Why Final Fantasy 12 is the LAST GREAT Final Fantasy game | tiny RETROSPECTIVE |

[@VaporGuy]

Just wanted to say thank you all so much. This is my first video to reach 10k views which feels amazing and it's because of all of you 👊👊much love and have a Blessed day!

[@trigunner6968]

@@VaporGuy Ur welcome, right video at the right time man 👍

[@monsutaman1]

SE themselves stated the golden age of FF was VII VIII IX X XI XII being the cutoff point..........Your onto something perhaps....... XI and XII feel similar in some respects.

[@NearLife4life]

You're not alone. 6, 12 and 4 for me

[@metaldiceman]

This game was mind-blowing when it came out in 2006. Most people back then didn't give it credit, and most people now are too young and weren't around for those days. But this was a 5-year wait from the last traditional numbered entry, and I just remember it being FF10 on steroids. Everything was bigger, more grandiose. Massive multi-layered city that you start in. (10 skipped Zanarkand, 12 gave it to you) The wilderness areas were humongous; you could freely roam around and seamlessly meet the wildlife in the environments. After a 5 year wait, we finally got a freaking massive RPG to sink teeth into for 100 hours (excess in my case). Massive dungeons and tons of hunts/marks. Graphics were top notch on the system, can't believe they fit everything on 1 DVD. Music was balls-to-the-wall epic. The story did go a little soft around the middle but if you were into the lore, exploring environments, slaying creatures as you were trekking across wilderness, as I was, then it was easy to make it through to the next point where the story really picked up again. Plus, those huge expeditions across plains, deserts, mountains, etc. before reaching the next big city, just added to the epic grand scale to the game, which I really liked. This was the last FF where they just went full-bore on everything. Gameplay, graphics, music, story, lore, environments, everything. FF13 massively compromised on exploration. 15, I freaking love 15, but it's really weak in story pacing. 16 lacks permanent party members which robs a lot of the feel of grand adventure.

[@VaporGuy]

Yeah good point I didn't really consider. I do remember the wait and payoff and yeah it was very long awaited. Without looking it up I want to say there was usually only a 2 year wait in between games

[@averiskonsept]

16 in particular would have benefitted with better exploration. I also think the original ending killed the story in such a way that you really don't want to go back and play it again. Even the DLC didn't appeal to me. It was absolutely gorgeous and I did enjoy the battles -- especially the boss sequences -- but the flashy stuff isn't what brings us back every year or two to start from scratch. SPOILER: Biggest annoyance with the game was killing off every interesting character, particularly in the case of Cid and Benedikta and DEFINITELY Joshua. Literally felt like throwing the controller at the end of the game. On some level, I appreciate that they did something different. On another level, do something different again :/

[@LeoRex13]

Sounds like you played it right… so did I Lol to this day I remain one of the few fans this game seemed to have, even among the die hard FF fans I befriended I was the only one praising it- usually in response to being told how inplayable, bad & skippable it was!?! We played the same game, right? Lol I will never understand… so massive yet didn’t feel empty at all! Even more impressive for its time looking back as a PS2 game :)

[@9oh4.]

I'd bet I have well over 1000 hours in this game since it came out. It's in my top 5 games ever made. Simply perfect in every way IMO.

[@VaporGuy]

Holy moly haha I definitely don't have that much but I gotta respect the dedication 👊

[@hugbuzzard]

It definitely has flaws, but I think it’s the most underrated in the series. I absolutely adore this game. The Zodiac remaster really puts it waaaaaay up there for me.

[@sefatsilverlake3816]

My cousin had close to 400 and I can see why. Its practically a single player MMO lol

[@MohammadAliKhalil]

I probably have triple that lol Such a great game

[@MasalaMan]

I. Loved. This. Game. Your story about your brother casting full cure on theboss was hilarious.

[@VaporGuy]

He still refuses to play the game lol

[@vvonser]

The music director, hitoshi sakimoto is also legendary amongst the cult classic final fantasy games. He and matsuno have worked on several titles together.

[@VaporGuy]

I love Matsuno...definitely a master

[@ColorOfSakura]

As someone who remembers the release of FFXII with pretty intense clarity, its always fascinating to me to see the cultural shift in the opinion of the game. Because if you went back to 2006 when XII was released almost no one would have called it a "Great" Final Fantasy - it would have been labeled as a disaster that ruined the franchise. Some critics enjoyed it, but fan opinion on it was overall VERY negative, especially due to things like the battle system, the Gambit System, and the License Board. People hated the removal of familiar summons, people didn't like how the game didn't *feel* like a "Final Fantasy" game because "its literally just Star Wars", people hated Vayne Solidor as a villain, and people hated Vaan as the protagonist. Oh and people hated that this game took place in Ivalice but was NOTHING like the Ivalice we'd seen in Tactics. I'm very glad people have come to appreciate and love XII with hindsight but I just find the shift of it going from a game that was *as* hated as FFXIII (if not moreso) to basically universally beloved to be interesting.

[@maynardburger]

Plenty of people really liked it even on release. It was divisive, but hardly universally disliked like you're implying.

[@VaporGuy]

I think a lot of older games becoming more beloved over time MIGHT be more of an indictment on modern gaming but maybe I'm reaching

[@Epicflipflops]

Final fantasy XII was actually my first final fantasy game and I loved it from the start. Going back and playing the older games made me enjoy the series as a whole and respect the call backs they all share. But my love for XII never faltered. So I was always rather sad that a lot of other people didn’t love this game the way I did as it was what got me into the franchise in the first place.

[@Centrioless]

I lost faith on this fandom after seeing the initial reaction towards FF12. The complain towards its supposedly "action" combat was ridiculous, becase at its core, adb is just atb with freedom of movement.

