When Final Fantasy XII originally launched in 2006, it was a significant departure from the series’ traditional formula, blending real-time combat with political storytelling and MMO-inspired design. Over a decade later, The Zodiac Age remaster not only updates the visuals for modern platforms but also introduces crucial gameplay refinements—most notably, the Zodiac Job System previously exclusive to Japan.

The result? A reintroduction that finally lets this once-divisive entry shine for what it is: a bold, ambitious RPG that was well ahead of its time.

Set in the richly imagined world of Ivalice, Final Fantasy XII tells a story of war, empire, and rebellion through the eyes of a diverse ensemble cast. While the central protagonist is Vaan, a sky-pirate-wannabe with minimal narrative weight, the real narrative heft comes from characters like Princess Ashe, the grieving leader of a fallen kingdom, and Balthier, a suave sky pirate who steals every scene he's in.

Unlike the more character-driven melodramas of previous FF entries, FFXII's plot leans into political intrigue and mature themes, echoing inspirations like Star Wars and Final Fantasy Tactics. Some may find the story more distant or impersonal compared to entries like FFVII or FFX, but it trades emotion for complexity—and mostly succeeds.

The Gambit system is the beating heart of The Zodiac Age’s gameplay. It allows players to customize their party’s AI behavior down to a granular level, creating a semi-automated, strategic flow that feels more like programming than micromanaging. Combined with the real-time-with-pause combat system, battles become puzzles of efficiency and preparation, especially in tougher late-game hunts and optional bosses.

The Zodiac Job System is a major improvement over the original license board, giving each character distinct roles like White Mage, Knight, or Time Battlemage. This encourages party diversity and specialization, making planning and synergy feel more rewarding than ever before.

The addition of a 2x and 4x speed mode in The Zodiac Age is a game-changer—traversing the vast environments of Ivalice becomes smooth and painless, particularly during grinding sessions.

Graphically, The Zodiac Age is a crisp, respectful upgrade of the PS2 classic. Character models are cleaner, textures are sharper, and lighting has been improved without overhauling the original aesthetic. The art direction still stands tall, particularly in massive cities like Rabanastre and Archades, which feel alive with architecture and ambient world-building.

The soundtrack has been re-recorded with a full orchestra, and players can toggle between the original, reorchestrated, and classic PS2 versions—a small but thoughtful inclusion. Hitoshi Sakimoto’s sweeping score matches the grand, militaristic tone of the narrative perfectly.

The Zodiac Age introduces a Trial Mode, allowing players to tackle 100 escalating battle challenges with their main game party. It’s a fun, tactical diversion that tests both your party builds and your mastery of the Gambit system.

Auto-saving, improved menus, and faster load times help modernize the experience without compromising its core identity.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is more than just a polished remaster—it’s a redemption arc. What was once a controversial Final Fantasy has aged gracefully into one of the most mechanically rich and strategically rewarding entries in the franchise. Its story may not appeal to everyone, and Vaan is still a bit of a narrative afterthought, but the mature tone, expansive world, and innovative gameplay make this a must-play for both returning fans and new players curious about the road less traveled in JRPG history.

A tactical masterpiece wrapped in political drama and wrapped in an unforgettable world. The Zodiac Age proves that Final Fantasy XII was never broken—just ahead of its time.

Rating: 9/10

my favorite star wars game

Great game. Bought it release day for the PS2 and spent many hours ignoring my fiance. Bought it for the Switch when it was released and spent many more hours ignoring my wife. Now that I'm divorced I'll be spending my time enjoying the upgraded graphics on the PC version.

I started this game for the first time on my ps2, for various reasons I had to sell it when I had 100 hours in the game but had not finished it yet. A couple of years later, I bought the game now on my ps4, as fate would have it, I also had to sell the console with the unfinished game. Now, 15 years later I bought and finalize finish the game. With a couple of tears I can say, TOTALLY WORTH IT. It is very difficult to find such complete games nowadays.