View source for Final Fantasy XII

{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{Distinguish|Final Fantasy X-2}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Final Fantasy XII
| image = File:Final Fantasy XII Box Art.png{{!}}border
| caption = Japanese and European box art for ''Final Fantasy XII'', designed by [[Yoshitaka Amano]]
| alt = An armor-clad man with a long cape holds two curved swords. He stands above the logo of ''Final Fantasy XII''. The piece is done in a pastel watercolor style with a large vertical streak on the right side fading from peach to pink to blue.
| developer = [[Square Enix]]
| publisher = Square Enix
| series = ''[[Final Fantasy]]''<br />''[[Ivalice Alliance]]''
| engine = 
| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|March 16, 2006}}|{{ubl|'''PlayStation 2'''{{Video game release|JP|March 16, 2006|NA|October 31, 2006|AU|February 22, 2007|EU|February 23, 2007}}{{underline|'''''International Zodiac Job System'''''}}|'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|August 9, 2007}}{{underline|'''''The Zodiac Age'''''}}|'''PlayStation 4'''{{Video game release|WW|July 11, 2017|JP|July 13, 2017}}'''Windows'''{{Video game release|WW|February 1, 2018}}'''Switch''', '''Xbox One'''{{Video game release|JP|April 25, 2019|WW|April 30, 2019}}}}}}
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| director = {{ubl|[[Hiroyuki Ito]]|[[Hiroshi Minagawa]]}}
| designer = Hiroyuki Ito
| programmer = Takashi Katano
| artist = {{ubl|[[Akihiko Yoshida]]|Hideo Minaba|[[Isamu Kamikokuryo]]}}
| writer = {{ubl|[[Daisuke Watanabe]]|Miwa Shoda|[[Yasumi Matsuno]]}}
| composer = {{ubl|[[Hitoshi Sakimoto]]|[[Hayato Matsuo]]|[[Masaharu Iwata]]}}
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Final Fantasy XII'''''|ファイナルファンタジーXII|Fainaru Fantajī Tuerubu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2006 [[role-playing video game]] developed and published by [[Square Enix]]. The twelfth main installment of the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, it was first released for the [[PlayStation 2]] in March 2006. It introduced several innovations to the series: an [[open world]]; a seamless battle system; a controllable camera; a customizable "[[wikt:gambit|gambit]]" system, which lets the player control the [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] (AI) of characters in battle; a "license" system, which determines what abilities and equipment can be used by characters; and hunting [[side quest]]s, which allows the player to find and defeat increasingly difficult monsters in the game's open world. ''Final Fantasy XII'' also includes elements from previous games in the series, such as [[Chocobo]]s and [[Moogles]].

The game takes place in [[Ivalice]], where the empires of Archadia and Rozarria are waging an endless war. Dalmasca, a small kingdom, is caught between the warring nations. When Dalmasca is annexed by Archadia, its princess, Ashe, creates a resistance movement. During the struggle, she meets [[Vaan (Final Fantasy)|Vaan]], a young adventurer who dreams of becoming a [[sky pirate]] in command of an airship. They are quickly joined by a band of allies; together, they rally against the tyranny of the Archadian Empire.

''Final Fantasy XII'' was both a critical and commercial success, earning several [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] awards and selling over six million copies on the PlayStation 2 by November 2009. In 2007, a sequel titled ''[[Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings]]'' was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] and, in that same year, an expanded version of ''Final Fantasy XII'', titled ''Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System'', was released on the PlayStation 2 exclusively in Japan. A high-definition remaster of the ''International Zodiac Job System'' version, ''The Zodiac Age'', was released worldwide for the [[PlayStation 4]] in July 2017, for [[Windows]] in February 2018, and for the [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Xbox One]] in April 2019.

==Gameplay==
Throughout the game, the player directly controls the on-screen character from a third-person perspective to interact with people, objects, and enemies. Unlike previous games in the series, the player can also control the camera with the right analog stick, allowing for a 360° view of the surroundings.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=12}} While in towns and cities, the player may only see from the perspective of Vaan, but any character may be controlled in the field. The world of ''Final Fantasy XII'' is rendered to scale relative to the characters in it; instead of a caricature of the character roaming around miniature terrain as seen in the earlier ''Final Fantasy'' games, every area is represented proportionally. The player navigates the [[overworld]] on foot, [[Chocobo]], or by airship.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=14}} Players may save their game to a [[memory card]] using save [[crystals]] or gate crystals, and may use the latter to teleport between gate crystals.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=15}} An in-game [[bestiary]] provides incidental information about the world of ''Final Fantasy XII''.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=19}}

''Final Fantasy XII'' restructures the system of earning gil, the currency of the ''Final Fantasy'' games; instead of gil, most enemies drop "loot" which can be sold at shops.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=288}} This ties into a new battle mechanic which rewards the player with improved loot for slaying a particular type of enemy multiple times in a row.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=41,42}} Selling different types of loot also unlocks a bazaar option in shops, which provides items at a lower cost, or items exclusive to the bazaar.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=288}}

===Battle system===
[[File:Final Fantasy XII JAP FF12.jpg|thumb|left|In Active Dimension Battle (ADB), characters move freely and attack as soon as they are ready. Blue lines depict the player's targets and red lines depict those of the enemies.|alt=A man wielding a sword and a woman wielding a spear fight two armored horse-like monsters.]]

Excluding the [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'', ''Final Fantasy XII'' is the first entry in the main ''Final Fantasy'' series not to include [[random encounter]]s.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=35,36}} Instead, enemies are visible in the overworld and the player may choose to fight or avoid them. Battles unfold in real time using the "Active Dimension Battle" (ADB) system. Battles begin when the party comes within range of an aggressive enemy, the party attacks an enemy, or a story event initiates a confrontation.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=35,36}} When a character or enemy begins an action, target lines connect characters to other party members or enemies; different colors represent the different types of action.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=38,39}} The player may swap to and issue commands to any of the three characters in the party, but guest characters are controlled by [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] (AI).{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=37}} Battle commands are initiated through a series of menus, and include Attack, Magicks, Technicks, Mist, Gambits, and Items. The player may switch any active character with an inactive character at any time, unless the active character is targeted by an attack or ability. Characters who are knocked out may also be substituted.

A new feature in the game is the "gambit" system, which allows the player to program each character to perform certain commands in battle in response to specified conditions.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=29}} Using gambits, the player may set reactions to different stimuli for each character. Each gambit consists of three parts: a target, an action, and a priority. The target specifies which ally or foe to act on and the condition for applying the action. For example, the target "Ally: HP < 70%" causes the character to target any ally whose [[Health (gaming)|hit points]] have fallen below 70%. The action is the command to be performed on the target. The priority determines which gambit to perform when multiple gambits are triggered. These heuristics guide the characters when acting autonomously, though player-directed commands are always given top priority.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=29}}

In ''Final Fantasy XII'', a mysterious phenomenon known as "Mist" is the key energy which allows characters to [[Final Fantasy character classes#Summoner|cast summoning magic]] and perform "Quickenings". After defeating an Esper in combat, the player will be able to summon it to the battlefield.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=44}} Similar to ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'', the summoned creatures become active participants in battle,{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=44}} as opposed to the cinematic attacks seen in previous games in the series. Unlike ''X'', however, Espers follow hidden gambits, rather than the player's direct command.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=44}} The summoner remains an active member in the fight, able to attack and cast support magic, instead of leaving the party or standing idle while the summoned creature fights.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=44}} An Esper will leave the battle if either the summoner or itself is knocked out, its time limit expires, or it executes its special attack.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=44}} Some Espers have origins in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance|Tactics Advance]]'' and others are derived from the final bosses of previous ''Final Fantasy'' games such as [[Chaos (Final Fantasy character)|Chaos]], the final boss of the first ''[[Final Fantasy (video game)|Final Fantasy]]'', and Zeromus, the final boss of ''[[Final Fantasy IV]]''.

''Final Fantasy XII'' introduces "Quickenings", a new [[Limit Break]] system unique compared to those in previous games in the series.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=58}} Characters learn Quickenings by progressing to specific panels on the License Board.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=58}} Each character can learn three Quickenings, which are unique to that character.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=58}} Characters may string together Quickenings into large combo attacks, called Mist Chains, via timed button presses.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=58}} If a Mist Chain reaches a certain length, a final strike will be initiated at the end of the Quickening cycle, called a Concurrence.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=58}}

[[File:FFXII License Board.png|thumb|The License Board; raised panel icons indicate acquired licenses.]]

