[PS2] Final Fantasy XII

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

Incomplete is right. What a big let down. They didn't even go into any detail about the nature of the Rozzarian empire, something that I've really wanted to know about.

Heh, I thought I was the only one. The keep talking about "lands to the west" in bestiary entries, about their customs being different, certain monster drops are valued over there while useless in FFXII's area.

Spoiler:

Al-Cid could've been developed more. I mean, give us a few cutscenes of him at home before traveling to Bur-Omisace, trying to stop the powers-that-be from approving a war.

You definitely won't be disappointed by what happens that the end of your long Pharos run, Piccolo. That made my opinion of the game jump even higher, and I hear the endgame/ending is real nice.

Edit: Ah, that's because Archadia is the main and prominent threat.

Spoiler:

You'll find out that, while ole Archades is the aggressive one in conquering its neighbors, Rozzaria isn't exactly peaceful either. They notice the empire's westward march, and have plans of their own. You'll find out soon enough.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I actually just entered the Pharos Tower. Hydro wasn't really a big deal, especially with my Holy Lance I got from a Giruvegan monster. I guess I am at the end of the story, but hey...FFX was short too, so it's not so a bad thing to me. I'm kinda used to it now heh. Maybe the movie-esque scenes make the game faster as apposed to just dialogue in the old FF games.

FELIPE NO

Interestingly, I didn't think that FFXII had too many awesome "movie-esque" scenes, yes okay, the intro was quite awesome, but as for the rest, I dunno...

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

Last time I posted I was still in archadia and here I am again, still in archadia trying to finish off hunts. I haven't hardly played the game from the lack of motivation. I honestly don't care when i finish it off.

Yeah the intro the I think the second cg where they are escaping are probably the only good action sequences in the game. Haven't seen the ending yet but I'm sure theres something to behold there.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

at lvl 55 and about to go fight gilgamesh. any last minute advice??

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Musharraf

Interestingly, I didn't think that FFXII had too many awesome "movie-esque" scenes, yes okay, the intro was quite awesome, but as for the rest, I dunno...

Spoiler:

What about the scene where Drace is killed? Or where the party confronts Judge Bergan? There are so many awesome scenes I can't even count them all.

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

Originally Posted by Musharraf

Interestingly, I didn't think that FFXII had too many awesome "movie-esque" scenes, yes okay, the intro was quite awesome, but as for the rest, I dunno...

Note, I'm not strictly referring to CG scenes. I'm also including story scenes, introducing new areas, etc... The camera pans around much like they do in movies, and it can't be denied that the VA, synching and character models were very well done. The presentation of the game was top notch, it's the story I wish a bit more fleshed out.

Spoiler:

The Occuria, for example, could've had far more background. The bestiary and legends all mention the Gods, and that gives us loads of info on them. But things aren't explained:

- Why did they create the Pharos?
- Who were the people who lived at Ridorana?
- Why did they retreat behind the walls of Giruvegan after they finished creating it?
- Are there more Occuria, as is implied by the city surrounding the platform where they spoke with Ashe?

You could do this to almost every part of the game, to give us something more to chew on. Most of the information we get about the world is from items and bestiary entries.

Some sections of the game needed to have more time spent on them, that's all. Here's to hoping that XIII has gameplay as immersive and fun as this but with a fully developed storyline and characters.

Quote:

at lvl 55 and about to go fight gilgamesh. any last minute advice??

Every time he brings out a new sword, steal from him. Each "sword" is another section of the fight. As for the battle itself, the regular defensive spells, bravery+haste, expose and beat him down. He's not difficult at all, even in his second battle. You just need to be at prime level so his Level X. techniques don't do anything to you. That way he wastes time doing things that are completely ineffective. Kill off Enkidu first, and if you want, steal Hell-Gate's Flame from him if you want.

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

do you need the thief cuffs to steal the genji stuff???

I was speaking idiomatically.

No, but you gonna need some additional karma

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

In regards to the 'movie' sequences, I agree that some of like, like the intro, ar quite good and movie-esque, but I still feel that the FFVIII sequences were better handled and more exciting to look at. Of course, since nobody likes the game, I won't get anyone agreeing with me :D

Let's hope FFXIII is as fun as FFXII. Too bad I'm not getting a PS3. though.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Freelance Wolf

In regards to the 'movie' sequences, I agree that some of like, like the intro, ar quite good and movie-esque, but I still feel that the FFVIII sequences were better handled and more exciting to look at. Of course, since nobody likes the game, I won't get anyone agreeing with me

FFVIII rocks. I played it on PC and just bought the PS version, but I have to get an original Sony PSX memory card first =/

Originally Posted by Freelance Wolf

Too bad I'm not getting a PS3. though.

