A masterpiece of an RPG. Square Enix really outdid themselfs with this hard hitting 12th installment to FInal Fantasy.
The gameplay is what shines out the most in this game. Say goodby to random battles and set backdrops. The new combat system is not turn based (although you can set it so that it is very similar) rather it takes place in real time not unlike most MMORPGs. You give a party member an order and a once his/her action bar is full, he/she executes that order it being a spell, attack or use of an item. You can now see enemies before fighting them and early on in the game a skill is available that lets you see the details of a certain creature like HP and level before you attack it. (Hint: This skill is called libra) The leveling up system has also been changed. no longer do characters have certain strengths that you can play to. Now, using a license board, you can upgrade your characters to be all around fighters or you can train each character to specialize in a specific task. The last game mechanic that is really nice is the gambit system. using this you can program your party members to do different things in different situations. if you manage to master this licence board then you'll be able to steer your party in a patch of enemies, put the controller down and let your gambits do the work.
The graphics are phenomenal, especially the cinematic cut-scenes. this is about as good as it gets concerning PS2 graphics. sure it's not all current-gen looking, but compare it to other last gen graphics and you won't find many games that are superior.
Although the sound of the different weapons rarely differentiates, the different cries and roars of the beasts, and the exelent voice acting make this game's sound above par, but not the best.
Even if your not a fan of RPGs (I know i'm not) Be sure to give FInal Fantasy XII a try. Even tragic camera problems can't keep this game from having a lasting appeal of years.