PlayStation 2 · 2006
Final Fantasy XII
A sprawling PlayStation 2 role-playing game built on a real-time Gambit-driven battle system and the open world of Ivalice.
- Publisher
- Square Enix
- Format
- DVD-ROM
- Genre
- Role-playing
- Released
- 2006
01
Overview
Final Fantasy XII places players in Ivalice, a land where four empires compete for a magical resource known as Crystals. The story follows Vaan, Balthier, and a growing party as they navigate shifting alliances and a mystery tied to the Crystals themselves. Gameplay blends exploration, hunting side quests, and a license system that shapes the abilities and equipment each character can use.
02
Why it matters
It is often cited for making real-time combat central to a mainline Final Fantasy game rather than a side feature. The Gambit system lets players program how characters behave in battle, giving the experience a tactical depth that differs from turn-based predecessors.
03
The physical edition
A typical North American retail copy of the standard edition includes the single DVD-ROM game disc, the plastic case, and the printed instruction booklet. The limited Collector's Edition was packaged differently and added a bonus DVD, so a standard copy should be checked for that separate packaging before purchase.
04
Playing it today
The game runs on original PlayStation 2 hardware and requires a PS2 console and the single-disc retail disc. Because it is a single-player role-playing game, a controller and a stable power supply are enough to get started.