[PS2] Final Fantasy XII

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

FFXII DS Confirmed.

http://gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=6860

I'm hoping this is a prequel (which should be, due to the younger look of the characters), because it pisses me off when I learn ahead of time which characters will survive through the end.

Spoiler:

It's a sequel.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Spatula

What the hell is "HOW TO FIGHT BACK". What, all the crowds that will be pushing you in the line to say, ZOMG ME FIRST ME FIRST ME FIRST.

I have to say, that official site isn't very impressive nor informative. If I were to not know of anything of the Final Fantasy games and only had access to this site and no other reviews, I probably wouldn't get it. I mean, it really doesn't give you much of anything. A few wallpapers and some notes and that's about it. Thank god for a whole abundance of fan sites ^__^.

Technically it doesn't even give you wallpapers since they're not actually available via the site except poking around to find them hosted on their servers in one size only.

I kind of expected more publicity aside from the NY thing given the game is just over a month away...

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IGN has a good interview up with Akitoshi Kawazu, the executive producer on FFXII along with Hideo Minaba and Akihiko Yoshida:
http://ps2.ign.com/articles/734/734868p1.html

Interesting details includes the confirmation of 16:9 widescreen support for the NA version along with all new scenes that were cut from the original version due to the Japanese rating board.

FELIPE NO

Something from TGS-A few shots of the finished and painted prototypes for the FFXII Play Arts line of figures:














What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

God, that Judge <3. I hope they make figures of the other Judges (and Balthier).

Any word when those figures will be available? I would love to buy one or two the same day as the game.

Balthier already has a figure unless you mean Basch? I'd imagine they'll be available either around the release of the NA version or shortly afterwards now that they've got the paint jobs down on all the figures. They're probably manufacturing them now as we speak.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

New update on the official NA site (finally) includes the cast of characters and their VAs which is as follows:
Bobby Edner as Vaan
Kari Walgren as Ashe
Cat Taber as Panelo
Gideon Emery as Balthier
Nicole Fantl as Fran
Keith Ferguson as Basch

The rest of the site is pretty much accessible now including the wallpapers and some new ones.

OPM also gave the game a 10/10 making it the GOTM.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Screenshots of the NA version:
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/fina...reenindex.html

31 days...

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Full English OP FMV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRX3IXDjgQs

Little out of the sync but again you get to sample some of the English VA.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Just going back to this for a moment...

Originally Posted by Weeklan

It looks like our communtiy douche has spotted the error. I am right. In terms of standard English, there is no such word as magick. And I don't believe I've ever played an FF game with the word magic spelt as magick. It was always just magic.

True it's never been used in a FF title before but that doesn't mean it's never been spelt or used that way. Aleister Crowley popularised the spelling in the early 20th century where Magick was a method for a person to reach true understanding of the self and to act according to one's "True Will", which is why Alexander O. Smith has chosen to use that defininition, or at least the spelling, given FFXII's plot and the Nephicite keypoint.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

I saw the link last night, but I didn't watch it. I also didn't post it here because I didn't want to encourage spoilers when the game's less than a month away. Granted it's just the intro, but still.

Well the Japanese version of the OP has been readily available for 7 months now and chances are a good majority of those who read or post in this thread already downloaded that version and it's not like it spoils anything SE hasn't made public knowledge.

EDIT: Maybe it's time to suggest some kind of advanced warning or at least a second thread for pirated copy discussion only....

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Spatula

I'm guessing someone from EB Games who had a store demo copy snuck this home or something. I'd personally wait another 30 some days. Meh.

It's the review code.

Anyways this about wraps it up for me and this thread until the 31st.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Just a quick blurb of info regarding the PAL release which will see Ubi Soft publishing the game in PAL territories for a Q1 2007 release. The game will also be optimised to 50hz with a seperate French audio language being available marking the first for a FF title.

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Finalised looks at the Play Arts figures:








I believe they're available now in Japan or at least due out soon.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

Yeah, I know it's not very likely they would reach NA by the game's release. I suppose I could import them, but I have a feeling online stores are going to charge a stupid amount, given the quality and newness of the figures.

Wait a month after the Japanese release then. Koto and Diamond Select have been doing an exceptional job on getting the figures out on the US market as soon as they can after they've debuted in Japan which is usually around 4 weeks or so. For the FFXII line it doesn't really matter though since it turns out they aren't available in Japan yet and won't be until February 2007.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

I still haven't bought Cloud, as I keep holding out for a price drop for the Fenrir pack. That probably won't happen, though, so I just need to decide if that snazzy bike is worth the extra cash, or just buy Cloud now before he goes out of print.

Yeah I wouldn't count on a price drop as the units are in limited supply as they are and most likely will be out of print soon enough. I mean you can always buy the Fenrir from the Mechanical line but it'll be half the size of the one you get with Cloud.

