Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 665 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 533 out of 665
  2. Mixed: 65 out of 665
  3. Negative: 67 out of 665
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  1. MrRPG
    Jul 11, 2017
    10
    FF12 remaster is a great trip down nostalgia lane, although it's age definitely show's it does not take anything away from what is a fantastic jrpg.
    For people who haven't played it before it has a steeper learning curve than most if not all other FF games, but once mastered the combat is extremely satisfying and the inclusion of a secondary job allows for more refined character    FF12 remaster is a great trip down nostalgia lane, although it's age definitely show's it does not take anything away from what is a fantastic jrpg.
    For people who haven't played it before it has a steeper learning curve than most if not all other FF games, but once mastered the combat is extremely satisfying and the inclusion of a secondary job allows for more refined character development and is a very welcome change to the formula.
    The soundtrack remains as memorable as ever with slight changes to the music and overall far better sound quality, the characters no longer sound as if they are speaking through a paper tube.
    I'm overjoyed that my favorite FF in the series got the HD treatment and improved what was already a great game.    … Expand
  2. Zidane_Mina
    Jul 12, 2017
    10
    Excelent remaster of an excelent game.

    I'll go straight into the changes introduced to this version: For those experienced with the original release, a few things to know: this version introduces the Zodiac Job System, which greatly encourages the use of all of your party members: the first time using the license board, players are tasked to give the party member 1 out of 12 zodiac    Excelent remaster of an excelent game.

    I'll go straight into the changes introduced to this version:

    For those experienced with the original release, a few things to know: this version introduces the Zodiac Job System, which greatly encourages the use of all of your party members: the first time using the license board, players are tasked to give the party member 1 out of 12 zodiac signs, each one assigned to one job (or class, if you prefer). Por example: Aries are White Mages, and the licence board is balanced for that kind of class, therefore, no zodiac has all of the habilities in the game, unlike the original release, where the licence board was the same for every character, thus rendering all of the party embers the same. It might sound intimidating at first, but with propper thought and strategy, it gives each character an specific role, so it's a welcome adition. Do not fret, for you can chose in the early game a second zodiac (job[class]) for your characters, so you might aswell counter-balance the effects, for example making a character "Tauro-Capricorn" (lancer-black mage) or Leo-Aries (knight-white mage), the choice is yours: counter-balance their class, or enhance it even further.

    The game seems to be balanced for this change, though, as i felt the enemies and bosses where easier this time arround (but not a walk in the park, mind you, just balanced for the adjustments on the class system). Also, no longer is the Zodiak spear unattainable should you open one of those "forbidden" treasure chests of the original release, for there is one more way to get it (besides the Henne mines method), altough is also hard, but 100% safe.

    It helps a lot Square decided to make of the "L1" button a fast-forward button, speeding the game up to 4x, with this, farming and traveling is much (much!) less frustrating and repetitive, and should be a welcome change for "completisionists" out there.

    In the end, i felt this remaster to be the best i've played in years, and makes an awesome game even better. Final Fantasy XII deserves a second chance, for is it one of the best in the series, content and gameplay wise. Even then, on a second playthrough (1st one being back in 2006), this time the story felt way more interesting, either be that i already knew what to expect, or because our expectations betrayed us back in the day, regardless, i so much more enjoyed the characters and story this time arround.    … Expand
  3. Commotion
    Nov 12, 2017
    10
    With all of the additions of the Zodiac Age edition and some new stuff exclusive to this PS4 version, I would say this is the definitive version of a game I just couldn't get into back when it was released for the PS2.

    Back in the day, I thought the battle style was awful, the characters were stupid, everything sucked and I wanted something like Final Fantasy X, but years after I've    With all of the additions of the Zodiac Age edition and some new stuff exclusive to this PS4 version, I would say this is the definitive version of a game I just couldn't get into back when it was released for the PS2.