[@noellehiles5570]

Zodiac Age did a lot of lifting for changing the worst parts of the game

[@jbivphotography]

Final fantasy 15 would have been a perfect place to bring back the gambit system. I really wish they would bring it back in a newer FF especially since they seem to be focusing on real time battles now.

[@VaporGuy]

yeah it would've. I think it should be a staple but I'm just a random dude

[@edotendo2196]

Agree with you, If someday Square Enix decided to remake 15 it will be amazing if they apply gambit, let us explore more altissia/insomnia, add more sidequest or just fill something into the overworld like FF 7 rebirth I bet it will be GOTY worthy And once more I really wish they put 15 gambit system, because it is indeed gambit appliable 😢

[@PlanttheSeed67]

This is my favorite final fantasy game and one of my favorite ps2 games

[@PandaDragon4Life]

100% I will die on this hill that FF XII is amazing. My favorite FF game and in the top 3 of my favorite PS2 games

[@MaI2Me]

Same here, although I like the ‘remaster’ a little bit more. But the original on the PlayStation 2 played on a CRT looks gorgeous even today.

[@mmmj1990s]

Same this and kingdom hearts were my favourite ps2 games

[@matteste]

It is the second place holder for me, right after FFIX.

[@kalulugamer]

The Zodiac version was great.. I like the girl with bunny ears.. 😂

[@bryantbest8372]

This was a very well made introduction to FF12. Very authentic and heartfelt. Thank you!

[@VaporGuy]

Thank you for the kind words 😊

[@Yiazmats]

my two favs are 9 and 12 so won't be forgotten

[@VaporGuy]

FF9 is my personal favorite FF and one of my favorite games period

[@_7thSage-9405]

I agree! My two favorite Final Fantasy games are IX and XII!

[@Messypapa]

i agree with everything you said man. like for real. final fantasy 12 has such a special place in my heart i almost teared up during the intro of the video. everything from the gameplay, the setting, the dialogue, the characters was just so phenomenal. the side content with the hunts was great and it had by far the most enjoyable world to explore. and finally the MUSIC was just amazing

[@VaporGuy]

I appreciate you im glad you liked the video 😁 I agree with ya for sure 👍

[@DaleStrife]

Took me a minute to get into it, but after giving it a fair shot and getting 20% into, it became one of my favorite games of all time.

[@VaporGuy]

Hell yeah love to hear it! Ty for watching 😊

[@DaleStrife]

@VaporGuy next is to get the Order of Ambrosia title!

[@mr.sinjin-smyth]

FF10 and FF12 are always my 2 favorite games in the whole series, and the latter is seriously underrated, overlooked and deserves more recognition and admiration. Definitely the last great and classic game in the series.

[@VaporGuy]

I agree...am I the only one who wants a stand alone bliztball game? haha

[@mr.sinjin-smyth]

@@VaporGuy Always had fun with bitzball, it's freaking awesome! 👍👍💪💪

[@mr.sinjin-smyth]

@@VaporGuy That would be interesting if ever. I've always had fun with that mini-game, and it can really distract several hours away from the main story. 😏

[@jeri_miah8982]

While I was turned off by the new battle system at first, it has since become one of my favourite FF games.

[@VaporGuy]

It definitely took me a while at first to get used to the combat

[@Raven_Konaim]

My Favorite FF Games are Final Fantasy 6, 12, 10, 9 and 16. Your statement of Final Fantasy 12 being the last Great FF game hits home. Aside from the store of 14, which took 10 years to hit it's peak, 12 is the last great in the series

[@VaporGuy]

For me it really is. I've like the newer ones but never fell in love with them. Someone else said they lack charm and I agree that is one big issue as vague as that sounds

[@WandererNamedGuy]

Have loved the world of Ivalice ever since Vagrant Story. When I found out these two game were related my mind was blown. There’s a lot of instances where was like “this looks familiar” or “this sounds exactly like…”. Even to the battle systems being in an open space where your freely moving but able to pause mid fight for strategic value. Also the amount of grittiness to the world was palpable.

[@VaporGuy]

I need another ivalice game asap lol its too good to be left alone

[@sefatsilverlake3816]

Its the worldbuilding for me. Just read these entries: Banshee "Appearing in places where much life has been lost, these zombies cry for those who can no longer weep for lack of eyes, and wail for those who can no longer moan for lack of throats. Should you hear their mournful dirge, you would shiver and weep, and when the tears dried, you would take your own life for sorrow. Should you wander a battlefield, and hear the cry of one who should not be crying, cover your ears, my child, cover your ears." Balloon (a bomb type enemy) "Being a fiend created by a Gran Kiltias of long ago to roam the Stilshrine, protecting the relics of the Dynast-King that rest within. Its body exudes great magickal power, fueling a pale glowing flame that burns around it incessantly. Made to defend the relics of the Dynast-King with their lives, or more precisely, with their deaths." Just 2 examples, of recolored enemies that brings them to life and gives the world such an awesome depht. I could spend hours reading the bestiary.

[@VaporGuy]

I've spent many hours in the bestiary and i dont regret it at all lol

[@chisaten]

I appreciate you relating this game to Skies of Arcadia. The GameCube version was my absolute favourite of that generation, up to the point that I wrote myself guides and played it multiple times. I still have those guides that I had printed out stored away, and like looking back at them. Also, I haven't come across any game which has a second battle system like you did in those airship battles.

[@VaporGuy]

Skies is just such a fun game...I made a video about Skies of Arcadia. It's my first video so if you do watch keep the bar kind of low 😁

[@NoctLightCloud]

I sincerely hope that FF17 will take place in Ivalice again. Why not use an already established aesthetic? It looks and feels great in every artwork, every musical score, every character design.