===Growth system===
As in many role-playing games (RPGs), characters "[[Levels up|level up]]" each time they earn a set number of [[experience point]]s from defeating enemies; each level gained increases the character's [[statistic (role-playing games)|statistics]] and improves performance in battle.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=17}} Statistics include [[Health (gaming)|hit points]], the amount of damage a character can receive; strength, the power of the character's physical attacks; and magic, the potency of the character's magical spells.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=17}}

In addition to leveling up, players may improve their characters via the License Board. The License Board is an array of panels that contain "licenses" which allow a character to perform certain actions.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=18}} The board is split into two parts; the upper part comprises Magick, Technick, Accessory, and Augment ([[Attribute (role-playing games)|stat increases]] and other permanent [[buff (computer gaming)|buffs]]) licenses, and the bottom part comprises mostly Weapon and Armor licenses.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=20}} To use a [[Skill (role-playing games)|Magick, Technick]], or piece of equipment, the character must obtain its corresponding license by spending the required amount of LP (License Points).{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=18}} LP are earned in battle along with the experience points. Like the [[Sphere Grid]] in ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'', all characters may obtain all licenses on the board, but each Quickening and Esper license may only be activated by a single character.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=23}}

==Plot==
<!--This section is meant to be as comprehensive as possible, while only containing the details needed to understand plot at its most basic level, to comply with the featured article criteria. Please discuss any additions on the talk page first.-->

===Setting===
{{main|Ivalice}}
''Final Fantasy XII'' is set within the land of [[Ivalice]] during an age when "magic was commonplace" and "airships plied the skies, crowding out the heavens". At this time, magicite, a magic-rich mineral, is commonly used in magic spells<ref>Sage Knowledge 12 of 78 (Hybrid Gator Bestiary entry) Magicite - Common name for stones containing magickal power, or as it is commonly manifest, Mist. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> and in powering airships—a popular form of transportation in Ivalice.<ref>Sage Knowledge 14 of 78 (Steeling Bestiary entry) Airships - Currently, they are one of the most popular forms of transportation in Ivalice. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Ivalice is divided into three continents:<ref name="sleipnir">Sage Knowledge 29 of 78 (Sleipnir Bestiary entry)<br />Ivalice - The region consisting of the three continents of Valendia, Ordalia, and Kerwon, blessed throughout with verdant natural landscapes and climatic conditions supporting a great variety of life. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Ordalia, Valendia, and Kerwon.{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=12}} Ordalia is located in the western part of Ivalice. The Rozarrian Empire makes its home in the vast inland plains of this continent as the eastern portion of it is largely desert and "jagd"—lawless regions so rich in Mist, the ethereal manifestation of magicite, that airships cannot function.<ref>Sage Knowledge 30 of 78 (Urstrix Bestiary entry) Ordalia - Continent on the western edge of Ivalice. The vast plains in the interior are home to the great Rozarrian Empire. To the east of Rozarria, the land is arid and largely desert. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Valendia is the home of Imperial Archadia, where lush highlands dot the landscape.{{sfn|Scenario Ultimania|2006|loc=Japan|pp=44–45}} Central to the story is Dalmasca, a small kingdom between the two continents and empires. Located in the middle of the Galtean Peninsula of Ordalia, Dalmasca is surrounded by an expanse of desert. The temperate climate of Dalmasca differs from the cold environs of Kerwon to the south and the lush plains of Valendia and Ordalia.{{sfn|Scenario Ultimania |2006|loc=Japan|pp=48–49}} During this time, Ivalice is beset by the pending war between the forces of Rozarria and Archadia. Caught between the two powerful Empires, Dalmasca and a number of smaller nations have already been subjugated by Archadia two years before the game begins.

===Characters===
{{main|Characters of Final Fantasy XII}}
The six main playable characters in ''Final Fantasy XII'' are [[Vaan (Final Fantasy)|Vaan]] ([[Bobby Edner]]/[[Kouhei Takeda]]), an energetic orphan of Rabanastre who dreams of becoming a [[sky pirate]]; [[Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca|Ashe]] ([[Kari Wahlgren]]/[[Mie Sonozaki]]), a determined princess of Dalmasca who lost her father and her husband in the Archadian invasion; [[Characters of Final Fantasy XII#Basch|Basch]] ([[Keith Ferguson (voice actor)|Keith Ferguson]]/[[Rikiya Koyama]]), a disgraced knight of Dalmasca charged with [[treason]] for slaying the king; [[Balthier]] ([[Gideon Emery]]/[[Hiroaki Hirata]]), a gentlemanly sky pirate who pilots his airship, the ''Strahl''; [[Fran (Final Fantasy)|Fran]] (Nicole Fantl/[[Rika Fukami]]), Balthier's partner and a Viera exile whose knowledge extends to legends and myths; and [[Characters of Final Fantasy XII#Penelo|Penelo]] ([[Catherine Taber]]/Marina Kozawa), Vaan's childhood friend who accompanies him on journeys to "keep an eye on him".{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=6–9}}

The Archadian Empire is ruled by House Solidor, headed by Emperor Gramis ([[Roger L. Jackson]]/[[Hidekatsu Shibata]]).{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=10–15}} The emperor's sons are Vayne (Elijah Alexander/[[Nobuo Tobita]]) and Larsa (Johnny McKeown/[[Yuka Imai]]), the former a military genius and the game's main antagonist, and the latter a charismatic seeker of peace. Judge Magisters, upholders of Archadian law,{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=10–15}} protect House Solidor and execute every command issued by the ruling family. The technological marvels of airships and synthetic nethicite—a form of magicite that absorbs Mist—are thanks to Doctor Cid ([[John Rafter Lee]]/[[Chikao Ōtsuka]]), a prominent researcher from Archadia.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=10–15}} The Resistance against Archadia includes Dalmascan knight Vossler ([[Nolan North]]/[[Masaki Terasoma]]), an ally of Basch; [[Marquis]] Halim Ondore IV ([[Tom Kane]]/[[Akio Nojima]]), the game's [[narrator]] and ruler of the skycity Bhujerba; Reddas ([[Phil LaMarr]]/[[Takayuki Sugo]]), a sky pirate based in the port at Balfonheim; and the Rozarrian Empire, of which Al-Cid Margrace (David Rasner/[[Norio Wakamoto]]) is a prince of the ruling family.{{sfn|BradyGames|2006|pp=10–15}} The mythos of ''Final Fantasy XII'' revolves around a character known as Dynast-King Raithwall, a man who once united Ivalice to create the Galtean Alliance in ages past.

===Story===
In Dalmasca's capital city of Rabanastre, Princess Ashelia (Ashe) of Dalmasca and Prince Rasler of Nabradia have just wed, as the Archadian Empire invades the two countries. Rasler is killed in the war, the city of Nabudis is destroyed in a single explosion, and the Dalmascan King Raminas is assassinated moments after signing a treaty of surrender. Marquis Ondore announces that the assassin was Dalmascan captain Basch, who has been sentenced to death, and that Princess Ashe has committed suicide.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|quote='''Ondore:''' Prayer, too, for the noble Princess Ashe, who, wrought with Grief at her Kingdom's Defeat, has taken her own Life. Know also that Capt. Basch fon Ronsenburg, for Incitement of Sedition and the Assassination of H.R.M. King Raminas, has been found Guilty of High Treason and put to his Death.}}</ref>

Two years later, Vaan, a Rabanastre street urchin, ignores his friend Penelo's objections and infiltrates the palace during a dinner celebrating the appointment of Archadian prince Vayne Solidor as [[consul (representative)|consul]]. In the treasury he finds a piece of magicite, a powerful magical crystal. He is discovered by Balthier and Fran, a pair of sky pirates looking for the magicite. The three escape as Dalmascan Resistance forces assault the palace, and in the sewers they meet the Resistance leader, Amalia, before being captured by Archadian forces. In the dungeons they meet Basch, who was imprisoned but not killed, and who states his twin brother Gabranth was the one to kill the king. The four then escape together back to Rabanastre. There they discover Penelo has been kidnapped and taken to the floating city of Bhujerba.

In Bhujerba, they meet Lamont, a curious boy who is Vayne's younger brother, Larsa, in disguise.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Larsa:''' Vayne Solidor, the Consul, is my brother.}}</ref> After they rescue Penelo, Basch confronts the Marquis over his lies, but the party is captured and detained aboard the Archadian [[airship]] ''Leviathan'', headed by Judge Ghis. On the ''Leviathan'', the party is reunited with Amalia, who is revealed to be Princess Ashe.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ghis''': Come now, come now. Have you forgotten your manners? This is hardly the courtesy due... The late Princess Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca. / '''Vaan''': Princess?!}}</ref> Ghis takes the magicite, which is revealed to be a royal Dalmascan artifact, "deifacted nethicite". The party escapes, but as Ashe had planned to use the magicite as proof that she was the princess,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ondore:''' You may yet be a Princess, but without proof of your identity, you are powerless. You will remain with me. We do nothing till the time is right.}}</ref> the group journeys to collect another of the pieces of nethicite, the Dawn Shard.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ashe:''' I'm going to retrieve the Dawn Shard. It's the proof that I need. I know where it's hidden. I'll return his airship later.}}</ref> They are again captured by Ghis; when he tries to use the Dawn Shard in the ''Leviathan'' rather than the "manufacted" (artificially made) magicite it normally uses, his entire airship fleet is destroyed in a mirror of the destruction of Nabudis, and the party flees again.