WHat omg why are you not getting PS3??!?

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

^

Actually, I agree with you. One of FFVIII's chief strengths were the amazing FMV sequences. Aside from the opening and the ending, FFXII doesn't have much in that arena to be impressed about (but that's partly because the in-engine cutscenes are getting closer and closer to the quality of FMV).

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by jb1234

^

Actually, I agree with you. One of FFVIII's chief strengths were the amazing FMV sequences. Aside from the opening and the ending, FFXII doesn't have much in that arena to be impressed about (but that's partly because the in-engine cutscenes are getting closer and closer to the quality of FMV).

I wouldn't even consider CGI FMVs to be a strength at all. FFXII wins out in this regard because in-game cutscenes don't lose the immersion of regular gameplay yet they're high enough in quality so FMVs aren't needed.

Unfortunately, FFXII still trumps VIII, even with its severely truncated story.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Wow, Mush loves FFVIII too, and he has played it on PC. I thought I was the only one!

I also agree that in-game cutscenes are getting good enough that they could easily replace FMVs. In terms of gameplay and such, FFXII easily tops FFVIII, but VIII is a special game for me, so I hold it in high regard.

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

Man, is that giant rock in the middle of the Giruvegan hall nethicite? Because if it is... Jesus Christ!

Double Post:

Spoiler:

VENAT IS A HERETIC!

I had my speakers turned up very loud, and this was very startling. Totally wasn't expecting that. That was definitely the best cutscene yet.

Spoiler:

I'm still not sure how I feel about the Occuria. They seem as though they have some kind of ulterior motive, possibly even something sinister. On the other hand, I have to agree with them about what Venat is doing, and about guiding the flow of history. Clearly, in the wrong hands, Nethicite is incredibly dangerous. Nabudis is evidence enough of this, so I can see why they would be angry with Venat for just handing out such knowledge. Everything they said about humans is true. Being guided by our base desires, wasting our too-short lives in things that, in the end, don't even matter. I am reminded of VIKI's quote from I, Robot: "You are so like children." And, like children, we can be pretty ornery at times. It takes humility to admit that you may not always be right. Perhaps, even more to admit that you need help and guidance. If the history of the humans in Ivalice is anything like ours, they certainly do need the guidance of the Occuria, whether they want to admit it or not.

Oops, got a little carried away, heh.

How ya doing, buddy?

I can agree with what you're saying Piccolo. And like you...I think there is something...else going on with 'them'. I don't feel they're being honest in what they're saying either when they spoke with Ashe. That was a great scene too...great voice acting and drama [the good kind]. I also was startled at that comment, but damn did it sound awesome though xD However, don't you feel like:

Spoiler:

Venat and the other Occuria are still in Cahoots?

Mayb that's just me.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Spoiler:

I think that Venat is up to something. Something about her (its?) voice and appearance is noticably darker than the other Occuria, which I actually find to be quite beautiful in appearance. This may possibly be some type of misdirection, however. Personally, I think Venat has been misleading Dr. Cid and the others for some nefarious purpose. The manner in which she speaks, I can just sense that she is playing on the sense of superiority and pride that stems from their own human nature. For the time being, I trust the other Occuria, they seem to be alright to me. Gerun seemed genuinely upset about Venat's doings, so I don't think they're in on anything.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

Spoiler:

I think that Venat is up to something. Something about her (its?) voice and appearance is noticably darker than the other Occuria, which I actually find to be quite beautiful in appearance. This may possibly be some type of misdirection, however. Personally, I think Venat has been misleading Dr. Cid and the others for some nefarious purpose. The manner in which she speaks, I can just sense that she is playing on the sense of superiority and pride that stems from their own human nature. For the time being, I trust the other Occuria, they seem to be alright to me. Gerun seemed genuinely upset about Venat's doings, so I don't think they're in on anything.

My thoughts:

Spoiler:

The Occuria are in the wrong, as is Venaat. Both groups are manipulative little twits. Each has very valid points, and from what I've seen after finishing the Pharos, both are in the wrong. Have you seen the cutscene where Venaat tears into the rest of her (the voice definitely leans towards she, while Gerun's seems very androgynous) kind. What she mentioned about them being too far removed from the flow of time to judge and rule correctly was on the money. However, that carries with it quite a bit of arrogance. Who's to say she doesn't want to rule over humans by giving them what they want while manipulating them?

