Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy XII, développé par Square Enix Product Development Division 4 et édité par Square Enix, est sorti le 16 mars 2006 sur PlayStation 2. Ce jeu d'aventure et de rôle (RPG) se déroule dans la terre fictive d'Ivalice, où les empires d'Archadia et de Rozarria mènent une guerre sans fin, laissant le petit royaume de Dalmasca pris en étau. Après l'annexion de Dalmasca par Archadia, la princesse Ashe forme un mouvement de résistance et croise la route de Vaan, un jeune aventurier rêvant de piloter un vaisseau volant, bientôt rejoints par d'autres alliés pour lutter contre la tyrannie impériale.
La presse a salué son impact sur la conception des RPG, comme l'a relevé Eurogamer qui y voyait un moment charnière dans la conception des RPG, tandis que le magazine Weekly Famitsu lui a attribué la note maximale de 40/40. Certains joueurs, cités sur Metacritic, ont exprimé leur surprise d'avoir autant apprécié le titre malgré sa réputation de « MMO en solo », tout en regrettant un récit décevant au départ, tandis que d'autres l'ont qualifié de chef-d'œuvre pour sa direction artistique et sa bande-son. Le jeu affiche une note agrégée de 87,51. Une partie principale demande environ 61 heures, contre 159 heures pour une expérience complète.
Médias
Avis des critiques et joueurs
Critiques de la Presse (Metacritic)
« 10 / 10 / 10 / 10 - 40 [platinum ; Mar 2006] »
« It's not hard to see us looking back in five years time and seeing FFXII as a pivotal, changing moment in how RPGs are designed; a game which drew on the experience of Final Fantasy's branches into tactical strategy and massively multiplayer, as well as on the more mature storytelling of other mediums, and folded it back into the number series, to wonderful result. »
« The scale of FFXII is so grand, so overwhelming, so vast, that comparisons to other video games--a proper review, in other words--borders on the impossible. [Jun 2006, p.69] »
« Either way, Final Fantasy XII is a fitting send-off for the series on the PS2, and it justifiably has a chance to proclaim itself the best Final Fantasy on the Playstation. [Nov. 2006, p.106] »
« The game looks great, sounds great, has great writing, offers a lengthy and satisfying journey, has a great technical element and engaging sword-swinging and spell-slinging. It would be difficult to find a game out there with better production values, or that meets its goals so successfully while still introducing new ideas and innovations. »
« With amazing improvements and incredible gameplay, FFXII is without a doubt the best Final Fantasy game in over a decade. Put simply, this is what all RPGs, regardless of platform or subject matter, should aspire to be. »
« As for the adventure, it demands to be savored and not discussed. Amazing graphics power gorgeous cut-scenes filled with sky-choking ships, huge vaguely futuristic cities, and stunning natural landscapes. And, as beautiful as it looks, it plays even better. »
« Not only are the characters well designed, but once you step out into the huge world, you'll be amazed by the wide array of creatures and landscapes the game has. This is a PS2 game, but it's really pushed to the limits. »
Avis des Joueurs (Metacritic)
« FFXII is a game I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did given its “single-player MMO” reputation. The story leaves a lot to be desired at first, and the whole political conflict/storyline may initially sound boring, but it will get more intriguing the longer you stick with it provided this is the type of story you find captivating. What’s typically to be expected in Final Fantasy is an amazing story to go with the excellently written characters who’re rich and vibrant in background which sadly just wasn’t fully there this time around. The plot isn’t exactly my cup of tea and the characters aren’t really as interesting as the ones in some of the previous entries. That’s about all the complaints I have here. The cream of the crop: the gameplay is rock solid. The combat is super fun and addicting (this was pretty much the catalyst for modern, psuedo-action based combat systems with which Square began experimenting à la FFVIIRe and FFXV). The license/upgrade system is outstanding. The gambit system, while sometimes messy, serves as a great way to satisfy the player’s thirst for preemptive attacks and strategic advantages. The environments are ravishing and densely populated. Tons of places to explore and NPCs to talk to. Great weapon and enemy variety. The music is fantastic, though it could’ve really used some of Uematsu-san’s magic. The pacing is excellent too, and I love how despite being heavily story-driven, the cutscenes are always short and to the point, something FFXVI could’ve really taken a note or two from. It’s just a super satisfying, marvelous JRPG to play all around if not the best on PS2. »
« Masterpiece. Graphics far superior for its time, surreal art direction, all the monsters and scenarios are well crafted and beautifully drawn, flawless soundtrack, unique atmosphere. The game is incredibly vast—the main story is long, and there's plenty to do beyond it, with many weapons, armors, types of magic, techniques, summons, and special abilities. The license board and gambit system make the game far more adaptable to the player.Many people don't understand why Vaan is so irrelevant to the story despite being the protagonist. The reason is simple: the idea here isn't a leader-type protagonist—handsome, a prodigy, none of that. Instead, he's just an ordinary citizen, an orphan, poor, and a dreamer, who by chance gets caught up in the heart of the plot and serves as a mirror for the player—a point of perspective for an ordinary person swept into something colossal and completely beyond their understanding. I think it was a good idea; not everyone wants an incredible, perfect protagonist to look up to. Many prefer a protagonist who's just a normal person, still without success, with dreams—someone we can identify with. This game is flawless, and anyone who truly immersed themselves in the gameplay without comparing it to other titles in the series will surely have had a fun and incredible experience. »
« Sou fã de todos FF, mas o FF12 é pra mim o melhor de todos disparado! Ja zerei esse game em 4 versões diferentes, existem desafios secretos extremamente difíceis que exigem muita estratégia e build bem elaborada, além de puzzles secretos para liberar chefes e itens únicos perdiveis. Deveriam fazer uma continuação deste game com as mesmas mecânicas de batalha. Faz falta games assim no mercado. »
« Final Fantasy XII fue un concepto fantástico demasiado ambicioso. El Zodiac Age mejora y actualiza todo lo necesario para convertir este juego en un clásico. »
« per me uno dei migliori final fantasy che cambia il sistema di comattimento facebdolo divenare molto piu dinamico e osa con una storia molto piu politica e matura »
« Absolutely Loving it. I keep coming back to it every single year, without getting bored. »
« The best of the series in gameplay and atmosphere (with IX). The games was a such achievement for the PlayStation 2 and for the series. My favorite FF and RPG! »
« The First JRPG game i've played back in 2007, love the world building, storyline, the bosses (one side boss is boss of the longest time to beat ), one of the best original soundtrack in this franchise, i can still hear that theatre instruments when i enter Esper Boss place. I wish they can remake this game in the future. »