The plot of XII is not bad at all. The execution is what was lacking, i.e. how the plot was communicated to players. They violated a lot of good writing maxims on the way they did it. Good writers can do that and still come up with a killer story, i.e, Fargo by the brother's Cohen, which violated pretty much every golden rule Syd Field and others "in the know" set for script writing. Alas, the game script writers were no brothers Cohen so the story flailed in spite of a good creative plot
BTW: Writing rules violated on Fargo
1) We are never told why the husband needs the kidnapping done
2) A complete stranger to the plot is introduced and never mentioned again (the japanese guy)
3) A protagonist is pregnant yet is the main "action" character
4) Several plot twists that "redraw" the story
5) Clichee:Mean cartoonish villain (blond guy)
6) Clichee: Dumb sidekick (small guy)
7) Unnecessary, meaningless blood spilling (wood chipper scene)
8) Ambiguous morals (Father in law is a jerk, husband is a bad guy but sympathetic)
...
And it won an Oscar...
Writing rules violated on XII
1) We are never told why Vaan tags along with Ashe, why Basch fiercely protects Dalmasca, what resistance leaqder is Ashe that doesn't even know her uncle is on her side, etc..
2) A complete stranger to the plot is introduced and never mentioned again (Havharro, Miguelo, Drace...)
3) A protagonist is not the leader yet is the main "action" character (Vaan)
4) Several plot twists that "redraw" the story
5) Clichee: Mean cartoonish villain (Vayne), Mad scientist (Dr. Cid)
6) Clichee: Dumb sidekick (Bergan), Evil twin (Gabi)....
7) Unnecessary, meaningless blood spilling (Resistance ships, almost Rabanastre)
8) Ambiguous morals (Occuria are jerks, Dr. Cid is a bad guy but his plight is sympathetic)
...
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