Final Fantasy XII (PS2) Preview
Posted by Shawn Struck on 09.14.2006
Square-Enix's latest entry in the Final Fantasy franchise is coming soon. Read on for a release date, detailed battle and gameplay system information, a sneak preview at the US version, and more!
Square-Enix Co., Ltd. recently announced that Final Fantasy XII will be released in the US on October 31st, 2006. In addition to the regular version of the game, Square-Enix Co., Ltd will be releasing a Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition, which features special packaging, a DVD with promotional trailers from both Japan and America, developer interviews, featurettes on the Final Fantasy franchise, and an art gallery. Noted translator Alexander O. Smith has been confirmed to be involved with the US localization of the script. Smith has also previously worked on the localization for Vagrant Story for the Sony PlayStation, Final Fantasy X for the Playstation 2, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney for the NIntendo DS.
The game's story takes place two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the once proud kingdom struggles under the rule of its oppressors. Subjugated by the Archadian Empire and bereft of its royal family, the kingdom clings tenuously to life. To Vaan, a young man living on the streets , the Empire is a hated foe that took the life of his brother. When Vaan meets Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne, the two embark on a journey , tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion.
Combat in Final Fantasy XII unfolds in real time, using a new battle system called active dimension battle (ADB). The player may assume control of any of the three characters in the battle party at will and issue commands for the characters at any time. Battle commands include Attack, Magic, Skill, Mist Cart, Gambits, and Item. The game also features a system of chain bonuses. If the party kills a particular type of monster multiple times, it will gain the chance to earn improved items after battle.
Each playable character begins with their own License Board, a grid laid out like a chessboard. The squares on the board contain various abilities which the character may use: Magic, Stat-boosting abilities, character-specific abilities and Equipment abilities. The new version of Limit Breaks called "Mist Quickening" are also scattered randomly across both the board. Every single character gets a starting point on each of the two. This arrangement seems similar to Final Fantasy X's Sphere Grid system, however, there appear to be no restrictions on how the player may develop their characters.
Final Fantasy XII also features a new system called the "Gambit System": a kind of AI which works similar to an easier version of a programming language, or a macro. Using a set of pre-programmed commands, a player is able to set specific reactions to battle for each character. Each Gambit consists of two component variables: a target, and an action. For example, the game initially gives players two commands for use in their Gambit instructions. One reads, "Party Member KO'd: Cast Life" and the other reads "Party member [HP less than 70%]: Cure". The Gambits are listed in order of priority, and changing their order in the list will cause the character to act differently.
With a revamped battle system, a renowned localization staff, and lots of Final Fantasy fans chomping at the bit, there is a lot of anticipation of the newest entry in the Final Fantasy franchise. While you're our exclusive English screens, sneak peeks at CG artwork, and cover box art may tide you over for now, be sure to keep checking 411 Mania games to feed your need for more FFXII news and our full review!