They encounter Larsa, who seeks a peace treaty between Dalmasca and the empire. The group and Larsa go to Mt. Bur-Omisace to seek the Gran Kiltias Anastasis, Ivalice's religious leader, and beg his approval of Ashe as queen of Dalmasca.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Larsa:''' Lady Ashe, let us go to Bur-Omisace. With the blessing of His Grace the Gran Kiltias Anastasis...you may rightly wear your crown, and declare the restoration of the Kingdom of Dalmasca. As Queen, you can call for peace between the Empire and Dalmasca...and stop Marquis Ondore.}}</ref> There they also meet Al-Cid Margrace, who is in talks with Larsa to avert a war between Rozarria and Archadia.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Anastasis:''' In Archadia, Larsa. In Rozarria, Al-Cid. They dream not of war. Should empire join with empire, the way will open for a new Ivalice in our time.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Larsa:''' Dalmasca would be the battlefield! What if nethicite were used on Rabanastre? You know my brother would do this!}}</ref> Their plans are curtailed when Anastasis is killed by Archadia, and soon afterwards the Archadian emperor Gramis dies and Vayne ascends the throne.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Al-Cid:''' The Emperor Gramis is no more. His life was taken.}}</ref>

The party journeys to Archadia, where they discover Doctor Cid, the creator of manufacted magicite, who directs them to go to Giruvegan to find the source of nethicite.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Cid:''' Am I right? I am, aren't I. A worthy daughter of the Dynast-King! You would do well to go to Giruvegan. Who knows? You may receive a new Stone for your trouble.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Gerun:''' Seek you the Sun-cryst, slumb'ring star. In tower on distant shore it dreams. The mother of all nethicite, the source of its unending power.}}</ref> In Giruvegan, Ashe encounters the makers of nethicite, the immortal Occuria, who "pull the strings of history"; they give her the Treaty Blade to cut new pieces from the Sun-cryst, the source of all nethicite and its power.<ref name="occuria1">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Gerun:''' Now take this sword, this Treaty-Blade. Occurian seal, mark of your worth. Cut deep the Cryst and seize your Shards. Wield Dynast-King's power! Destroy Venat!}}</ref> She learns that Venat, one of the Occuria, has defected to put the "reins of History back in the hands of Man", manipulating Vayne in his quest to conquer Ivalice and leading Cid to create manufacted magicite to reduce the relative power of the Occuria.<ref name="judge1">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Bergan:''' Hark! Ivalice hails her true Dynast-King, Vayne Solidor! He shall defy the will of the gods, and see the reins of History back in the hands of Man!}}</ref><ref name="occuria2">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Venat:''' Indeed. What claim does Gerun have on history's reins...seated on throne immortal, rent from time?}}</ref>

Ashe and the party journey to the Sun-cryst, where she decides not to take her revenge by following the Occuria's wishes, but instead destroy the Sun-cryst.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ashe:''' In all Dalmasca's history, not once did we rely on the Dusk Shard. Our people resolved never to use it, though their need might be dire. That was the Dalmasca I wanted back... I will destroy the Sun-cryst! I will discard the Stone!}}</ref> The party defeats Gabranth, who reveals that he killed King Raminas, and destroys the crystal.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Gabranth:''' Yes, it was I who wore Basch's face - who cut down the Life of Dalmasca. Lady Ashe! Your father's murderer is here!}}</ref> Al-Cid tells them that the Dalmascan Resistance, led by Ondore, is about to fight Archadia in Rabanastre, but the Archadian forces now include the Sky Fortress ''Bahamut''. They infiltrate the ''Bahamut'', and find Larsa failing to dissuade his brother Vayne from his plans for war.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Vayne:''' Observe well, Larsa. Watch and mark you the suffering of one who must rule, yet lacks the power. / '''Larsa:''' No. No, brother. I will not. Though I lack your power, I will still persist.}}</ref> They defeat Vayne and Venat, and Ashe and Larsa announce the end of the conflict to the battlefield.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ashe:''' This is Ashelia Dalmasca. I confirm what Judge Magister Gabranth and Larsa Solidor have said here. Please. Stand down your attack. The war is over. Ivalice looks to the horizon. A new day has dawned. We are free!}}</ref> Larsa becomes the Archadian emperor and Ashe the Queen of Dalmasca; Basch replaces his brother Gabranth as Larsa's protector; Vaan and Penelo fly an airship to meet Balthier and Fran for another adventure.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=October 31, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balthier's note:''' Something more valuable: the Cache of Glabados. I await in Bervenia.}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Akitoshi Kawazu and Hiroshi Minagawa.jpg|thumb|[[Akitoshi Kawazu]] (left) and [[Hiroshi Minagawa]] at the ''Final Fantasy XII'' London HMV Launch Party in 2007]]

Development for ''Final Fantasy XII'' began in December 2000 and was headed by ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'' director [[Yasumi Matsuno]] and ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]'' director [[Hiroyuki Ito]].<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy XII Scenario Ultimania | chapter=「FFXII」開発スタッフインタビュー6 | publisher=Square Enix | language=ja | isbn=4-7575-1696-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Ricciardi, John | date=March 15, 2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Launches in Japan | url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3148802 | publisher=[[1UP.com]] | access-date=July 24, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107223559/http://www.1up.com/news/final-fantasy-xii-launches-japan | archive-date=November 7, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kawamura, Naruhiro |date=January 22, 2001 |url=http://www.mainichi.co.jp/life/hobby/game/news/news/2001/01/0122-2.html |title=FF11、PCでも発売、FF12の制作を開始 |publisher=[[Mainichi]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413131522/http://www.mainichi.co.jp/life/hobby/game/news/news/2001/01/0122-2.html |archive-date=April 13, 2001}}</ref> Matsuno provided the original concept and plot but was forced to bow out a year before release due to health concerns.<ref>{{cite web | author=Niizumi, Hirohiko | date=August 1, 2005 | title=FFXII producer steps down | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/ffxii-producer-steps-down-6130121 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108192205/http://www.gamespot.com/news/ffxii-producer-steps-down-6130121 | archive-date=November 8, 2012 | access-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> The team was restructured as a consequence: the new directorial duo consisted of Ito and [[Hiroshi Minagawa]], while [[Akitoshi Kawazu]] of ''[[SaGa (series)|SaGa]]'' series fame became the game's executive producer.<ref name="staffchanges">{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=August 1, 2005 |title=Changes to Final Fantasy XII Staff |publisher=IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/01/changes-to-final-fantasy-xii-staff |access-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106203108/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/01/changes-to-final-fantasy-xii-staff |archive-date=November 6, 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Instruction manual|2006|pp=40}} Series creator [[Hironobu Sakaguchi]] was disappointed by Matsuno's departure and declined to play the game beyond its introduction.<ref name="sakaguchi">{{cite magazine| author=EGM staff |title=Final Fantasy XII | magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=216 |date=June 2007 | page=53 | publisher=Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc.}}</ref>

The desire to move away from [[random encounter]]s was present since the beginning of development.<ref name="itointerview">Interview with Hiroyuki Ito {{cite video | date=2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition Bonus DVD | medium=DVD | publisher=Square Enix | location=Tokyo}}</ref> This desire fueled the development of the Active Dimension Battle system so players could seamlessly move from battle to exploration. The gambit system was conceived early on as a way to facilitate this change.<ref name="itointerview"/> Battle system designer Hiroshi Tomomatsu said that it gradually moved away from a complex and rigid formula to the more flexible form seen in the final version of the game.<ref name="tomomatsu">Interview with Hiroshi Tomomatsu {{cite video | date=2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition Bonus DVD | medium=DVD | publisher=Square Enix | location=Tokyo}}</ref> Ito drew inspiration for gambits from [[play from scrimmage|plays]] in [[American football]] where each team member has a specific job to do based on the conditions and desired outcome. As for the license system, he explained that needing "licenses" to perform certain actions was a natural extension of the rigid structured society of Archadia, as epitomized by its Judges.<ref name="itointerview"/>

At the early stages of development, Minagawa revealed that numerous ideas and features were planned for the game, but were dropped from the final stages due to certain constraints and hardware limitations. Some of these included the ability for a second player to join in the gameplay, enabling a two-player mode. Another idea that was given a considerable amount of thought was the ability to recruit non-player characters to join in the mob hunts. Due to the technical limitations of the console and multiple number of characters joining the fray, the development phase took longer than expected, causing delays.<ref>{{cite web | author=Nickel, Thomas | year=2006 | title=Interview with Hiroshi Minagawa | publisher=g-wie-gorilla.de | url=http://www.g-wie-gorilla.de/content/view/170/18/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005071137/http://www.g-wie-gorilla.de/content/view/170/18/ | archive-date=October 5, 2007 | access-date=June 17, 2007}}</ref>

Design inspiration came from a mix of medieval [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] countries as demonstrated by the architectural styles found throughout Ivalice along with many of the races populating the region.<ref>{{cite web|author=Niizumi, Hirohiko |date=November 19, 2003 |title=Final Fantasy XII gets star treatment in Tokyo |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6083932 |access-date=November 2, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060515095052/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6083932 |archive-date=May 15, 2006}}</ref> The art team, led by art directors Hideo Minaba and Isamu Kamikokuryō, visited [[Turkey]], which influenced the game's Mediterranean-style setting.<ref name="Q&A">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |date=November 20, 2003 |title=Final Fantasy XII Q&A (page 2 of 4) |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441293p2.html |access-date=September 2, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050928195328/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441293p2.html |archive-date=September 28, 2005}}</ref> The developers also used styles and deco from other sources including areas in [[India]] and [[New York City]].<ref name="Q&A"/><ref name="ffshrine">{{cite web | date=November 19, 2003 | title=Final Fantasy XII Interview | publisher=Final Fantasy Shrine | url=http://www.ffshrine.org/ffxii/ff12_interview.php | access-date=November 2, 2006}}</ref> Of note is the use of [[Sanskrit]] in the city of Bhujerba. Phrases such as "svagatam" (welcome) and titles like "parijanah" (guide) are lifted directly from Sanskrit. Minaba mentions that the team tried to bring out [[Arab culture|Arabic culture]] in the design of the game.<ref name="AkiInterview">{{cite web | author=Sugawara, Aki | date=November 20, 2003 | title=Feature: A Final Fantasy XII Interview (page 2) | publisher=[[GamePro]] | url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/31808/a-final-fantasy-xii-interview-page-2/ | access-date=December 14, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003031245/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/31808/a-final-fantasy-xii-interview-page-2/ | archive-date=October 3, 2009}}</ref> War is a prominent theme of the game and the developers stated that the cutscene battles are influenced by [[Ancient Rome]].<ref name="ffshrine"/> When asked to comment on the fan observation of ''[[Star Wars]]'' similarities, Minaba replied that although he was a fan of the series, it was not necessarily an influence to the game's designs.<ref name="Q&A"/> It has also been noted that the similarities originate from ''[[The Hidden Fortress]]'', the 1958 [[Akira Kurosawa]] film that inspired ''Star Wars''.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/reviews/560713/Final+Fantasy+XII+The+Zodiac+Age/ | title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age - Review | date=July 10, 2017 | access-date=August 26, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826112201/https://www.gamereactor.eu/reviews/560713/Final+Fantasy+XII+The+Zodiac+Age/ | archive-date=August 26, 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/832031/Final-Fantasy-12-The-Zodiac-Age-review-PS4|title = Final Fantasy 12 the Zodiac Age review - A chance to revisit a much-overlooked classic|date = July 23, 2017|access-date = August 26, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170826074046/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/832031/Final-Fantasy-12-The-Zodiac-Age-review-PS4|archive-date = August 26, 2017|url-status = live}}</ref>
 	
