Summary
- Release Year: 2017
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Virtuos
- Publishers: Square Enix
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age – A Timeless Classic Reborn
Originally released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Final Fantasy XII was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative combat system, deep story, and memorable characters. In 2017, the game was remastered for the PlayStation 4 as Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, featuring a host of graphical and gameplay improvements that make it the definitive version of this beloved classic.
A Grand Adventure in the World of Ivalice
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age tells the story of Vaan, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a sky pirate. When his home is invaded by the Archadian Empire, Vaan joins forces with Ashe, the princess of Dalmasca, to fight for their freedom. Along the way, they are joined by a colorful cast of characters, including the enigmatic Balthier, the viera hunter Fran, and the bangaa warrior Basch.
The game’s story is a complex and engrossing tale of war, politics, and betrayal. It is also a story of hope and redemption, as Vaan and his companions fight to create a better future for Ivalice.
Revamped Combat System
One of the most significant changes in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is the revamped combat system. The original game’s combat was turn-based, but the remaster introduces a new system that is more action-oriented. Players can now control their characters directly in battle, and they can use a variety of attacks and abilities to defeat their enemies.
The new combat system is much more fluid and dynamic than the original, and it gives players more control over the flow of battle. It also makes the game more challenging, as players now have to be more aware of their surroundings and the abilities of their enemies.
Zodiac Job System
Another major change in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is the introduction of the Zodiac Job System. This system allows players to choose from a variety of different jobs for their characters, each with its own unique abilities and playstyles.
The Zodiac Job System adds a great deal of depth and customization to the game. Players can now tailor their characters to their own playstyles, and they can experiment with different combinations of jobs to find the perfect team for any situation.
Stunning Visuals and Sound
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age has been remastered with stunning visuals and sound. The game’s characters, environments, and cutscenes have all been recreated in high definition, and the game now supports 7.1 surround sound.
The game’s soundtrack has also been remastered, and it now features new arrangements of the original tracks. The soundtrack is one of the best in the Final Fantasy series, and it helps to create a truly immersive and memorable experience.
Endless Gameplay and Adventure
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age offers a huge amount of gameplay and adventure. In addition to the main story, the game also features a variety of side quests, hunts, and mini-games. Players can easily spend dozens of hours exploring the world of Ivalice and completing all of the game’s content.
Conclusion
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a stunning HD remaster of one of the best RPGs ever made. The game features a revamped combat system, a new job system, stunning visuals and sound, and a wealth of new features. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original game or a newcomer to the series, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a must-play.
Review Score
9/10