Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age – A Masterful Remaster with Key Improvements

Introduction

When Final Fantasy XII first launched in 2006, it was a bold departure from traditional Final Fantasy gameplay, introducing a real-time combat system, a sprawling political narrative, and an expansive world to explore. However, despite its critical acclaim, some fans felt the original release had untapped potential. Enter Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, a remastered version released in 2017 that not only revitalized the game with modern enhancements but also introduced significant gameplay refinements. This article explores the key improvements in The Zodiac Age, from its revamped Job System to its audiovisual upgrades, and why it stands as one of the best remasters in the Final Fantasy series.

1. The Zodiac Job System: A Game-Changing Addition

The most transformative improvement in The Zodiac Age is the introduction of the Zodiac Job System, originally featured in the International Zodiac Job System version of FFXII (exclusive to Japan). Unlike the original game, where characters could freely develop in any direction using the License Board, The Zodiac Age assigns each character one or two distinct jobs (depending on player preference), such as Knight, White Mage, or Archer.

Why the Job System Works

Greater Character Identity: In the original, characters could become interchangeable, mastering every skill. The Job System forces players to strategize, making each party member feel unique.
Balanced Progression: The original License Board was overwhelming, allowing characters to become overpowered too quickly. The Job System streamlines progression while maintaining depth.
Dual-Class Flexibility: The HD remaster allows players to assign two jobs per character, adding further customization without breaking balance.

This change revitalizes gameplay, encouraging multiple playthroughs with different team compositions.

2. Enhanced Visuals and Performance

The Zodiac Age is a stunning visual upgrade over the original PlayStation 2 release. Square Enix rebuilt the game in high definition, with improved textures, lighting, and character models.

Key Visual Improvements

Higher Resolution: The game runs at 1080p on PlayStation 4 and 4K on PlayStation 4 Pro/PC, making Ivalice more vibrant than ever.
Refined Character Models: Faces and armor details are sharper, with better animations.
Improved Lighting: Dynamic shadows and enhanced ambient lighting make cities like Rabanastre feel more alive.
60 FPS Option (PC/PS4 Pro): The smoother framerate makes combat and exploration more fluid.

The art direction, already one of FFXII’s strengths, shines even brighter in this remaster.

3. Quality-of-Life Improvements

Beyond visuals and gameplay, The Zodiac Age introduces several conveniences that modernize the experience:

Turbo Mode (Fast-Forward)

One of the best additions is the 2x and 4x speed boost, allowing players to speed through slower sections (such as backtracking or grinding). This feature is especially useful for Hunts and side quests.

Autosave and Manual Saves Anywhere

Unlike the original, which relied on save crystals, The Zodiac Age allows manual saves almost anywhere, reducing frustration. An autosave feature also prevents lost progress.

Improved Inventory Management

Loot and Gil Drops: Enemies drop more loot, reducing excessive grinding.
Stackable Items: Potions and other consumables stack higher, freeing up inventory space.

4. Rebalanced Difficulty and New Game Plus

The Zodiac Age tweaks enemy stats and loot distribution to create a more balanced experience:

Early Access to Stronger Gear: Some powerful weapons are available earlier, rewarding exploration.
Trial Mode: A new survival mode challenges players with 100 consecutive battles, offering rare rewards.
New Game+ and Weak Mode: For veterans, New Game+ carries over progress, while Weak Mode (a hardcore challenge where characters don’t gain HP) tests mastery.

5. Remastered Soundtrack and Voice Acting

The original FFXII had an outstanding orchestral score by Hitoshi Sakimoto, and The Zodiac Age enhances it further:

Reorchestrated Music: The soundtrack has been fully re-recorded with live instruments, adding depth to iconic tracks like The Dalmasca Estersand and Battle for Freedom.
Option for Original OST: Players can switch between the new and classic soundtracks.
Improved Voice Clarity: Some voice lines have been re-recorded or remastered for better audio quality.

6. The Impact on Final Fantasy XII’s Legacy

Before The Zodiac Age, Final Fantasy XII was often overlooked compared to FFVII or FFX. However, this remaster has rightfully elevated its status:

Critical Reappraisal: Many reviewers and fans now consider it one of the best Final Fantasy games.
Accessibility: The remaster introduced the game to a new generation, with ports on PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
A Blueprint for Remasters: Its success influenced other remasters, proving that thoughtful gameplay tweaks can revitalize a classic.

Conclusion

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is more than a simple remaster—it’s the definitive version of an already great game. With its refined Job System, stunning visuals, and numerous quality-of-life improvements, it fixes nearly every flaw of the original while preserving its ambitious vision. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer, The Zodiac Age offers the best way to experience the grandeur of Ivalice.

For those who missed FFXII the first time, this remaster is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most underrated gems in the Final Fantasy franchise.