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Final Fantasy XII

Final Fantasy XII is a 2006 role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 2.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Final Fantasy XII is a 2006 role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 2. It is the twelfth main entry in the Final Fantasy series and is set in the fictional world of Ivalice. The game is known for its seamless battle system, gambit system, and license system.

Gameplay

Final Fantasy XII introduced a battle system that removed traditional random encounter transitions and let combat occur directly in the field. It also used gambits to automate character actions and a license board to manage progression and equipment access.

Setting and story

The game takes place in Ivalice, where the empires of Archadia and Rozarria are at war. The kingdom of Dalmasca is occupied by Archadia, and Princess Ashe leads a resistance movement against the empire.

Release and development

Square Enix developed and published the game for the PlayStation 2, and it launched in 2006. It was one of the later major original releases for the console.

Series significance

Final Fantasy XII is considered notable for changing several long-running series conventions. It continued earlier Final Fantasy elements such as summons, Chocobos, and airships while introducing a more open and systemic design.

Key facts

  • It was released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2.
  • It is the twelfth main installment in the Final Fantasy series.
  • The game is set in the world of Ivalice.
  • It features real-time field exploration with battles that occur seamlessly in the game world.
  • Its gambit system lets players set automated behaviour rules for party members.
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Canadian context

Final Fantasy XII was released in Canada for the PlayStation 2 and remains part of the Final Fantasy series widely sold and played by Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Final Fantasy XII?
Final Fantasy XII is a role-playing video game by Square Enix, released for PlayStation 2 in 2006.
What series does it belong to?
It is the twelfth main installment in the Final Fantasy series.
Where is the game set?
It is set in Ivalice, a fictional world used in several Final Fantasy titles.
What is the gambit system?
The gambit system lets players assign rules that control how party members act automatically in battle.
What is the license system?
The license system determines which abilities, weapons, and equipment characters can use.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XII
    Supports: Developer, publisher, platform, release year, setting, gameplay systems, and series placement.
  2. Wikipedia (Chinese) — https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9C%80%E7%BB%88%E5%B9%BB%E6%83%B3XII
    Supports: Series position, Ivalice setting, Archadia and Dalmasca story context, and core gameplay systems.
  3. TV Tropes — https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII
    Supports: General plot setup and setting in Ivalice.