PSM2 rates FFXII 90%
I ain't posting the whole review, it's frickin massive, but, I shall post the best of what I read:
"Hearing the opening bars of that theme tune is a special moment for a Final Fantasy fan. Composer Nobuo Uematsu's tinkling melody is a timeless series tradition and whenever it plays we get all sentimental about the great geeky times we've had, playing arguably the greatest RPG franchise ever. The version that opens Final Fantasy XII, however, is unlike anything you'll have heard in previous games - it's now an overblown orchestral epic of Hollywood proportions, which reflects the game as a whole; compared to this, Final Fantasy X looks like a student film"
- Opening Paragraph.
Ok, so we miss the old-fashioned turn based stuff, but that's living in the past. This is the series' biggest leap yet and it's all the better for it.
- concerning the battle system, ending sentence on the first page.
[CAPTION IMAGE] People Person - Vaan is a much more likeable hero then Tidus from FFX.
[CAPTION IMAGE] Law and Order - The design of the judge's armour is incredibly intimidating. Would you mess with him? ( The Marquis, ruler of Bhujerba, is also in this shot)
The design is second to none and the architecture makes you feel a part of a world rich with history, as opposed to one cobbled together by a bunch of cheap suited men in a Tokyo skyscraper somewhere.
- Designs
The characters are similarly well designed, although the radical departure from previous FF games may put some hardcore pendants off.
- Characters
Again, following Final Fantasy tradition, the story is brilliantly engaging. (The rest of the detail about the storyline should be common knowledge amongst us FFXII fans.)
..there are twists, turns and backstories for all of the characters. Vaan is likeable and the situation between to the countries is very well realized. It's quite a yarn. (part of a sentence to do with the storyline)
So is it better then Final Fantasy X then? Well, yes. By quite a large margin in fact. We would go so far as to say that it's the best FF game since IX was released 6 years ago. ( Deary me, are they still secret FFVII and FFVIII fanboys there? =P )
FFXII is a gargantuan, gorgeous game with a gripping plot, likeable characters and an interesting new combat system that injects some much-needed life into the series. Wonderful.
- Ending words
PSM2 Verdict
Gameplay
+ The brave new combat system is a triumph
- Some dungeons kind of drag on a bit
Graphics
+ We defy you to find a better looking game
- Some bland textures here and there
Sound
+ Infectious music and classic FF sound effects
- some of the voices are a little irritating
Lifespan
As you'd expect, it's huge. The main story alone lasts about 70 hrs, then there are the numerous sidequests..
This should score more, but we're waiting for the UK version before we go mental. Great already, but in English, this'll be the best Final Fantasy in years.
Better then: FFX
Worser then: KHII ( folks, KH2 has the same rating so far, 90% - so, avid FF fans, the English version may get a higher score)
Comments made in brackets done by me.
Reply With Quote
