FFXI vs. FFXII

[dagas_isa]

Without spoilers FFXII is pretty much an AU, single-player version of FFXI.

1. Most importantly, the battle system is a single player adaptation of FFXI's, although FFXI just wishes it was as not pain-in-the-ass as this. The fact that the action pauses when choosing actions, which is a blessing when there's so many things to choose from in the menu, and the gambit system are both necessary additions to make a single player version of FFXI's battle system not tear-your-hair out frustrating.
   
   
2. Like FFXI, the battles take place in the environment so it is possible to zone mobs as well as try to avoid aggro all together. Only in FFXI, the big nasty mobs in the middle of a lower level area would aggro.
   
   
3. Gambits = Macros. Yes I know, Gambits are automatically performed when certain conditions are met, and macros are triggered by the player. But in the end they're really the same thing. When in a high pressure situation in FFXI or FFXII it seems to be the macros/gambits that save you. I'm looking at you, Maat!
   
   
4. Hunts and the Rare Monsters are pretty much FFXII's answer to the Notorious Monsters of FFXI. Only instead of standing around in South Gustberg for an hour competing with everyone and their chocobo to get Leaping Lizzy, I just happen to run into Nekbhet or however it's name is spelled.
   
   
5. The license system and the fact that stores upgrade merchandise by the end of the story is sort of an answer to FFXI's levelled gear. Just as someone can't wear a Scorpion Harness (are the kids in FFXI still wearing Scorpion Harness) or Raise at level 2, licensing and store availability will also limit the availibity of spells and armor until someone reaches the next level.
   
   
6. The bazaar system of FFXII is close to the crafting system of FFXI from the looks of it. Only instead of gathering ingredients yourself, and using the crystals (stones) to make the items, synthesis takes place behind the scenes after you sell items to shops.
   
   
7. The Aerodromes look almost exactly like the Airship Docks in FFXI.
   
   
8. The Save Points are identical to the Home Points in FFXI
   
   
9. There are teleport Crystals, except you can save in the FFXII ones but you can't set your homepoint at the FFXI ones.
   
   
10. There are moogles who offer teleport services, just like the poor non-crafting FFXI white mages.
    
    
11. There is a pretty boy guy in power, and his 'younger brother'.
    
    
12. Some of the enemies have the same exact character model as they do in FFXI. The little mandragora things. Yep.
    
    
13. The area outside of Rabanastre is pretty much Tahrongi Canyon.
    
    
14. There is weather and magic aggroing elementals that are much tougher than the areas around them.
    
    
15. The chocobo rental system is pretty much the same, except no Elvaan Female Chocobo handlers in the FFXII version.
    

Yes, I know, much of it is cosmetic, but the total package caused Muu and I to agree that FFXII is the single-player version of FFXI, or as Muu puts it, "FFXI-2"