Anyways getting back on topic, here's some snapshots of the LE casing inside and out that's on display at EBgames/GameStop:
http://rated-m.blogspot.com/2006/09/...-close-up.html

Glad to hear some of the positive impressions from those that managed to get the game before the torrents went down. I just hope there's some truth to those October 24th release rumours...

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Originally Posted by Spatula

Simo, if you haven't gotten a chance to take a look at the casing with your real eyes (which I doubt so), it's a VERY nice case to touch and hold. Check out your local EB/Gamestop and they might have some on display like mine did. I mean, this sounds pretty sad and pathetic, yet none-the-less expectable from a fan boy such as myself, but knowing that you'll be holding the case with the game in 24 some days just makes me go, "okay then!".

I'm the same way especially the anticipation and days leading up to release, for me it's all apart of the whole experience. I mean I've only been waiting for this game for what, 4 years now? I think I had just moved to the US when the game was officially announced.

I haven't had a chance to see the LE packaging upclose though as I rarely ever head to my local EBgames but as luck would have it I'll be out that way on Wednesday. Maybe I can wrangle some information on the LE guide at that time too.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

? I hadn't heard about any rumors, but it wouldn't surprise me. My Gamestop said that they would receive their copies a week prior to the 31st, but they aren't authorized to distribute them until the targeted date. I'm hoping they'll be cool enough to let you purchase the game as soon as it's available.

The info I've been hearing is that EBgames/GameStop have been telling customers that those who have already preordered the title will be able to get the game on October 24th while those without preorders can get a copy at midnight openings on the 31st.

Originally Posted by Inhert

this guy seriously need to learn how to proper use a scanner >.<

but it's nice to see a little what the back and inside will look ^^ (a little because really you can't see much on those crappy scan...)

To be fair he probably used a camera phone to take the pictures in the store given that EB/GameStop aren't giving them away.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Well 3 weeks left for everyone else and I'm pumped! It seems like the weeks are just flying by for some odd reason but I'm not complaining. Hopefully I can get some info on the LE guide and possible bump in release dates if my local EB is well informed.

Incidentally tomorrow is supposed to be the "Official FFXII Day" event in NY with the DigitalLive Expo the day after where both events will have the full retailers version of the game playable on the floor.

BigBadToyStore is also offering up the FFXII line from Play Arts for preorder:
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/s...al+fantasy+xii

While EBgames now has a sweepstakes going on for a "Dress Up and Win":
http://www.ebgames.com/gs/ffxii/ffxiisweeps.asp

Shield your eyes from the gallery though...

Delayed Response

Originally Posted by Spatula

4 YEARS? I think I only first knew anything about this maybe late 2004, beginning of 2005 with the first few scans up on the RPG forum, and first seeing Vaan and Ashe, I was like...oh, another FFX or something. Man, has it been that long?

When did you first learn about the game? Unless you were just hyped right after playing FFXI or something.

I somehow missed this so I apologise Spatula. I've pretty much been looking forward to FFXII even before FFXI was released because XI held no interest for me as I'm not really a big MMORPG player but I first heard about and followed FFXII probably around December 2002 when they announced the staff and revealed the first peice of artwork. When I moved to the US in September 2003, a month later they unveiled the game's original release date along with Vaan and Ashe.

Going back to the LE guide...errr what exactly is it that everyone wants to know about the LE guide anyways? According to the official information so far it'll be available in 6 different covers with an 100 page artbook both packaged in a folio type folder similiar to their past LE guides. So err is there something else I'm missing....?

How ya doing, buddy?

Keep in mind though that you're really getting 2 covers: 1 for the actual guide and then one for the casing which will hold both the guide and artbook.

I'd get it solely for the artbook but Brady's LE package can be a hit and miss since the artbook with the MGS3 LE guide was comprised of material already released via MGS1 & 2's artbooks and the stuff for MGS3 was just recycled promotional material. Onimusha 3's on the hand featured some great stuff that I'd never scene including environmental artwork for all 3 games plus character designs.

Actually I wonder how many pages the Onimusha artbook was? I don't recall it being 100...

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Inhert

yep and isn't it the director of FFXII the one that did Vagrant Story too?

Yup and Hitoshi Sakimoto also composed the soundtrack for VS as well. Infact the majority of the FFXII development team were responsible for Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics.

FYI Edge Magazine has a review now for the game scoring it 9.2 & 9.5.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by fiercedeity

Hmmm, not very positive comments about the game so far. It seems Graphics > Story over all now. I wish that they would make another FF7. It was faultless in every way. They really have so much ammo to work with, but they choose to make the games they make, and X-2 was a huge let down, and now im hearing all this negativity about FF12. Im worried that they may be giving up on the FF series........ noooooooooooooooooooo!

