Dear Final Fantasy XII,
Like previous Final Fantasies, I bought Final Fantasy XII at launch. I was excited, as I always was, for a new Final Fantasy. My excitement slowly dwindled as I discovered that you did things differently than the previous games.
You had a very MMO style look and feel. You allowed enemies to hit me even as I tried running away. The license board meant I could not equip what I wanted, when I wanted. Gold came from loot instead of normal fights.
The story was overly political the language flowery. You were not my basic Final Fantasy I grew up with.
I distinctly remember the exact moment I stopped playing you. It was in the Tomb of Raithwall, shortly after the Demon Wall. Although you provided beautiful graphics and a surprisingly amount of well-spoken dialogue, you were not my Final Fantasy. You were new and different. I tried to keep an open mind but it wasn’t enough. Final Fantasy had a tried and true system and you changed that. As such, I stopped playing and had since never looked back.
Time has passed. I am now 41 years old and spending my free time live streaming old video games. Several of which being games that I had never finished during my childhood. Eventually, I came across you. Final Fantasy XII. Staring up at me from my game cabinet as if begging for another chance to show me your greatness. Although I had my reservations, I decided to do just that. I gave you a second chance.
Today I stand before you humbled. I have realized simultaneously that I was not only a stubborn child but a foolish one. What I seek from you, as I fall to me knees, is forgiveness. I was blind to the magnificence you tried to show me.
The language that I had originally thought as long winded and boring is now seen as mature and delightful to listen to.
Whereas the story, which I had once believed to be boring and political is now gripping with a sense of constant dread. There are high stakes involved in this colorful world you’ve created.
Furthermore, I no longer see our cast of characters as one irritating and dull. Instead, they are full of life and personality. Vaan, you lovable one-brain-celled fool. Ashe you stoic badass. Balthier you delightful scamp. Penelo, I hope you never lose your hope and kindness.
The combat is so detailed, the Gambit system phenomenal. I had originally thought the Gambit system to be overly complicated but now I see it is nuanced with a great deal of customization. Oh how your future brother FF7REMAKE would benefit from the Gambit system…how I wish it would return.
The dungeons surprising me with dangerous areas full of over-leveled monsters – resulting in my panic and fear. Making me feel things as I race my level 14 ass out of the level 40 enemy swarm.
The plethora of hidden weapons, items, armor, and loot. The hunts. The monster designs; it is all wonderful!
As I write this, I squeaked a win against Adrammelech, the Wroth – my characters only at level 24-26. Yet in a world where facing monsters too early means instant death, you were fair enough to allow me to alter my stratergies and find a way to win. An adrenaline rush given up to me from among high.
Forgive me, Final Fantasy XII. I was but a fool. Today I am one of your biggest fans. Thank you. Thank you for climbing the ranks to, as of right now, being my 3rd favorite FF of all time…
I hope this feeling lasts as I continue my journey!