has been there since FF4, and FF10 doesn't use ATB except FFX-2, FF12 technically still uses ATB concept, only renamed.

[@MrDestroyedSoulx]

@@tomjordan4123 Yeah, I know it's been there since FF4. But I haven't played anything pre 7 so far, so I didn't mention it because I was mostly trying to speak only of games I've personally played. Btw, it was FFV that fully introduced the ATB battle system, from what I just read. At least when it comes to the ATB meter. It wasn't there in IV on SNES or Playstation. I assume it was added later to the remakes of FFIV. 10 doesn't use the ATB system. Which is what I did say. I said 7-9 used the ATB, and said that 10, 12, 13, and 15 each had pretty different battle systems. I didn't speak on 1-6 because I'm not as knowledgeable about those games, and haven't played them yet. (probably won't play the first game, and the second one I might not either. I'd probably start at IV if I had to play one of the 8-Bit or 16-Bit games. Since that's where the series really started to get great stories from what I've heard people say.)

[@zefwyn6793]

What a great review! This is the first rpg ive ever played and I’m having a hard time getting used to all the mechanics but my goodness is the art style and story amazing.

[@peterhoffmann502]

So glad I have stumbled onto your channel recently, between Final Fantasy and Resident Evil videos you are certainly a kindred spirit. Also 12 is in my top 3 final fantasy's and put over well 100 hours into it on the ps2. Now I have owned Zodiac age since it released and while I not nearly put that many hours into it I do love it and the job system, its the game I go to to break up newer titles that I am playing through.

[@robertblackhall6916]

I love how you have Haunting Ground so prominently displayed in your room. I'm not sure if you just did that for the video or not but it was a subtle nod that I picked up on.

[@Hazamatoxin]

Lol that ending killed me

[@claudiourrutiaaranguiz9281]

It's like FFXV meets The Shining.

[@NightmarePictures001]

Right?? She looked so traumatized! D:

[@scribble71891]

@@NightmarePictures001 I thought it was a joke at first; it was ok when I saw that is was just a mobile game. But then I saw it being ported to consoles...

[@NightmarePictures001]

@@scribble71891 Was it THAT bad??

[@scribble71891]

@@NightmarePictures001 No. It's just a version of a game I think shouldn't exist that's all. I played the original FF15 so seeing a version that's was so inferior/condensed that costs nearly $30 was absurd.

[@michaelcoffey1991]

Glad the wife and I were told about the channel :). Instant sub as we seem to enjoy the same styles of games for the most part. Wife has not yet played FF12 which is both loved and disliked by many. I was glad this remaster made the game even better now I am even looking forward to seeing the game again not just thru her eyes but with all the improvements you listed.

[@julioc.toledo]

Been a fan of your channel for a while now. Great content, vids, creative choices, humor; your voice and tone especially draw me in. This is the first vid I actually got to see you, and it was great to "take a look under the veil". Either way you decide to create content, animated or live action, I always know it's going to be informative, entertaining, and all around great! So thanks, and keep it up! As for this vid in particular, yeah, great points! I remember this game really kicking my butt in my teens. This version sounds great, and I am glad you shared your thoughts on them as well as the changes implemented within. All the best!

[@brailleeulogy120]

Good review. Just found you. You didn't spoil anything but answered the questions i had. Awesome!!

[@riodemark9999]

FF12 is my favorite from all of the FFs, it was a huge chunk of my childhood and it was really amazing stumbling across optional bosses (including the optional espers).

[@SolvingYourProblemRightNow]

I 💙 The Sphere Hunter's: voice / content / channel in overall!

[@blackbrainz]

I am so glad I found your channel! Watched your PE video and was hooked. FF 12 is an amazing entry into the Final Fantasy series and is so mechanically sound. I find it gets overlooked in spite of being a great game. Thanks for taking such an in depth look. Awesome work!!

[@killzekat]

Complete and detailed review + good editing + soothing voice = liked and subscribed. Thanks.