    Back in the day, I thought the battle style was awful, the characters were stupid, everything sucked and I wanted something like Final Fantasy X, but years after I've finally seen the light. The battle style is actually really intelligent and elegant, in a way. I never got into the story back then, but nowadays I can say I love it, and I would like to see more Ivalice-related things. And, even though I never got something like Final Fantasy X and that game is still one of my favourites, XII is definitely the best main Final Fantasy game since X's release.    … Expand
  4. Ardalan1
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Geate game. Beautiful music, a lot of main and guest characters, and a big world to explore. I have spent 50 hours on this game and I enjoyed every second of it.
  5. omegamarx
    Jul 16, 2017
    10
    El clasico FF12 para ps2 me parecio fantastico en su epoca pese a las criticas recibidas por su sistema de combate, y esta nueva entrega para ps4 es aun mejor. El juego tiene tanto fanaticos que lo aman o gente que lo odia por tener un cambio tan grande con respecto a las anteriores entregas de la saga. El nuevo sistema de licencias es es genial y te da la posiblilidad de elegir dosEl clasico FF12 para ps2 me parecio fantastico en su epoca pese a las criticas recibidas por su sistema de combate, y esta nueva entrega para ps4 es aun mejor. El juego tiene tanto fanaticos que lo aman o gente que lo odia por tener un cambio tan grande con respecto a las anteriores entregas de la saga. El nuevo sistema de licencias es es genial y te da la posiblilidad de elegir dos trabajos por personaje lo que da mas diversidad al equipo sin llegar a ser repetitivo como en la version original. Graficamente es una de las mejores remastered que he visto, y un detalle que no es menos para los que disfrutan la banda sonora de los juegos es que podemos elegir entre la musica original o la orquesta que suena simplemente fantastica. Si amaste el juego en la ps2 vas a adorarlo en esta nueva version, si nunca lo jugaste ahora es tu momento de disfrutar de esta joya que recibio criticas por su sistema de combate en mundo abierto y los gambits que es unico ya que ningun otro juego imito este sistema aunque a otros les puede llegar a encantar.… Expand
  6. vgmkyle
    Jul 11, 2017
    10
    When I bought this game on PS2 I could barely get through it because it was such a line infested jag party, but now that they have finally put a fresh coat of paint on it... it's awesome and it feels like the official release of the game. I am not for remasters, but Square is on fire now and we are seeing some of that old Square magic here in Zodiac Age. Yet another must have title for PS4.
  7. Rockboss
    May 21, 2020
    10
    One of the best FFs imo. Grown up story. Nice fighting and character development system. I really enjoyed playing again on PS4. Especially with the double speed option. Great game.
  8. Dreizehn
    Oct 17, 2017
    10
    The ultimate FF12 experience! I haven't played the game for years since PS2 version and this remaster looks awesome. The speed mode (x2, because x4 is too much) is wonderful for running and leveling up quickly, and the quick save system everytime you enter in a new area is amazing for a remaster like this. Excellent work.
  9. TheOnlyCamcan98
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    If you ever played the original version of this game, you either loved it or you hated it. I can assure you that if you loved the game originally, you are absolutely going to love it even more this time around.
    I believe with the implementation of the Job system and the ability to speed through the game at a quicker pace, even the haters could be satisfied with this game.
  10. lyekay1
    Jul 17, 2017
    10
    Excellent game, just wow the remaster is a must have. 10/10 for me, the game is much smoother, graphics cleaned up & crisp, huge game which will take you hours just to get through the beginning. One of the best Final fantasy's out there, so underrated. Nostalgia overload, my game of the year :) thank you Square
  11. 22446688Bb
    Aug 6, 2019
    10
    Final Fantasy 12 is one of the most beautiful things you can see anyone who likes rpg and this thing is really surprising if you wish to be deeper than you are.
  12. Sha2n
    May 9, 2023
    10
    A unique work, one of the best to date. This game will definitely enter the top, created by a diverse, experienced, versatile and not envious gamer. A legend for a real dreamer. From Gabranth with Love.
  13. izam
    Jul 13, 2017
    10
    excelente remaster para una excelente entrega
    voces seleccionables, penelo es PAnelo en japones jaja, la musica increible y una historia para no olvidar, no os fijeis en los negativos son solo trolls sin fundamentos.

