FFXII appreciation thread!

[Goldenboko]

After playing enough Final Fantasy XIII, which is virtually the exact opposite of this game, I've decided, I still love you Final Fantasy XII!

Really, for all the bitching this game gets, I can't help but feel that 90% of people's ridiculous non-realistic expectation. Thus I'm making a thread to list as many as reasons as possible why FFXII was a great addition to the series!

Goals:
1 achieved - 8:37PM 3/22/2010
10 achieved - 4:23PM 3/23/2010
100
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1001

1. Awesome amounts of side-quests that you don't have to wait until the very end of the game to have access to.

[Raistlin]

2. Innovative gambit system which allows you to have as much control over your party as you want.

[PuPu]

3. love the ADB battle system

[Goldenboko]

4. Sure the Quickenings were good, but at a price of all your MP, not the only thing you could use like in some other games

[Wolf Kanno]

5. Weapons and equipment with diverse effects, damage algorithms, and stats; that it made you more methodical on how you set up your party and your Gambits.

[Fynn]

6. Deep, intricate story which left a lot unsaid and to the player's interpretation. Quite original for the series as a whole.

[Shin Gouken]

7. Gilgamesh. What more do you need to know

[PeneloRatsbane]

8. No smaltzy fake as teen love rammed down our throats at every oportunity, (see VIII and X)

[6294]

9. Ability to change party mid-battle. USEFUL!

[Goldenboko]

10. A hunt system that let you slay tons of powerful baddies while providing bits of humor mixed in.

[6294]

11. Being able to set some gambits to be able to overlevel and leave the game on overnight, overday, come home and have my party go up 10 levels each. USEFUL!

[Breine]

12. Gorgeous and atmospheric graphics!

[6294]

13. Cool-ish boss intros

[arcanedude34]

14. Finally, a new Ivalice game!

[Fynn]

15. Beautiful, diverse world, which is a thrill to explore.