Final Fantasy 12: RPG of the year, or cheap attempt to make money? - Page 3

steve11 · 10-12-2006, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElfLad

Not if random encounters were never a good thing, only a necessary thing before there was the capability to show enemy sprites on the map.

That's like saying that any Shadows of the Colossus sequel would need a sub-par, uncooperative camera. It doesn't.

That makes no sense.

There has always been the ability to have the sprites on the map. Take the 16bit era and tons of RPG's had sprites on the map, but it didn't always work well. Hell even in the 8bit era they had them.

Random encounters was part of what made the original FF games good, and helped create that particular genre of RPG (the J RPG to be specific) taking them out is changing it and it no longer deserves the FF title.

lazy man · 10-12-2006, 06:53 PM

Well, that's just the thing. It's a title. Every FF game could have had a different title, but Squenix is either too lazy, or they just want the name to attract attention. And I'm getting the feeling it's the latter...

So, with that point, random encounters don't exactly matter in this series. Sure they've been there since the beginning, but that doesn't mean they HAVE to be there. I mean, a LOT of people complain about random encounters. Why keep complaints coming?

Anyway, I think this game might be getting some hope from me. It actually seems like a good RPG, Final Fantasy or not. The gameplay and story BOTH seem interesting enough, meaning there'll actually be enough balance between the two to grab my attention.

Basically, it's lookin' good, and I'm liking.

Regulus Tera · 10-12-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve11

Random encounters was part of what made the original FF games good, and helped create that particular genre of RPG (the J RPG to be specific) taking them out is changing it and it no longer deserves the FF title.

Then what characteristics must a game have in order to be called a Final Fantasy? If anything, this series has changed so much since its conception that I'm not sure there is an overarching set of instructions in Square Enix's possession that makes all of the games in the series connected. You could say that "pretty graphics" and "interesting plot" are fundamentals in this saga, but if you think about it, even that was not as important at the roots of the saga (because, seriously, lots of games of the era had a more enthralling plot than FFI).

Besides, although random encounters are obsolete in FFXII, there are still surprise attacks from what I've seen in reviews and videos. Seriously, Dragon Quest VIII was the last time I dealed with random encounters containing battle screen transitions. There's just so much a single man can take of taking two fucking steps and then wham! Random Battle with Random Monsters. It may be changing, but the formula was already overkilled four years ago.

EDIT: It seems kinda funny how the overall population on the intarwebs (or at least the other forums I visit) seems to dislike the Final Fantasy series for being stale and monotonous. However, when some changes are made to the gameplay or story mechanics, immediately everybody rises up with their forks on fire claiming they are going to topple Square Enix monarchy over their money. Curious, yet somewhat cynical if you ask me.

Tydeus · 10-12-2006, 08:12 PM

Hmmmm... well, from the sound of people who've actually played the game (either through imports or demos), sounds like the gambit system is fun after all. Fuck!

I was soooooooo wanting to hate this game! I got so excited, thinking that Squeenix had finally become so self-indulgent as to repulse most gamers.

Why do I want to hate FFXII? Because I'm an Xbox fanboy, and I also love Japanese RPGs. And I hate that Square doesn't play nice with Microsoft. I don't want to buy a PS3 (FFXIII, which, if FFXII had sucked, would also probably suck), mainly because I like my monies. Sigh. Considering White Knight Story, and FFXIII, I may be forced to -- but not until the price drops. Rrrrrgh.

So, fuck you, Square, for dashing my hopes that Mistwalker Studios would usurp the Japanese RPG throne uncontested.

The Artist Formerly Known as Hawk · 10-13-2006, 02:56 AM

Well if anyone wants to see how the combat looks, go here.

Might I specifically recomend the video entitled "Big beasts on the field". As we can see, enemy ambushes are indeed still possibly as shown by the snake creature that attacks them. Not only that but pre-emptives are also still there, as seen by the sleeping enemy they attacked.

I like this combat system. No level-up screen intrusions after every battle. Battles themselves are faster paced and still complex enough so you don't get bored and just keep stabbing the "attack" button until everything lies down, (something which I find myself doing a lot in some FF's lately) and I can't wait to see the summons appear! If I remember correctly, you actually control them directly, which will be brilliant!

Dwarfburg citizen · 10-13-2006, 06:32 AM

The gambit system is pretty much a double edged sword. Either you can customize it to your exact liking or you can make the game play itself. Either way the Gambit simple can be seen two ways, something fun and simple for those who dont really know it, or the most complex battle system known to man that will make anyone with perfectionist, obsesive compulsive or any type of RPG geek illness either jump for joy or suffer through all its wonders.

ArlanKels · 10-13-2006, 05:10 PM

All I care about is whether or not it doesn't take two hours to beat.

