Final Fantasy XII

 PlayStation 2
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1542 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,062 out of 1542
  2. Mixed: 214 out of 1542
  3. Negative: 266 out of 1542
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  1. Irisen
    Dec 6, 2018
    9
    A fun, engaging game with an innovative combat system and interesting story. The world is huge for the time it came out and the optional areas are amazing. This game contains so much content I haven't been able to 100% it yet, despite buying it back when I was a kid. The story, while not exceptional, is still interesting enough and the character are all pretty good (Yes, even Vaan andA fun, engaging game with an innovative combat system and interesting story. The world is huge for the time it came out and the optional areas are amazing. This game contains so much content I haven't been able to 100% it yet, despite buying it back when I was a kid. The story, while not exceptional, is still interesting enough and the character are all pretty good (Yes, even Vaan and Penelo). The music is amazing and the levels all have a distinctive look aesthetic. It's almost a perfect game for me. I think the only thing holding it back in my opinion is that I prefer a more action-oriented combat system, but that's just personal preferences.… Expand
  2. Red_Spectre
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. Steal from every monster in the game and there are a lot.
  3. Silent_Voice
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    i honestly could never understand people praising FFX and giving FFXII a bad review. I mean seriously, just for the moment, stop thinking of Vaan as of main protagonist. This story is not about him. Surprisingly i realized it very early, and as soon as i did - it was one of the best FF experiences i had. The only problem i had with PS2 version are unchangeable inversed controls. But i wasi honestly could never understand people praising FFX and giving FFXII a bad review. I mean seriously, just for the moment, stop thinking of Vaan as of main protagonist. This story is not about him. Surprisingly i realized it very early, and as soon as i did - it was one of the best FF experiences i had. The only problem i had with PS2 version are unchangeable inversed controls. But i was so determined to see this game through, so i adapted myself to fully inversed controls. imagine the kind of dedication it takes to actually do such a thing.… Expand
  4. Yuri_Fantasy
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    I can't say this game have the best plot in FF series, but definitely have the best combat gameplay and the best sceneries. A vast world to explore, too huge talking about PS2 games. outstanding cinematics and outstanding magics effects and animations. Rewarding for those that work hard farming and grinding items and skills and exploring everything the game has to offer. All the 250 hoursI can't say this game have the best plot in FF series, but definitely have the best combat gameplay and the best sceneries. A vast world to explore, too huge talking about PS2 games. outstanding cinematics and outstanding magics effects and animations. Rewarding for those that work hard farming and grinding items and skills and exploring everything the game has to offer. All the 250 hours i spended in this game was worth.… Expand
  5. ArcCoat
    Jun 12, 2019
    7
    If you look at this game as a final fantasy title, it's a 6. If you look at it as a normal title, it's a 8. But I chose to give it a 7, because this game does not feel like a final fantasy game.

    imo, a final fantasy game is about the turn based system, the adventure, the great music, the amazing story and the wide range of characters. This game has the turn based system (I will get    If you look at this game as a final fantasy title, it's a 6. If you look at it as a normal title, it's a 8. But I chose to give it a 7, because this game does not feel like a final fantasy game.

    imo, a final fantasy game is about the turn based system, the adventure, the great music, the amazing story and the wide range of characters.
    This game has the turn based system (I will get into that later) and the adventure, but it doesn't have any of the rest.

    FFXII is a game you play for its game play, not for its story. Luckily, the game play is amazing, while it gives you the illusion of not being a turn-based battle system (no random encounters and free movement of characters), it actually totally is a turn based system in its mechanics. Which is a balance that I really enjoyed with this game, FFXII also brings you the type of exploration that you would see in a MMORPG.

    But what truly breaks the game, and it's a tragedy, is the boring, bland and mediocre story. There's not much I can say about it, it's honestly something to sleep over, luckily the game keeps it short and tends to focus more on the game play, like it's conscious of how bad the story is. The characters are generic and have nothing special about them, you can barely tell the main character is one at all.

    The music is also mediocre, but this is something I would have been willing to look over if the story had been at least interesting.