[@VaporGuy]

I agree and it hasn't been used in awhile. FF14 if you count that but even so I miss it and want a single player game in ivalice again

[@NoctLightCloud]

@VaporGuy I've been playing ff14 since 2014. It feels the least FF out of all of them. Even ff15 feels more like ff, because of its versus remnants, and versus feels very square soft in some weird manner. ff16 feels like ff because of its story and design. ff14 doesn't look nor feel particularly like a FF game.

[@jubjuba1982]

I agree it was last great FF game. I play this through once a year!

[@VaporGuy]

I'm having a blast replaying it right now 😁

[@SuperPowerPainter]

Thanks for the video and I appreciate your passion for video games, and for this one too. I played the Zodiac Age a few years ago and ended up not finishing after about 25 hours. It felt like something was missing for me. I did love the art direction and setting, but was not instantly grabbed by the characters and other factors. Watching your video made me want to go back and finish the fight. Keep it up! Love your videos!!! God bless.

[@VaporGuy]

Thank you for the kind words! Sometimes going back can make a game click for you. I remember playing hollow knight and quitting after a few hours but going back to it a few years after it released and now its one of my favorite games ever

[@Epicflipflops]

This was my intro to the series. My mom picked it up from Walmart because I thought the cover art was cool in like the 6th grade. Loved it from the start and it started my journey through the series. I went from XII to tactics then FF9 so my view on the series as a whole was that they were vastly different from each other. So when I went back and played 1-10 in succession I wasn’t bothered or surprised by the changes to the combat systems and enjoyed seeing where the OG enemy designs first appeared and how they changed overtime. It was like having different versions of the same game and I loved a that. Different stories with similar themes, characters of all kinds, new and old enemies to fight, combat systems that suited what mood I was in. And worlds I wished I could experience in real life. Now at the age of 30 every game has certain aspects I remember fondly. Even the ones that have come after 12. My personal favorite of the series is probably 6 followed by 3 then 12.

[@VaporGuy]

FF Tactics and Tactics advance are like my whole childhood memories lol I played basically all the game in order so thats a cool perspective

[@JiuJitsuGundam]

Saved this to watch later. Interesting concept. Can’t wait to check it out.

[@VaporGuy]

Appreciate it!! Waiting on your next vid also!

[@SoraZ2112]

The intro to Final Fantasy 12 is so nostalgic for me. Definitely my favorite FF game in the series.

[@VaporGuy]

Same this or ff8 has my favorite opening

[@wildinstinct1585]

they cannot make a good ivalice content without yatsumi matsuno...he is the creator of the world setting and politics and atmosphere

[@VaporGuy]

He laid a great groundwork and structure for someone else to follow. Id love to see them try but I agree Matsuno is pivotal

[@gindokusei4712]

Yeah they can

[@firemasterx23]

the world building was amazing. really felt like an adventure with the main characters and had so many "tiny" moments such as quest and bounties that make the NPC so real

[@VaporGuy]

Ivalice has a lot of potential for storytelling

[@Bevtone]

I think 12 for me was that game where I was still young enough that when I replayed it recently I got a huge hit of nostalgia, very content rich game too I never completed allot of the side quest and hunts when I was young but having played zodiac age recently and sinking my teeth in made me apriciate how games back then respected a player's time.

[@VaporGuy]

I've been addicted since I booted it back up

[@GeleiaDeTomateOFC]

My favorite game of all time. Loved this and played this countless times since the release in 2006.

[@VaporGuy]

Same same same same same same. A same for each time I've replayed it lol

[@silvermasked0]

Subscribed. Keep It up, I love all things Square Enix myself.

[@VaporGuy]

Thank you very much it's much appreciated 😊

[@lioneart19]

Imo FF really lacks charm nowadays. Old FF might have cool and edgy, but it never lacked in charm too. I'd say XIII still had charm, it's after that that they abandoned it.

[@VaporGuy]

I need to replay 13. I haven't booted it up in several years

[@metaldiceman]

I definitely noticed this. I started playing FF13 for the first time recently, and it definitely feels like old FF, not new FF. (FF13 feels way more old school FF than FF7 Remake)

[@NoctLightCloud]

​@@metaldicemanhow is Remake supposed to feel oldschool when almost all the staff got replaced? we can be happy we still have the few OG staff left, but don't expect teams to still be the same after 35yrs. All old game genres have changed tbh. Rebirth had charm imo.

[@metaldiceman]

@@NoctLightCloud Not exactly trying to say that 7 Remake is supposed to be old school (it isn't), more trying to say that if you play FF13 nowadays, definitely feels a stark difference. Which might seem a little odd because most people would probably consider the PS3/360 games "relatively modern", but then you remember the game came out 15 years ago. Wow

[@dreamer6737]

I love it so much. The world building, towns, music, characters everything is sooo adventurous!

[@VaporGuy]

The game definitely makes you feel like a small piece on a giant chessboard. Adventure awaits!

[@mistermysh1660]

One of my favorite FF games. I go back and play it again every few years, and your vid just reminded me that I'm due for a playthrough.