[@Edwins1984]

You earned a new subscriber with that ending xD

[@gieric]

I've been following your...other... work for a few years, but I was really drawn in as a fan by your cosplay and general nerdiness. I'm a new subscriber to your KZbin channel and I'm enjoying your work. In the few videos I've seen, so far, your development as a reviewer and editor are clear. I really appreciate the related backstory segments and comparisons with other games, some might call them tangents but my brain smiles when you fill in one of those knowledge holes I didn't know I had. Keep up the great work!

[@TheSphereHunter]

Thank you! I actually quit the other work a while ago.

[@gieric]

Phases come and phases go, we must know when to move on so we can grow. Know thy self for others will seek to define you. At least that is what I've been contemplating of late.

[@playerone6995]

What other work?

[@codytierson845]

Excellent review, told me everything I wanted to know. Will be sure to pick it up, thanks you!

[@tonybogard6888]

I’ve just gotten back into gaming and am playing catch up. Currently Going through FFV Advance and the job system has become one of my favorite setups in any RPG I’ve played. I wanted to to learn more about XII to make a list of games to jump into once I buy a new system, and this video has made me a believer. Added job system? I’m there! Glad to be a new subscriber to your channel!

[@hugo54758]

That's exactly what I wanted to hear from a review.

[@ChrisPTenders]

Mmm... 12 is a masterpiece, and so is this video! Haha! Your ending shaved a few pounds off my sides! The music, your expression... I can't even stop! X'D Seriously, this goes at the top of my list of favorite reviews from this channel, alongside Prey and Haunting Grounds. So good!

[@DarkDollGames]

FF 12 took a minute to grow on me, but I miss it so much! Great review! SUBSCRIBED!

[@glassisland]

That reaction at the end, though. Priceless!

[@s-wo8781]

Oh wow, so summons are no longer trash in Zodiac Age? In the original version I tried to make Ashe a summoner and it was terrible because Espers died with the quickness.

[@mauriciogago4465]

I don't know, I just finished the game and I only used espers about twice and they both died quickly. The game is fairly easy, at least the main story part, so you don't really feel like trying new things, maybe on trial mode they're useful.

[@mattandrews2594]

It's possible you summoned them in the "wrong" areas. Remember, XII has no enemy scaling, and alot of Esper stats are set and never change, so if you summoned an early Esper in a late-game area, naturally it won't be very effective.

[@whoopsie321]

Recently playing FF12 and learning about Gambits reminded me that Dragon age has a similar system. Also just realizing FF12 came out on PS2 is pretty nuts being such a huge game.

[@silverbags1208]

@The Sphere Hunter you are so good at describing new and obtuse game mechanics in an easy to understand way, and have the ability to introduce them in a way that isn’t harsh. Almost like if I was asking one of my friends who has a kid. I have played Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Now FFXII all because of your videos; you explain them in a way that just screams, “Really, these games are awesome!”

[@dominoscr]

This video was great. Truly appreciate the detail and humor. I’m going to watch the top 5 vid now!

[@SnrKagemusha]

a) really solid review - the script flowed along really well, informative w/o being dry, and beautifully read. b) having that turbo speed and the map overlays have convinced me to pick this up. The slowness of the grinding in the original is what made me drop the game back in the day; loved everything else, but it was unnecessarily low-speed.

[@Atticus_Moore]

I felt the same way playing it back in the day on ps2. Loved Basch and Balthier and the script is so well written and surprisingly quotable as well. Some of the things the characters say are straight up beautiful without being overly flowery with words.

[@mateusmauricioff]

That ending was perfect! LOL And nice review, I agree with pretty much everything you said, I really enjoyed Zodiac Age.

[@aarondorris7639]

was the music at the end from the new twin peaks series? reminded me of the scene were the kid gets run over LOL

[@devidance6534]

Awesome work as always, love your wayfinder necklace thoo

[@leonard9624]

This now my newest fav game youtuber. I can listen to your voice all the time,so calming and soothing.

[@aortaplatinum]

Xenoblade Chronicles: "You mind if we copy your homework?" Final Fantasy XII: "Sure, just change it up so it's not obvious you copied." XC: "Uhh... no."

[@blizzrd6578]

FF12 is literally Final Fantasy's take on the Baldur's Gate style of gameplay (which is called a CRPG I believe).

[@slobertooth1358]

It's funny you mention this cause Xenoblade 1's battle system was inspired by FF12.

