Common Sense Note
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.
Parents can talk with their teens 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.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Marc Saltzman
Not only is the latest "Final Fantasy" adventure one of the finest in the longstanding role-playing game (RPG) series – which has sold an incredible 68 million games to date -- but it may very well be the last great PlayStation 2 title before the PlayStation 3 debuts this month.
In short, don't pass on this lengthy, deep and gorgeous RPG – whether you plan on investing in a PlayStation 3 or not.
Square Enix's "Final Fantasy XII" takes place in Ivalice, a once-prosperous world, now subjugated by an invasion by the malevolent Archadian Empire. "Star Wars" may have been an influence in this game's political undertones as it as also involves a feisty princess and a young rebel, Vaan, who vows revenge against the Empire for taking the life of his brother. An opening scene sees humans walking the streets along with strange lizard-like creatures while overhead airships whiz by – another familiar "Star Wars"-esque sight.
But as with most other "Final Fantasy" adventures, which balance exploration, combat and dialogue, players will work towards unraveling a grand mystery by traveling with a unique group of characters (some of whom leave or join the "party" over the course of the game). Plot twists and emotional surprises is also a "Final Fantasy" trait you can expect from this game.
Traveling the huge world, which is divided into three main continents, is handled on foot, airship, teleportation crystals or by riding on the back of bizarre creatures named Chocobos.
The most dramatic change over past "Final Fantasy" games, however, is how the combat sequences play out. Called the "Active Dimension Battle" system, 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. With the latter, unlike past "Final Fantasy" games, enemies can now be seen while walking around the environment instead of unexpectedly entering the combat screen.
New "target" lines during battles easily tells players what he or she is facing: a red arching line drawn between characters indicates enemy actions against your allies; a blue line indicates an action from an ally against an enemy; while a green line means a healing action, such as casting a cure, between party members. 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 game-play mechanic is a license system, which means characters must obtain skills before using them, such as melee attacks or magic.
"Final Fantasy" is also 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.
One thing is for certain: the last "Final Fantasy" game on current generation consoles has ended with a bang. Next-generation versions of this popular franchise are already in the works -- thankfully, despite its name, "Final Fantasy" is anything but final.
You can pick up "Final Fantasy XII" for $49.99, while the special Collector's Edition version ($59.99) ships with a metallic packaging and bonus DVD with additional content including interviews with the developers, featurettes and other behind-the-scenes content.
Some of the earlier games in this series are also excellent -- check out Final Fantasy X.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome underdressed, chesty heroines. |
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ViolenceAs with past games in the series, this offers animated violence in a fantasy setting. |
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LanguageSome occasional swearing but not gratuitious. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoOne or two minor references to alcohol. |
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