Sounds more like Gameplay>>>Story which can't be bad thing and isn't in my book. The majority of people I've spoken too love the battle system and agree the story kind of faulters 60% in but that's probably when Matsuno "left" the project. Either way it doesn't dampen my anticipation for the title and I can't wait to tinker with the Gambits, LP and so on in just over 3 weeks.

Incidentally my trip to the local EBgames store on Wednesday didn't bring up much. I asked about any push ups in release date which the manager responded with a negative and said they'd either get it the day before or after October 31st depending on shipment. I looked and found no sign of the LE case on display except the one for Gears Of War so I ended up dropping a preorder on the LE guide, what with the 20% discount and all and left with a Rinoa Heartilly Play Arts figure. I saw the Kingdom Hearts Play Arts stuff was also out too so not all a wasted trip.

My copy of OPM arrived yesterday as well so I got a chance to read their review that has me more pumped for the title. Oh, here's 1UP's account of the Wednesday's "FFXII Day" event in NYC:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3154366


What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Spatula

Dude! So they have a SKU for the LE guide then? better make my reservation!

Yeah and I have the SKU number, if I'm correct in thinking it's on my receipt, if anyone needs it.

US TV commercial:
http://www.myspace.com/finalfantasyxii

Pretty decent actually aside from the corny voiceover.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Spatula

LOL I like how a quarter of the commercial is basically the opening CG, but hey, that's still a great opening scene. They needed the late-Robert Frost for that. He does it so well, that "elderly" voice.

Even still it's an exciting trailer with the footage and music especially for non-fans of the series. I noticed the beginning of the commercial seemed to focus on Ashe so I wonder if there are 5 more variations, 1 for each character..?

GameTrailers has a nice preview of the NA build as well as an interview with FFXII's producer at the "Official FFXII Day" event:
http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=1684

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Spatula

So I was checking out some stuff at the mall, and I saw some dude walk up to the counter at EBG with the display case of the collectors edition of FFXII, along with FF Origins wanting to buy it. That made me go .

Man oh man, if the clerk actually wiped out the actual game for that, I'd probably just die right there.

Any chance that was the mall you preordered your copy of the game or to see if they had any info on the LE guide up there?

Oh and FFXII won the category for "Best Gaming Software" at the DigitalLife event.




Credit to Y2Kevbug11 for the snaps.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

Yeah, I was there. Everyone and their mother was taking pictures of the armor even though the booth staff were a bunch of fucking losers telling them not to. The only ones in the entire place, something about marketing folks don't want unofficial pictures roaming around.

Yeah Y2Kev mentioned the same thing but it's still pretty fucking stupid...
"Hey there, this our lifesize display of a Judge that's featured on every possible promotional material for the game that's been released....Just don't take any pictures though".

Hopefully some more photos of the armor show up, it'd be great to get a closer and detailed look at it.

Originally Posted by Spatula

Yes that's the same mall. Actually thinking about it now I really didn't need to, since I'm guessing the guide is coming out beforehand, and picking the game and the guide up at the same point is moot. I originally thought the guide would be released the same day as the game, but oh well, it's the nearest EB from my house.

Yeah but remember you also get 20% off the guide if you buy the game the same day unless there's some other promotion with it.

Quote:

I want that armor, or at least a 1/6 figure of it, along with Lenneth Valkyrie.

Fortunately Koto has you covered for both.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by SILBER-4

Whoa son, links please. 1/6 Lenneth, oh my god.

Bah! Sorry about that but seems I got my wires crossed. I could of swore I saw some VP prototypes on display somewhere but I guess they must of been the trading figures..


Here's Judge Gabranth though by Koto:


I have better images of the figure if necessary.

Quote:

Actually you don't need to buy the game and the guide the same day. I've bought the Okami walkthrough guide 1 week after, but I brought my receipt and preorder slip to prove my purchase.

Would they acknowledge that though if you bought the guide before the game?

Some more photos from DigitalLife thanks to Katya at FFXII.net:

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3415/1md4.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1220/2jg7.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4347/3de7.jpg
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2371/4ju5.jpg

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Originally Posted by SILBER-4

So all this was part of the FFXII day in NYC right?

The recent photos aren't, they were taken at the DigitalLife event in NYC that's been going on all weekend and ends today where FFXII is on display and playable along with the likes of the PS3, Wii and other titles.

Originally Posted by Hantei

I get a dead link, but are these the ones you're refering to?

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...e-70-19xe.html

Yeah that's them. I could of swore it was 6" figures from Koto but looking at the photos on Play Asia I'm pretty sure it was the trading figures now.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I guess if you're persistent enough you can get one of those LE display cases...


I haven't been able to see it in person but it looks nice from that photo. I'm just happy it doesn't have any of the EB/GameStop junk on it like their other LE tin cases.

I was speaking idiomatically.