AtrusOfKrondor
New Member
Hmm... 1 to 1000 isn't that bad... I mean, if you can spend time to jump 255 Lightning Strikes in FFX, then I can get this thing...densetsu_x said:
FF XII
- Thread starter roadhouse007
- Start date
The mid-game report
Finally rounded the 100 hour mark. Was actually following the main storyline more than side-questing for awhile there, but then again there isn't much you can do between the Salikawood and Archades anyway. I'm still not sure what to make of the game though. It's biggest strength is the fact that you do have much flexibility as far as letting you do other things aside from following the main storyline. Other FF games basically had you on a very tight leash until almost the end of the game when you could go back and do everything else (FFX was especially notorious for that). Here, there's been lots of things you could do and places to explore (even if you got killed very quickly) all along. That's pretty much what's been carrying the interest so far. The downside though is you tend to forget the story thus far.
I'm also beginning to feel that everything else feels a little below standard (though the bar was placed rather high). The music while good and functional has lacked a lot of the emotional pull that other games have had. Maybe this is because Nobuo Uematsu really didn't contribute much to the soundtrack. But while other soundtracks you could put on and just listen to and enjoy on their own, this one in that context (outside of the game) doesn't feel special at all. Characters are still an issue too so far. Maybe they're saving the "strong" Ashe for the very end when she resists the temptaion to use the Nethicite and stands strong as a true leader of her people and oh whatever. She still looks ready to give into the Dark Side of the Force in the blink of a heartbeat. Balthier has had some history given to him which has probably made him the most developed character of the 6. About the only thing I can say about Penelo is "watch Larsa take her to be his wife and Empress of the Empire". Basche at least had his story told early on, although at this point, he seems to have been forgotten about (I think I've heard him speak once in many many hours). Vaan is still an excellent support character. Too bad he's supposed to be a lead (I know I harp on that but it really is worth stressing). And Fran is just Hot in Heels.
Gamewise, some of the hunts have been an absolute nightmare to get through so far. I can't count the number of times I died going for Roblon (of course I did try it lower than I should have). But the hardest so far... oh my freaking is that Gilgamesh?!? First time through was pretty easy. The second time... wow. That was insane, not to mention Enkidu is just all over you. Of course Gilgamesh also had 4 times the amount of life the second time around and began combos smacking you with all 6 swords. It took 1 hour, 99 Phoenix Downs, and about 10 Ethers to finally put him down. I think I have seen about the only way to deal with the uber-strong guys in the rest of the game. Still, it was sweet to see the Jackie Chan of FF back with a speaking role, showing off the Gunblade, Buster Sword, and other nifty sswords from other games. (And the Jackie Chan reference because as skilled as he is, he's still a clown... like jumping in to challenge you and falling off the bridge in the process).
Right now the guys are the tanks as Basch still has the Zodiac Spear, Balthier has the Genji Shield, and Vaan has the Masamune with all the rest of the Genji Gear (Thanks Gilgamesh). Haste and Berserk those guys and they just mow down everyone. Currently, I'm taking them to finish up the other Hunts and Rare Game challenges. Storywise I think I'm close to the end (and may just finish the game to see the ending) but I figure I still have another 100-150 to finish everything in the game. See you at the Sandsea look forward to hearing your travels.
Finally rounded the 100 hour mark. Was actually following the main storyline more than side-questing for awhile there, but then again there isn't much you can do between the Salikawood and Archades anyway. I'm still not sure what to make of the game though. It's biggest strength is the fact that you do have much flexibility as far as letting you do other things aside from following the main storyline. Other FF games basically had you on a very tight leash until almost the end of the game when you could go back and do everything else (FFX was especially notorious for that). Here, there's been lots of things you could do and places to explore (even if you got killed very quickly) all along. That's pretty much what's been carrying the interest so far. The downside though is you tend to forget the story thus far.
I'm also beginning to feel that everything else feels a little below standard (though the bar was placed rather high). The music while good and functional has lacked a lot of the emotional pull that other games have had. Maybe this is because Nobuo Uematsu really didn't contribute much to the soundtrack. But while other soundtracks you could put on and just listen to and enjoy on their own, this one in that context (outside of the game) doesn't feel special at all. Characters are still an issue too so far. Maybe they're saving the "strong" Ashe for the very end when she resists the temptaion to use the Nethicite and stands strong as a true leader of her people and oh whatever. She still looks ready to give into the Dark Side of the Force in the blink of a heartbeat. Balthier has had some history given to him which has probably made him the most developed character of the 6. About the only thing I can say about Penelo is "watch Larsa take her to be his wife and Empress of the Empire". Basche at least had his story told early on, although at this point, he seems to have been forgotten about (I think I've heard him speak once in many many hours). Vaan is still an excellent support character. Too bad he's supposed to be a lead (I know I harp on that but it really is worth stressing). And Fran is just Hot in Heels.
