Preview: Final Fantasy XII

Synopsis
As war looms on the horizon, the mighty Archadian Empire begins a campaign subjugate its neighbors. The small kingdom of Dalmasca shares their fate, and it is here that our tales beings. Two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the citizens are without guidance and directions. In the capital city of Rabanastre, the people gather and await the appointment of the new consul from Archadia.

To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated enemy who took the life of his brother, the only family he had left. In an effort to exact revenge, Vann hatches a plot to break into the palace and steal from the occupying Imperials.

In the events that follow, Vaan gets rather more than he bargained for when he runs into Princess Ashe, sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne. Together, the two will embark on an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire’s invesion. The choices they make will determine the very fate of the world.

Battle System

The battle system of FFXII is really fast and really addictive

“The fighting is more reminiscent of typical MMORPG combat than it is of past Final Fantasy games, since you'll fight enemies directly on the field, and you can literally run away from them if you're getting worked over. Combat has been slowly paced so far, since we've just gained our second party member (an impish girl named Penelo) and we don't have many special abilities just yet. But once more magic spells, summoned monsters, and the gambit system (a method of assigning behaviors to your party members) come into play, we imagine the excitement level of the combat is going to pick up considerably.”

- Gamespot

Status System

I'm not really fond of the new status system, but we will see

“FFXII offers a similar system [to that of Final Fantasy X] called the license board that so far looks to be even more free-form than the sphere grid. The license board basically looks like a chess board, with certain squares showing proficiencies in various weaponry, like staves and daggers; armor, like helmets, bracers, and so on; and various kinds of black and white magic. You'll gain license points by defeating enemies, and you can then unlock specific squares to gain the associated abilities for a given character."

- Gamespot

My Comments

Make sure to pre-order the LIMITED EDITION of FFXII.
I honestly cannot wait for this game to release on the 1st of November. I have experienced the game first-hand, thanks to the demo of the game that usually comes when you purchase a copy of Dragon Quest VIII (which is a great game by the way). Probably I will dedicate my Fall Break playing this game thoroughly; as most RPG hardcore gamers know, Final Fantasy games can be really addictive and time consuming. Right now I’m confused on what to play this fall: Final Fantasy XII on PS2 or The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on Nintendo Wii. Not to mention the finals that will be awaiting me at the end of the semester!! Aghh so many games yet so little time.

North America Official Final Fantasy XII Trailer