Where has Raziel been?

I actually think X has become my new favorite in the bunch. Never had the desire to play X-2.

You liked X over VI? Rearry? Even after playing through it recently?

Anyway, FFXII is pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline. I'm right at the end of it now, and the plot's been pretty good so far. Though, the game does feel a bit short. I'm around 30 hours, and I spent... oh... probably 8 of that doing unnecessary level-building and a few doing sidequests. There's probably a nautical shitton of sidequests left for me though.

I don't really like the new battle system. It's not terrible, and it does add a little bit of skill to the strategy previously required. It's just that, in most cases, you don't really do anything. I read a review a while back that said that they made a monotonous experience autonomous instead of making it fun. I completely agree with that. Still... if you've got time to kill and money to blow, I'd say go for it. It's pretty fun.

You liked X over VI? Rearry? Even after playing through it recently?

Yeah, I'd have to say I honestly liked X more than VI. My biggest reason is the gameplay. X did so much right with the alteration of standard Final Fantasy gameplay. The ability to switch characters in and out of the party in battle, more specialized combat roles (but not ones that necessarily pidgeonhole characters into classes) a looser, more personalized weapons system, a more involved and much less mundane experience/skill system, quicker-paced battles, turn-based combat (which I definitely prefer over ATB) and a lot of specific tweaks and improvements like the reliability of Rikku's Steal command, or the vastly superior functionality of Wakka's Slot Overdrive over it's crappy FFVII and FFVIII counterparts.

On top of that, the story was probably the best in the series, hands down. Don't get me wrong, VI is still phenomenal, but X hinged around two primary characters with very different experiences and perspectives on the events of the game. Tidus, seeing the Sin Pilgrimage as an archaic, purposeless and cruel system of beliefs, being unable to truly empathize with Yuna's internal crisis of faith regarding the disintegration of the foundation of her spiritual ideals. None of the other games in the series had characterization or personal conflicts that even approached something as complex as that. FFVI had its ideas about finding a cause to believe in, FFVIII had its ideas about opening oneself to the chance of pain in exchange for happiness, but those are fairly simple concepts. Religious and spiritual concepts, especially those that challenge one's beliefs are some of the more complex areas to derive a story from.

So yeah, all in all, X is my new favorite in the bunch. Never thought I'd hear myself saying that, but it's true.