I recently found myself reminiscing about my delightful experience with the first installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake, where I immersed myself for a cozy 35 hours, savoring its narrative and enjoying every moment. However, I never quite managed to dive into Rebirth. My reasons were twofold: time constraints and a reluctance to part with a significant sum for another AAA title.
But now, the tides have turned, as the Final Fantasy franchise sale on Steam has made both games remarkably affordable. The discounts are substantial, with the first game priced around /£12 and the sequel at approximately /£16 at the time of writing.
FF12: A Combat System Like No Other
And let’s not overlook Final Fantasy 12, which boasts what I consider to be the finest combat system ever crafted in the series—feel free to quote me on that, alongside former PCG writer Sarah James. Currently, it’s available for just /£11.
Now, I might be exaggerating a tad, but the Gambit system truly is a standout feature. The Zodiac Age version enhances the experience with several key improvements, including the ability to accelerate gameplay. You might wonder, “If the combat system is so exceptional, why would you want to speed through it?” That’s a fair question, one I’ll sidestep to avoid admitting that the Gambit system isn’t flawless—though it’s pretty close.
Essentially, FF12 operates similarly to an autobattler game, infused with a level of control that allows for strategic depth. Players can equip their party members with Gambits—conditional commands that can be acquired in-game and assigned individually, with additional slots unlocked through leveling up.
What makes this system particularly engaging is the autonomy it grants. Once your party is configured, you can traverse the game’s expansive world as a self-sufficient force, intervening only when unforeseen challenges arise. This dynamic creates a sense of satisfaction, as it reflects the investment you’ve made in your party’s development, transforming them into astute fighters rather than mere stat-driven entities.
And let’s not ignore the atmosphere. While it may draw parallels to Star Wars, that’s precisely what endears FF12 to me. It unfolds as a grand swashbuckling adventure, rich in political intrigue and personal narratives rather than a typical end-of-the-world scenario—at least until the final act, which is a hallmark of the Final Fantasy series. Plus, the duo of Balthier and Fran stands out as one of gaming’s most compelling partnerships. I stand firm on that point.
Even if my insights into RPG design don’t resonate with everyone, this sale presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire some of the franchise’s most celebrated titles at a fraction of the usual cost.