    Larga vida a FFXII !!
  14. here_and_there
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    One of the best Jrpgs you can play today. It was probably ahead of its time 10 years ago but now it feels almost perfect, especially with the few additions which make it much smoother and more interesting. Considering it is a PS2 game the graphics are still very good, especially the character's face designs, which are still better than a lot of modern AAA games. The OST is one of the bestOne of the best Jrpgs you can play today. It was probably ahead of its time 10 years ago but now it feels almost perfect, especially with the few additions which make it much smoother and more interesting. Considering it is a PS2 game the graphics are still very good, especially the character's face designs, which are still better than a lot of modern AAA games. The OST is one of the best of the genre and the world is vast, interesting, diverse, beautiful and is inhabited by tons of NPCs with interesting dialogues (something that the last two single-player Final Fantasy, XIII and XV, definitely lack). At the time it was a big departure from previous Final Fantasy games, but considering how the following ones turned out I'd say this is the game to play today if you want to get the feeling of the old Final Fantasys and Jrpgs in general.… Expand
  15. DarkVanilla
    Jul 12, 2017
    10
    My fave of the series hands down(yes, I know I'll catch flak for it).
    The hunts are the **** and the story is compelling enough to hang with most present day fare.
    You wont be disappointed.
  16. duopouya811
    Jul 11, 2017
    10
    As a remaster or remix( whatever they call it) it is a great game. It doesn't add much to the game or change it dramatically it just improves the look and a few minor good mechanics changes make this a pure remaster. The game it self is great and entertaining. the best thing about this game is the colorful, diverse world of it, it reminds of some great fantasy worlds like star wars or massAs a remaster or remix( whatever they call it) it is a great game. It doesn't add much to the game or change it dramatically it just improves the look and a few minor good mechanics changes make this a pure remaster. The game it self is great and entertaining. the best thing about this game is the colorful, diverse world of it, it reminds of some great fantasy worlds like star wars or mass effect but surely the jrpg version of them. The graphics feels old, even though it is way better than the original one and everything is not blur anymore. The story is good and keeps you amused and eager till the end, so if you are a long time final fantasy fan you will enjoy this update of an underrated final fantasy installment and you will have second thoughts on it and if you are new to final fantasy series it is a great game to start your journey.… Expand
  17. ricardolaizo
    Jun 20, 2022
    10
    Tradução para português logo abaixo.

    This is the remaster to one of the amazing games ever made. To me, the best Final Fantasy. The combat mode é the perfect union between the homesick shift style and the "modern" active combat, whose can be still better with the Gambit systems. The 30 marks (quests) extend the gaming time in dozens of hours, which show itself as extremely funs. As    Tradução para português logo abaixo.

    This is the remaster to one of the amazing games ever made. To me, the best Final Fantasy. The combat mode é the perfect union between the homesick shift style and the "modern" active combat, whose can be still better with the Gambit systems.

    The 30 marks (quests) extend the gaming time in dozens of hours, which show itself as extremely funs. As the spers, which one with its own exclusive limitation on battle.

    It has a incredible story, as there's in every Final Fantasy Game.

    This is a game you'll want to get a platinum trophy, or how we used to say in PS2, complete the Sky Pirate's Den.

    Português:

    Esse é o remaster de um dos melhores jogos já feitos. Para mim, o melhor Final Fantasy. O modo de combate é a junção perfeita entre o saudoso estilo de turno e o "moderno" método de combate ativo, que pode ficar ainda melhor pelo sistema de Gambits.

    As marks (quests) aumentam o tempo de jogo deste título em dezenas de horas, que se mostram extremamente divertidas. Assim como os espers, cada um com sua limitação de batalha exclusiva.

    A história é incrível, como em todos os FF, e cada quest secundária é "bem paga" pelo seu desdobrar.

    Este é um jogo que com certeza vai te fazer querer platinar, ou como era no PS2, completar o Sky Pirate's Den.    … Expand
  18. MGrahamWriter
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    This game ended up dethroning Final Fantasy IX, becoming my all time favorite in the series! (IX held the crown for six years!). When FFXII released for the PS2, I didn't know what to expect. Having fallen in love with X, I had hoped it would play like that but what we got was EVEN better! It quickly became my favorite: the story, the battle system, the license board, the gambitThis game ended up dethroning Final Fantasy IX, becoming my all time favorite in the series! (IX held the crown for six years!). When FFXII released for the PS2, I didn't know what to expect. Having fallen in love with X, I had hoped it would play like that but what we got was EVEN better! It quickly became my favorite: the story, the battle system, the license board, the gambit system...the characters...it was beautiful! And now, 11 years later, we got something EVEN BETTER than the original!

    Zodiac Age brings the Job System front and center; I was scared of it at first, because I knew once you made a decision, you couldn't turn back. However, it proved to be a blessing and a new and exciting challenge! It really makes you think about how those roles will affect battles. EVERY battle is fought differently, which was how the original played out and that is refreshing. No two roles are the same either so that's also something I've come to appreciate.

    I will just say this one thing; it's not really a negative thing but just something to think about. This game would have been even greater as a remake rather than just an HD release.    … Expand
  19. lewis1992
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is an amazing remaster of an outstanding JRPG. Despite long-time Final Fantasy fans criticising the game for the lack of "turn-based" battle encounters (like previous entries), FFXII offers a unique gameplay experience in a massive open world, filled to the brim with loveable characters, side-quests, hunts, and mysteries. This remaster includes manyFinal Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is an amazing remaster of an outstanding JRPG. Despite long-time Final Fantasy fans criticising the game for the lack of "turn-based" battle encounters (like previous entries), FFXII offers a unique gameplay experience in a massive open world, filled to the brim with loveable characters, side-quests, hunts, and mysteries. This remaster includes many graphical improvements, a glorious re-recorded soundtrack, along with various helpful and interesting features not present in the original version that really "flesh out" the game even further.