The developers initially planned to return to the "big-headed" character designs of previous ''Final Fantasy'' games, but settled on similar proportions as characters in ''[[Vagrant Story]]'', the team's previous game, as development progressed.<ref name="FrenchInterview">{{cite web|date=February 28, 2007 |title=Sortie française de ''Final Fantasy XII'': le Compte rendu |publisher=ffring.com |url=http://www.ffring.com/articles/divers-sortie-francaise-de-Final-Fantasy-XII.html |language=fr |access-date=April 17, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502090537/http://www.ffring.com/articles/divers-sortie-francaise-de-Final-Fantasy-XII.html |archive-date=May 2, 2007}}</ref> Basch was the first character designed and the developers considered him the "hero" of the story at the time. Vaan and Penelo were added last and became the heroes in the final version of the plot.<ref name="FrenchInterview"/> The developers were motivated by the commercial failure of ''Vagrant Story'', which featured a "strong man in his prime" as the protagonist, and switched the focus to a younger protagonist as a result.<ref name="FrenchInterview"/><ref>{{cite web|first1=Jeremy|last1=Parish|access-date=2021-04-17|title=The making of Final Fantasy 12|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/7/5/15916862/the-making-of-final-fantasy-12|date=5 July 2017|website=Polygon|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417201057/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/7/5/15916862/the-making-of-final-fantasy-12|url-status=live}}</ref> Vaan's early designs were described as effeminate, but with the casting of [[Kouhei Takeda]] as his voice and motion capture actor, Vaan became less feminine and more "active, upbeat, bright and positive".<ref name="Q&A1">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |date=November 20, 2003 |title=Final Fantasy XII Q&A (page 1 of 4) |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441293p1.html |access-date=September 2, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822080549/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441293p1.html |archive-date=August 22, 2006}}</ref> Comments were made about the similarity between character designer [[Akihiko Yoshida]]'s creations and those of [[Tetsuya Nomura]], another Square Enix character designer. Yoshida felt this comparison was sparked by the choice of color used by both artists, which was based on maintaining consistent color between the characters and the environments.<ref name="Q&A1"/> Non-human characters and races play a prominent role in the game,<ref name="AkiInterview"/> which was influenced by an interest in history among the developers.<ref name="Q&A"/>

Miwa Shoda wrote a storyline for the game premised on the basis of the cutscenes and world setting that had already been finished when she joined the team. Scenario writer [[Daisuke Watanabe]] in turn fleshed out Shoda's plot into a script.<ref>{{cite tweet |author= Miwa, Shoda |user= shodamiwa |number= 347778814383894528 |date= June 20, 2013 |title=「FFXII」のチーム |access-date= July 8, 2013}}</ref> During the English localization process, [[Alexander O. Smith]], who had previously worked on ''[[Vagrant Story]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'', acted as producer and translator.<ref>{{cite web|author=Loor, Jeffrey |date=November 1, 2006 |title=The latest installment.. |publisher=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2006/11/ff12.ars |access-date=March 6, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411091041/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2006/11/ff12.ars |archive-date=April 11, 2009}}</ref> While still preserving the meaning behind the Japanese script, Smith made the decision to use different [[list of dialects of the English language|dialects of English]] to reproduce the [[Japanese dialects|regional differences]] in pronunciation found in the Japanese version.<ref name="British">{{cite web|author=Shoemaker, Brad |date=May 11, 2006 |title=E3 06: Final Fantasy XII English Version Update |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6150657 |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061027110148/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6150657 |archive-date=October 27, 2006}}</ref><ref name="smithinterview">Interview with Alexander O. Smith {{cite video | date=2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition Bonus DVD | medium=DVD | publisher=Square Enix | location=Tokyo}}</ref> He also tried to distance the game from the "flat reads" found in other dubbed work by casting voice actors who had experience in theatre work.<ref name="smithinterview"/> In terms of general changes, the localization team introduced [[widescreen]] 16:9 ratio support and reinserted scenes that were left out of the original Japanese version for political reasons and to preserve an "All Ages" [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]] rating.<ref>{{cite web|author=Alfonso, Andrew |date=September 23, 2006 |title=TGS 2006: Final Fantasy XII Dev Team Interview |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/734/734868p1.html |access-date=November 4, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061102112826/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/734/734868p1.html |archive-date=November 2, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/gdc-2007-square-enix-approach-localization |title=GDC 2007: The Square-Enix Approach to Localization |access-date=March 2, 2011 |author=Parish, Jeremy |date=March 11, 2007 |publisher=[[1up.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716185336/http://www.1up.com/news/gdc-2007-square-enix-approach-localization |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

A [[game demo|playable demo]] of the game was shipped with the North American release of ''[[Dragon Quest VIII]]'' in November 2005.<ref name="DQ">{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=December 18, 2005 |title=Hands On: Final Fantasy XII |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/677/677339p1.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229202026/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/677/677339p1.html |archive-date=December 29, 2006}}</ref> To commemorate the release of ''Final Fantasy XII'', playable demos of the English version were available at DigitalLife's Gaming Pavilion in [[New York City]] on October 11, 2006, a day dubbed "''Final Fantasy XII'' Gamer's Day".<ref>{{cite web|author=Cordeira, Jim |date=September 13, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XII kicks off at DigitalLife |publisher=Gaming Age |url=http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2006/9/13-21 |access-date=September 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822061525/http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2006/9/13-21 |archive-date=August 22, 2007}}</ref> Additionally, Square Enix gave fans the chance to [[cosplay]] as characters from ''XII''. Each person was asked to show Square Enix three photos of his or her costume for a chance to win a trip to New York and participate in the ''Final Fantasy XII'' Gamer's Day event.<ref name="cosplay">{{cite web | date=September 14, 2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Cosplay Contest 2006 | publisher=[[Square Enix]] | url=http://www.square-enix.com/na/news/2006/ff12-contest/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315231526/http://www.square-enix.com/na/news/2006/ff12-contest/ | archive-date=March 15, 2007 | access-date=September 14, 2006}}</ref>

''Final Fantasy XII'' once held the [[Guinness World Record]] for longest development period in a [[video game]] production, with a total of five years, spanning from 2001 until its release in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | author=Parsons, Doug | date=December 22, 2008 | title=Record Breaking Final Fantasy Series | url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/300708_ffiv.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602083919/http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/300708_ffiv.aspx | archive-date=June 2, 2009 | publisher=[[Guinness World Records]] | access-date=June 30, 2008}}</ref> At a ''Final Fantasy XII'' "postmortem" at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]] in March 2009, Hiroshi Minagawa mentioned that several years of production were devoted to the creation of custom tools used for the development of the game.<ref>{{cite web |author=Zero |title=Rabanastre rendered in Unreal 3 |date=March 31, 2009 |url=http://www.messageboardchampion.com/?p=407 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714074641/http://www.messageboardchampion.com/2009/03/31/rabanastre-rendered-in-unreal-3/ |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |publisher=Message Board Champion |access-date=March 18, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was also listed as 8th on the Guinness top 50 games of all time in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gibson |first=Ellie |title=Guinness lists top 50 games of all time |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/guinness-lists-top-50-games-of-all-time |work=Eurogamer |access-date=March 7, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225134641/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/guinness-lists-top-50-games-of-all-time |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |date=February 27, 2009}}</ref>

===Music===
{{main|Music of Final Fantasy XII}}
[[Hitoshi Sakimoto]] composed and arranged most of the game's soundtrack, with [[Hayato Matsuo]] and [[Masaharu Iwata]] creating seven and two tracks respectively. [[Nobuo Uematsu]], following his departure from Square Enix in 2004, only contributed the ending song, "[[Kiss Me Good-Bye (Angela Aki song)|Kiss Me Good-Bye]]".<ref name="nobuoleaves">{{cite web | author=Niizumi, Hirohiko | date=November 1, 2004 | title=Nobuo Uematsu leaving Square Enix | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/11/01/news_6111914.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041104022428/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/11/01/news_6111914.html | archive-date=November 4, 2004 | access-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> Sakimoto experienced difficulty following in Uematsu's footsteps, but he decided to create a unique soundtrack in his own way.<ref name="sakimoto">Interview with Hitoshi Sakimoto {{cite video | date=2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition Bonus DVD | medium=DVD | publisher=Square Enix | location=Tokyo}}</ref><ref name="ignsaki">{{cite web |author=IGN Music |date=October 24, 2006 |title=Twelve Days of Final Fantasy XII: Hitoshi Sakimoto Interview Part I |publisher=IGN |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/741/741502p1.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212203627/http://music.ign.com/articles/741/741502p1.html |archive-date=February 12, 2007}}</ref> "Kiss Me Good-Bye" was performed in both English and Japanese by [[Angela Aki]].<ref name="Aki">{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=July 30, 2005 |title=Square Enix 2005: FFXII Songstress Revealed |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/637/637986p1.html |access-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060824015935/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/637/637986p1.html |archive-date=August 24, 2006}}</ref> Aki's style of playing the keyboard while singing reminded Uematsu of his childhood idol, [[Elton John]], which was one of the reasons he chose her.<ref name="elton">{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=March 16, 2006 |title=FFXII Jacks Shibuya |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/696/696511p1.html |access-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060824191403/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/696/696511p1.html |archive-date=August 24, 2006}}</ref> The English version of the song was featured in both the Japanese and North American versions of the game. In addition to the theme song, violinist [[Taro Hakase]] co-composed, arranged, and performed the game's ending credits theme, ''Symphonic Poem "Hope"'', along with Yuji Toriyama.<ref name="taro">{{cite web|author=Niizumi, Hirohiko |date=December 1, 2005 |title=Japanese Final Fantasy XII gets premium price |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6140662 |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107094631/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6140662 |archive-date=January 7, 2007}}</ref>