Daimo Mac, The Blue Light of Hope · 10-14-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwarfburg citizen

Another impression I got from the import is that Matsuno stalkers/whores (Im looking at YOU Neko) are going to be VERY happy, so happy in fact that Id say your gonna need new pants for your wardrobe on the 31st. The whole thing is a God Damned Matsuno Lovefest. References to Vagrant Story and other Matsuno things abound.

And FFT/TA and FF4 which I am extremely pleased. I have the special edition on pre Order and picking it up on the 31. A Birthday gorts to me.

Tydeus · 10-15-2006, 12:31 AM

I'm actually considering buying a used PS2 just for the sake of this game. I mean, for one, it's Ivalice (and of course, like everyone else, I loved FFVII -- I know, real original), second, the combat system actually looks quite fun (and everyone says it is), and third, the spell effects are insane. Oh, and, part of the Ivalice thing is that the story looks very intriguing.

EDIT -- I'd probably go get Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 also, if I got a used PS2. Damn if I don't have a love-hate relationship with Squeenix.

Gilionaire · 10-15-2006, 09:40 PM

I can't wait to get it. It will definetly be a change. I was actually used to FFX's battle system before the old ones since FFX was the first one I played. So it shouldnt be too big of a change to me.

One thing that does bother me is the fact that they are basing a lot of the game of FFTA. I think they should have been totally original and not have connected it to the GBA game

10-13-2006, 06:32 AM	#26
Dwarfburg citizen Thinking profoundly... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In the cave that is my room Posts: 241	The gambit system is pretty much a double edged sword. Either you can customize it to your exact liking or you can make the game play itself. Either way the Gambit simple can be seen two ways, something fun and simple for those who dont really know it, or the most complex battle system known to man that will make anyone with perfectionist, obsesive compulsive or any type of RPG geek illness either jump for joy or suffer through all its wonders. __________________ NPF Zombie Horde: The nonsensical juggler / Unintimidating member of the Horde

10-15-2006, 09:40 PM	#30
Gilionaire Goomba Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 19	I can't wait to get it. It will definetly be a change. I was actually used to FFX's battle system before the old ones since FFX was the first one I played. So it shouldnt be too big of a change to me. One thing that does bother me is the fact that they are basing a lot of the game of FFTA. I think they should have been totally original and not have connected it to the GBA game __________________ Do what you want and say what you feel because those who mind dont matter, and those who matter don't mind.

10-12-2006, 06:53 PM	#22
lazy man Harrumph! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: My not-so-humble abode Posts: 2,891	Well, that's just the thing. It's a title. Every FF game could have had a different title, but Squenix is either too lazy, or they just want the name to attract attention. And I'm getting the feeling it's the latter... So, with that point, random encounters don't exactly matter in this series. Sure they've been there since the beginning, but that doesn't mean they HAVE to be there. I mean, a LOT of people complain about random encounters. Why keep complaints coming? Anyway, I think this game might be getting some hope from me. It actually seems like a good RPG, Final Fantasy or not. The gameplay and story BOTH seem interesting enough, meaning there'll actually be enough balance between the two to grab my attention. Basically, it's lookin' good, and I'm liking.

10-12-2006, 08:12 PM	#24
Tydeus Sent to the cornfield Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: L.A. Sprawl Posts: 589	Hmmmm... well, from the sound of people who've actually played the game (either through imports or demos), sounds like the gambit system is fun after all. Fuck! I was soooooooo wanting to hate this game! I got so excited, thinking that Squeenix had finally become so self-indulgent as to repulse most gamers. Why do I want to hate FFXII? Because I'm an Xbox fanboy, and I also love Japanese RPGs. And I hate that Square doesn't play nice with Microsoft. I don't want to buy a PS3 (FFXIII, which, if FFXII had sucked, would also probably suck), mainly because I like my monies. Sigh. Considering White Knight Story, and FFXIII, I may be forced to -- but not until the price drops. Rrrrrgh. So, fuck you, Square, for dashing my hopes that Mistwalker Studios would usurp the Japanese RPG throne uncontested.

10-13-2006, 05:10 PM	#27
ArlanKels <-- Pickle Eater Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,244	All I care about is whether or not it doesn't take two hours to beat.

10-15-2006, 12:31 AM	#29
Tydeus Sent to the cornfield Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: L.A. Sprawl Posts: 589	I'm actually considering buying a used PS2 just for the sake of this game. I mean, for one, it's Ivalice (and of course, like everyone else, I loved FFVII -- I know, real original), second, the combat system actually looks quite fun (and everyone says it is), and third, the spell effects are insane. Oh, and, part of the Ivalice thing is that the story looks very intriguing. EDIT -- I'd probably go get Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 also, if I got a used PS2. Damn if I don't have a love-hate relationship with Squeenix.