Gamewise, some of the hunts have been an absolute nightmare to get through so far. I can't count the number of times I died going for Roblon (of course I did try it lower than I should have). But the hardest so far... oh my freaking is that Gilgamesh?!? First time through was pretty easy. The second time... wow. That was insane, not to mention Enkidu is just all over you. Of course Gilgamesh also had 4 times the amount of life the second time around and began combos smacking you with all 6 swords. It took 1 hour, 99 Phoenix Downs, and about 10 Ethers to finally put him down. I think I have seen about the only way to deal with the uber-strong guys in the rest of the game. Still, it was sweet to see the Jackie Chan of FF back with a speaking role, showing off the Gunblade, Buster Sword, and other nifty sswords from other games. (And the Jackie Chan reference because as skilled as he is, he's still a clown... like jumping in to challenge you and falling off the bridge in the process).
Right now the guys are the tanks as Basch still has the Zodiac Spear, Balthier has the Genji Shield, and Vaan has the Masamune with all the rest of the Genji Gear (Thanks Gilgamesh). Haste and Berserk those guys and they just mow down everyone. Currently, I'm taking them to finish up the other Hunts and Rare Game challenges. Storywise I think I'm close to the end (and may just finish the game to see the ending) but I figure I still have another 100-150 to finish everything in the game. See you at the Sandsea look forward to hearing your travels.
Forgot to mention when facing Gilgamesh, to have an easier fight, make sure your party levels are Prime Numbers. It'll help a great deal.
roadhouse007
New Member
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO FIGURE STUFF LIKE THIS OUT WITHOUT THE STRATEGY GUIDE?!?!?!?!?!?!
Denetsu-X said:
Actually, this one was easy to figure out. Once he went on a long tear of LV2, LV3, and LV4 effects that was a clue that I was fighting him at the wrong levels. Just like when I realized that Goliath was hitting me with almost nothing but magic attacks, I switched armor so everyone had Reflect. That fight became a joke. Admittedly I looked up his HP totals afterwards, but most things you can figure out on your ownif you just pay attention to what's happening in the game.
Also, it's Gilgamesh! Who wouldn't steal from him knowing that Genji Armor is close by.
Also, it's Gilgamesh! Who wouldn't steal from him knowing that Genji Armor is close by.
The Fantasy is Over
Well, I decided to skip the side quests for now just to finish the game. Figured it wouldn't take too long once the Strahl could fly anywhere. Plus I wanted to see if there was something redeeming at the end of the rainbow.
Oh for crying out loud the Pharos was more than annoying. It took over 5 hours to get through just that 1 area. I hope I don't have to come back here again... well yeah I do if I want to finish the side-quests but oh I hate this area.
Anyway, survived that tedium, made my way to Vayne, polished him off relatively easily, sat back to watch an incredible ending...
What a disappointment.
It felt like nothing more than an advertisement for the upcoming Vann/Penelo Sequel (because they were so well developed in this game that we just had to see them again). Basch had some closure at least. But if nothing else, my contempt for Ashe was solidified. Granted, she hasn't reached the depths of loathing that Kain (FFIV) did. But even after all that, she is nothing but an ungrateful, weak-kneed *****. I'll save that rant for later although most of it I've pretty much stated in other posts.
And yes Balthier, you really are the leading man of the game and really was the only "main" character (outside of Ashe) that had any sort of development.
At least the gameplay was improved over the other games so really I can finish up all the side quests and not feel sick over things. Funny thing is that I read other comments lately and found that quite a few people have had the same issues that I have so at least I don't feel completely alone here. It's sad though. The things about the game I didn't think I'd like turned out to be its best features. The things that make me want to play the game have been a huge disappointment. It's not the worst in the series (I doubt anything can be as bad as FFV was) but it is in a close fight with FFIX for my 2nd least favorite of the series. Just give me 13 already cause there isn't anywhere to go but up from here.
Oh for crying out loud the Pharos was more than annoying. It took over 5 hours to get through just that 1 area. I hope I don't have to come back here again... well yeah I do if I want to finish the side-quests but oh I hate this area.
Anyway, survived that tedium, made my way to Vayne, polished him off relatively easily, sat back to watch an incredible ending...
What a disappointment.
It felt like nothing more than an advertisement for the upcoming Vann/Penelo Sequel (because they were so well developed in this game that we just had to see them again). Basch had some closure at least. But if nothing else, my contempt for Ashe was solidified. Granted, she hasn't reached the depths of loathing that Kain (FFIV) did. But even after all that, she is nothing but an ungrateful, weak-kneed *****. I'll save that rant for later although most of it I've pretty much stated in other posts.
And yes Balthier, you really are the leading man of the game and really was the only "main" character (outside of Ashe) that had any sort of development.
At least the gameplay was improved over the other games so really I can finish up all the side quests and not feel sick over things. Funny thing is that I read other comments lately and found that quite a few people have had the same issues that I have so at least I don't feel completely alone here. It's sad though. The things about the game I didn't think I'd like turned out to be its best features. The things that make me want to play the game have been a huge disappointment. It's not the worst in the series (I doubt anything can be as bad as FFV was) but it is in a close fight with FFIX for my 2nd least favorite of the series. Just give me 13 already cause there isn't anywhere to go but up from here.