For what Ive heard about it: its huge, BUT: very untypical for sqaure/square enix, the story and the characters havent been worked out like usual, "superficial" was the word, that was used in relation to both, charater and story telling. But since I havent played it yet, I cannot judge by comparing it to the prequels. but what I can say for sure, is that I LOVED the combat system, like it was before. I dont know why they changed it, since it worked out GREAT, and Final Fantasy always stood for it, IMO. And you cant say, a change was neccessary, for to attract more gamers for the game, because it was one of the, if not THE most played and known "japano-RPG" ever [the Dragon Quest series is the other, very successful one] I am very interested to know, how I will get along with the new one, but call me stubborn or not, i KNOW, that i will still like the old one better, since i played Star Wars: Knights of the old republic 1&2, which had a combat system, very similar to the new FF one.
However, i personally think, that FF7 and FF9 were the best, not far ahead to FF8 [fantastic card-minigame]. FFX was a little disappointing, compared to the direct prequels, and to FFX-2 i better wont loose a word. In relation to those last 2, I am sure, that FFXII will be alot more developed in the point of being part of an open, but closed in itself, very big and wonderful world, ready to explore and to look for sidequests and minigames en masse. The story part should be done within 50-60 hours of playing, as they say, but apart from that, the whole game should entertain you for 150+ hours and I cant wait for the release.
I hope, although i havent played it, my post wasnt unwanted here. Im sure, there will be others to post, what experience they already made with the game, but since Im a fan of FF, i just HAD to say something about it.
PS: the games-mag i read, gave 91%
