Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the game for its focus on political intrigue and large-scale conflicts between nations. They appreciate the mature and grounded approach to storytelling, with some even comparing it to the works of George R.R. Martin. The narrative is often described as compelling, with rich lore, well-developed characters, and nuanced motivations. Critics like GameSpace and Impulsegamer specifically mention the well-told story and memorable characters. The Games Machine commends the clarity and transport of the narration, while RPG Site highlights the exploration of political intrigue and the effects of wartime occupation. IGN also praises the localization, making reading the dialogue rewarding. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. Some critics, such as PC Gamer and Destructoid, feel that the plot lacks engagement and fails to pull them into the inter-kingdom conflicts. The lack of personal moments and disconnect between the player and the unfolding events is mentioned by Gameplanet. RPG Fan criticizes the predictability and loss of momentum in the second act, while Slant Magazine finds the story inconsistent and lacking depth for most characters. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a mixed bag. While there are positive aspects such as the mature and grounded approach, compelling political intrigue, and well-developed characters, there are also negative aspects such as a lack of engagement, predictability, and inconsistent depth. The opinions of critics like CGMagazine, COGconnected, and NintendoWorldReport highlight the positive aspects, while critics like PC Gamer, Destructoid, and Slant Magazine point out the negatives. Despite the mixed opinions, the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for the political drama and world-building, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

The gameplay of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many praised the new additions and improvements, such as the increased speed, job reset function, additional gambit sets, and improved New Game + mode. CGMagazine, RPG Site, and PlayStation LifeStyle specifically mentioned these features as enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment for both new and old players. The combat system was a standout aspect of the gameplay, with critics like COGconnected, Gaming Age, and Impulsegamer highlighting its unique blend of turn-based and MMO-style elements. The Gambit system, which allows players to program battle instructions for party members, was highly praised by We Got This Covered, GameSpot, and ZTGD for adding depth and strategy to combat. The ability to customize characters through the expanded job system was also well-received by critics like Destructoid, Push Square, and NZGamer. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment towards the gameplay, there were a few criticisms raised by some critics. Slant Magazine mentioned that the Gambit system took away from the actual role-playing experience, while Gameplanet mentioned that combat could feel hands-off once Gambits were set. Push Square also noted that the depth of mechanics, including the gambit and job systems, could be overwhelming for some players initially. However, these negative aspects were minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. In conclusion, the critics' opinions on the gameplay of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age were overwhelmingly positive. The new additions and improvements, such as the increased speed, job reset function, additional gambit sets, and improved New Game + mode, were highly praised for enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of the game. The combat system, with its unique blend of turn-based and MMO-style elements, along with the Gambit system and expanded job system, were standout features that added depth, strategy, and customization to the gameplay. While there were a few minor criticisms raised, the overall consensus among the critics was that the gameplay of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age was very good.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as GameSpace, Impulsegamer, and Xbox Achievements praise the HD remaster and the visual improvements compared to the original PlayStation 2 version. They highlight the enhanced character models, realistic-looking clothes, and the overall beauty of the game's setting. Additionally, critics like Game Informer and GameSpot mention crisp visuals, high-resolution textures, and a fetching painterly look to the characters' faces. The remastered background textures, updated character textures, and re-recorded orchestral score are also appreciated by PC Gamer. These positive opinions indicate that the game's graphics and visual design have been successfully enhanced and updated. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics that should be taken into consideration. Critics such as Gameplanet and Destructoid express disappointment in the graphics and visual design. They mention flat textures, low resolution, basic world geometry, and an overall dated appearance. The Games Machine also notes that the technical aspect on the Switch version is not as good as on other platforms, with a solid but limited framerate and resolution. Furthermore, IGN points out that flaws can be seen in cutscenes when viewed up close. These criticisms suggest that there are areas in which the game's graphics and visual design could have been improved further. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age has received a significant visual upgrade and remaster. The positive opinions from critics such as DualShockers, RPG Fan, and Push Square highlight the stunning visuals, impressive locations, solid character designs, and immersive world created by the game. The majority of critics appreciate the enhancements made to the character models, textures, visual effects, and lighting. They also acknowledge the improvements in the game's overall art design and the breathtaking vistas it offers. While there are some negative opinions regarding certain aspects, the overall sentiment is that the graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age have been successfully improved, making it a visually appealing and enjoyable experience for players.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, considering it to be very good. They highlighted several positive aspects of the game's audio experience. CGMagazine mentioned that the game features three selectable versions of the soundtrack and offers both English and Japanese voiceovers, providing players with a variety of options. Impulsegamer commended the updated soundtrack, describing it as grand and rousing, and also praised the voice acting, stating that it showcased the progress of voiceover in the Final Fantasy series. We Got This Covered mentioned the newly recorded score with a full orchestra and praised the classic tunes that back the epic story. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Gaming Age mentioned that the voice acting was disappointing, with scratchy audio quality. NintendoWorldReport stated that while the orchestrated music was stunning and complemented the grand world of Ivalice, it fell short of the watermark left by Nobuo Uematsu. GameSpot mentioned that although the game offered the option to toggle between the original and reorchestrated versions of the soundtrack, they did not provide a specific opinion on the quality of the music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age were very good. The positive aspects mentioned by the majority of the critics, such as the variety of soundtrack options, the quality of the voice acting, and the orchestral score, contribute to an immersive and enjoyable audio experience. The critics' opinions indicate that the game's audio elements successfully enhance the overall experience and are a standout feature.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age are quite varied. Impulsegamer and PlayStation LifeStyle both express positive views on the voice acting, with Impulsegamer stating that it is wonderfully acted and showcases the progress of voiceover in the Final Fantasy series. PlayStation LifeStyle mentions that the game's voices have been improved. These positive opinions highlight the improvement and quality of the voice acting in the game. On the other hand, Xbox Achievements and ZTGD have more negative views on the voice acting. Xbox Achievements describes it as dodgy, implying that it may not meet the desired standards of quality. ZTGD also mentions that while the localization is great, some of the voice acting can be a bit rough. These negative opinions suggest that there may be inconsistencies or flaws in certain aspects of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While there are positive remarks about the voice acting, such as Impulsegamer's praise for its quality and progress, there are also negative comments, such as Xbox Achievements' mention of dodgy voice acting. TheSixthAxis provides a neutral perspective, stating that the English voice acting feels just as good as the Japanese offering. This indicates that there may be differing opinions among players and critics regarding the voice acting in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age.

