Final Fantasy XII - Definition

Final Fantasy XII is the next title in the Final Fantasy series from Square Enix, to be released for the PlayStation 2 console in late 2005. While not a sequel, Final Fantasy XII breaks the Final Fantasy tradition of a "series" of standalone games with familiar concepts by reusing the races and setting of Ivalice from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. (This tradition was also broken with the sequels and prequels to Final Fantasy VII.)

Square Enix originally planned to make Final Fantasy X the last title in the regular series before taking Final Fantasy online (with Final Fantasy XI). However the series' director, Hironobu Sakaguchi, has confirmed that the Final Fantasy saga will continue.

Hitoshi Sakimoto is confirmed as the composer. Nobuo Uematsu is only composing a small number of songs.

Storyline

On the world of Ivalice, the great Archadian Empire is expanding, invading and conquering neighbouring Kingdoms including the small Kingdom of Dalmasca. Vaan, an urchin living as a thief on the streets of Dalmasca's capital Rabanastre, is caught up in the Dalmascan resistance movement, and seeking vengeance for the death of his family joins them for an assault on the royal castle. In the castle Vaan discovers Princess Ashe, long lost heir to the throne of Dalmasca, and together with a band of companions the pair fight to save Ivalice from the Empire.

Locations

• Dalmasca
  • Rabanastre: Capital city where the Royal Family lived.

• Nalbaia Fortress
  • The Nalbina Dungeons

• Barheim Passage
• Masphoran Highwaste
• Salikawood

Races

• Bangaa
• Viera
• Moogle
• Seeq

Playable characters

• Vaan: An optimistic urchin, living as a thief in the downtown area of Rabanastre. He hates the Archadian Empire for killing the last of his family. He also resents being forced to live as a thief, and dreams of a better life.

• Ashe: Princess and rightful heir to the throne of Dalmasca. After the Archadian invasion and the death of most of the royal family, she leads a resistance movement, driven by fierce pride.

• Balthier: A pirate who pilots a small airship through the skies of Ivalice with Fran. Balthier remained neutral in the conflict between Archadia and Dalmasca, but his meeting with Vaan forces his hand.

• Fran: Balthier's partner in crime. A Viera warrior, Fran is adept at grappling and fencing.

• Penelo: Vaan's childhhod friend. She longs for peace in Ivalice.

• Basche: A former knight of Dalmasca, called a traitor for killing the King.

External links

• Official Japanese Final Fantasy XII site (http://www.ff12.com)