Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

I always thought Final Fantasy XII is way ahead of its time when it was first released. Playing the remaster version has cemented that thought. The game still feels fresh and modern even after a decade. Everything I had ever expected from a modern day JRPG is still present in Final Fantasy XII - the open-ended exploration, well-designed interconnected areas, sprawling cities with various NPCs which change as the story progresses on, and seemingly endless side-quests and optional enemies, dungeons and hidden treasures. Final Fantasy XII is nothing short of a timeless masterpiece that I cannot recommend enough.

Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age gets its reputation from Final Fantasy XII being such a smash hit, along with incorporating the revisions in the International version. Add to that the updated graphics and orchestrated score, and you have what could safely be considered the definitive Final Fantasy XII experience. While not much can be done for the compressed voice work that was carried over, it's a tradeoff for having an updated version that offers a lot more than is worth getting hung up on part of the game's audio quality. I'd recommend this version any day of the week.

Final Fantasy XII’s willingness to be different and innovative has left it feeling every bit as modern and poignant now as any new JRPG on the market, and it remains my favourite game within a series that I hold very precious to me.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age took one of the best games ever created and made it even better. The addictive gameplay, sophisticated story, and enormous yet immersive world have never been more enjoyable. In the end, this is one must-have remake.

Stunning graphical overhaul aside, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age delivers several gameplay-improving mechanics never seen in North America. While balance is still occasionally wobbly, there’s no doubt that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a masterclass in the light but deliberate touch necessary to take something great and make it even better.

Final Fantasy XII has aged well. The things that made it unique, especially the Gambit system, still feel fresh. And the Zodiac Job System and High Speed Mode are great improvements that make the game more convenient for newcomers and fresher for fans who have already played it.

This remastered edition of FFXII is recommended mostly to those who liked and enjoyed the original edition of the game since the upgrades (visual and otherwise) are superb and completely justify the return to the world of Ivalice.

Final Fantasy XII may end up holding up best out of the entire franchise due to its unique style. From the visuals, to the story, to the gameplay mechanics that unfortunately haven’t been used since. This Remaster is a fitting reminder of the games quality and will hopefully convince people to give the world of Ivalice a second try. One of the Playstation 2’s best games still stands tall today, and is very worthy of your time.

This might be the best RPG 2017 has to offer. The Gambit system and the MMO-like fights are very modern and the rest of Final Fantasy 12 is still a joy to play.

This is more than just the original with a facelift; this is truly a different experience. Even if you didn't take to the initial release, the inclusion of the job system and overall enhancements warrant you giving this game a second chance. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is more than just a fun game; it's an achievement for the RPG genre as a whole.

There are still some core narrative issues with the main characters and the game can be a bit too easy at times, but the new job system alone made this journey back to Ivalice so much more enjoyable. Whether you’re returning or playing this game for the first time, Final Fantasy XII is a JRPG that deserves to be played.

I feel like I'm repeating my young self here: Final Fantasy XII is an amazing RPG, and it holds up exceptionally well even 11 years after it's initial release. This PS4 remastering does it justice not only in the visual department but also by exposing the game to many gamers who missed out on this late FF entry. As an RPG fan I loved FFXII on the PS2, and it isn't going to change with this great remaster. What a year the PS4 is having.

The Zodiac Age retains the best parts of the PS2 original and improves on the game’s flaws. With enhanced visuals, a vastly improved job system licensing board, and the option to move at a faster speed, The Zodiac Age is the best way to experience Final Fantasy XII.

A remake to inspire all remakes. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age takes an already amazing game and makes it even better. The new graphics sure is nice and all but the technical improvements, like faster load times and the fast-forwarding system steals the show here.

The Zodiac Age eases Final Fantasy XII’s progressive engine into a modern chassis. Some of Final Fantasy XII’s problems were addressed some never will be, and that’s OK. It’s a one-of-a-kind model with tasteful upgrades and efficient tuning, and it leaves little doubt that The Zodiac Age is the best Final Fantasy XII has ever performed.

Final Fantasy XII released to mixed opinions when it first hit back in 2006, and even today, fans will still argue over where it deserves to land on a listing of the best chapters of the franchise. It received those opinions because it was a bold, daring, and different chapter of a series that up-ended our expectations for what Final Fantasy should be—and all these years later, those elements are part of the reason why I still think it’s one of the best entries we’ve ever received.