In terms of the technical performance of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, the Nintendo Switch version receives positive feedback from multiple critics. CGMagazine mentions that the Switch version runs at a stable 30 frames per second. COGconnected highlights the improved performance on the Nintendo Switch and the inclusion of all the improvements and additions from throughout the years. NintendoWorldReport praises the smooth gameplay and the ability to seamlessly switch between handheld and TV modes. RPG Site and Impulsegamer also report no performance issues or glitches encountered on the Switch. Overall, the Switch version is commended for its solid technical performance, stable framerate, and versatility in gameplay options. On the PC platform, GameGrin and PC Gamer provide positive feedback regarding the technical performance of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. GameGrin appreciates the PC support for ultra-wide resolutions and frame rate options, as well as the addition of an auto-save feature. PC Gamer mentions that the game ran flawlessly at 60 frames per second on a 1080p monitor with a GTX970, though it struggled slightly on a 4K monitor until some settings were adjusted. These reviews indicate that the PC version offers a smooth and customizable gaming experience. For the Xbox One version, Xbox Achievements notes that the game is a decent experience with bonus features, but there are some weirdly stinted parts that impact the rhythm. Unfortunately, no specific technical performance issues are mentioned, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive analysis of the platform's performance. Regarding the PlayStation 4 version, multiple critics highlight the positive technical performance of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. Game Informer mentions a nice performance overhaul, crisp visuals, and a smooth framerate. PlayStation LifeStyle highlights faster loading times and the addition of an auto-save feature. TheSixthAxis praises the remastering process, stating that the game holds up visually against more modern offerings. Destructoid does not mention any technical performance or stability issues, suggesting a satisfactory experience on the PS4 platform. ZTGD mentions that the frame rate stays locked at 30fps, even with Sony's more powerful hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age delivers solid technical performance across all platforms. The Nintendo Switch version stands out for its stable framerate, smooth gameplay, and versatility. The PC version is praised for its support of various resolutions and frame rate options. The PlayStation 4 version receives positive feedback for its performance overhaul and visual quality. While the Xbox One version lacks specific details about technical performance, it is generally considered a decent experience.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various customization options and job systems as key factors that enhance the game's replayability. CGMagazine, GameSpace, Gaming Age, Impulsegamer, RPG Site, and PC Gamer all mention the ability to switch jobs and experiment with different strategies as a positive aspect that adds to the game's replay value. The introduction of a new job system in which characters have to choose their job and the option to choose a second job later in the game are also seen as strategic depth that encourages players to replay the game. The addition of a New Game+ mode, improved customization options, and the ability to change jobs are mentioned by multiple critics, including Gaming Age and We Got This Covered, as features that add to the replayability and enjoyment of the game. While the majority of critics express positive opinions about the replay value of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, there are a few who offer more neutral or slightly negative perspectives. Destructoid mentions that there is a lot to do in the game, but does not elaborate on the specific replayability aspects. Xbox Achievements states that the game offers standard JRPG fare achievements and a survival mode that feeds rewards into the main game, which may not be as appealing to all players. ZTGD mentions that the Trials, an endless dungeon, are a neat diversion but may not occupy much of players' time. These opinions suggest that while the game does offer additional content and features, it may not fully engage all players in terms of replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age has a high replay value. The customization options, job systems, and New Game+ mode are frequently mentioned as positive aspects that enhance the game's replayability. The ability to switch jobs, experiment with different strategies, and the inclusion of bonus features like the Trial Mode with 100 stages are seen as elements that contribute to the game's overall replay value. Critics like GameSpot and NZGamer also mention the bevy of side-quests, unique monster hunts, and the new Speed Mode as factors that add to the game's replayability. While there are a few critics who offer more neutral or slightly negative perspectives, the overall sentiment is that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age provides ample opportunities for players to revisit the game and enjoy new experiences each time.