5 Reasons Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is Worth Playing

Final Fantasy XII released back in 2006 for the PS2 but the announcement of the PS3 in 2005 had shifted everyone's focus. Suddenly fans wanted a Final Fantasy for Sony's upcoming console and Final Fantasy XII, while it sold well it, didn't gain the same acclaim as other games in the franchise like Final Fantasy VII or XIII. Now with The Zodiac Age available players can revisit this classic game with new additions. Here are 5 reasons you should play Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age.

5. New Enemies and Additions

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age isn't a complete copy of the original game. Instead, it has been refined with a brand new soundtrack, speed increase option, and enemies to face. What I mean is thanks to the ability to equip 2 licenses, the class system of Final Fantasy XII, enemies have been rebuilt to accommodate this. All enemies will attack using different techniques forcing veterans of the game to adapt their battle strategies. 

4. Combat

One of the most annoying things about RPGs is transition screens from battle to exploration. Since Kingdom Hearts, many Final Fantasy fans demanded this feature and it was in Final Fantasy XII that we got it. All enemies were littered on the battlefield requiring the player to not only pay attention of attacks, defensives, and healing but placement. Coupled with the optional speed system and players could easily farm items without having to deal with another transition, unlike the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy.

3. Gambit System

Ever got annoyed in Final Fantasy XV because Ignis, Prompto, or Gladiolus wouldn't do what was expected of them? Well in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age you don't have to worry about this. Instead of giving you pre-made AI controlled allies Square Enix allows you to fully program your allies in Final Fantasy XII. This means in any battle condition or farming situation you can program your allies to follow specific commands based on your own decisions. It's annoying that you have to purchase these commands but giving the player full combat of your allies was a step forward in the right direction. Too bad it wasn't present in Final Fantasy XV.

2. A Story of Betrayal and War

Final Fantasy stories have mostly focused on saving the world or some world ending opponent. Final Fantasy XII tells a different tale, focusing on war and on the tragedies it has caused. It's a much more tightly focused Final Fantasy that keeps the spotlight on each of the playable characters. All them feel alive and troubled, with barriers to overcome without the fate of the world pushing them forward. Instead, their accomplishments throughout the adventure are much more personal victories as they overcome each obstacle. 

1. A Fu*k Ton of Optional Bosses

One of the best things about RPGs is the optional bosses. Fighting enemies that are stronger than the core campaign gave players more reason to continue forward and collect powerful weapons and items. Thankfully Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age doesn't have any shortage of these enemies. The hunts alone have some of the toughest enemies in the game but there are also Espers to defeat. These legendary creatures not only offer challenging boss fights but give you the chance to acquire new summonings. Every victory gives you new tools to defeat more powerful optional bosses, keeping you hooked even after the campaign is finished.

These are our 5 reasons to play Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age what are yours? Let me know in the comments below!

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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