BTW, I love that cutscene. Easily the best in the game. The VA is just raw there, and the intensity of their emotions is definitely felt, through the speech and the sudden (startling?) appearance of the other Occuria. Maybe Gerun woke them up, or mention of Venaat is enough to make them come running?

I suggest you try to complete the bestiary. You won't have such a high opinion of the Occuria by the time you're almost done. They're fearful, judgemental, manipulative and merciless. Reading up on the espers shows that rebellion against them isn't new.

Damn, if the game had more scenes like that? Shit, best FF ever.

FELIPE NO

Holy shit I leave my FFXII alone for like 3 weeks for finals and now I'm so lost in your guy's conversation ;__;.

(I'm still on my way to the Drakor Laboratory, then Archadia. Yes, I know I'm still VERY far behind everyone that's like near or at the final dungeon). I've got some serious catching up to do Saturday after finals.

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

Originally Posted by Spatula

Holy shit I leave my FFXII alone for like 3 weeks for finals and now I'm so lost in your guy's conversation ;__;.

(I'm still on my way to the Drakor Laboratory, then Archadia. Yes, I know I'm still VERY far behind everyone that's like near or at the final dungeon). I've got some serious catching up to do Saturday after finals.

Hey, take it easy. I've finished the penultimate dungeon way back. I'm just finishing the Bestiary, getting some weapons and then I'm off. If you near-endgame guys want, we could beat the game on the same day and have an ending discussion.

How ya doing, buddy?

wheres the best place to get solid horns for the death bringer?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER_2825

wheres the best place to get solid horns for the death bringer?

Abaddons in the Pharos @ Ridorana. Steal or Poach, take your pick. It's not worth it as they're available for purchase right after you finish the Pharos.

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

Quote:

If you near-endgame guys want, we could beat the game on the same day and have an ending discussion.

That would be pretty awesome. I'm heading to Pharos today. Let's hope I don't go all FPS_Piccolo trying to beat it.

And also,

Spoiler:

I have to agree with you about the merciless part. All their talk about passing judgement on humans (and not only that, but using Ashe to pass more judgement) and "Let live some, and crush the rest" is evidence enough of that. However, their thoughts on humes are remarkably lucid, and I can't really bring myself to disagree with them.

Something I've been thinking of. Did anyone else ever feel bad about killing the cute, innocent creatures, like the Mandragora or Happy Bunny? I was walking along the Phon Coast, and I came upon a group of adorably cute little plant-men. They had green life bars, so I left them alone. They followed me for a long time, dancing around all the while. They weren't in my beastiary yet, so I had no choice but to kill them. They were helpless to resist as I snuffed out their little lives.

...Heh.

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

Heh, just keep yourself from doing a straight-shot from the Pharos to the final dungeon, and it's all good.

As for their views on Humans:

Spoiler:

If you haven't already done so, do the Fafnir hunt. Doing so will get you some nice arrows and a great/revelatory discussion with Relj. If you don't remember her well, she's the sole Viera at Bur-Omisace. She left The Wood to travel the world in order to find out why the Humes prosper so much so over the other races. I mean, this lady was an ice cold bitch. When the petitioner, Ieeha goes off with some other Kiltias to kill Fafnir, she simply says they likely ran away and used that as an excuse. So you go and deal with pain in the ass Fafnir and when you beat him you get a Ring of the Light, a ring worn by Kiltias.

Take it back to her and these three things happen:

- She realizes that he actually went
- He and his comrades likely got slaughtered and consumed
- She sincerely believed he was a coward rather than expecting the best out of him

This provokes some serious change for her, and mentions that now she understands why Humes are where they are in the world. That individually, they're weak, cowardly, etc... but when threatened they band together, and fight to the death to protect each other. The game lets this unfold far better than I could ever describe.

Just goes to show, the Occuria really don't have much of a point. The Undying could stand to open their eyes and acknowledge the better parts of Humes, but I think their paranoia gets the better of them. This is the same wariness that led to them creating the Entites (because each element, man was able to co-opt for their own use, resulting into violent reaction from the Occuria, which lead to each individual Entite), and with the Espers (Zodiark, especially).

If you remember way back in the Tomb of Raithwall, Ashe mentions the ancient legend of the Nu Mou and how they had become so powerful that they challenged the gods. In retaliation, she says that most of them were wiped out and that's how their tale ends. This sounds like exactly what they want to do with Humes, except they don't want to dirty their oh-so-righteous hands with the actual slaughter.

Amazing, how even NPCs and the bestiary in this game flesh out the background of FFXII's Ivalice.

Most amazing jew boots

Ugh. Do you have any tips for beating Ultima? I am NOT leaving the Crystal until she is mine. It took too damn long to get there.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?