[@VaporGuy]

Funnily enough my video also reminded me im due for a replay lol I'm like 11 hour in rn

[@mistahkrazy805]

18yrs of playing this game. I LOVED the original back in 2006 and I played so many files reaching well over 100hrs. The art style and the voice acting were the best parts for me. I remember walking around the cities and large dungeons like Stilshrine or Raithwall's Tomb, and just staring at the walls and pillars and stuff. Also the way Omdore would narrate between each chapter made me start reading every beastiary entry with an English accent. My favorite line from the whole game is one from a character that didnt get a lot of screen time, but I honestly feel deserved more. "You wear the mummur's motley well, Bergan!" - Drace, Judge Magister

[@VaporGuy]

Hell yeah I just finished raithwall...I love the art style and design. I wish ivalice would make a comeback 😔

[@mysticmelody]

FF12 will always be my absolute favorite final fantasy game. I just repeat it recently and I personally just really loved it. Also, Balthier 🥵

[@VaporGuy]

I'm in the middle of playing it right now. I'm hopping on anytime I have a little time away from editing and stuff lol

[@benjaminfast5496]

My history with this game is: I played it shortly after it first came out, and I got stuck on that darn wall boss. I did SO MANY TIMES! I eventually gave up and had no desire to return to the game. I eventually bough the Zodiac Age version because I was intrigued by the new concept of mixing two classes. I DID beat the wall boss and got much further in the game. It was a lot of fun! However, in my twenties I had a heavier social life and I didn't play games for too long before wanting to move on to something else that's shorter. So I never finished the game....again. I may return to it at some point and start over and actually finish it. I'm now 36 and still single and have more time to chill in the evenings as my social life has slowed down. It may be a good time to commit to playing it all the way through!

[@VaporGuy]

demon wall? I just beat that bitch like 3 days ago haha took me a few tries and switching around some gambits 😁

[@benjaminfast5496]

@@VaporGuy Yes, the demon wall! I think when it first came out I didn't have the patient to do it more than 5 times before quitting the game. I wish I had stuck with it though.

[@itemtest1]

FF12 reminds me of Mass Effect trilogy. It felt like you're watching an interactive movie. It was so epic👍👍

[@VaporGuy]

Epic indeed 😎 im literally playing it right now haha about 11 hours in and this is like my 5th time replaying FF12

[@itemtest1]

@VaporGuy After I watched your video made me want to play it again 🤔👍

[@VaporGuy]

Big decisions to be made haha 😄

[@DieserJunge89]

I, too, hadn't had that "Final Fantasy Feeling" anymore after FF12. At least not with any of the newer FFs, but with Lost Odyssey. I really loved (and still do) the soundtrack, as it was perfectly fitting in almost every situation and scene. Which is why I'm so into 'Sword of Convallaria', as Sakimoto did parts of the OST there as well, in addition to the game being a pretty good FFT-like. Maybe you'll like it, too. That being said, I once tried to play FF12 again and just couldn't, really. Maybe I'll give it another try some time.

[@VaporGuy]

I plan on doing a lost odyssey video soon. Stay tuned 😊 also the little stories that they tell in Lost Odyssey are so amazing

[@broshmosh]

I'd like to agree, but you don't really touch on what I felt was 12's biggest flaw; At certain points, there are pretty inexplicable jumps in enemy difficulty that collectively beget hours of grinding. The last one was, as usual, slap bang at the beginning of the final area, only for everything after that initial room to be blissfully peaceful in comparison. It's too emblematic of the problems with the PS1 FF titles to feel like it's somehow better than them. I don't really feel like this problem was solved until 15, and 15's got so many problems. Honestly I think SE rely on this gameplay hook to this day, and I bounce off so many of their games when I reach the obligatory grind sections. 12 was great because it knew what it wanted to be, and executed its storyline properly in line with that. It is bogged down, however, by a lot of ambling around and backtracking. Open areas were a direct response to 10's corridor, but the overwhelming majority of its open areas are widened corridors. It makes up for it with a good script and great visuals. The setting is also excellent, though I think Vagrant Story and FF Tacticsdid the lion's share of the work on that one. I was honestly relieved to finish 12's story because I'd spent so much time dealing with the padding that I wanted to play something else. Maybe for me, there is no "last great" FF game. They're all good and bad in their own ways. I've played so many of them now (mainly missing 1 and 5, 13's sequels and 16), and each of them have left a different impact on me to the point where I can't say one is better than all the rest. Admittedly I don't do postgames on any of them so make of that what you will.

[@VaporGuy]

I feel ya and can't argue. I guess grinding has always been fun for me. I love mmo's and arpgs also so I guess I've always gravitated towards that style or at least didn't mind it. But I agree it does have a grind that I'm sure a lot of peole don't enjoy all that much

[@shutup1037]

Doesnt feel that way to me. As long as you have sufficient gears enemy with few level more than you wont be problem

[@forcelightningcable9639]

Idk about the spikes in difficulty. I never felt the need to grind in 12 unless I’m hunting for endgame gear materials. Sure, some of the optional stuff is hard, but I just set up my gambits, keep a black mage (forever Penelo) handy, and go. Then again, magic is broken and melee requires a balanced party with a good healer, so maybe it depends on playstyle. It can be difficult if you don’t keep track of weaknesses and enemy buffs, and if you don’t keep a remedy gambit with remedy lores ready. I guess what I’m trying to say is preparation is key here.

[@insomnicide94]

If anything, 12 felt like the monsters weren't strong enough for where you were in the story. There'd be long stretches of time where the enemies, boss fights and marks felt underpowered to me

[@maynardburger]

The 'speed up' function was definitely a very appreciated addition to the remaster. Made doing all the hunts and some of the longer drawn out sections of the game a lot more tolerable.

[@BonesMoses]

I played through this game twice after it came out on the PS2 so I could get the Zodiac Spear. I easily had over 200 hours clocked on this beast of an RPG. It really was great for its time.

[@VaporGuy]

I never got the zodiac spear...I know you have to open a random chest but I just didn't care enough lol

[@vvonser]

Ultimately, I feel that everything Yasumi Matsuno touched during his time developing games became something special, from Tactics Ogre, all the way to his final game, FF12

[@VaporGuy]

oof tactics ogre...that's a true classic too. Didn't they remaster it recently or was that a fever dream?

