One of the more critically acclaimed Final Fantasy games yet it doesn't really get talked about as much as VI thru X. I really enjoyed it though and think it offers a JRPG experience that's unique and worth playing.
Like:
- the combat (Gambit system which allows you to "program/automate" your actions) is unique and cool, I enjoyed this version of the departure from classic ATB system
- locations feel full of life, tons of NPCs that you can talk to. "singleplayer MMO" is used a lot to describe this game and its really true.
- side content is lots of fun to seek out, later game hunts and optional espers are challenging but push you to tailor your equipment/gambit strategy so they feel rewarding to beat
- soundtrack is pretty good
- overall graphic aesthetic/styling is cool, a mix of classic looking architecture and futuristic sci-fi tech/airships.
- built in bestiary adding world building lore is sick, gives a nice incentive to seek out each region's monsters, and a nice little reward for grinding
Neutral:
- some of the side-quests are a bit convoluted and might be difficult to find organically on a first playthrough so there's some pressure to use walkthroughs to not miss content. but the hidden nature also adds to the depth of the world
- the "remastering" isn't as good as it could be. Mainly the textures aren't upscaled very nicely so they still look blurry. can be fixed by mods but the base game should be better. Voice acting audio sounds like PS2 original, it's pretty crunchy.
- Vaan is annoying but the other characters are cool.
- Some story elements, mainly the unique terms and object names, are a bit confusing to follow.
Dislike (nitpicks, I don't think this game has any dealbreakers):
- the way the cursor behaves in combat is infuriating to me, the "memory" option doesn't remember per character, so if you enter the white magic for a character with only 2 spells learned, you lose the position when you then go to your white mage since the cursor will go all the way to the top. Playing in active mode becomes really difficult later in the game since navigating the menu for manual commands is painful.
- gambit system while cool, is also very simple and the limitations make me wish for just a little more. for example being able to make it so you don't try stealing of an enemy doesn't have anything to steal.
- random loot chests, and some really useful loot only being obtainable through them is tedious and annoying.
- some of the best weapons in the game are locked behind rare enemy loot and hunt club or bazaar recipes. aware this is also true of almost every other final fantasy game but still kind of sucks seeing the weapon on the license board and then just never coming across the weapon.