[@gatst7680]

@@slobertooth1358 I think that was the joke

[@Syenthros]

Final Fantasy XII: Fantasy Star Wars.

[@blass8092]

@@slobertooth1358 xenblade ch 1 is so much different than ff12 dude. Ff12 is about methodically queuing up actions for your party (making use of the gambit system as well) during fights. In fights you frequently pause the action to thing about your next move. It is similar to a crpg in that way. Have you played star wars KOTOR? That is probably ff12s closest family member. XB is much more action and rhythm based than ff12. You are moving around the entire time, positioning correctly to meet move conditions (hit monster with x move from behind etc). I would consider xb to be pretty far removed from crps and kotor. It's actually funny how ff12 has the star wars like story while copying (I love both) KOTOR

[@ninjay345]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. There is a serious lack of female game content creators, or at least they feel hard to find. I love this video, and I'm excited to watch more. You've got my sub.

[@demoburg7268]

@@leonardoalvarez966 so what?

[@abom7634]

love the 4x speed with rock chocobo racing music! just found your channel and have shamelessly BLITZED through most of it already, like I'm running out of videos =( goddammit, also that ending hahaaha Keep it up though great content and taste in games, and thanks for recommending parasite EVE, I'm currently downloading it on psn now, so keen after seeing your video on it. Keep doing what you do! Subbed and liked! Can't wait to see more

[@FABRIZZLE]

Loved two things in this video... The “you think you can ride this chocobo” track over the speed sequences and that ending. Awesome! 😂🤘🏻

[@ikeecsl6631]

Thank you for your review, I was a little kid when I played FFXII and back then I felt it was a masterpiece, like a poem in a form of a game. I'm so glad I can revisit that world with some improvements :)

[@ChrisHughes89]

Wait, you can control Espers?! Wtf, I literally sunk like 90+ hours into the game and never even tried to control them lmao!

[@tomjordan4123]

Did you still put your character petrifying to make Zodiark casting its super attack?

[@hanzohasashi4534]

I can't control Espers on my PS2 version, only works on the remaster.

[@cha0sxiii63]

Same! Used to not being able to do that on PS2 so, never even occurred to me to try! XD

[@hrtbrkone5626]

I loved this review! I just bought the PC version because I never knew it was remade and I'm interested in modding it to make it less easy. I remember fond memories of just playing this game after school so many years ago for the combat was so engrossing. I don't understand why people didn't really like it so much because Dragon Age almost has the same combat system. And that ending haha! Subscribed!

[@YannMetalhead]

Great review! The end was hilarious and I saw you for the first time in this video, awesome.

[@CoreIdeas]

Honestly, I never got into FF XII because of the combat system. I prefer turn based combat and the idea of a mixed system was not up my alley. Yet you explained it far better than I've seen others try in the past. Got me interested in trying it out. Good job, Sue! Only thing I'd suggest is to add a drop shadow on your text and maybe change the font to that of the game. Other than that, your vids keep getting better!

[@jameskaveh]

Drop shadows or borders. It's difficult to read the words in the thumbnail without either.

[@golDroger88]

Turn based rpgs shouldn't even exist.

[@golDroger88]

I always thought as turns in rpgs as a limit developers had, not as an intended mechanic. Somehow it stuck, probably because of autistic nerds and lazy developers.

[@golDroger88]

Strategy needs to be decided beforehand and you must have the ability to adapt to the situation as it happens, if you can take your sweet time it's not strategy, it's easy mode. Also things are not black and white, it doesn't have to be either turn based or Kindom Hearts and new things can be created.

[@FredMaverik]

But FF12 is basically a seamless turn based RPG. The movement and shit doesn't really matter.

[@JairusC]

So, the battle system here is basically the one in Xenoblade Chronicles I/II/X with a more in-depth customization of the allied AI's. Looks like it's definitely more implemented too, since you can buy more gambits. Would totally get this game right away if I didn't already have a backlog of games, haha. Definitely appreciate this upload, wonderful job.

[@SantoryuKauboi]

Jairus C. Music that’s the reason I love xenoblade Chronicles 1 and 2. This battle system is my favorite

[@InfernoWarrior909]

I found your channel yesterday and I really like your reviews, especially this one since I played the game over 200+ hours back in high school and I'll definitely want to get a copy of this very soon. Anyways, I'm subscribing and keep up the great work!