Two promotional soundtracks were released before the original soundtrack, ''Symphonic Poem "Hope"'' and ''The Best of the Final Fantasy XII Soundtrack'', on March 1 and 15, 2006, respectively. The former contains all the music used in the game's trailer performed by Taro Hakase, including ''Symphonic Poem "Hope"''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gann, Patrick |title=Symphonic Poem "Hope" |date=May 1, 2006 |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff12-hope/index.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312153201/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff12-hope/index.html |archive-date=March 12, 2007}}</ref> The original soundtrack itself was released two months later in Japan on May 31.<ref name="ost">{{cite web|author=Schweitzer, Ben |date=June 17, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XII OST |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff12/index.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070307114637/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff12/index.html |archive-date=March 7, 2007}}</ref> It consists of 4 CDs with 100 tracks, and includes promotional tracks not in the final version of the game.<ref name="ostIGN">{{cite web |author=Sullivan, Meghan |date=August 2, 2006 |title=Hitoshi Sakimoto - Final Fantasy XII Original Soundtrack: Limited Edition |publisher=IGN |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/722/722920p1.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205230215/http://music.ign.com/articles/722/722920p1.html |archive-date=February 5, 2007}}</ref> The CD single for "Kiss Me Good-Bye" was released on the March 15, 2006.<ref name="kiss">{{cite web|author=Gann, Patrick |date=May 1, 2006 |title=Angela Aki - Kiss Me Good-Bye |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff12-kiss/index.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515045924/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ff12-kiss/index.html |archive-date=May 15, 2007}}</ref> A limited edition was also released, featuring a DVD containing the music video for "Kiss Me Good-Bye".<ref name="kiss"/> [[Tofu Records]] has released an abridged version of the original soundtrack, which contains 31 songs, including "Kiss Me Good-Bye".<ref name="tofu">{{cite web |author=Carle, Chris |date=October 20, 2006 |title=Twelve Days of Final Fantasy XII: Tofu Records Visit |publisher=IGN |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/740/740816p1.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205230238/http://music.ign.com/articles/740/740816p1.html |archive-date=February 5, 2007}}</ref>

==Merchandise==
[[File:Final Fantasy XII Potions.jpg|thumb|Bottles of ''Final Fantasy XII'' Potions]]

On March 16, 2006, [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment Japan]] released a special ''Final Fantasy XII'' package, which contained a [[PlayStation 2]] game system, the ''Final Fantasy XII'' game, a standard [[DualShock]] controller, and a vertical console stand.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=January 6, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XII PS2 Coming |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/679/679404p1.html |access-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060824165941/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/679/679404p1.html |archive-date=August 24, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SCEJ、特殊デザインのPS2本体と「FF XII」のセット 「"PlayStation 2"FINAL FANTASY XII Pack」を発売 |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060106/ps2.htm |access-date=February 4, 2012 |language=ja |date=January 6, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101015914/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060106/ps2.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2012}}</ref> The Japanese third-party manufacturer Hori also released ''Final Fantasy XII'' [[memory card]]s on the day of the game's release; stickers of ''Final Fantasy XII'' characters are included.<ref>{{cite web|author=Winkler, Chris |date=February 17, 2006 |title=FFXII Memory Card Announced |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1095.html |access-date=March 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510153122/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1095.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007}}</ref> Game peripheral maker [[Logitech#Logitech product lines|Logicool]] ([[Logitech]]'s Japanese branch) released a special edition ''Final Fantasy XII'' controller on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|author=Winkler, Chris |date=January 15, 2006 |title=FFXII PS2 Controller Announced in Japan |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1025.html |access-date=March 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510112317/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1025.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007}}</ref> [[Suntory]] produced "Final Fantasy XII Potion"—a drink containing such ingredients as [[royal jelly]], chamomile, sage, thyme, and marjoram. The drinks became commercially available in Japan on March 7. Suntory also released a ''Final Fantasy XII'' Premium Box, which came with a ''Final Fantasy XII'' collector's card. The Potion was a limited edition product and is no longer available.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=January 19, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XII Drink Dated |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/682/682201p1.html |access-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825134225/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/682/682201p1.html |archive-date=August 25, 2006}}</ref> ''Final Fantasy XII'' was also adapted into a [[manga]] by {{ill|Amou Gin|jp|天羽銀}}. Square Enix published the series in a total of five ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes from December 22, 2006, to August 22, 2009.<ref>{{cite book | script-title=ja:ファイナルファンタジー12 1 | isbn=978-4757518308 | language=ja | title=Final fantasy 12 | author1=銀·天羽 | year=2007| publisher=スクウェア・エニックス }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | script-title=ja:ファイナルファンタジー12 5 | isbn=978-4757526501 | language=ja | title=Final fantasy 12 | year=2009| publisher=スクウェア・エニックス }}</ref>

Studio BentStuff published three [[Ultimania]] books in 2006: ''Final Fantasy XII Battle Ultimania'' and the ''Final Fantasy XII Scenario Ultimania'' on June 16, and ''Final Fantasy XII Ultimania Ω'' on November 24. The ''Battle Ultimania'' provides a description and analysis of the new [[#Battle system|battle system]] and its components, and developer interviews.<ref name="Bentstuff">{{cite web|author=Studio BentStuff |date=April 21, 2006 |title=「ファイナルファンタジーXII シナリオアルティマニア」「ファイナルファンタジーXII バトルアルティマニア」は 合計1100ページ超の大ボリューム！|publisher=Studio BentStuff |url=http://www.bent.co.jp/main/news/20060421.htm |access-date=March 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407153053/http://www.bent.co.jp/main/news/20060421.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2007}}</ref> The ''Scenario Ultimania'' describes the main scenarios in the game, profiles on the characters and areas in Ivalice, developer interviews, and details on each location.<ref name="Bentstuff"/> The last guide, the ''Ultimania Ω'', includes [[voice actor]] interviews, the complete story of ''Final Fantasy XII'' including additional character profiles, a collection of artworks and illustrations, the complete play guide,<ref>{{cite web|author=Studio BentStuff |date=October 31, 2006 |title=「ファイナルファンタジーXII アルティマニアΩ」続報 表紙は吉田明彦氏の描き下ろし！本の内容も超充実！ |publisher=Studio BentStuff |url=http://www.bent.co.jp/main/news/20061031.htm |access-date=March 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204075325/http://www.bent.co.jp/main/news/20061031.htm |archive-date=February 4, 2007}}</ref> and a novella written by Benny Matsuyama, author of ''[[List of Final Fantasy media#Novels and manga|Hoshi wo Meguru Otome]]'' from the ''Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω Guide''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Team Animefringe |date=December 1, 2005 |title=The Legacy of Final Fantasy VII |publisher=animefringe.com |url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-4.php |access-date=March 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006211148/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-4.php |archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> Another Ultimania edition, the ''Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System Ultimania'', was released on September 6, 2007, as a guide book for the International Zodiac version of the game.<ref>{{cite web|author=Studio BentStuff |date=August 6, 2007 |title=「ファイナルファンタジーXII インターナショナル ゾディアックジョブシステム アルティマニア」表紙公開 |publisher=Studio BentStuff |url=http://www.bent.co.jp/main/news/20070806.htm |access-date=August 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824171121/http://www.bent.co.jp/main/news/20070806.htm |archive-date=August 24, 2007}}</ref> The game was re-released as part of the ''Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box'' Japanese package in December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con2j5/ff_ultimate_box_game_list/ |title=Full Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box Game List |publisher=Andriasang |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=August 31, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019130607/http://andriasang.com/con2j5/ff_ultimate_box_game_list/ |archive-date=October 19, 2012}}</ref>

For the North American release, a "Collector's Edition" was available through [[GameStop]] and [[EB Games]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Sinclair, Brendan |date=October 31, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XII lands at retail |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6160785 |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929132940/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news.html?sid=6160785 |archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> This edition includes the original game packaged in a metallic case along with a special bonus disc, which contains ''Final Fantasy XII'' developer interviews, an art gallery, U.S. and Japanese [[trailer (film)|trailers]], and a [[featurette]], "History of ''Final Fantasy''", which gives a brief overview of ''Final Fantasy'' games.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hatfield, Daemon |date=October 31, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy Ships for the XIIth Time |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/742/742843p1.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124114429/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/742/742843p1.html |archive-date=January 24, 2007}}</ref> On January 26, 2007, Square Enix Product Blog revealed full-color Gabranth, Ashe, Balthier, and Vaan [[action figure|figures]].<ref name="actionfigures">{{cite web | date=January 26, 2007 | title=Final Fantasy XII Play Arts | url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/se-shop/blog/200701.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801120615/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/se-shop/blog/200701.html | archive-date=August 1, 2008 | language=ja | publisher=[[Square Enix]] | access-date=March 28, 2007}}</ref>

