For me I like the characters and by that I'm including the whole cast, not just the six permanent party members. I'll focus on the six party members for the most part. They each have varying levels of character development most notably with the least amount going to Penelo. One of her main angles is that she really cares for Vaan, shown in one of the first scenes in Rabanastre. At the same time Penelo, and Vaan, are in the party to show the commoners view; there were a few scenes to illustrate this, such as: the Phon Coast, when they first arrive in New Archades, & leaving Jahara. There is a very important scene, for Penelo, one of her few, that exemplifies just how much of a commoner she is; the scene is in the final dungeon so I can't go further into that. Probably her biggest thing is her friendship with Larsa and the scene where her, Vaan, and Larsa are talking when they just left Jahara is a pretty important one for them, though it is Basch who makes the observation that is so vital.Originally Posted by Dan558
Some people have found Vaan's naivety to bother them, myself on the other-foot found his naive exploits pretty funny such as when the party first meets the Gran Kiltias, Vaan wonders if he is asleep at which time the Gran Kiltias wakes up and Vaan, scared, stands at attention. Vaan has some funny moments which adds to his personality bringing me to another issue. Some people, not saying that you are one of these, think that "good character development" is when the character grows; this is simply not true. Character development is also when the audience learns more about the character's personality for it shows the nature of the character. I also don't need great character development to like a character, if anything charisma is most important. If there is some quality to the character that I take a liking to, such as Vaan's naivety, than I like the character. Bartz has plenty of funny lines in Final Fantasy V, he may not be as developed as some of the cast in Final Fantasy VI, but him making me laugh makes me like his character which we would presume is part jokester.
Back to Vaan, throughout the story he does grow: the scene at the Jahara bridge revealing why he tagged along and his new resolution and many times one of the cast members mentions how Vaan is becoming more and more of a sky pirate, more so than Balthier which went in tandem with him becoming more of a leader. Vaan does have his share of serious moments that showed he wasn't plain dumb; one of my personal favourites is after the party rescues Mjrn in the Henne Mines. Larsa takes the manufacted nethicite from Penelo after learning its harmful affects saying to some degree that he shouldn't have left such a dangerously powerful item in her possession, because he values her as a friend, to which Ashe replies that "even power such as this has its place". Vaan is looking at her while she says this and his response is not a long or epic, but impactful and insightful. Vaan says, "I hope you are right". That simple sentence is character development for it reveals that Vaan isn't too sure about people wielding such enormous power and that it has use.
As I said a character does not need to grow in a game to be a good character, having good character development outside of growth can be enough (it's all about the charisma). Prime example is Basch who never really changes throughout the game. His values, character traits, personality are set; he is already grown and matured and does not have some behavior that needs fixing via a "save the kingdom" journey. Be that as it may, his story is one of my favourites because of his relationship with Gabranth. Basch lost his honor when King and kingdom fell, yet he still keeps his knightly vows to protect Ashe when he could not protect Dalmasca or Landis for the matter. Though he forsakes what he holds most dear Basch still must do what what he must because not having honor from people is less important than protecting Ashe.
Balthier does have unresolved issues that he does overcome, he has his character history, and he's got plenty of witty remarks that gave me a chuckle or two. Most detractors of the game's cast often find Balthier to be the exception, which you did as well so I won't get much farther into him.
Fran takes the role of the "elderly sage" person except though she be old she looks like Hugh Hefner's perfect playboy bunny. Her most important part of the story could be at Euryt Village though she is in another touching moment or two in the some scenes later on. The audience never gets a lot of information about her and her personality is a mystery unless how she was in FFXII is her "normal" self.
Out of all the party members Ashe is on the biggest "growth" roller coaster. There are so many twists and turns that she goes through eventually finding what she had wanted. Is she a little ostentatious? Yeah, to which I don't like, but her trial and tribulation to reclaim her kingdom was touching and well done, to me.
Well I know that a common trait that fans of the older games like is the exploration. Final Fantasy XII has tons of exploration though if the player does not side-track each map shouldn't take too long.
Do you use "Wait Mode" or are you in "Active Mode"? I find wait to be slower since the player would be interrupting the flow of battle more. I use "Active" and I do turn up the battle speed. Summons have been put in check. In Final Fantasy X they were too strong; in FFXII their use is more situational and strategic. It seems that you like the older style when limits and summons were really OP, I'm not entirely sure. If the Quickenings were too strong then the game would become easy, it takes work and some luck. As for the last part, equipment is more important than levels so grinding away isn't as helpful. It requires the player to find good gear and to build the characters well. Which all three of these require is thought in strategy and to know what to use at the appropriate time.
The judges aren't running around doing bad things that the party is specifically after them. The judges do show up and cause some problem for the party. A refreshing of the story so far could help and youtube is your friend for that.
Final Fantasy XII is less about the action and more about the build-up with political maneuvering and the strife of many characters. Their struggles with what is going on in their part of the world.
I would say that you aren't playing the game to its fullest potential; story-wise the game is almost over but you can fiddle around to find new strategies. There is a very cool scene, to me, that is not far off, but since you haven't found anything cool yet I suppose this game is not your cup of tea. The character development is throughout the story, but there is less time focused on it and presented in a different way from the rest of the series norm. It appears that a political story just doesn't fit your style, you seem to like the action and whatever is "cool".
What makes the game good? The story and the cast. The whole political intrigue with characters making alliances and some breaking bonds and all of them trying to come out on top. The battle system being fun, diverse and very deep. The choice to do tons of things and the freedom given to the player; though freedom isn't something that is really vital to me - I loved FFX. The game having more content than any offline FF game. The multiple play-styles and the many challenges the game offers. The voice-acting. The dialogue. The lore of Ivalice.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks