Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age [Switch + XB1] |OT| Guess Who's Basch?

[Dancrane212]

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Platform(s): Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC
Release Date:

Switch, Xbox One: April 30th, 2019​

PC: February 2nd, 2018​

PS4: July 11th, 2017​

Genre: RPG
Price: $49.99 USD
Player(s): 1
Format: Digital/Physical
Publisher: Square Enix
Size: 12.6 GB (Switch), 26.42 (XB1)

Can I start with this game as my first Final Fantasy?
Yes. Final Fantasy XII, like the other numbered FF titles (excluding direct sequels ala X-2), is a standalone story and world that requires no previous knowledge of the series. XII does take place in the world of Ivalice which is shared by other Square titles like FF:Tactics and Vagrant Story, but they are not directly related to each other.

What is the combat like in FFXII?
Unlike the previous mainline Final Fantasy titles, FFXII is not turn-based. Everything takes place in real-time with characters queuing up actions based on a ATB gauge. You are also able to set "Gambits" (rules) to direct AI controlled characters on what actions you want them to take depending on the circumstance if you'd rather not give them direct orders.

Random encounters?
No. Everything takes place on the explorable gameworld with enemies wandering the area.

What's new with this port over the PS2 original?
"The Zodiac Age" release of FFXII featured many changes from the, English, PS2 original. The game includes the overhauled license board that expanded character customization (from the "International" release) while allowing you to access all 12 classes in one playthrough. Also included is updated magick, new weapons/armor, trail mode, 2x/4x speed options, improved visuals, a new map system, autosaving and NG+.

What's new with this port over the PS4/PC remaster?
The Switch and Xbox One release allows you to reset and change your selected job board by talking to Montblanc in Rabanastre as well as including additional gambits sets, an improved NG+ and 60fps support (on XB1X).

Are those features going to be patched into the PS4/PC release?
Yes, the features were bright over in Airplane 24th, 2020.

Gematsu on Twitter

“Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age for PS4, PC updated with Job reset function, additional Gambit sets https://t.co/K5iiDCKcPy”

twitter.com

For people wondering about a patch hitting older versions:

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Can you can choose between the original and arrangement OST?
Yes. You are given the choice between all three soundtrack options in the XB1/Switch release (PS2 original, CD album and reorchestrated).

Can you can choose between the English dub and the original Japanese audio?
Yes.

Play Anywhere?
No.

Xbox One X enhancements?
Yes. Playing the game on Xbox One X will give you FFXII in 1080p and running at 60fps.

Switch resolution?

Switch in Docked Mode uses a dynamic resolution with the lowest pixel count found being 1088x612 and the highest pixel count found being 1536x864...

Switch in Portable Mode uses a dynamic resolution with the lowest pixel count found being approximately 800x450 and the highest pixel count found being 1024x576...

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Does this port suffer from the same music issues as the FFIX/FFVII port?
No.

I want to buy the game physically on Switch. Is all the content on the cart?
Yes.

Metacritic (Switch) - 87%

RPGSite: 8/10
https://www.rpgsite.net/review/8442-final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age-switch-review

That being said if you already own The Zodiac Age, I would still suggest getting the Nintendo Switch version purely for the new additions, which are also available in the Xbox One version. The ability to switch jobs is an invaluable one, and the New Game + feature creates a new level of replayability and grinding opportunities for Zodiac Age's Trial Mode. If you haven't yet had the chance to play Final Fantasy XII, I would argue that this is one of the best versions of the game yet.

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Official Site
Nintendo Switch
Xbox One
Steam
PS4
PC OT - Includes some helpful tips for playing FFXII.​

Credit to Dreamboum for the thread title.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

Best mainline FF. Getting this game for the fourth time on my X. Don't know if I'll bother with the respec since I liked how my set my characters up previously. But looking forward to some nice 60fps and hopefully 4K.

 

[Deleted member 9971]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Spoiler

wrong game oops. should finally play dis.

 

[Timeaisis]

As someone who couldn't get through the original because of the grind, do the speed options and international system improve this?

 

[Arcus Felis]

I could swear I already saw an identical thread posted a few days earlier...

Anyhow, the latest improvements are very nice. Being able to change jobs is a godsend.

 

[DNAbro]

Ready to finally play this one. Hopefully I actually make progress on it, I only made it like 5 hours in last time I played it.

 

[Xtortion]

As someone who couldn't get through the original because of the grind, do the speed options and international system improve this?

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Yes, fast forward eliminates pretty much all of the grind. You can fly through areas insanely quick.

 

[Bhonar]

As someone who couldn't get through the original because of the grind, do the speed options and international system improve this?

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100%

 

[Kiraly]

How do I have the time to play this and Dragon's Dogma? Curse you third parties on Switch!

 

[Deleted member 10737]

good job on the OT
will get a physical copy of this, but it'll probably be a while until i get to play it.

 

[linnus]

Already pre-ordered the Switch cart. Can't wait. :D

 

[SiG]

Pre-ordered. Hope Best Buy delivers on time this time.

 

[Disclaimer]

...I judge this title. :P

But great OT!

 

[Kirbivore]

Hopefully I'll finish this time.

Not sure why I stopped playing on PS4 atm

 

[exodus]

I've been playing through FF X on Switch and I'm somewhat tempted to double dip on XII, but I'm not completely sure if I want to give up that sweet 60 fps.

In any case, they really seem to have done an amazing job with the FF XII ports. The 1X and Switch versions are no exceptions.

Fast forward makes the game so much more enjoyable, especially given how the gambit system works.

 

[MattD]

Downloaded and ready to go on Switch. I played the PS2 version for a few hours back when it came out, but haven't played the game since then. Should be fun.

 

[Samaritan]

Any early impressions on the audio/music quality of the Switch version? The file size of the game being so compressed has me worried it's going to sound compressed.

 

[Dreamboum]

Great OT!

A reminder that the party planner is still available, make a copy of it, select the jobs you want and it tells you everything you're going to get
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...vC5yipu9Yfh0IZ6YE-mh_e59g/edit#gid=1059552339
Important because some quickenings & espers locks you out of some licence nodes. I'm going to see if montblanc refunds esper and quickenings too in a few hours

Any early impressions on the audio/music quality of the Switch version? The file size of the game being so compressed has me worried it's going to sound compressed.

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I haven't played with my headphones but it didn't sound compressed on tv and handheld

 

[Iva Demilcol]

I'm playing the PS4 version at the moment. Will use this thread in the future if you don't mind.

Also, a few days ago the PS4 version got an update, I wonder if some of the improvements from Switch/XB version are coming to this one.

 

[SirNinja]

As someone who couldn't get through the original because of the grind, do the speed options and international system improve this?

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Massively, yes. Quad speed + all gambits available early on means you can farm extremely quickly and easily. You probably won't even have to grind all that much either, as the dual-job system can make you incredibly powerful with the right combos.

 

[Samaritan]

I haven't played with my headphones but it didn't sound compressed on tv and handheld

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Great to hear, time to finally play this game then!

 

[AgentOtaku]

Any 60fps footage yet?

 

[Deleted member 11038]

Don't listen to Ondore's lies and enjoy. Great game. I wish Ps4 version had a patch to add the reset job feature.

 

[ShadowFox08]

I wish I got this game first before 10 and 10 2. I like action rpgs a lot more.

 

[Kiraly]

I wish I got this game first before 10 and 10 2. I like action rpgs a lot more.

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This is no action RPG. It's like a MMO.

 

[LazyLain]

Wish I could afford to triple dip, Switch version looks nice. XII is easily my favorite Final Fantasy.

 

[Valkerion]

Bought it on switch for my train ride later today. Never even started the PC copy I bought last year but wanted to support and play on the go lol.

 

[AnimeJesus]

Best combat system in a FF game for me. Never finished it at launch on my PS2...so TZA enhancements will be new to me...not to mention I haven't played it in 10+ years.

 

[kaishek]

Any 60fps footage yet?