[@jeffpesos420]

You’re so calm and witty, love it 👏

[@shayoko6]

When i first played this i really enjoyed the experience. especially the tough enemies. i was easily able to go into areas not far into it, where there would be a MASSIVE difficulty jump and i'd have to grind to stand a chance. this of course applied to summons. while using them could have been improved (how there limits activate). i loved their battles! i loved the bounty system too! the characters didn't stand out in this one and i actually dropped the game before the last fight as i just didn't care about the story at that point... still overall i liked the game initially. i can't say if i still would though.

[@Daedivh]

A large part of the team that developed XII were the people who developed Ogre Battle, Tactics Ogre, FF Tactics, and Vagrant Story. They've always had a good sense of strategy and all games they've worked on have been very strategy-minded. Another thing they tend to do is a very political plot with elevated speaking patterns. The original protagonist of XII was Basch and then someone higher up said the game needed a younger protagonist. By this time, the story was mostly written. While they tried to incorporate them and focus on Vaan, it would have probably been better to keep Basch as the main character. Just some history on this game and the team behind it. Enjoyed the review, don't really see or hear positive perspectives concerning this game often. I haven't had the opportunity to play Zodiac Age yet but I find it very interesting. I personally like XII's combat the most of all the mainline FFs, and while I like what they went for with the story, I wish the higher ups hadn't meddled like they did with it so late.

[@Mr3DLC]

I would have prefered balthier:)

[@mattandrews2594]

"The original protagonist of XII was Basch and then someone higher up said the game needed a younger protagonist." Urban myth. This never happened. In fact, Vaan was announced in production WELL before Basch.

[@afxboc]

@@mattandrews2594 This. It's not like I'm a huge fan of Vaan but this whole "Vaan was a late minute addition" is just one of these internet myths with no actual evidence. Well, there's "evidence", but said evidence never said anything about Vaan being added late into development. It's pretty much just people misinterpreting things based on a few interviews from back then. Matsuno also said on Twitter years ago that Basch being the protagonist during development wasn't a thing. I just think people can't accept or understand that Vaan might be a different type of protagonist/POV character. If better or worse done, that's a different story, but I think is kinda obvious this game goes more with the coral cast route (kinda like FFVI) where most of them are equally important. Vaan is certainly not your epic chosen one or badass hero, but he isnt' supposed to be. He's a regular teenager caught up in a thread of political drama that threatens the world.

[@GymBooty]

Just found this channel and it's awesome. Keep up the good work!

[@Harune_dot_exe0]

Been looking for a review. Thank you.

[@MoistChungus]

Starting off the video with dark souls b roll, praise the sun

[@zeroattentiongaming820]

I've been on the fence about this one for a while. 12 was my first FF game and I bruteforced my way through it without a clue how most of it worked. Never beat The Undying. As a result I've got pretty negative memories about it. On the other hand, I was clueless but I still loved everything about how the gameplay, leveling and gambit system worked. Watching this video reminded me of why I couldn't stop playing it. Even thinking back, it doesn't look or feel like any of the other games. I'd compare it more to Dragon Age Origins. But then all the additions with the job system? Definitely need to get this soon. Side note: I loved Vaan and Penelo because they aren't the main characters. The narrative follows them (more so Vaan) but the story focuses on Ashe and Basch. Letting us see these events from the perspective of the normal people instead of the royalty or the seasoned warrior. We are there for it but we are not in any sense the focus.

[@FrMZTsarmiral]

Found your channel thanks to the Resident Evil reviews but I'm also pleasantly surprised to see that you also have some Final Fantasy videos.

[@kakterius]

nice video, a few notes: The license board is a reenvision of the sphere board of FFX and the fighting system is a evolution of the system from FFXI great job thank you

[@HitsuTwistedTalong]

I just discovered you today watching your RE reviews and final fantasy. Like you i grew up with these games and i love how you point out such small details on your review. Great job! Btw you're beautiful 😍

[@TheSphereHunter]

HitsuTwistedTalong thanks a lot!