    To conclude, this games is an offline singleplayer MMORPG. Fun game play, bad story...    … Expand
  6. Ramzas
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    One of the best RPGs I have ever played after I was extremely disappointed with Final Fantasy X. The mature and adult story was enough to convince me that I had something special in front of me. I really recommend this one.
  7. Bazaar34
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Tremendous game with an incredible story. The gameplay system is as deep as it gets in the series with tons of customization. The remaster on PS4 is even better but this remains a must play
  8. SamSara85
    Dec 1, 2019
    10
    Loved this game. My favourite in the series and basically the last great Final Fantasy the series has released. It ended with a bang
  9. deathstramding
    Nov 8, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece… Expand
  10. AlexMartelo
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    El único final fantasy que he logrado completar y el único juego de la saga que me ha gustado. Mi historia con este juego es peculiar, yo había comprado el FF X-2 como para probar que tal, para tener mi primer acercamiento a la saga, honestamente el juego me pareció de lo peor, solo 15 minutos jugandolo y lo saqué de la consola y se lo regale a un primo. Cuando salió FF XII lo miraba enEl único final fantasy que he logrado completar y el único juego de la saga que me ha gustado. Mi historia con este juego es peculiar, yo había comprado el FF X-2 como para probar que tal, para tener mi primer acercamiento a la saga, honestamente el juego me pareció de lo peor, solo 15 minutos jugandolo y lo saqué de la consola y se lo regale a un primo. Cuando salió FF XII lo miraba en las estanterías con mucho prejuicio e incluso a amigos quienes tenían pensado comprarlo les decía que era basura, basado en mi experiencia con el X-2. Un día buscando juegos raros volví a verlo, dije yo, que tal que este sí me guste, que tal que sea diferente al X-2, lo compré y debo admitir, que me enamoró desde el primer segundo, es uno de los juegos al que más horas le he dedicado, más de 200, completado al 100% en todo, armas, cacerias, bestiario etc. Un juego increíble que cuántas veces salga, las mismas veces compraré y algo que me ha gustado es lo excelentemente bien que ha envejecido, tú pones hoy ese juego original a funcionar en una PS2 y quedas impresionado con el apartado artístico. En fin, un juego que sin duda rompió esquemas, creo que los que más aman FF Xll son jugadores que no se identificaron nunca con los anteriores juegos de la saga. Para mi unos de mis juegos favoritos de todos los tiemposdimprescindibles de todos los tiempos.… Expand
  11. Tgh6767
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    This journey start from a man wants to take his brother right And from that you will explore a wonderful and amazing world with a very good characters and also you will discover another story in this game besides the main story In the end Final Fantasy XII will give the players what they want from any game they think about it
  12. Sitheral
    Jun 14, 2020
    8
    This one is a bit of an oddball in the series. It is very different from the rest, both in terms of its themes, atmoshpere, the way of telling a story and how you play it, really. It kind of feels like an mmo, with no loading screens for encounters, an open world and a lot of content that feels a bit like filler. Story is more of a political background and Vaan is somehow even more blandThis one is a bit of an oddball in the series. It is very different from the rest, both in terms of its themes, atmoshpere, the way of telling a story and how you play it, really. It kind of feels like an mmo, with no loading screens for encounters, an open world and a lot of content that feels a bit like filler. Story is more of a political background and Vaan is somehow even more bland than Tidus. But ultimately, its a very good game, just not necessary good Final Fantasy title.… Expand
  13. Addposer
    Jun 23, 2020
    8
    Personally im not a big fan of automated sidekicks, and i dont like that to get gambits for commands on the allies you got to get em, thats kinda strange. The game is fine, but when you get really hypied about the plot/storry the game ends.
  14. meop
    Jun 27, 2020
    9
    This is, simply put one of the better modern RPGs, it isn't perfect... it has some minor flaws, but it is engrossing, it is fun, and the story is excellent until near the end where the authors seemed to lose their way to some degree. I can think of some minor potential improvements but they are quibbles, you'll love the game.
  15. edmelian
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    Una maniobra arriesgada que salio muy bien, excelentes graficos, buena historia, mundo enoooooorme para ser un FF, nuevo modo de pelea...el unico punto flojo (y no por eso no importante) son los personajes, lejos de generarte la empatia o cariño como otros personajes de la saga...aqui son un poco sosos...sobre todo el protagonista.
  16. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    9
    Lo tenía todo para ser el mejor videojuego de la historia y se quedó en un top 5 de la saga. Lástima los problemas de dirección que tuvo a mitad del desarrollo. No me explico como la ps2 no explotaba al cargar los gráficos de este juego y el inmenso mundo que tiene. Los gambits, más que un truco, son una bendición a la hora de farmear. Una de las mejores bandas sonoras de la historia.
  17. Danilin
    Feb 8, 2021
    9
    Gameplay fantástica, bestiário riquíssimo, inúmeras e extensas áreas, enorme gama de equipamentos e magias, gráficos de cair o queixo, trilha sonora impactante e diversas outras mudanças que começaram aqui, mudando de vez o rumo da franquia. Pra época já era um game à frente da sua geração e recentemente (2017) retorna com sua remasterização para nos lembrar o quão importante esse game éGameplay fantástica, bestiário riquíssimo, inúmeras e extensas áreas, enorme gama de equipamentos e magias, gráficos de cair o queixo, trilha sonora impactante e diversas outras mudanças que começaram aqui, mudando de vez o rumo da franquia. Pra época já era um game à frente da sua geração e recentemente (2017) retorna com sua remasterização para nos lembrar o quão importante esse game é para jogadores e indústria.… Expand
  18. ArthurWinters
    Jun 26, 2021
    8
    It's a good game facing the reality, but in this chapter of Final Fantasy miss one thing: Hironobu Sakaguchi. It detaches completely from the Final Fantasy games' formule. Some characters are very intresting even the plot decrease as you get the end.
  19. CloudStrife05
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    FFXII went a different route in 2 main areas. The battle system, which for the first time you could control the character at all times. and the fact that the story centered around a "side" character in Ashe. You control Vaan who is by far, in my opinion, the worst of the "Leads" in the FF games. He fell flat and was just very vanilla. Had we been able to control Balthier, or even Basch, itFFXII went a different route in 2 main areas. The battle system, which for the first time you could control the character at all times. and the fact that the story centered around a "side" character in Ashe. You control Vaan who is by far, in my opinion, the worst of the "Leads" in the FF games. He fell flat and was just very vanilla. Had we been able to control Balthier, or even Basch, it would have been much better. Overall though, it was a good FF in my opinion.… Expand
  20. MoofiaBossVal
    Dec 26, 2021
    7
    The cutscene direction, the English localization, and the voice direction makes the story REALLY enjoyable to watch. Sadly most of the main party you're stuck with comprises dry, unemotive characters. Vaan is the only character who is allowed to emote, and if he wasn't there I don't think I would have made it through the game.

