I’m Still Torn on This Final Fantasy Game 19 Years After Release

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I think everyone has those super popular series that just… don’t click with them. There are always going to be a few that you just can’t get into, and it’s usually not about whether they’re good or not – it’s just a personal thing. For me, that series is The Elder Scrolls. I totally see how well-made and thoughtful those games are, but honestly, I’ve never really enjoyed them. It’s just my opinion, not a criticism of the work itself.

Besides Zelda, the Final Fantasy series is another major gaming franchise I’ve had a mixed relationship with. It’s a cornerstone of the RPG genre, and I’ve often wanted to love its epic stories, but I rarely feel a strong emotional connection to the characters or get truly invested. I enjoy the side games and crossovers, like Kingdom Hearts, but the main Final Fantasy games are usually just okay – though Final Fantasy VII stands out – and sometimes they’re pretty frustrating. Still, I hesitate to say I dislike the series entirely, because one game from almost 20 years ago remains one of my all-time favorite RPGs.

I’m Not A Final Fantasy Guy

I have a bit of a gaming secret: I’ve never really loved the Final Fantasy series. It’s strange, though, because I actually think Final Fantasy XII is fantastic. When I was younger, RPGs just didn’t click with me, and that included Final Fantasy. As I got older and started to enjoy the genre more – even turn-based games – I still found the Final Fantasy games to be a bit too over-the-top and dramatic for my taste.

I’ve played several Final Fantasy games and, while I’ve grown fond of certain characters like Barret from Final Fantasy VII, Vivi from Final Fantasy IX, and Auron from Final Fantasy X, I often find the main stories and detailed world-building drag on and become boring. I can intellectually appreciate the series, but I enjoy the spin-off games, such as Final Fantasy Tactics or Kingdom Hearts, much more than the main Final Fantasy titles.

Look, I get why people are obsessed with the Elder Scrolls games, but honestly, they’ve never really clicked with me. I always found myself getting bored, even though the concept seemed cool. The one exception? Final Fantasy XII. That game? Absolute masterpiece. It’s easily my favorite in the whole series.

Why FFXII Is One Of My Favorite RPGs

I was immediately drawn to Final Fantasy XII‘s unique look, which felt more traditionally fantasy-inspired and less reliant on the established Final Fantasy style. The story quickly established itself as a grand, world-spanning adventure, something some other games in the series didn’t do right away. The characters were memorable and stood out, avoiding common tropes found in Japanese role-playing games. Interestingly, the game even played with those expectations by making Vaan, who initially seemed like the main hero, more of a supporting character.

I really appreciated how much the game focused on engaging, real-time battles. This made the game world feel expansive and alive, and it’s a feature that’s been successfully used in later Final Fantasy games to create more intense moments and balance out the story with thrilling fights. While I can enjoy turn-based combat sometimes, I always found the Final Fantasy version frustrating. It threw too many options at you and constantly interrupted the exploration with slow, deliberate fights, which pulled me out of the experience.

Unlike previous games, Final Fantasy XII featured a more dynamic combat system that required players to be actively involved. It challenged you to think quickly and utilize the many available options to overcome obstacles. You also had to make strategic decisions about whether to fight or run away, which made the game world feel truly immersive. The improved graphics of the PlayStation 2 allowed for a much larger and more detailed world, making it feel both beautiful and dangerous. I’ve played many Final Fantasy games that others have praised for their immersive qualities, but Final Fantasy XII was the first one where I personally felt completely drawn into the game’s world.

The story in Final Fantasy XII is both captivating and surprisingly deep. The characters Balthier and Fran are particularly charming, and Basch and Ashe are incredibly well-developed – their inner conflicts and Ashe’s journey to leadership make them some of the most memorable characters in the entire Final Fantasy series. While I’ve often been disappointed with the stories and character decisions in later Final Fantasy games, the changes to gameplay and overall presentation that started with Final Fantasy XII have actually made me appreciate those newer titles more. However, I still find myself questioning whether I’m a true Final Fantasy fan, or if I simply enjoyed Final Fantasy XII enough to want to be.

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2025-12-19 02:11