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May 25, 2004

E3 2004: Final Fantasy XII

We’re just getting started on Final Fantasy XI, and already we’re talking about number 12 in the series. Of course, unlike the online MMO version that is FFXI, the newest game is a return to the single-player RPG style that everyone expects from Square.

We got a little hands-on time with the game at E3, and it shares many similarities with the previous entires in the series, but also throws in a few new twists. A major change is that you won’t be seeing the screen crack up as you’re thrust into a random battle with various monsters.

Instead, FFXII integrates combat into the same cinematic presentation as the rest of the game – doing away with the traditional Final Fantasy “everybody line up on our side of the screen” dynamic. It’s a refreshing change, and gives the game much more emphasis on exploration and adventure.

We still have no idea what the story is about (and Final Fantasy games usually have us scratching our heads, even after we’ve played them), but we’re looking forward to this major step forward for one of our favorite franchises.

Posted by gamegal at May 25, 2004 01:11 PM