In 2007, Balthier was featured in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions]]'' as a playable character.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Mikel |last=Reparaz |date=2007-09-21|title=FFXII's Balthier raids Final Fantasy Tactics!|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/ffxiis-balthier-raids-final-fantasy-tactics/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=gamesradar|language=en|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910192300/https://www.gamesradar.com/ffxiis-balthier-raids-final-fantasy-tactics/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PS2: 92/100<ref name="metaPS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-xii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Final Fantasy XII for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 7, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229012234/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/final-fantasy-xii |archive-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref><br />PS4: 86/100<ref name="metaPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626152658/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PC: 83/100<ref name="metaPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707013017/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />NS: 85/100<ref name="metaNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612045725/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age |archive-date=June 12, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />XONE: 80/100<ref name="metaXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621015206/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Allgame = 5/5<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44429&tab=review | title = Final Fantasy XII - Review | author = Gray, William | publisher = [[AllGame]] | access-date = March 21, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210234657/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44429&tab=review | archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref>
| Edge = 9/10<ref>{{cite journal|title=Review: Final Fantasy XII (page 74) |journal=[[Edge Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=December 2006}}</ref>
| EuroG = 10/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_finalfantasyxii_ps2 |title=Final Fantasy XII |first=Rob |last=Fahey |date=October 31, 2006 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=December 7, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218125237/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_finalfantasyxii_ps2 |archive-date=December 18, 2008}}</ref>
| Fam = 40/40<ref name="famitsu"/>
| GT = 8.0/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-final-fantasy/14568 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602145301/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-final-fantasy/14568 | archive-date=June 2, 2009 | title=Review: Final Fantasy XII | date=October 30, 2006 | publisher =[[GameTrailers]] | access-date=March 20, 2006}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.0/10<ref name="Gamespotreview"/>
| 1UP = A<ref name="1up-rev">{{cite web|first=Andrew |last=Pfister |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/final-fantasy-xii_4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523203646/http://www.1up.com/reviews/final-fantasy-xii_4 |title=Final Fantasy XII (PS2, XBOX 360) |date=October 27, 2006|access-date=February 9, 2009|publisher=[[1UP.com]] |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM = 9.0/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Final Fantasy XII |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=EGM Media |date=November 2006 |page=126}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Juba |first=Joe |date=October 30, 2006 |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200612/R06.1027.1216.33677.htm |title=Game Informer review |publisher=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621155404/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200612/R06.1027.1216.33677.htm |archive-date=June 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 9, 2009}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="IGNreview">{{cite web|first=Jeremy |last=Dunham |date=October 27, 2006 |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/741/741991p1.html |title=Final Fantasy XII review |publisher=IGN |access-date=March 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228175025/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/741/741991p1.html |archive-date=February 28, 2007}}</ref>
| OPMUK = 10/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Review: Final Fantasy XII |issue=112 |page=68 |magazine=[[PlayStation Official Magazine (UK)]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=January 2007}}</ref>
<!-- Awards -->
| award1Pub = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge Awards]] 2006
| award1 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Best Game]]<ref name="edge_awards"/>
| award2Pub = [[Famitsu|Famitsu Awards]] 2006
| award2 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year Award]]<ref name="famitsu_awards"/>
| award3Pub = [[Japan Game Awards]] 2006
| award3 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Grand Award]],<ref name="japan_awards"/><br />Award for Excellence
| award4Pub = [[GameSpot|GameSpot Awards]] 2006
| award4 = Best PS2 Game<ref name="gamespot_awards"/>
| award5Pub = [[IGN|IGN Awards]] 2006
| award5 = Best PS2 Game<ref name="ign_awards"/>
}}

''Final Fantasy XII'' received "universal acclaim" according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metaPS2"/> It was the sixth game to receive a perfect score from the Japanese gaming magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''. It is also the second Yasumi Matsuno game to garner a perfect score, the first being ''[[Vagrant Story]]''. The game was praised for its graphics, scenarios, game system, and the freshness it brought to the ''Final Fantasy'' series.<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Lumb |date=March 8, 2006 |title=FF XII Scores Perfect In Famitsu |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |url=http://1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3148658 |access-date=August 13, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060314115330/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3148658 |archive-date=March 14, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was praised for its seamless transitions between full motion video segments and the in-game engine,<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web |first=Luke |last=Albiges |date=April 18, 2006 |title=Final Fantasy XII review |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_ffxii_ps2 |access-date=August 14, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125070702/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_ffxii_ps2 |archive-date=January 25, 2009}}</ref> and was voted number one for Best Art Style on ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s weekly Top Ten.<ref>{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |date=July 18, 2006 |title=Top 10 Tuesday: Best Art in Videogames |publisher=IGN |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/719/719602p1.html |access-date=August 14, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060811185530/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/719/719602p1.html |archive-date=August 11, 2006}}</ref> ''[[Newtype USA]]'' named ''Final Fantasy XII'' its "Game of the Month" for November 2006, praised the gameplay, graphics, and story, and called it "the best RPG to have been released for any Sony platform".<ref>{{cite web | first=Patrick | last=Joynt | date=November 1, 2006 | title=Newtype USA / Reviews / Final Fantasy XII | publisher=[[Newtype]] | url=http://www.newtype-usa.com/reviews/index.php?itemid=342 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521200034/http://www.newtype-usa.com/reviews/index.php?itemid=342 | archive-date=May 21, 2007 | url-status=usurped | access-date=January 17, 2007}}</ref>

Although ''[[GameSpot]]'' lauded the gambit and license systems as an innovative and in-depth way for the player to control the characters, it criticized them for being too complicated and difficult to adjust to, especially for newer players of the series. The reviewer also criticized the sometimes tedious back and forth travel. On the other hand, GameSpot took particular note of the "excellent" voice cast.<ref name="Gamespotreview">{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Kasavin |date=October 31, 2006 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/review.html |title=Final Fantasy XII for PlayStation 2 Review |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=March 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302213109/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/review.html |archive-date=March 2, 2007}}</ref> ''IGN'' praised the game's rich storyline and artistic direction, shown through its "sheer depth of character". It also assuaged criticism that the gambit system would "let the game play itself", countering that gambits do not function without a player. However, ''IGN'' wrote that while "still extremely strong", ''Final Fantasy XII'' has one of the series' weaker soundtracks.<ref name="IGNreview" />

Executive producer [[Akitoshi Kawazu]] was pleased by ''Famitsu''{{'s}} rating but admitted that he thought the game was not perfect; he felt that the storyline did not meet some fans' expectations.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Wales |date=October 26, 2006 |title=Square Talks Firsts for Final Fantasy XII |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/742/742013p1.html |publisher=IGN |access-date=June 28, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124114407/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/742/742013p1.html |archive-date=January 24, 2007}}</ref> Kawazu expressed his frustration and regrets regarding the storyline, citing creative differences between the [[PlayOnline]] and ''Final Fantasy Tactics'' members of the development team.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nicolas |last=Verlet |date=October 24, 2006 |title=Interview: Akitoshi Kawazu (FF XII) |url=http://www.gamekult.com/articles/A0000052257/ |publisher=Gamekult.com |access-date=July 17, 2007 |language=fr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715010333/http://www.gamekult.com/articles/A0000052257/ |archive-date=July 15, 2007}}</ref>

''Final Fantasy XII'' was named best PlayStation 2 game and best RPG by numerous video game journals and websites, including ''GameSpot'', ''[[GameSpy]]'' and ''[[IGN]]''.<ref name="gamespot_awards">{{cite web | year=2006 | title=GameSpot's Best Games and Worst Games of 2006 | url=http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/platform/index.html?page=6 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115220304/http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/platform/index.html?page=6 | archive-date=January 15, 2007 | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=March 9, 2007}}</ref><ref name="ign_awards">{{cite web | author=IGN Staff | year=2006 | title=IGN.com presents the Best of 2006 | url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/39.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110083510/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/39.html | archive-date=January 10, 2007 | publisher=IGN | url-status=dead | access-date=March 9, 2007}}</ref><ref name="gamespy_awards">{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/ps2/index14.html |title=GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=March 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107115207/http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/ps2/index14.html |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ign_awards1">{{cite web | author=IGN Staff | year=2006 | title=IGN.com presents the Best of 2006 | url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/14.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000012/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/14.html | archive-date=January 10, 2007 | publisher=IGN | url-status=dead | access-date=March 9, 2007}}</ref> Both ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' and ''[[Famitsu]]'' awarded it [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] 2006.<ref name="edge_awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2006/12/final_fantasy_x.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126114821/http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2006/12/final_fantasy_x.php |archive-date=January 26, 2007 |title=Final Fantasy XII is Edge's game of the year |date=December 19, 2006 |publisher=Edge Online |access-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref><ref name="famitsu_awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/04/20/103,1177037473,70570,0,0.html |publisher=[[Famitsu.com]] |script-title=ja:速報！ファミ通ゲームアワード2006開催！各受賞タイトルを一挙発表！|date=April 20, 2007 |access-date=March 20, 2010 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609104517/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/04/20/103%2C1177037473%2C70570%2C0%2C0.html |archive-date=June 9, 2009}}</ref> The [[Japan Game Awards]] 2006 honored ''Final Fantasy XII'' with their "Grand Award" and "Award for Excellence" and the [[PlayStation]] Awards 2006 bestowed the "Double Platinum Prize".<ref name="japan_awards">{{cite web|url=http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2006/english/prizelist/2005-2006/index.html |publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) |title=Awarded Games: Final Fantasy XII |access-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519154206/http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2006/english/prizelist/2005-2006/index.html |archive-date=May 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060726/psa.htm |language=ja |publisher=GAME Watch |title=SCEJ、「PlayStation Awards 2006」受賞タイトルを発表PS2「ファイナルファンタジーXII」がダブルプラチナプライズ |date=July 26, 2006 |access-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703172418/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060726/psa.htm |archive-date=July 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/info/release/nr_20060725_awards.html |language=ja |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.]] |title=「PlayStation Awards 2006」受賞タイトルについて |date=July 25, 2006 |access-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909234507/http://www.jp.playstation.com/info/release/nr_20060725_awards.html |archive-date=September 9, 2009}}</ref> It was selected for the list "Top 100 New Japanese Styles", a list of "products and services originating in Japan to serve as a mark of excellence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207221933/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e/history/ |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |publisher=SQUARE ENIX |title=Corporate History |access-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 19, 2006 |url=https://www.tepia-infocompass.jp/japanesque-modern/english/profile/concept.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722125627/https://www.tepia-infocompass.jp/japanesque-modern/english/profile/concept.html |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |publisher=Japanesque Modern Committee |title= Raison d'etre |access-date=May 18, 2013}}</ref> ''Final Fantasy XII'' also received nominations in such categories as best RPG, story, art direction, character design and original musical score at the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|AIAS]]' [[10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|Interactive Achievement Awards]], [[Game Developers Choice Awards]], [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts|BAFTA]] [[British Academy Video Games Awards|Video Games Awards]], [[Spike Video Game Awards]], and the [[11th Satellite Awards|Satellite Awards]].<ref name="aoiaas">{{cite web|url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=840 |title=The 10th Annual Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Awards |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022050516/http://www.interactive.org/awards/2007_10th_awards.asp |archive-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_7th.html |publisher=Game Developers Choice Awards |title=7th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards |access-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023162904/http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_7th.html |archive-date=October 23, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/video-games/nominations/?year=2007 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |title=Games Nominations 2007 |access-date=March 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131020923/http://www.bafta.org/awards/video-games/nominations/?year=2007 <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=January 31, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Tim | last=Surette | date=December 9, 2006 | title=Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/oblivion-nabs-spike-tv-top-honors-6162929 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020114025/http://www.gamespot.com/news/oblivion-nabs-spike-tv-top-honors-6162929 | archive-date=October 20, 2012 | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=May 18, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/awards2006.shtml |publisher=[[International Press Academy]] |title=Nominees and Winners: 2006 11th Annual SATELLITE™ Awards |access-date=March 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107095753/http://pressacademy.com/satawards/awards2006.shtml <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref>

