F I N A L F A N T A S Y X I I R E V I E W

Here we are, inside issue 1 of Luluesque.co.uk's new format. To kick it all off we decided to keep things current and start with our non spoiler review of Final Fantasy XII. Just in time for the European release. So if you weren't sure that it was worth spending your hard earned pennies on. Maybe we can help you make up your mind.

O F F I C I A L B L U R B

As war looms on the horizon, the mighty Archadian Empire begins a campaign to subjugate its neighbors. To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated enemy who took the life of his brother. Planning on exacting revenge by breaking into the palace, Vaan gets more than he bargained for as he runs into Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne. Together, the two embark on an incredible journey tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion.

I M A G E S

S T O R Y

I was left feeling a bit let down by the story after a very promising introduction to the characters and world of Invalice. A general lack of character development and no real attempt at creating any history for the characters either. The main plot quickly gathered pace and didn't stop to take a breath. It left me feeling as though I was being rushed along. Usually one of Final Fantasy's strong points and although the story is engaging I found it lacking. Don't get me wrong it is an enjoyable and worthwhile journey but it's my opinion that it doesn't live up to the great standard set by earlier games in the series.

3 out of 5

G R A P H I C S

This game looks exactly how I expected a next gen Final Fantasy would look. Simply stunning, hugely detailed enviroments with a colour pallette that is vibrant and refreshing. Character and monster designs are varied and highly detailed. Animation is of an equally high quality. The cinematic cutscenes are as usual, as good if not better than you will see in any videogame.

5 out of 5

S O U N D

A sweeping and epic almost cinematic soundtrack helps to create a feeling of real space whilst exploring the enviroments. 'Kiss me goodbye' performed by Angela Aki is a welcome return to the flavour of earlier Final Fantasy songs. Sound effects are excellent. Voice acting is of equally high standard, all of the voices match the characters well. The best of the bunch for me is Fran, her voice acting gives the character another dimension. Balthier comes in a close second, he has a sexy voice or something. There are no annoying squeeky voices so usually found in RPGs.

4 out of 5

G A M E P L A Y

This is where Final Fantasy XII excels. After years of listening to me bitch and moan about what I thought the gameplay would be like and how shit I expected it to be. Shock, horror. I had to eat my words. I can't find fault. A job well done by SquareEnix. They have taken the aging and much copied battle system and turned it into a true next gen experience. Yes you can still have full control of all characters and battles are actually quite fast paced even hectic at times. The licence board is everything that FFX's sphere grid should have been. Easy and fun to use allowing for complete customisation of the characters. My only let down is that I found I didn't really use the summons.

5 out of 5

C O N C L U S I O N

It's official. Luluesque gives Final Fantasy XII a well deserved thumbs up. Charming characters, engaging plot, stunning visuals and more gameplay than you can shake a stick at. The best Final Fantasy on the PS2 console without a doubt. Rush out and buy it on release day you fools...

Sorry about the quality of the images. Lottie's digicam isn't up to the job.