    The storyline is great, despite being criticised by many due to the main character Vaan not being the main 'focus' of the story, acting as more of an observer. The political elements of the story are fantastic, however, which certainly goes well beyond what any other Final Fantasy title has been able to offer.

    Definitely a must-buy for any PS4 owner - perhaps even a reason to buy a PS4 in the first place!

    [ Game played for approx. 100 hours, platinum trophy achieved. ]    … Expand
  20. marshallu2018
    Sep 10, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was ten years old when Final Fantasy XII came out back in 2006 - as such, I was at an impressionable age. Up until that point, I had never gotten interested in Final Fantasy games, but this one stood out to me for some reason. Unfortunately, I never got to beat the original game because my PlayStation 2 broke not long after I got FFXII and I never got a new one. Ever since then, I had been hoping they'd remaster FFXII so I could play it again in all its glory and finally beat the game. And now that dream has come true.

    I've heard a lot of people compare FFXII's story to Star Wars, although I've never watched any of the Star Wars movies so I can't attest to that, but I will say that the story of this game is intriguing and keeps you coming back for more with plot twists and interesting characters galore.

    If you thought the story was the best thing about Final Fantasy XII, you'd be wrong. The gameplay, in my opinion, is where this gem really shines. Ditching the old (and, in my opinion, dated) turn based combat system from Final Fantasy games of yesteryear, Final Fantasy XII utilizes a combat system that is often compared to combat systems of MMOs.

    Another unique twist on the combat is the Gambit System - a system of "if - then" scenarios you can program for your characters so they do things automatically. The Gambit System is great because it allows you to set up actions that would normally be tedious, such as having to use eye drops every time one of the characters becomes blind or having to use a phoenix down every time a character faints. You can even set up gambits so the characters basically fight on their own, while you sit back and reap the rewards of the battle. The Gambit System makes grinding a chore, and there's a lot of grinding involved in this game if you want to go after all the side quests and post game content to complete it wholly. Rest assured, if you're old-school and prefer the non-automatic gameplay, you can completely forgo the Gambit System in favor of manual commands for your characters if you so please.

    Now that I've talked about how great the base game is, I'll move on to what the remaster brings to the table. The best part about the remastered version of Final Fantasy XII is the addition of the Zodiac Job System from the "International" Zodiac Job System of the game that was only released in Japan in 2007. The original version of the game that was released in the west gave each character the same license board and they could ultimately become completely overpowered and able to use every single item in the game after you played it enough. The Zodiac Job System lets you pick a job for each character (you can actually pick two jobs per character in this remastered version, which is a first) and that job has certain weapons and equipment the character can equip, but they can't equip everything. This element to the game makes it a little more interesting and now you have to strategize for the late game rather than depend on being able to equip everything in the game.

    Along with the addition of the Zodiac Job System, the remaster brings a host of quality of life improvements, such as an autosave feature so you don't have to constantly look for a blue crystal to manually save your progress. This remastered version of the game also looks better than any previous version and it better voice acting as well as a reorchestrated soundtrack featuring new instruments in the beloved classic songs that were from the original. Another great improvement from this game is the addition of the ability to speed the game up, which makes the grinding even less tedious. There are many other small improvements in the remaster, but I won't waste your time listing them all because that would just take too long.

    Long story short, this game was already great and the remaster just took it up a notch and made it even better. If you're on the fence with this one, don't be. Just buy the game and try it out. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how great it is.    … Expand
  21. Reilyn
    Nov 12, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Personally, one of my favorite Final Fantasy games of all time. I first played it on PS2 and found the game completely infatuating. The story line is superb, character development was excellent and it really had a modern feel to it regarding the battle system and movement. The remaster has really put a huge difference into the game-play, from now being able to control guest party members, to the separation of the MP bar and Mist gauge so that MP is not drained from use of Quickenings. The only issue that I would have with this game is the new license board system, it is a bit of a drag but I suppose it also allows for players to give characters a certain individuality that plays into your own hands, so I am more so on the fence than anything else. But above all this game would be one of my favorites, especially with the remaster. I'd thoroughly recommend this game.… Expand
  22. tweedledee318
    Dec 30, 2017
    10
    This is an incredibly well made remaster of a great PS2 game.