Though I remember having a huge amount of fun with XII when it came out, it’s always been Final Fantasy X that was ‘my’ Final Fantasy game growing up. However, having replayed them both again in remastered form, it’s clearly XII which comes away the winner. A wonderful remaster with welcome enhancements, it’s remarkable just how fresh, fun and involving Final Fantasy XII feels over a decade later, with elements that still feel modern in a franchise well known for hanging onto the past.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is, easily, the definitive edition of FFXII. It offers the same great adventure that many played and loved on PS2 and enhances it with many elements and additions that improve the overall experience. However, even with all of these, the game cannot avoid showing some aspects that look like little bit aged. Nevertheless, all of them are minimal and do not significantly affect the game by any means.

In 2006 Final Fantasy XII was ahead of its time. In 2017 it might find a better response from its audience.

Final Fantasy XII was definitely too ambitious and way ahead of its time. In 2017, that makes it an incredibly modern videogame. If you already played it back then, know that there are some nice changes to the gameplay that will make FFXII worth your time.

An RPG masterpiece that dreams to be online, but lies within offline walls. That makes this game different and special, making it as valid today as it was 10 years ago.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a near perfect reworking of a PS2 masterpiece. The game's not without its minor flaws, but overall, this is a startling reminder of how magical Square's beloved series can be.

It’s gotten the loving, reinvigorating treatment so many other entries in the series deserve, so if you’re hoping to see more of this kind of the thing in the future, it may be in your best interest to make sure Square Enix knows you’re interested with your wallet.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is right up there with all the acclaimed classics that have enjoyed great remasters, making the original product better without changing its fundamental execution.

New quality-of-life features elevate the game’s strongest elements, while visual and audio improvements make it more palatable. If you missed Final Fantasy XII the first time, don’t sleep on this.

Western players are in for a treat with all of these adjustments and improvements made from the original release of Final Fantasy XII - many of which are old but never made their way West originally. The job system adds another level of interest to party coordination, elements like fast-forward and map overlays add a considerable amount of convenience, and the game looks and sounds great too. This remaster may not change the mind of everyone, but it is no doubt one of the most intriguing entries in the franchise and clearly the definitive version of a truly brilliant game.

This is a Final Fantasy that you either love or hate, but we think it's a great game that got many things right and was ahead of its time. This remake won't change your mind, but it is a very good remaster and the perfect excuse to play a very interesting Final Fantasy you might've missed.

This is probably the best remaster version of an old game so far, that brings one of the most controversial Final Fantasy titles in the modern times. And it still rocks.

Not only does it feature the usual remaster fare of significantly improved visuals up to their maximum capabilities but it also includes significant and positive improvements and additions to its audio and gameplay that take into consideration both its past strengths and weakness, the resources of the current times, and both its past and current potential audience.

It may never have the mass appeal of some of its peers, but it's time Final Fantasy XII received some of the love and attention it deserves.

Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age is the shining example of how remasters should be -- improving the game in multiple aspects while keeping the core gameplay intact.

Whether you memorized every map of the original game, or you’ve yet to set foot in the most intricate version of Yasumi Matsuno’s Ivalice ever rendered, there’s more than enough incentive in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age to jump in.

It has its issues with Vaan being one of the most lackluster protagonists in Final Fantasy history, but the combat is fun, versatile and highly addicting. It helps that Square Enix has put in an on-the-fly button to enable the High Speed Mode, which cuts down on unnecessary grinding of items, license points and experience significantly. The game has also been masterfully remastered, with beautiful 1080p visuals and some added visual techniques such as bump mapping applied to the environments.

Final Fantasy XII is an epic, sprawling tale that many gamers — myself included — missed the first time around because of when it was released. Don’t make that mistake again. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is one of the best, if not the best, remaster of a Final Fantasy game in recently memory, and is objectively better now than it was a decade ago.

Minor grievances aside, the fact remains that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is easily the best version of the game. Those who were deterred by it the first time around are unlikely to warm up to it this time, as its divisive battle system remains completely in tact. That being said, the sweeping narrative and endearing cast of characters, alongside the drastically improved character upgrade system, provide an expansive and refined role-playing experience that still manages to charm even a decade after its original release.