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waiting for this too, havnt found any

 

[-shadow-]

Very excited to get this! Bugger X, gimme that good ol' XII!

 

[Timeaisis]

Sweet, thanks all!

 

[What-ok]

Downloaded and ready on the Switch. This will be my first time playing this title...in bed.
Any advice for a first timer?

 

[Martin]

Preordered the switch version and can't wait to play it for the first time!
Which dub is better? Japanese or English?

 

[Elven_Star]

Is it a good idea to do character builds around the items that become available in the guild shop?

 

[sosainas]

Any early impressions on the audio/music quality of the Switch version? The file size of the game being so compressed has me worried it's going to sound compressed.

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As far as visual fidelity is concern, it looks really nice on docked, but unfortunately it has sub native res on handheld. Is not that very low res, still looks awesome, just less sharp than you would want or than this title with that beautiful scenery deserves.

 

[Shift Breaker]

Loved the game after finally finishing it on PS4. One of my favourites in the series, so getting it on Switch was a no brainer.

 

[Deleted member 8593]

One of my favourite games of that generation. If only Nocturne got the same treatment.

As far as visual fidelity is concern, it looks really nice on docked, but unfortunately it has sub native res on handheld. Is not that very low res, still looks awesome, just less sharp than you would want or than this title with that beautiful scenery deserves.

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Do we have official word on this? The game has some very aggressive post-processing effects that makes it look blurrier than it should be, even on PS4.

 

[Chief Malik]

Lmao at the scarface jay z reference

 

[Deleted member 56266]

TOP 3 FINAL FANTASY ON HANDHELD LET'S GO

(What exactly is the CD Album OST? Is it closer to the original or reorchestrated?)

 

[Listai]

I really shouldn't pick this up as despite FFXII being my favouite entry in the series I still haven't played the PS4 version.

But whoops. Too late.

 

[Sub Boss]

Any early impressions on the audio/music quality of the Switch version? The file size of the game being so compressed has me worried it's going to sound compressed.

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Its not compressed if original was 4GB and it doesn't have many new assets, its decompressed!

 

[Dreamboum]

Is it a good idea to do character builds around the items that become available in the guild shop?

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The clan shop ? It's not really interesting and there aren't a lot of items. The only thing you'd start with is a Time Battlemage.

TOP 3 FINAL FANTASY ON HANDHELD LET'S GO

(What exactly is the CD Album OST? Is it closer to the original or reorchestrated?)

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CD Album OST is the music that was on the album (yes, i know, duh), it's closer to the original but a lot of things were changed/improved with higher quality samples and new instrumentation and also re-arranged tracks. It's basically a re-arranged album since there were no constraints like the original had with the PS2

Re-orchestrated is a live orchestra so it's even more polished

 

[Sub Boss]

I wish I got this game first before 10 and 10 2. I like action rpgs a lot more.

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Its no turn based, has real time combat but its no action rpg either, more like Xenoblade
If you want more action there is Nier, Kingdom Hearts, Dragons Dogma, even FFXV

 

[Hanbei]

How's the performance on Nintendo Switch (handheld)?

 

[Sub Boss]

How's the performance on Nintendo Switch (handheld)?

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Should be the same as ps4, 30 fps with few drops

 

[mieumieu]

How's the performance on Nintendo Switch (handheld)?

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I'm at the sand seas now with all team members and I haven't experienced frame drops yet. It's smooth.

 

[Hanbei]

Should be the same as ps4, 30 fps with few drops

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I'm at the sand seas now with all team members and I haven't experienced frame drops yet. It's smooth.

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Thank you guys.

 

[Ocean]

At US$50, I'm having a hard time buying this again after having re played it so recently on PS4. But I want in on Xbox for the performance boost

 

[Dreamboum]

God bless Sakimoto for making a new song for the Nam Yensa. I like the sandsea but the same music for both areas was overkill

 

[h8bit]

years ago when this game came out i was too young to appreciate it i think. especially coming off of the flashy character designs and location work from FFX. Excited to dive in.