[@vvonser]

@@VaporGuy yes, there was a re-master "Tactics Ogre Reborn" I believe

[@Grnvolpe]

Despite the wishes Van is definitely the main character. SquareEnix were making Basch the protagonist but got scared that they would lose sales if they didn’t go with a teen model

[@VaporGuy]

I like Vaan so I'm not mad but he doesn't quite have leading man energy haha

[@wilhelmpaulm]

Vaan being the protagonist is an amazing reversal of the trope, for once you're just the average person in a group of heroes. he's more relatable, he has realistic views but still wants to go big, and he tries his best even if he's not talented.

[@allens_exist]

This FF is so under appreciated imo, and the way you described the game as “its like looking at colors in a painting” was so accurate. Ive always loved how this game looked, everything just meshed so well together. From the attires, the music and their dialogues too. I like that it has a more serious and political tone to it. This was one of the earlier FF i was exposed to and im glad for that 🤎

[@VaporGuy]

I'm with you 100% for me the graphics still hold up, I'm playing it now and it's still gorgeous to look at. Of course that is the Zodiac Age version but the art style still looks great to me

[@Luffione_]

I love this game so much that I still have my collectors edition from 2006 and the one that came out for the ps4. The music of the pharos lighthouse, getting lost in the great crystal and doing all the hunts were some of my favorite things to do.

[@VaporGuy]

Do you play ff14?

[@Luffione_]

@VaporGuy I did, but not anymore.

[@ntrivisv]

My favorite FF handsdown. I grinded and collected all weapons including the Wyrmhero Blade…great childhood memories indeed🥹💙

[@VaporGuy]

I love the grind 💪

[@scorch25able]

It was a good move Square Enix made Vaan the main on this, but for me, it was definitely Ashe who is my main character. I have not played Zodiac Age (I played the original in 2007) so I have not experienced the job system, but I remember fondly in my save file that Ashe was my strongest character; I recall all of them are above Level 80 when I last played them, and Ashe was Level 88 if I remember it correctly. I had to level grind because I was frustrated with Yiazmat. Also, getting Tournesol was not fun too. But wow, I can talk about the politics of this game for hours; and I honestly feel that even after XII, the conflict between Rozzaria and Archadia are far from done. I eventually will try to play the Zodiac Age, but life happens....

[@VaporGuy]

I'd give Zodiac Age a shot at some point. I definitely think its the definitive version but its not a must buy or anything BUT if you're a big fan it may be worth it 😁

[@MarcAntoineHamelin]

to be fair, there hasn't been a whole lot of "good" final fantasy since. 13 was a linear sci-fi epic that lasted too long for its own good. 14 crashed and burned to be reborn much like the phoenix. 15 was a fragmented development hell mess that was served half-baked. and 16 is ff/devil may cry/kaiju...

[@VaporGuy]

I broadly agree but I do find enjoyable things about each of those you mentioned. FF14 is amazing though but i wasn't really talking about mmo's haha

[@sciguy98]

@@VaporGuy That's something that really aggravates me about the discourse on mainline Final Fantasy games. Most people are content to just pretend the MMOs don't exist just because they're different. It's hard to respect an opinion that FF12 is the "last great Final Fantasy" when 14 is sitting right there as a strong contender for the best entry in the entire series. Especially in this instance because there's an entire Ivalice raid series in 14.

[@zirilan3398]

@@sciguy98 as well as the fact that FF14 is the sole reason SE is still in buisness

[@DietersYT]

Of those FF16 was the best. Score was AMAZING. But I agree, I wish they leaned less into the ARPG aspect…how could would it be if you could actually give commands to, or even control your party members!?

[@MarcAntoineHamelin]

@@zirilan3398 exactly, how many games can boast about integrating its own failure into the lore.

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

I honestly think Rebirth is the first real engaging FF since X. It merged the oldschool FF as well as the modern aspects. The gameplay loop and endgame options and replayability is a game changer for the series to me. 12 was great too but steered a bit too far away for me. And everything between was lukewarm at best.

[@VaporGuy]

I want to replay the 13 trilogy to see if I like it better this time around tbh

[@trigunner6968]

The Very First FF that I finished, so this game holds a Big Place in my Heart ✨️

[@VaporGuy]

Oof dont make me feel too old lol 🙃 but yeah that first one is always special

[@trigunner6968]

@VaporGuy Lol agree

[@MelchiahTheObscene]

It's one of my favourite Final Fantasy titles, and it's easily my favourite PS2 FF. It had that rarest of things; an antagonist with comprehensible goals!

[@VaporGuy]

I didn't get into villains or anything but yeah I agree. Thats why I def appreciated this game as I got older

[@FuriousGunnerKat]

FFV FFVII (my first one.....the 97 one) FFT (not mainstream but dont care....love this) and FFXII are my favorite ones honestly

[@VaporGuy]

FFV doesn't get enough love

[@bushikao]

this game helped change my tastes in commercial media when it first launched when i was a late teenager, and will FOREVER hold a very special place in my heart…reddas was correct when he said ‘the past, can bind a man as surely as irons’

[@VaporGuy]

I love FF12 also 😊

[@FrankencteynGamingTV]

I love almost everything about this game, the story, the battle system, the world exploration, the wide variety of side contents, the character designs, etc. In fact, I love this game so much that I finished it twice in a row with total around 200+ play hours, including beating Yiazmat & obtaining Zodiark. The only issue for me is the main character. IMO, Ashe should be the main character instead of Vaan.