While its enhancements do not translate into a brand new game for existing fans, The Zodiac Age is nonetheless invigorating. For an experience that can last over a hundred hours, the subtle tweaks therein go a long way in showcasing Final Fantasy 12's grand trek in a new light. Its epic, lore-abundant story and its time-tested Gambit System should also appeal to those who missed out on the mainline series' trip to Ivalice the first time around. And thanks in part to the new audio and speed options, The Zodiac Age is an ideal definitive edition: one that improves the game over its original version across the board.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a remaster done right. The core content remains the same, but the changes in various systems add a new layer of discovery... Not every facet of the game has aged well, but the clever combat and fantastic cast earns this entry its status as classic RPG, and the Zodiac Age is the best way to play it. [Aug 2017, p.152]

This is the ultimate version of a unique classic. The new version of the Zodiac Job system offers a custom feel to the game and really upgrades a few flaws from the original. Other than that this is like the original: a beautiful story filled with interesting characters.

Final Fantasy XII’s relatable roleplaying adventure has aged remarkably well, and The Zodiac Age remaster improves it further in meaningful ways. The storytelling, visual design, and gameplay feel just as fresh and interesting as they did over a decade ago, and the various new enhancements and adjustments will give new players a chance to experience the magic for the first time and fans of the original something enticing to return for.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is much more than just a paint job trying to make a 2006 game look good. It's so much more than that. If you loved the original game you will fall in love with this one. If you didn't have a chance to play it back then and love RPGs or Final Fantasy, don't wait and grab a copy. You wont be disappointed.

Final Fantasy XII was a great game on the PS2 and The Zodiac Age is a great remaster of that classic. The new mechanics works perfectly, visually it's still an outstanding work and the game deserves to be replayed or rediscovered by a new generation of JRPGs enthusiasts.

FFXII never became the masterpiece it was supposed to be, but it has enough marks of a masterpiece to be worth your time, especially that the remaster was done expertly. [09/2017, p.62]

All in all, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a top-notch port. It won't make you rethink the game if you didn't enjoy it in the first place, but the majority of the improvements do a lot to elevate the game. The updated gameplay and visuals make the experience more fun. Only a few nagging flaws, most of which are a legacy of the original game, decrease the enjoyment a bit, but they won't sour the game for JRPG aficionados.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a great remaster on all counts with some very nice new features like the possibility to speed up the game by 4 times to shorten the exploration phase. A must-play for J-RPG fans.

Thanks to the facetted battle and gambit systems this is still one of the most interesting Final Fantasy games of all time. Technically it could have been enhanced even more, but overall this is still a very good JRPG that in most not only stood the test of time, but can still compete.

Put aside any misconceptions you may have about the idea of re-selling old games in shinier coats, this is no lazy rehash and it was always a dang fine game to boot!

Many years have passed, but FFXII is still one of the biggest JRPG we have played, and that's very important to understand why this remastered version is a must for Final Fantasy fans who couldn't play the game before. Better graphics, smoother gameplay and other additions rebuild an old but powerful fantasy.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is the definitive version of a revolutionary chapter in the overall series. There’s more than enough additional content packed in, refined visuals and a remastered soundtrack: a modern RPG with deep gameplay.

Although the remastered work is correct, all the changes and additions (especially those from the International Zodiac Job System) make The Zodiac Age the definitive version of one of the most underrated and special Final Fantasy.

Not as beautiful as we expected to see, but Final Fantasy XII is still a pearl of jRPG, even in 2017.

It's taken the game I already loved so much and given me more. The Zodiac Age doesn’t add things for the sake of adding them. I can see myself putting 300 more hours into this version of Final Fantasy 12, trying different combinations of job classes and testing out new tactics on the optional bosses I could never quite conquer in the original game. The Zodiac Age takes a game I could play in my sleep and makes me wake up and appreciate it again.

Gameplay and visuals are impressive for a remaster and it's a great JRPG; however, it slightly disappoints regarding story and combat system.

The pacing is still weird, even if it is breezier. The battle system will still turn you off if it did the first time. Still, this is Ivalice in all its glory. Enormous, beautiful, flawed and fiercely compelling. Even if you've already put a hundred hours in the original, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age can get its hooks in you, and deep.

For new players, this isn’t the best the series has to offer but it holds its own. If FFXV’s modern magical setting didn’t appeal, this might be the antidote. [October 2017, p72]

The Zodiac Age is mostly a triumph. The few issues that do exist aren’t enough to detract from the overall quality of the underlying game, and most of the updates, upgrades and tweaks really work in the game’s favor.