===Sales===
''Final Fantasy XII'' sold more than 1,764,000 copies in its first week in Japan, almost equaling the sales of ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=March 24, 2006 |title=Japanese Sales Charts, Week Ending March 19 |publisher=[[Media Create]] |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/japanese-sales-charts-week-ending-march-19 |access-date=August 14, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805164730/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8671 |archive-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref> A Square Enix conference report stated that ''Final Fantasy XII'' sold more than 2.38 million copies in Japan in the two weeks since its March 16, 2006, release.<ref>{{cite web|date=May 24, 2006 |title=Square Enix Conference Report |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1287.html |access-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908020431/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1287.html |archive-date=September 8, 2006}}</ref> In North America, ''Final Fantasy XII'' shipped approximately 1.5 million copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 6, 2006 |title=Square Enix Announces Record Shipment With Final Fantasy XII |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |url=http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/1106_1/ |access-date=November 7, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811181421/http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/1106_1/ |archive-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> It was the fourth best-selling PlayStation 2 game of 2006 worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=IGN |year=2006 |title=PS2 2006 Year in Review |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/749/749553p2.html |access-date=March 6, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525015939/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/749/749553p2.html |archive-date=May 25, 2011}}</ref> As of March 2007, the game had shipped over 5.2 million copies worldwide.<ref name="sqex07profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/common/images/sqex_07profile_e.pdf#page=6 |date=October 2007 |access-date=April 28, 2008 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |format=PDF |title=2007 profile |page=6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325013130/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/common/images/sqex_07profile_e.pdf |archive-date=March 25, 2009}}</ref> By November 2009, over 6 million copies of the game were sold worldwide on PlayStation 2.<ref name=FF12_sales>{{cite web|title=「ハリウッド映画に負けていますか？」 スクウェア・エニックスプロデューサー |url=http://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/print/54 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |date=November 25, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505005802/http://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/print/54 |archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> As of October 2017, the PlayStation 4 remaster shipped over one million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://gematsu.com/2017/10/final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-shipments-digital-sales-top-one-million| title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age shipments and digital sales top one million| date=October 26, 2017| access-date=December 12, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124050612/https://gematsu.com/2017/10/final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-shipments-digital-sales-top-one-million| archive-date=January 24, 2019| url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sequels and re-releases==
=== ''International Zodiac Job System'' ===
An expanded version of the game, ''Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System'', was released in Japan on August 10, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2007/0514_3/ |title=Square Enix Party Press Conference Announcement |date=May 14, 2007 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |access-date=July 14, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517090253/http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2007/0514_3/ |archive-date=May 17, 2007}}</ref> It includes twelve license boards (instead of the original game's one), each corresponding to a different [[Astrological sign|Zodiac sign]] and [[Final Fantasy character classes|job]]. The player can control guest characters and summons, and hold L1 to double the game's running speed. There is also a "[[New Game+]]" option, a "New Game- (minus)" option (in which characters do not gain experience), and a "Trial Mode" in which the player hunts monsters in 100 different maps to gain items and money. The game also includes the western version's English voices and [[widescreen]] 16:9 support, and a bonus DVD.<ref name="international">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2007/050907a.html |title=Final Fantasy IV Remake, XII International Announced |date=May 9, 2007 |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=May 9, 2007 |author=Boulette, Bryan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030332/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q2-2007/050907a.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-xii-international-zodiac-job-system-hands-on/1100-6170691/ |title=Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System |date=May 3, 2007 |publisher=GameSpot |author=Hirohiko Niizumi |access-date=May 29, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909025356/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-xii-international-zodiac-job-system-hands-on/1100-6170691/ |archive-date=September 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/10/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-xii-international-zodiac-job-system |title=Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy XII: International Zodiac Job System |last=Allen |first=Jason |website=IGN |date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820082348/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/10/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-xii-international-zodiac-job-system |archive-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref>

=== ''Revenant Wings'' ===
A sequel'', [[Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings]]'', was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in 2007. It takes place one year after the events of ''Final Fantasy XII'' and follows the adventures of Vaan.<ref>{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |date=September 21, 2006 |title=TGS 2006: Final Fantasy XII Update |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/733/733945p1.html |publisher=IGN |access-date=September 21, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061007025028/http://ds.ign.com/articles/733/733945p1.html |archive-date=October 7, 2006}}</ref> The game is one of four in the ''[[Ivalice Alliance]]'' series, which also includes ''International Zodiac Job System''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Winkler, Chris |date=December 13, 2006 |title=Square Enix announces FF Tactics for the PSP and Another New FFT Game |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1595.html |access-date=January 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223195249/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1595.html |archive-date=February 23, 2012}}</ref>

=== ''Fortress'' ===
''[[Fortress (Grin)|Fortress]]'', an action game developed by [[Grin (company)|Grin]], was to have been a spin-off game that took place following the events of ''Revenant Wings''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Andy |last=Robinson |title=Final Fantasy XII spin-off leaked |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=231811 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728213717/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=231811 |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |publisher=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=January 18, 2010 |access-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Albihn">{{cite web|first=Björn |last=Albihn |title=Björn Albihn - Character Artist |url=http://www.albihn.net/ |date=September 7, 2009 |access-date=September 22, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923050453/http://www.albihn.net/ |archive-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> Square Enix cancelled the project after six months of development.<ref name="1UPFORT">{{cite web | first=Quillen | last=Dustin | title=GRIN Was Working on an Unannounced Final Fantasy Project | url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175684 | publisher=[[1UP.com]] | date=August 20, 2009 | access-date=September 22, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108213852/http://www.1up.com/news/grin-working-unannounced-final-fantasy | archive-date=November 8, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GIFORT">{{cite web|title=GRIN's Final Fantasy spin-off still in development |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/grins-final-fantasy-spin-off-still-in-development |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |date=September 21, 2009 |access-date=September 22, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105070922/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/grins-final-fantasy-spin-off-still-in-development |archive-date=January 5, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/final_fantasy_xii_spin-off_fortress_suspended.html |title=Final Fantasy XII spin-off Fortress 'suspended' |publisher=VideoGamer |access-date=July 4, 2011 |date=June 9, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120183824/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/final_fantasy_132/news/final_fantasy_xii_spin-off_fortress_suspended.html |archive-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref>