[@VaporGuy]

going back to back is diabolical lmao Ashe is the central character plot wise, I can't argue with that at all

[@patan93]

I played this as a kid. Never completed it because it was so overwhelming, but I remember I had fun with it. Might come back to it with the ps4 edition if I find the time

[@VaporGuy]

give it another go when you have the free time. I didn't totally get it when I first played it on released. Like you I had fun but it wasn't until I revisited it that I really fell in love with 12

[@onurjwz6840]

Last gem indeed ! We are still waiting for the next "king"🤴

[@VaporGuy]

FF17 in ivalice?

[@gilator.]

My all time Favorit final fantasy and video game out there!

[@VaporGuy]

Hell yeah 👊 love to hear it!

[@SonnsStorytelling]

Ff12 will and always will be highly underrated in so happy to have played it when it came out best storytelling hands down narratively genius.

[@VaporGuy]

It took me a little while to really appreciate the game tbh

[@johnsmith8055]

This was one of my favourite games of PS2 era. That was what JRPGs were meant to be. Don't get me wrong, Personas and SMTs are fine too, but this pseudo-MMO style always seemed so futuristic to me... and i still love it. I remember that i have completed the game after playing it for 166 hours. That was in the second half of 00s. P. S. Also, yes, the art style is spectacular. First thing that i have noticed about it is how much it stands out among other JRPGs of its era. Maybe Valkyrie Profile 2 has somewhat of a similar artstyle, but a completely different vibe (and great one at that, i must say).

[@VaporGuy]

Yeah I always go back to the gambit system. I love it I wish every ff had some version of it

[@fredrikerixon4808]

Something I love with Vaan is not the main character debate. Is that this implys that we as the player have to be controlling the important characters in the group. I'd always liked Vaans point of view for us the players. Since he is us not knowing that much of the world we learn as he learns about everything.

[@SiincereARC]

Pre-ordered it the day it was announced and clicked on this video the second I saw it. My excitement remains as for me, the top 3 FF games ever made.

[@VaporGuy]

I got it day one also. The og version was fucking hard tho haha

[@SiincereARC]

@VaporGuy it took me years to take down the hunts. I only eventually got through all of them once I realized I should just emulate it and cheat. As an adult, you just don't have all the time to go through those hunts. You should do a vid on rogue galaxy. The longest RPG I've ever played. And if you try to max out the weapons, it's an even longer game. I need to watch your videos on skies of Arcadia and suikoden (I'm the weirdo that loves 4, even though 5 was my favorite)

[@Krayv3n]

My personal favourite Final Fantasy game. The best combat system. The best Soundtrack. A truly fine story, some brilliant characters ,some amazing voice acting and a true bitter sweet ending.

[@VaporGuy]

Agree 100%

[@ShawnWeeded510]

The job system & Gambit system are what made this the most interesting ff game for me.

[@VaporGuy]

very interesting indeed

[@jacobsquare4812]

I agree about the gambit system. It's so satisfying when everything plays out properly, would love some sort of proper return.

[@VaporGuy]

Fr gambit system needs a comeback and evolution

[@jimmyrolls37]

One of my favorites in the series, then and now. Honestly, plays similar to dragon age origins and baldurs gate, but with all the ff flare you could want.

[@VaporGuy]

Yeah actually it is kind of similar in a way

[@Mrwigglyau]

Loved 12, moving away from random battles was such a breath of fresh air. Its made going back to more traditional JRPG's difficult. The remasters allowing you to turn random battles off helps.

[@VaporGuy]

I agree. I do love turn based but like you said it was a fresh take on the battle system

[@meh27143]

I mostly agree. Which is kind of odd because I actually probably logged more hours in all three FF13 games than FF12. FF13 had my favorite battle system in all of FF so it was great for replayability. But if you asked me what the stories were I would just draw a blank because I always skipped the stories upon relays. FF12 was the last FF where I enjoyed the entire experience.

[@VaporGuy]

I'm enjoying myself also...playing through 12 again for like the 5th time lol

[@keeptv1918]

This comment is just regarding the opening statement or thesis of the video. I haven’t watched the whole video yet but want to share this opinion while it is fresh in my mind. I mostly agree with the statement. In terms of gameplay, story, progression, battle system, mechanics, UI, world design, lore, art design, etc I honestly do think 12 is the last great FF game before the series in a lot of ways fell off a cliff But the one place I disagree with the video creator is the characters, characters in FF I have largely always enjoyed and would of course rate some games over others but to me specifically peak characterization, acting, and writing is for the characters of FFXV I absolutely love Noctis and his entourage and think Ardyn is a fantastic character. Love all of them and think FFXV has some of the best characters FF has seen That said, I look forward to actually watching the video now :D

[@VaporGuy]

thank you for watching. I do like 15 and the entourage was the best part, sadly for me, the rest of the game around the team didn't hold up but maybe I'll give it another go at some point

[@maynardburger]

Xenoblade has taken over as my favorite JRPG series since Final Fantasy kind of lost its way. And it always seemed like FFXII was at least partially influential on Xenoblade's design as well.

[@VaporGuy]

I've played the first xenoblade. I need to play the sequels too. I enjoyed it a lot though

[@gemodemplay415]

I think this game is overrated.

[@VaporGuy]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck 🥲

[@vel2118]

I agree 100% , the newer FF games just don't have that magical feeling anymore ,they lost their soul...

[@VaporGuy]

Agreed

[@williammcclure5097]

The perfect FF game, far and beyond my favourite. The battle system is fantastic and I wish the gambit system would return, the best use of AI party members.

