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Final Fantasy XII

(2006, Video Games - Role Playing Games, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A fantasy RPG masterpiece for PlayStation 2 fans.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    As with past games in the series, this offers animated violence in a fantasy setting.
  • Sex:

    Some underdressed, chesty heroines.
  • Language:

    Some occasional swearing but not gratuitious.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One or two minor references to alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Final Fantasy XII was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know this compelling adventure game is Teen-rated and features plenty of animated violence, but it's not overly realistic (magic spells, flying airships, and over-the-top creatures). The game also showcases the sci-fi heroines, large-breasted women wearing revealing clothing and bustiers.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about what they like or dislike about this fantasy world, and how it deals with issues such as ethics, trust, and loyalty. To fully appreciate what their children are playing, parents might want to sit down to watch them play the game, view the fighting, read the dialogue, and enjoy the breathtakingly gorgeous cinematic sequences.
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More on Final Fantasy XII

What’s the Story?

FINAL FANTASY XII takes place in Ivalice, a once-prosperous world, now subjugated by an invasion by the malevolent Archadian Empire. The game involves a feisty princess and a young rebel, Vaan, who vows revenge against the Empire for taking the life of his brother. But as with most other Final Fantasy adventures, which balance exploration, combat and dialogue, players will work toward unraveling a grand mystery by traveling the huge world with a unique group of characters (some of whom leave or join the "party" over the course of the game). The most dramatic change over past Final Fantasy games is how the combat sequences play out: The Japanese developers successfully fused "turn-based" combat -- where players can choose their offensive or defensive strategy in between turns with the enemies -- with "real-time" fighting, where there is no break in the action. Close

Is It Any Good?

Unlike past Final Fantasy games, enemies can now be seen while walking around the environment instead of unexpectedly entering the combat screen. Also new to the series is the use of "gambits," a kind of programmable behavior you can give your characters before a battle plays out. Another interesting gameplay mechanic is a license system, which means characters must obtain skills before using them, such as melee attacks or magic.

Final Fantasy XII is one of the finest adventures in the longstanding series. is known for its gorgeous visuals -- and this game will certainly not disappoint. Both the non-interactive CG cut-scene sequences and in-game 3-D graphics are worthy of art direction awards, not to mention the game offers a widescreen mode (16:9 aspect ratio) for high-definition or enhanced-definition televisions.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/13/2006, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for alcohol reference, fantasy violence, mild language, partial nudity, suggestive themes)

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See all 24 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    cool but not the best

    I think this one is cool but not the best. my favorite final fantasy character is in this one and he is baltheir.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    If you are thinking of buying this game read my review!

    Ok if you haven't played any of the Final Fantasy games, you are going to have so much fun. Final Fantasy is an RPG, or role-playing game. The graphics and story are wonderful. You will have so much fun with this game, you will forget about all of the other games you have. It takes a much longer time to complete than most PS2 games, and you will have a ton of fun playing it. COMMONSENSE MADE A MISTAKE, THIS GAME SHOULD BE AROUND 11+! The violence is mild, no blood or gore, and very little language. I hope you have fun playing this fantastic game!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Seriously, just get it. Don't ask about it.

    Awwwwwwwwwwwwwesome!!! It is 3D and takes place in the past even though it has airships. I love the storyline. The action is cooooooool! Hard to understand for someone under the age of 11.By friend of Cjbear._10

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Its awesome!

    Its alot of BS that this game was rated teen. There is no problem with short skirts and violence, kids still learn about violence just from news even. So there is no reason to hide how much chaos there is already in this world.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

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