When I first played through FFXII, I was more critical of it. I thought it was a decently good game and I spent about 100 hours on it, but I really didn't like other parts about it (such as the pacing, which inhibited my ability to really care what was going on). But I've since grown a much stronger appreciation for the game, especially the story after having played FFXIII. I now consider it among the best in the series.