The Last Time Final Fantasy was Good - Final Fantasy XII Critique

Rush Hour | Final Fantasy XII Review

Games aren't perfect, but that doesn't matter. Games aren't math; there's no answer to any problem that everyone can point to and say "that's correct." You can find flaws with your favorite games, but just because those issues exist doesn't mean you can't still love those games.

What's your criteria for determining your favorite game? The game with the least flaws? The highest highs? Maybe none of that matters. Maybe your favorite game is your favorite... because it is. It's just a gut feeling.

When you can overlook the flaws in a video game and still enjoy the entire experience, that's when you know you're playing something special. If there's a unique aspect that you can point to - an experience you can't find elsewhere - that alone can carry the weight of a game.

Final Fantasy XII may not be all that unique, but it's remarkable in that it's a complete package. Every aspect of game design is executed with finesse. A memorable soundtrack, gorgeous visuals that rival even modern games, meaningful optional content, an engaging story with peerless voice performances, and it's all wrapped-up with a flexible combat system that rewards both preparation and reactive decisions. It takes missteps here and there, and there's some filler, but these weak points are easy to ignore when the good parts of the game are shining so bright.

0:00 Perfection doesn't matter
1:02 A simple story told well
1:42 Vaan
3:44 Cutscene direction
4:40 Job system
7:14 Tutorial & chests
10:05 Loot & the bazaar
11:30 Filler 1
11:58 Dungeon design
13:43 Player choice
15:24 Gambits
17:36 Quickenings
18:27 Pacing issues
20:15 Filler 2
21:54 Voice acting masterclass
23:08 Kicking your crutches
24:45 Endgame highs and lows
29:28 A fan of people; not companies