[@SenseiThimii]

Hahah, that twin peaks style ending! Priceless

[@CmdrRenegade]

Thank you for this video. I never got far into FF 12. The difficulty of figuring out the Gambit system and not really knowing what to do with my characters made me give up on it. That being said I remember loving the world of Ivalice after playing Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. This video spelled it out for me and I'm giving this another chance.

[@PointOfLightProds]

Playing through the remaster now and remembering how much I love this game. Your right about the enemies being rebalanced, I remember the Judge Bergan fight being a real pain on the PS2 and this time I destroyed him with ease. Grinding seems easier too, that quick mode helps a lot. I haven’t been this impressed with a remaster ever, definitely worth a full price purchase but I got it on a sale, so it’s winning all around

[@LCardosed92]

I AM CAPTAIN BASCH

[@Kate-ms2mn]

don't listen to Ondore's lies

[@neslux]

Am i missing videos ? there is nothing before this one, but you are talking about the previous video "top FF games"

[@Luciffrit]

She might have deleted the old videos or they may have been taken down.

[@Nirwanda001]

@@Luciffrit Such a shame :(

[@Walamonga1313]

Sad, would've loved to see more FF videos

[@Whosthathufflepuff]

The ending was the funniest thing! I loved it, and the whole video was a very nice retrospective. Question though! You refer to one of your earlier videos but this is the earliest one I can find. Are the earlier ones gone now?

[@ancientgamer3645]

Great commentary. Simple and easy to understand. Job well done! 👍👍

[@SchmuckMartin]

FF XII is honestly one of my guilty pleasure favorite games. It shouldn't be, but it is. It's because the game is so vast and fun to explore. So many side quests and hunts. btw, your ending XD

[@SaberRexZealot]

Schmuck Martin Guilty pleasure I don’t think applies. The game’s actually great.

[@RedFloyd469]

I agree with Saber. How is this a guilty pleasure? The game is incredibly solid. It got enormous flack for being the first game in the series without turn-based combat, but being where we are now, it actually had the best real time combat since the departure from the original formula. The gambit system is brilliant, and I can NOT understand why they didn't use it for 13 and 15. (Like, seriously, the gambit system is so incredibly detailed that it puts the AI for 13 and 15 to shame for how lackluster and useless your allies truly are in said games.) So if we take away that initial fan backlash, this game actually does all of the right things. The only thing I missed, were the cinematic cut-scenes that were heavily present in FFX. In comparison, the cut-scenes in 12 feel more stiff. All in all, this is a great game, definitely a favorite of mine along with 10. Had this game been bad in most regards, but I still enjoyed it, THEN and only then would I call it a guilty pleasure. But this game is good, perhaps to the point of being brilliant. (seriously, the gambit system, the incredibly rich and vast environments, the intricate dungeons, the incredibly tough secret boss battles, the vast lore, the detailed codex, the interesting but realistic story, not to mention the adventure-filled musical themes, this game almost never drops the ball. The issue with the switch to real time combat and the overall irrelevance of Penelope and Vaan are more minor issues than genuine problems with the game.) Just my opinion, of course.

[@Flaris]

Not a bad thing to enjoy a flawed game. Sure this fits as a guilty pleasure. But that just means you get to find more enjoyment in it.

[@ardraagatama2858]

I've got ptsd to this game till now thanks to gilgamesh, behemot king and yiazmat battle lol

[@kennethbryant5819]

@@Flaris this game is pretty highly rated. Not a guilty pleasure. If you were to play something like a mobile rpg or something like that, that would be a guilty pleasure.

[@KeyleeTamirian]

Will there be a review for FFX-2? I mean, your name is Sphere Hunter, after all, and it's one of the most underappreciated games in the franchize.

[@narcspector]

When you held up the Wii-U Zelda case I audibly gasped, you are absolutely Angel-tier beautiful. Crikey. Also, great video, great channel. You explained the ADB and Gambit system perfectly, it's almost like how you can set behaviors in most modern RPGs. And the license board is just a very complex/intricate class/job-based version of a FF skill tree.

[@leoelumir4757]

Nice review! This is my favorite main entry in the series. Can't wait to play the Switch version next week.