=== ''The Zodiac Age'' ===
In July 2017, Square Enix released ''Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age'', a [[High-definition remasters for PlayStation consoles|high-definition remaster]] of the Japanese-only ''International Zodiac Job System'' for the [[PlayStation 4]].<ref name="The Zodiac Age">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/06/e3-2016-final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age-announced |title=E3 2016: Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age Announced |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=June 6, 2016 |website=IGN |access-date=June 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609074725/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/06/e3-2016-final-fantasy-xii-the-zodiac-age-announced |archive-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/01/31/final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-releasing-july-11-west-july-13-japan/ |title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age Releasing On July 11 In The West, July 13 In Japan |author=Sato |date=January 31, 2017 |website=Siliconera |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131140323/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/01/31/final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-releasing-july-11-west-july-13-japan/ |archive-date=January 31, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> It adds [[PlayStation Network#Trophies|trophy support]], a remastered soundtrack with a few new tracks, and improved technical performance.<ref name="The Zodiac Age"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Revisit Ivalice In Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age Original Soundtrack Trailer |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/04/13/revisit-ivalice-final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-original-soundtrack-trailer/ |author=Sato |date=April 13, 2017 |website=Siliconera |access-date=May 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425003611/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/04/13/revisit-ivalice-final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-original-soundtrack-trailer/ |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/11/15949410/final-fantasy-12-the-zodiac-age-review-ps4 |title=Final Fantasy XII deserves its second chance |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=July 11, 2017 |website=The Verge |access-date=July 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716060148/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/11/15949410/final-fantasy-12-the-zodiac-age-review-ps4 |archive-date=July 16, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Zodiac Age'' was nominated for "Best Remake/Remaster" at ''[[IGN]]'''s Best of 2017 Awards,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Remake/Remaster |date=December 20, 2017 |website=IGN |access-date=January 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108143541/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and won "Best Remaster" at ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s Best of 2017 Awards and 2017 RPG of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/game-informers-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=4 |title=Game Informer's Best Of 2017 Awards (Page 4) |author=Game Informer staff |date=January 4, 2018 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=January 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180302/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/game-informers-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=4 |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/07/the-2017-rpg-of-the-year-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |title=The 2017 RPG Of The Year Awards (Page 2) |last=Wallace |first=Kimberley |date=January 7, 2018 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=January 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180107231725/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/07/the-2017-rpg-of-the-year-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |archive-date=January 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The remaster also received favorable reviews.<ref name="metaPS4"/><ref name="metaPC"/> ''The Zodiac Age'' was largely developed by [[Virtuos]], who previously developed ''[[Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster]]'' for Square Enix.<ref>{{cite web |title=Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, First of the AAA Console Titles Remastered by Virtuos Releasing in 2017, Reach and Excellent 87% on Metacritic |url=https://www.virtuosgames.com/en/news/final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-first-aaa-console-titles-remastered-virtuos-releasing-2017-reach |access-date=6 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506223425/https://www.virtuosgames.com/en/news/final-fantasy-xii-zodiac-age-first-aaa-console-titles-remastered-virtuos-releasing-2017-reach |archive-date=6 May 2020 |date=11 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A version for [[Windows]] was released via [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on February 1, 2018. The port included support for higher display resolutions and 60 [[Frame rate|frames-per-second]] rendering, options to switch between three different versions of the soundtrack, and immediate access to the post-game modes.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/01/11/final-fantasy-xii-pc-release-date-february-1/ | title = Final Fantasy XII coming to PC on February 1st | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = January 11, 2018 | access-date = January 11, 2018 | website = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180111205543/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/01/11/final-fantasy-xii-pc-release-date-february-1/ | archive-date = January 11, 2018 | url-status = live}}</ref> Versions for the [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Xbox One]] were released on April 30, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Knezevic |first1=Kevin |title=Final Fantasy X And XII Release Date Announced For Switch And Xbox One |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-x-and-xii-release-date-announced-for/1100-6464316/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110221836/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-x-and-xii-release-date-announced-for/1100-6464316/ |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Virtuos Co-developing Final Fantasy Titles Will Debut on Nintendo Switch and Xbox One in 2019 |url=https://www.virtuosgames.com/en/news/virtuos-co-developing-final-fantasy-titles-will-debut-nintendo-switch-and-xbox-one-2019 |access-date=6 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506223955/https://www.virtuosgames.com/en/news/virtuos-co-developing-final-fantasy-titles-will-debut-nintendo-switch-and-xbox-one-2019 |archive-date=6 May 2020 |date=1 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
The gambit system inspired similar systems used in other games such as ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' and ''[[Pillars of Eternity II]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Mike_Laidlaw/status/884815996640350208|title=DAO's was inspired by it for sure.|last=Game|first=Unfrightened Mike|date=July 11, 2017|website=@Mike_Laidlaw|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106171434/https://twitter.com/Mike_Laidlaw/status/884815996640350208|archive-date=November 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pillars of Eternity II's programmable AI makes combat a tactical treat|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/pillars-of-eternity-2-deadfire/pillars-of-eternity-ii-companions-custom-ai|access-date=2020-12-30|website=PCGamesN|date=February 6, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025230/https://www.pcgamesn.com/pillars-of-eternity-2-deadfire/pillars-of-eternity-ii-companions-custom-ai|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Final Fantasy XIV]]'' also used the gambit system as a base for its "Trust System", a mechanic that pairs online players with story characters controlled by [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZCIJgz9EY8 |title=The Creation of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers – Episode Six: Building the Battles |access-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524214552/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZCIJgz9EY8&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live |publisher=Square Enix|medium=video|date=April 2, 2020|via=YouTube}}</ref> The game also incorporated several regions and characters from ''Final Fantasy XII'' into its game world, alongside other games from the [[Ivalice]] universe with Yasumi Matsuno as a guest creator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Patch 4.1 Return to Ivalice: the Royal City of Rabanastre Preview|url=https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/b5dd9a40bb0e7a23a32bfa6dc7ffdd511f254075|publisher=SQUARE ENIX|website=FINAL FANTASY XIV, The Lodestone|language=en-us|access-date=2020-05-23|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219070523/https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/b5dd9a40bb0e7a23a32bfa6dc7ffdd511f254075|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael-Christopher Koji Fox, the translation director of ''Final Fantasy XIV'' indicated in an interview that the team have a lot of people who worked on ''Final Fantasy XII'' and "is one of the games they wanted to borrow heavily from because they thought it was really cool, and they really liked the imagery and lore that it had".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fan Fest 2014 Interview With Michael-Christopher Koji Fox|url=https://gamerescape.com/2014/10/22/fan-fest-2014-interview-with-michael-christopher-koji-fox/|last=Moss|first=Anthony|date=2014-10-22|website=Gamer Escape: Gaming News, Reviews, Wikis, and Podcasts|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-23|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923094226/https://gamerescape.com/2014/10/22/fan-fest-2014-interview-with-michael-christopher-koji-fox/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Astria Ascending]]'' used its job system seen in later re-releases as a source of inspiration for its gameplay system.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-05|title=Astria Ascending: Notre interview de Julien Bourgeois, Game Director et co-fondateur d'Artisan Studios|url=https://www.actugaming.net/astria-ascending-interview-agfd-442936/|access-date=2021-11-13|website=www.actugaming.net|language=fr-FR|quote=Plusieurs jeux nous ont inspiré concernant le gameplay d’Astria. Mais les sources d’inspirations principales sont Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System pour son système de job qu'on ne peut pas changer une fois le choix fait, et Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne pour son système de bonus d'action supplémentaire lorsqu'on touche une faiblesse et l'inverse lorsqu'on touche la résistance d'un ennemi.|archive-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113154934/https://www.actugaming.net/astria-ascending-interview-agfd-442936/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Diofield Chronicle]]'' used the game as one source of inspiration for its controls and player movement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daud Briggs |first=Alex |title=The DioField Chronicle Developers Talk About The Game's League of Legends Inspiration In New Interview |url=https://www.gamerbraves.com/the-diofield-chornicle-interview-with/ |website=gamerbraves |date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916024254/https://www.gamerbraves.com/the-diofield-chornicle-interview-with/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The localization of ''Final Fantasy XII'' was praised as a high point of the series and video games as a whole.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-voice-for-ivalice-the-localization-and-voice-acting-of-final-fantasy-xii|title=A Voice for Ivalice: The Localization and Voice Acting of Final Fantasy XII|last=Learned|first=John|date=October 12, 2015|website=USgamer|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021212452/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-voice-for-ivalice-the-localization-and-voice-acting-of-final-fantasy-xii|archive-date=October 21, 2019|access-date=October 16, 2019|quote=Regardless of how one feels about the stripping and rebuilding of how a game in the series plays with its almost total MMO-like openness and intricate programmable combat, the translation and voice acting are a high point for not only the series, but a significant turn for video games both then and now.}}</ref> Lead localizers Alexander O. Smith and Joseph Reeder went on to collaborate again on ''[[Tactics Ogre: Wheel of Fortune]]'', the remake of a [[Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together|previous Yasumi Matsuno game]], with its localization also receiving high praise.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/218219/tactics-ogre-let-us-cling-together/|title=Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Review|magazine=GamePro|last=Kemps|first=Heidi|date=February 15, 2011|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110218164119/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/218219/tactics-ogre-let-us-cling-together/|archive-date=February 18, 2011|quote=The superb localization, headed by famed translator Alexander O. Smith and his team at Kajiya Productions, gives the story a lasting impact that will stay with the player for quite some time.|url-status=dead}}</ref> Producers of ''The Zodiac Age'' said that they were considering another game set in the Ivalice universe, adding that earlier projects faded away due to original development members working on other games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-final-fantasy-xii-team-will-consider-another-ivalice-game-with-the-right-feedback|title=The Final Fantasy XII Team Will Consider Another Ivalice Game With the Right Feedback|last=Bailey|first=Kat|date=June 15, 2017|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016225304/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-final-fantasy-xii-team-will-consider-another-ivalice-game-with-the-right-feedback|archive-date=October 16, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |editor=BradyGames |title=Final Fantasy XII Official Strategy Guide |year=2006 |publisher=DKPublishing |isbn=0-7440-0837-9}}
* {{cite book |title=Final Fantasy XII instruction manual |location=North America |year=2006|publisher=Square Enix |ref={{SfnRef|Instruction manual|2006}} }}
* {{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Studio BentStuff |location=Japan | title=Final Fantasy XII Scenario Ultimania | publisher=Square Enix | language=ja | isbn=4-7575-1696-7 |ref= {{SfnRef|Scenario Ultimania |2006}} }}
* {{Cite book | title=Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive | publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] | year=2019 | isbn=978-15-0670-801-0 | volume=3 | location=Milwaukie}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.finalfantasyxii.com/}}

{{Ivalice}}
{{Final Fantasy series}}
{{JGA GOTY}}
{{Authority control}}

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