    But if you did not enjoy the original PS2 version of FF12 or the International version, I'm not sure if this will change your mind. - The art direction and the HD textures make this game one of the best looking PS2 remastered games available. - The new orchestrated scores and dual audio option was worth waiting for. -    This is an incredibly well made remaster of a great PS2 game.

    But if you did not enjoy the original PS2 version of FF12 or the International version, I'm not sure if this will change your mind.

    - The art direction and the HD textures make this game one of the best looking PS2 remastered games available.
    - The new orchestrated scores and dual audio option was worth waiting for.
    - The License Grid is more limiting compared to the original release, but the ability to quickly swap party members in/out depending on your battles places importance on good party management. The overall difficulty was tuned with these License restrictions in mind.

    It's also refreshing to play an "old-school" JRPG. There is no GPS/magical arrow leading you to the next destination. But there are enough hints and breadcrumbs given for you to get back on track after wandering about.

    I haven't tried NG+, NG- (weak mode), or the Trials yet but they will definitely provide additional challenging content.

    My advice to anyone deciding to buy this game is to be careful when you decide on a License Grid for a character. Your decision is permanent and it unfortunately occurs early on in the game. Make a backup save file before committing a character into a Zodiac Job. You can also preview grids to help you get an idea of what the jobs will do.

    Regarding the story, it's always subjective but I am enjoying the story because of its connections to FF Tactics.    … Expand
  23. prorider2themax
    Jan 5, 2018
    10
    This is my all time favorite final fantasy made even better in the Zodiac age by the addition of a real job system. The gambit combat system is my favorite battle system ever implemented in a FF series. It allows one to essentially control every single action a character takes while not pressing a single button at times. The difficulty and flexibility of the game are perfect. I really justThis is my all time favorite final fantasy made even better in the Zodiac age by the addition of a real job system. The gambit combat system is my favorite battle system ever implemented in a FF series. It allows one to essentially control every single action a character takes while not pressing a single button at times. The difficulty and flexibility of the game are perfect. I really just wish it went on forever. My only complaint would be that many of the magic spells, summons, and techniques are insignificant and more of a novelty than a realistic strategy. Would love to see everything have a role in the gameplay. But overall it's great and I would highly recommend.… Expand
  24. Lulcy
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    It's an overall more satisfying experience to play thanks to quality of life features, the class system makes a more balanced gameplay, if a bit less flexible than in the original game.
  25. Red_Spectre
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    There is only 1 bad thing to say about this game.
    1. They never made a DLC
    ...Own this game. Finish this game.
  26. LucasC
    May 17, 2020
    10
    It is just beautiful, everything is just perfect, buy it. Also im playing it again for the 9th time.
  27. JoseofCatarina
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    They polished off the game, while maintaining the original art style, they fixed the bugs, added trophies, and added a few extra features like the sped up mode, that allows someone who has already played this game to replay it with less monotony.

    Overall, I believe this is how a remaster should be. FF12 is one of my favorite games of all time, and this remaster is definitely worth the money.
  28. WellMetStranger
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    An incredible gem of a game and by far and away the best Final Fantasy I have ever played with Final Fantasy Tactics. The game delivers through and through with an entrancing story, believable characters and one of the deepest gameplay systems I've had the pleasure to play in the series. Here's hoping Final Fantasy XVI is also set in Ivalice.
  29. unnamedcritic
    Dec 19, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best FF in the series. The English voice acting is superb. World building is excellent. Game play is also excellent, but you might not discover it's charms until you've gotten a couple characters in your party. Story is surprisingly mature and not the cheese fest that younger audiences might prefer. This game is far superior to the newer installments and on parThis is one of the best FF in the series. The English voice acting is superb. World building is excellent. Game play is also excellent, but you might not discover it's charms until you've gotten a couple characters in your party. Story is surprisingly mature and not the cheese fest that younger audiences might prefer. This game is far superior to the newer installments and on par with/better than some of the older games.… Expand
  30. Sonyyy26
    May 18, 2020
    10
    if you ignore Vaan and penelo this is one of best rpg s that came out ever. it has best job system in gaming, huge world to explore ,immersive story ... try you will not regret.
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS4 Game of 2017
48
#48 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
31
#31 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Feb 8, 2018
    80
    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]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 29, 2017
    100
    An excellent remaster of one of the most underestimated episodes of the series released at the dawn of old-gen consoles. Veterans will appreciate the number of new features and newcomers can taste this great Japanese RPG with beautiful visuals. [Issue#277]
  3. CD-Action
    Sep 25, 2017
    85
    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]
See all critic reviews »