[@blakerenimu9033]

I love the world of Ivalice! Mostly the soundtrack. FFTA are probably my favorite strategy games ever, and to think FFXII takes place in the same world... I really need to play this

[@svumaster]

Just the music of FF12 is amazing

[@Walamonga1313]

Really? I thought it was generic and boring, which is one reason why I stopped playing it

[@JD260A9]

Appreciate this video, looking to get Final Fantasy XII sometime soon. Although Vaan and Penelo don't have huge stakes in XII, I love their interactions in Revenant Wings.

[@nif82]

I loved being able to set my gambits where my party would Auto grind while I was at work. Helped so much farming for bazaar weapons

[@leonard9624]

Thanks for reviewing this game and giving it the respect and love it deserves. I just hate and dont understand all the bashing ff12 got years ago

[@xgalarion8659]

I always tell people who are curious how the battle system works that it is just the same as dragon age. It really is. Ff came first, though. Another reason to love this game.

[@krydenhearts]

the fact that my favorite youtubers first video released on my birthday is still so astonishing.

[@SpawnViper4]

First Video i've seen but def not the last! What a great review. The wording, pacing, commentary & comedy. Very charming and in line with FF12

[@luizations]

"Lets release the international version! Japan only though." Someone at square probably

[@ShiraClips]

As soon as you said FF12 was one of your favorites, I subscribed instantly.

[@shuntaro2408]

Your take on class restriction is so frikking spot on! It works differently for each game of course but damn you put into words what I could not

[@GodBroly]

That end though!! Guh for sure also I love it you like exactly like your avatar it’s perfect 👌

[@tjudawous]

12 has the best story in that it wasn't all exactly about "find the crystal save the princess blar-de-blar"... it was Game-of-Thrones-ey, minus the incest, and the story was a bit more diffuse between characters which I liked. It really did mostly revolve around the happenings of Ashe, though. Also the battle system was awesome but on hard fights I found it always boiled down to spamming phoenix down gambits in a desperate fight to keep your party chugging. Not sure I like the idea of easier monsters.

[@tjudawous]

Damn, you're right.

[@OsnosisBones]

Giovani Setiono Honestly though, star wars itself is just the traditional nobody from a small village becomes a knight to fight and defeat the black knight and evil wizard/empire and save the princess story but in space and with elements of eastern philosophy and mysticism. The similarity between these two is mostly just aesthetic and the fact it's a traditional political medieval story but with elements of eastern philosophy and mysticism. Beyond that they're still very much different. For one it's not nearly as black and white. Vayne is much more grey, less a villain more after the same thing but feels the ends justify the means. Feels like a grander scale classic ff more than just a final fantasy star wars.

[@tjudawous]

Nakumare vahn didn't become some great or evil knight per session though. He was just vahn in the end, the characters in many senses stayed true to themselves through the story and weren't necessarily warped in some way, contrary to what happened in much of the star wars series.

[@OsnosisBones]

I dont see why you're telling me this when my comment literally was stating that people constantly presuming FF12 is essentially just final fantasy star wars are vastly overgeneralizing. You basically just reaffirmed what I was already saying honestly. You're correct of course, but still.

[@tjudawous]

Nakumare for the sake of conversation I guess? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ but ok.

[@bearsfan22378]

This is probably my favorite final fantasy game because of replay value. Being able to skip the cut scenes makes it way more enjoyable than X. I really love the gambit system I wish they would have used this going forward or at least make a sequel to this game with it.

[@nezkeys79]

Both are amazing (so is 11 which has a similar engine to 12). However I'd say 10 is better overall just because it has a better story and characters overall. The inability to skip cutscenes is obviously annoying for people replaying the game many times

[@donniequalls9693]

Summed it up exactly as I saw it myself. I played the original release and this re-release and the gambit system is what I enjoyed most. Making it feel like I was playing an old school MMO by myself with a party that actually did exactly what I wanted it to. Good video.

[@gamelord9772]

You have definitely earned a sub from me I just love how you review these games and tell us your own personal experiences playing them for the first time I just love when people talk about their first experience playing these game and ff12 was definitely an overwhelming experience for me the combat system and the environment designs, the ass kicking the enemies and boss gave you Btw you look familiar have you ever been any movies or TV shows?