[@Amesang]

I have to laugh seeing this on my recommended list 'cause I decided to livestream a replay earlier in the year that turned into a _full_ completion… and I'm _still_ playing this in my "off hours!" 😅 I've had too much fun customizing the party's armor and helms to better fit their stats and weapons (which I should have done _ages_ ago!), with the most recent being Penelo - dropping her long-used bombs for the "Rod of Faith" to help bring her Magick Power stat to 99 with 930 MP. 🤤 (It helps that my PS2 Slim _still_ works after all these years!)

[@VaporGuy]

dayum playing on the PS2 slim...that's respect 👊

[@Amesang]

@@VaporGuy It helps that I _finally_ fixed the misaligned laser back in February; wasn't hard, either! …just wish I had thought of doing it _before_ it burned a "ring" into so many discs! 😅 Thankfully I chose to replay _FFXII_ after the fix, ha ha. I hadn't played the game since its release and had forgotten the story (hence the reply), _and_ I had forgotten just how much *fun* it was! (If only I had been more cautious about selling off so many one-of-a-kind equipment! 😭) *EDIT:* I had the _same_ thing happen to me fighting Yiazmat; castling "Renewal" on the party _just_ as the dragon cast "Reflect" on them. 🥴 Thankfully this was offstream as I was testing out combat strategies, so I avoided doing that during my second stream where I finally beat it…

[@rilarr]

Hey no worries, alot of people leave out the MMOs, I should have realized it was offline games you were only including 🙂

[@anamorphicmind]

I would love to see you do a video about Vagrant Story.

[@VaporGuy]

it's in the pipeline. Idk exactly when but I want to eventually

[@tellmewhenitsover]

I still regularly think about the gambit system and how player customized automated party members would enhance other games. Like, I was just playing Elite Dangerous and looked over to my empty co-pilot seat and was like... yeah there could be an AI sitting there that uses flares or heat sinks, or targets sub modules on enemy ships for me according to a rule I set up for it.

[@VaporGuy]

100% i love the gambit system. I'll take it everywhere and anywhere lol its so fun to me

[@Omega_Man_X]

I will always defend this title. Loved it when I picked up my original copy back in the day and I love it now.

[@StubbsDK]

I loved 12! I had to get to the tomb before I actually started enjoying it, but it is a game I am VERY fond of to this day. That said, I had some issues with it, Vaan being one. Another was the audio recording... for some weird reason, the voices sounded like they were of really low quality, kinda dusty and scratchy, if that makes sense? I'm have some trouble getting into Zodiac, as I had the perfect gambit setup in the OG release, where I rarely had to touch my controller in any way other than to move ahead when grinding through an area... I actually completed Pokemon Pearl at the same time as 12, because of that setup! Had my controller on the floor, and just nudged the stick with my toe, and the gambits took care of the rest, freeing up my hands to play my ds...

[@VaporGuy]

I'm gonna need your gambit setup Pronto

[@Rocketcraft]

I love most of the modern Final Fantasy’s but 12 is without doubt my favourite. Yes it’s not perfect but what game is? I played over 100 hours on my first play through on ps2. Then another 100 odd hours on the remaster on ps4, such incredible value for money! It is a game which demands a serious investment of your time to do well at with grinding and backtracking but if you’re a completionist like me it’s very rewarding. There’s just so much to do and that’s why I love this game.

[@VaporGuy]

I think a lot of people don't like the grind and I totally get that...but I love that shit haha

[@rondesjardins-j1l]

if you really want to try something outside the box as they say.. Play ashe10,s perfect walkthru version.

[@indigoprelate]

I still play it to this day. The replay value is amazing

[@VaporGuy]

I'm replaying it now. Still a great time!

[@rondesjardins-j1l]

FYi, by using mods you can play ff12 in so many different ways in terms of things like...higher levels cap..half naked fran and ashe..tougher mobs...and so much more..my fav mod was the one that lets you play the steam version as if you were playing it back in 2007..no save points..and original talent boards.

[@VaporGuy]

I've never played the game with mobs...I am...tempted lmao

[@Achance2c]

This and 11 and X-2 are my favorites games 😃 16 is working its way up there for me

[@VaporGuy]

X-2 is very very fun 👌

[@LOVEPHOENIXDANCER]

If I recall the gambit system was the reason why at the time the game was delayed .they couldn't get the feel for it down heck even when it was released one of the head workers still felt like it needed work. It was said he spent hours placing chests for Zodic age while his Co workers celebrated the sells numbers of OG 12. And you can tell the difference ( iv heard ) between og 12 and ZA. There's just that much care that went into 12

[@VaporGuy]

I didn't know that but thanks for letting me know. Honestly I can't even remember og ff12 I've played the zodiac age so many times haha

[@vegetashairline3060]

Ff12 is EASILY my favorite single player video game. Im in love with the game, and have been for years.

[@VaporGuy]

you are cultured and you have my respect 🫡

[@d18p]

My aunt says, modern FF doesn't have the spark that it used to have, they need to go back to their roots as not to focus too much on realistic graphics

[@VaporGuy]

I agree to a certain extent...nothing wrong with great graphics but they need to go back to their roots in their storytelling imo

[@revshad4226]

with multiple plays across both original ps2 and Zodiac Age. it is one of my top 5 Final Fantasys (top 3 numbered). and i totally agree that at least in the numbered games that come after (13 and 15) feel a lot more like scifi than fantasy

[@VaporGuy]

Yeah. I actually enjoy the world and lore of 13. It was more the pacing and structure of 13 that I didn't like as much but I do need to replay it

[@UndyingNephalim]

I always thought the "who's the main character?" bullet point thrown around about this game over the last 20 years was a little strange. Countless TV shows and movies had already established the idea of the "ensemble cast" for decades before this.

[@VaporGuy]

Yeah i understand. But someone HAS to be the leading role...right?

