Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Overview

Released for the Nintendo DS on November 20, 2007, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings stands as a unique entry in the legendary franchise, blending role-playing elements with real-time strategy mechanics. With a Metacritic score of 81.00, this title offers a distinct tactical experience that pushes the handheld's capabilities. Set one year after the events of the PlayStation 2 classic, the game follows Vaan and Penelo as they navigate new skies, facing threats to the floating continent of Lemurés while teaming up with returning favorites like Balthier and Fran.

Story and Setting in Ivalice

The narrative picks up with Vaan and Penelo living out their dream as sky pirates. After their airship is destroyed while seeking the Cache of Glabados, the pair is left in the lowtown of Rabanastre. Their adventure reignites when they encounter a mysterious airship, leading them to sneak aboard and discover the hidden floating sky continent of Lemurés. Here, they meet Llyud, a member of the winged Aegyl race.

The Aegyl have lived in isolation for centuries, but a disturbance has allowed treasure-seeking sky pirates to breach their territory. Vaan and his band of young sky pirates must defend this extraordinary world. Directed by Motomu Toriyama, the story adopts a lighter, more upbeat tone compared to the political intrigue of its predecessor, resembling a classic fantasy quest where crystals are threatened and heroes must save the day. The cast includes returning characters such as Ashe, Basch, Larsa, and Ba'Gamnan, providing a rich tapestry of interactions for longtime fans.

Gameplay Mechanics and Strategy

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings diverges significantly from traditional turn-based tactical RPGs by introducing a real-time battle system. The game is structured around missions where players command squad-based units across often linear maps and corridors. While it shares the RTS label, the focus shifts away from unit creation, economy, and fortification toward character abilities and team positioning.

  • Real-Time Combat: Battles unfold in real-time, requiring players to manage their squad's movement and attacks dynamically.
  • Character Leaders: Vaan, Penelo, and other allies serve as party leaders, each possessing unique skills, spells, and customizable equipment.
  • Espers: Players can summon spirits known as Espers to aid their forces in combat.
  • Squad Tactics: The gameplay emphasizes team versus team engagements, allowing for strategic planning and execution within the flow of battle.

The challenge level ranges from moderate to frustrating, offering a satisfying difficulty curve. Players can expect a completion time between 20 and 40 hours, depending on their engagement with the missions.

Notable Features

Despite being a sequel, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is designed to be a relatively stand-alone experience, though it is littered with nods to the PS2 original. Fans will recognize familiar enemies, walk through the streets of Rabanastre, and hear beautifully composed music inspired directly by the original soundtrack. The game showcases Square Enix's commitment to the DS, delivering impressive visuals and an overworld that captures the essence of the Ivalice universe. The absence of voice acting is noted, yet the dialogue remains well-written.

Who Should Play Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings?

This title is a must-have for fans of the Final Fantasy XII universe who are eager to see Vaan and his friends in a new role. It appeals to players who enjoy squad-based tactics and want to experience real-time strategy on a portable device. While the story may be considered shallow by some standards, the addictive gameplay loop and the return of beloved characters make it a compelling addition to the DS library. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate a lighter adventure tone and are looking for a robust tactical RPG that utilizes the handheld's strengths.