"This is the best console game since Final Fantasy VII"

Spoiler Warning: This review spoils the first 10 minutes of the game.

In order to qualify this score, I must first share with you a bit of video game history.

On September 7th, 1997, a game was released here in North America, which would revolutionize the way video games were developed, and raise consumers' expectations of console RPGs irrevocably.

That game was Final Fantasy VII. Of course, if you didn't already know that you probably have no business even reading this review. Gone were the two-dimensional tile sets, and one-dimensional characters of the past. This game made advancements in ways we didn't know were possible at the time.

The storyline dealt with issues of terrorism (from the terrorist's perspective, no less), the permanence of death, unrequited love, personal insanity, and the dangers of a corporate state. The graphics (though blocky by today's standards) were awe-inspiring. The battle system was simple, yet possessed near limitless depth. And, to this very day, the bad guy is the most universally loved bad guy since Darth Vader. To make a long story short, this game was hugely successful.

Along came Final Fantasy VIII. The graphics were improved, and in many ways the game system was made more complex (for better or worse), but in trying to recapture the 'casually aloof' type protagonist they created a main character that was mostly just annoying. Worse still, the romance factor began to take a primary role in this game in an attempt to broaden the appeal. Unfortunately, it worked with a vengeance.

In what must have been an attempt to further expand their target audience, Final Fantasy IX featured a dumbed-down vernacular, a storyline clearly written to appeal to juvenile females (with incessant puerile whining about the characters' feelings), X was only better than IX because IX was so very bad. X-2 was nearly the worst of the bunch (in spite of the graphics), but as with X lacked the level of insipidness to surpass IX.

I've been playing video games since 1980 (I'll save you the math, and tell you - I'm 30). I have no interest in childish blubbering, and would prefer some subtlety to my storylines, rather than just having the characters spell out their motivations for me as if I'm some kind of idiot. Squaresoft was doing their level best to alienate the very audience which had brought them their success.

How is any of this relevant? Because I approached this game expecting to hate it, and once I've made up my mind, only an inspired effort can change it. I was giving Square one last chance, and it was not a fair one.

The game starts out with a wedding. I was ready then and there to drop the axe, and return the game. Then, against all odds, something happened that I did not expect. All at once, large-scale battle erupts. Your kingdom is crushed beyond the point of recognition, the princess and her husband are killed, followed shortly by the king, and your character is killed in an act of betrayal by his superior officer. All within the first 10 - 15 minutes.

I was blown away.

Without giving anything away (past the first 10 minutes of the game), I can say that not just the graphics, but also the art direction of this game is masterful, and every environment is richly detailed. The landscapes are richly diverse, the cities bustling with life, and the ancient ruins are simply amazing. Everything is designed with the kind of knack for grandeur that must have driven the Egyptians in building the pyramids – except on a scale even grander still.

The storyline is decidedly more mature, with only brief hints of the juvenile prattle which plagued the last few iterations of the series. The convolutions of plot leave you wondering at all times where the story might be headed. The player is left to speculate as to their characters' motivations - a welcome relief from being spoon-fed the plot. The dialog is both well written, and well performed by the voice actors. Even the audio engineering Knights, kings, and other such dignitaries utilize a very formal, highly educated English which is almost Shakespearean in bearing, while gutter children and street vendors use a more relaxed mode of speech. The sarcastic remarks are even wry enough to wring out a dry chuckle.

Unlike previous offerings, I actually like the characters in this game - with the exception of the ‘main' character, Vaan, (who is usually smart enough to keep quiet). Turns out that for the most part, there is no main character. The system is customizable enough that you can make any of the characters occupy any combat role you chose (i.e. meat shield, healer, destroyer of cities – etc.).

The plot sequences play out more like a movie than a video game. While Final Fantasy XII includes the option to skip most of the cinematic scenes, for the first time since VII, you won't want to.

The game system is quite solid, though a bit simple for my tastes (I enjoyed the sadistic complexity of VIII's system). The addition of the 'build your own' A.I. system, or the 'Gambit system' as it is termed in the game, affords the player an opportunity to personalize their party's actions to their own playing style.

Character advancement takes place on two fronts - the old experience for levels system, and the license board. The license board isn't nearly as massive as was the sphere grid from Final Fantasy X, and it probably should have been a bit bigger than it was, but it is an interesting and innovative method of advancement.

While combat has been integrated into the world map, it is still essentially turn based ATB battle. It just looks better. Moreover, I appreciate not having to spend 10 seconds loading and unloading a fight screen for every 3-second fight.

This game is also challenging. You will die, probably several times. Barring an absurd amount of early game up-leveling, you will face opponents that will stretch you to the very limits of your gaming abilities – frequently. Some have even complained that the game is too hard. Probably the same people who bought the strategy guide so they wouldn't have to risk thinking for themselves. If you are seeking a challenge, this game will not disappoint.

In over a quarter century of gaming, I have found no other game to be as visually stunning, as well written, or as captivating as this one. This is one of only 3 games I've ever given a 10. If I had to describe this game in just one word, the word would be ‘epic'.

Note to Parents:

Parents should take note of the costume design in this game, especially if they plan to buy this game for younger children. Only the barest essentials are left to the imagination where the females' costumes are concerned – and only just barely. Just to be less than cryptic here, we're talking about skin tight clothes, a very ‘cheeky' thong / leather dental floss bondage style sort of thing (complete with transparent lace), and a skirt about 3 inches long. It's all quite sexy, but it might not be suitable for your children.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/13/06