[@DigitalinDaniel]

FF12 is my favorite in the series, and easily in my top 5 games of all time. The worldbuilding of Ivalice in unparalleled in RPGs, and the Mediterranean themes just feel so fresh compared to literally everything else, usually generic European or generic Japanese themes. Akihiko Yoshida is my favorite Square Enix artist. I'll admit it feels unfinished, it is unfinished as sadly Yazzmat started having health problems. But anybody that holds that against it are completely ignoring how janky and flawed the other games in the series are. My biggest gripe is how the story kinda does a copout with the Occuria... like, can we just get a story were humans are garbage and it's not "a god is to blame!" :^)

[@VaporGuy]

I agree with you about the Occuria and yeah each FF has its own strengths and weaknesses but i don't think 12 has very many weaknesses IMO

[@ghaithshafie9970]

FFXII is my first main final fantasy that i ever played and till this day it's one of the top 5 fav FF

[@VaporGuy]

Nice. Which is your favorite so far?

[@ghaithshafie9970]

@@VaporGuy hmmm... that's a very tough question. no order but my top three would be XII, VIII, and X. these 3 a played it the most

[@louisup5]

It’s the closest we are likely to get to a single player version of 11. I’m very into 11 so that makes 12 familiar

[@VaporGuy]

I never played 11. I do love 14 though

[@rflbraga]

my first ff. played it to exhaustion back in the ps2 days and it's my favorite game to date.

[@VaporGuy]

I'm doing that rn lol

[@rflbraga]

@@VaporGuy enjoy!

[@mattmaddogwheaton4724]

Also interesting of note, either Balthier or Basch were gonna be the main characters of Final Fantasy XII, but Square Enix in their infinite wisdom decided that no one buys Final Fantasy for deep and involving storytelling but bishonen boys nowhere outta place in a boyband.

[@VaporGuy]

Someone else mentioned that and either I totally forgot that point or I just never knew that. That is hilarious 🤣

[@standheaykic66]

FFXII while not the best FF in term characterization and story, the combat mechanic still the best iteration of how each job/class of FF should be represented in action RPG genre, and it doesn't have to be flashy and fast paced. People hate on gambit and the ADB but with little tweak it can be a Xenoblade-like battle system. If Squeenix ever consider a FFXIV single player successors, that where I hope they'll consider the approach.

[@VaporGuy]

I'm just hoping for FF17 to be in ivalice but ill probably be disappointed

[@dyamiking253]

I disagree that Vaan isn't the main character or should have been changed in any way. Balthier is cool, but he would never have moved on the board if not for Vaan and his ambitions. Vaan and his brothers death at the beginning set him up as the only person with a view that we can grasp as a player, immediately throwing us into the plot from the perspective of a unassuming hero in the making. Balthier is just Kakashi or Gojo, incredibly cool and important in their own right, but there to lend it all to Vaan. All these other characters have personal motivations that serve their own plots, and if taken up the story wouldn't have played out till the end, most would have taken the first out and the story abruptly ended. Vaan and his uncovering of the hero within him, the spirit of his brother, is the only true righteously motivated storyline to lead us to the climax. Every time someone is making a cling to their personal goals, Vaan is moving to navigate this political society as truthful as possible and for the better of everyone, as only a poor kid who lived on the streets could perceive. The only mistake with FF12 is not allowing clothing/armor changing to be represented on characters.

[@VaporGuy]

I love your insight. I can't really argue with it. I just love Balthiers charisma and energy but yeah when you compare him to Gojo...I can see that as comparable 👍

[@headecas]

finally someone showing the respect this gem deserves

[@VaporGuy]

I think FF12 has aged like fine wine fr

[@headecas]

@@VaporGuy gotta love that gambit system

[@samcherry120]

I've said it too. It's the last great Final Fantasy. This game got me through the prime of my college years. One of the last games I ever truly "binged", until I got into the SoulsBourne games around 2017.

[@VaporGuy]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so, seriously sometimes I have these thoughts and I make a video and i don't know if anyone will agree or not lol not that it matters but I'm just curious. And yes I love souls games and I do plan on make a video on them at some point 😁

[@samcherry120]

@@VaporGuy Looking forward to it, keep up the good work.

[@SinHurr]

"I'm CAPTAIN BOSCH!"

[@VaporGuy]

I just finished that part in my playthrough haha

[@antipyretic]

"Don't Listen to Ondore's Lies!"

[@overlordsparda1564]

I too am ready for another game in Ivalice, if not a whole game I’ll take awhole expansion of ffxiv going to Ivalice since we’ve already done some stuff with Ivalice, fully going there would be amazing. But a new mainline number set in Ivalice would be great, even if they changed the gameplay again.

[@VaporGuy]

The ivalice raids are my favorite in 14 and omg can you imagine a whole ass expansion there. Id die a happy man 😁

[@OYME13]

I'm impressed that this is a PS2 game. It's visually stunning.

[@VaporGuy]

Great art design 👌

[@harveysattic3918]

Not sure how many thousands of hours I have spread across all versions of FFXII, but it's too many. One of the best games ever made, and I am glad it's slowly but surely getting the notoriety it deserves!

[@VaporGuy]

I love it to. I want to go back to Ivalice so bad 😔

[@jacob-968]

The reason I was not obsessed with XII was the story and the way it was told. I found myself lost many times playing it as a kid. Another gripe is probably the music. It was just not that memorable. The battle system is probably one, if not my favorite of the series though.

[@VaporGuy]

I agree that the music wasn't iconic but I loved the vibe of it. It fits ivalice perfectly

[@MaI2Me]

Absolute fantastic and criminally underrated Final Fantasy game. Especially with the release of ‘Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age’.

[@VaporGuy]

Agree 100% 😊