Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age Review

The Final Fantasy series has gone through many iterations over the years. It should come as no surprise many of the titles have been re-released and remastered in one form or another. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is one example, bringing what many consider one of the most controversial installments of the franchise to modern audiences. This version includes the expected visual and performance upgrades. It also introduces some features that had previously been exclusive to Japan. However, more than a decade after its original release, just how does this game hold up compared to contemporary RPGs?

Story

The somewhat hit-and-miss story takes place in the land of Ivalice, a familiar continent for Final Fantasy fans. The ruling factions of Imperial Archadia and the Rozarrian Empire have become bitter enemies, waging war on each other. The fallout has left small countries like Dalmasca at the mercy of invading forces. However, this is just setting the scene for the main plot that takes place some two years after these events.

Vann, an annoying young thief who dreams of bigger things, gets caught robbing the palace in Dalmasca. He ends up joining the sky pirates Balthier and Fran. Soon, he teams up with another three characters: the princess Ashe, the disgraced knight Basch, and his childhood friend Penelo. This ragtag group sets out to save a princess from the clutches of Imperial Archadia. Ultimately, they must overthrow the forces that have taken over Dalmasca.

It is a story that is far less reliant of fantasy tropes and more of a swashbuckling adventure. The influence of Star Wars has been well documented since the original game’s release in 2006. Obviously, this allows for a more fun approach that people can get invested in more easily.