    Aesthetically, the game looks great. The soundtrack is okay.    The cutscene direction, the English localization, and the voice direction makes the story REALLY enjoyable to watch. Sadly most of the main party you're stuck with comprises dry, unemotive characters. Vaan is the only character who is allowed to emote, and if he wasn't there I don't think I would have made it through the game.

    Aesthetically, the game looks great. The soundtrack is okay. A little too noisy for my liking but nothing particularly bad.

    The gameplay is meh. I liked the open zones, but I'm not a fan of the MMO combat. It's not as fun as the turn based battles with the cinematic camera shots and stuff. If you do like the battles, then thankfully there are a lot of optional bosses for you to fight.    … Expand
  21. THOUSANDEYEKAii
    May 5, 2023
    9
    I admit I was let down by this game and didn't enjoy it much at first, but when I restarted years later I realized how great a game it really was.
  22. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 3, 2022
    8
    Final Fantasy XII is in many ways the exact opposite of Final Fantasy X -- it doesn't boast nearly as strong of a narrative or cast, but is heavily focused on exploration and features some of the best side quests in the franchise (including the exceptional Clan Hunts). Final Fantasy XII also ditches the turn based combat in favor of the Gambit system -- a user friendly programming systemFinal Fantasy XII is in many ways the exact opposite of Final Fantasy X -- it doesn't boast nearly as strong of a narrative or cast, but is heavily focused on exploration and features some of the best side quests in the franchise (including the exceptional Clan Hunts). Final Fantasy XII also ditches the turn based combat in favor of the Gambit system -- a user friendly programming system that allows one to fine tune their character A.I. with incredible precision.… Expand
  23. Tidu
    May 23, 2022
    8
    This was the first Final Fantasy I played, that was "just ok". I didn't get invested in the characters and the story wasn't as good as I would've hoped. But that doesn't mean I didn't have my fair share of fun with the game.
    I truly enjoyed the hunting jobs which was the best part of the game experience.
    For me, only thing that's missing from this game is an engaging story. Too bad that's    This was the first Final Fantasy I played, that was "just ok". I didn't get invested in the characters and the story wasn't as good as I would've hoped. But that doesn't mean I didn't have my fair share of fun with the game.
    I truly enjoyed the hunting jobs which was the best part of the game experience.
    For me, only thing that's missing from this game is an engaging story. Too bad that's the thing I'm looking for when I turn on my Playstation.    … Expand
  24. Albertomhg
    Mar 9, 2023
    10
    It's not perfect, but it's my favourite game every, despite all his flaws this game feels magic to me, the license board is well implemented and feels great to complete, the combat and gambit system is advanced to his era, side quests are the more satisfying to complete in any final fantasy game, and good story, lore and characters.
  25. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this eleventh game in the series. this collection is great.
  26. aaronnmp96
    Jan 30, 2023
    6
    and sorry for what happened in the development of this game, it could be much better, and the difficult one is a bit broken, thank goodness they improved it for new generations
  27. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    8
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees! ffxii
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PS2 Game of 2006
1
#1 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
2
#2 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. GamesRadar+
    80
    The story soars, but not so often. The dungeons are long and meandering. The gameplay is effective, but not engrossing. It's a staggeringly well-made game that throws more at you than any other RPG on the PS2... but well-made doesn't necessarily mean "fun."
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  2. eToychest
    97
    This is absolutely my favorite Final Fantasy title, a claim I probably would have laughed at two years ago when rumors about the game’s battle system began to circulate.
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  3. Gaming Age
    91
    One of those rare games that can be appreciated by both hardcore and casual fans alike, Final Fantasy XII may very well be Square's last great adventure, and a fitting sendoff, for the PlayStation 2.
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