Originally Posted by
Randy
Very pleased with this. Although sad no Vita.
So what exactly was the Zodiac version and why is it so much better?
Looking forward to exploring this world again. Best thing I remember and this game. The closest they'd really got to open world before FF15.
It was the International version of FFXII that Japan got after the U.S. release. It also featured many elements that were planned for XII that got cut due to time constraints. The most obvious one being the Zodiac Job system. Basically instead of one massive License Board with all abilities on it, you got 12 smaller ones, with each representing a Job Class like White Mage or Knight (the boards are shaped like Zodiac signs, hence Zodiac Job title) and you could only choose one for each of your characters. The game also added a few new items, changed around the treasure and drop rate systems, as well as giving you the ability to customize the gambits of Espers and Guest party members. Also the Quickenings are now their own bar, and no longer attached to your MP like the original.
The game also had a challenge mode where you can battle a 100 different bosses/Mark hunts and there is a speed up button like Chrono Cross. The Zodiac Jobs are the biggest change but the game has a lot of refinements as well over the original. It will be interesting to see if this version is just an HD remaster of the International version of if SE plans on adding in other mechanics or changes. I kind of feel its unlikely due to the games original director and producer being more of a supervisor role.