Utterly charming. [Sept 2017, p.86]

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a smashing port that brings all the revamps of Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System and adds more to it to improve the game for a better experience. If you had issues with the story or didn’t enjoy the battle system – if you were a young whipper snapper, I recommend trying it again, as you might come round to it this time around – then it won’t do anything to fix that for you. If you have never played Final Fantasy XII or are a fan of the game, then this is simply the best way to play Final Fantasy XII and experience its innovative and fun mechanics.

Final Fantasy XII is the reason remasters were invented. It takes a game a lot of players likely missed out on and brings it into the new age. It helps that the design and characters fit well in today’s gaming space. It was great seeing this game release, especially for players like myself who never got to give the game a chance when it originally released. It isn’t the most unique or interesting game in the series, but it is definitely one worth checking out for those that missed out on it the first time around.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a great remaster. That being said, it still isn't a game for everyone. The gameplay takes time to master, but what you get back from it is definitely worth your time and effort.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a game worth experiencing, be it for the first time or just for the first time in a decade. While there are touch-ups in the visual and music departments, the biggest positive change is the added Zodiac Job System, which provides unique license boards to characters by locking them into jobs. The meat of the game hasn't changed noticeably, which is by and large a good thing, with a story that is well-paced and engaging if not particularly novel or as well fleshed out as it could have been. The Active Dimension Battle system also remains unchanged, and will continue to be a divisive factor among players. Ultimately, experiencing what the game has to offer, including its wealth of secrets and content intended to extend the endgame, is absolutely worth its learning curve.

One of the best Final Fantasy games ever made, elevated by its innovative battle system but let down by weak storytelling and focusing on the wrong protagonists.

Final Fantasy XII was a great RPG, swapping out gunblades and epic, world-destroying storylines in favour of ones revolving around political intrigue; it remains as such. It’s as fun to play now as it was back in the dying stages of the PS2, and is perfect for returning fans or those who missed out previously.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a beautiful remaster which makes us love the game even more. Thanks to the second job addition, the fast forward rhythm or the magnificent re-orchestration of the original soundtrack, this version deserves a run, whether you've already finished the original game or not.

The Zodiac Age is a demonstration of the foresight Square had back in 2006. With its open-world imprint and highly customizable features, this remaster presents itself a lot better than the first release did eleven years ago.

Square-Enix hasn’t pulled off any miracles with this remaster, but The Zodiac Age gives players one of the great Final Fantasies, looking sharper and playing better than it ever has before. The battle and progress systems that once infuriated aficionados haven’t become less abrasive with time, but they also help give the game its pace and a feel that’s unlike any other game in the series.

Even though its launch Price is quite high for an 11-year-old remastered game, The Zodiac Age is the best chance to discover or revisit a unique, original, well-narrated Final Fantasy, now with a more agile and fast-paced approach, although it is also what many think of as the Final Fantasy that started the derailment of the franchise. It will move you. If you didn't play during the PS2 era and you think yourself as a fan of the series, you have to play it now.

By a giant like Square Enix, however, we would have expected more attention with regard to the technical and graphical sector, which are still too undercut.

If you absolutely couldn’t stand the gameplay of Final Fantasy XII, The Zodiac Age’s improvements may not ultimately be enough to sway you to the other side. However, the remaster makes some truly important quality of life changes to its design that results in The Zodiac Age being much more approachable. It is without a doubt the best version of Final Fantasy XII available.

The Zodiac Age allows Final Fantasy 12 to realize its full potential, thanks to a wealth of graphical enhancements, a soaring soundtrack, and the addition of the Zodiac Job System.

Slowly but surely XII has wormed its way into my heart -- it only took 11 years.

Final Fantasy XII – The Zodiac Age is far from the perfect game, but it is one of the few in the series I bothered to complete. From its lofty melodrama and rewarding combat and character systems to its missed story beats and sloggy late-game, it's an adventure I will not soon forget. More importantly, it’s one I do not want to forget, which is more than I can say for almost every entry in the series released since this game first saw light 11 years ago.

If you played Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age back in the day and want to go back for nostalgia, you’ll love this. If you’re a new player interested in playing for the first time – keep in mind that this is definitely a game that shows its age. Though, if you have sufficient patience, it’s a story well worth investing in.

So much of the game is build up to minor privileges and plot points that other RPGs freely give to the player.