I’ve never owned Final Fantasy XII but have fond memories of trying it at a friend’s place years ago. Since I’ve never really played much of the Final Fantasy series beyond a few minutes here and there, I’m curious how series veterans feel about FF XII as a starting game for someone completely new to the franchise. Would it be enjoyable or confusing for a newcomer? Any thoughts on jumping into it as a noob?
5 Answers
I wasn’t a big fan of FF XII when it first released, but I recently revisited The Zodiac Age version and it completely won me over. The ability to speed up the game really helps with long dungeons and big areas, making the pacing way better. If you can get into the combat system, it’s a really unique mix of old and new Final Fantasy elements and super fun once you get the hang of it.
I actually think FF XII might be a tricky first pick because it throws around a lot of series-specific terms and lore, like moogles, chocobos, and items like phoenix downs or herbs, which might confuse someone new. I’d suggest trying some other Final Fantasy games first to get familiar with the basics of the universe. But if you’re cool with learning on the fly, then it could still work out as your first game.
Final Fantasy XII’s gameplay is quite unique compared to most other entries in the series. It’s heavily influenced by FF11, the MMO, blending real-time and turn-based elements. This mix can feel different but works well once you get used to it. For a new player, it’s a fine place to start as long as you keep in mind it’s not a typical FF experience. If you don’t end up loving XII’s style, other games in the series might suit you better.
Honestly, you can’t really go wrong starting with any Final Fantasy game since each one tells its own story and plays a bit differently. FF XII is solid and has a learning curve like many modern Final Fantasies, but it teaches you as you go. Older FF games like 1-4 can be a bit rough without tutorials, so XII might actually be more approachable for new players. Plus, your nostalgia will definitely add to the experience!
There’s really no official order for playing Final Fantasy games, so don’t stress too much about which to try first. Some people recommend playing another game before XII, but in truth, you can dive right in and just enjoy the world and story. The series is overall fantastic so it’s hard to go wrong wherever you start.
