FFXII was supposed to have no main character from a gameplay perspective.

[GalvanizA]

Just like FFVI which was also mainly directed by Hiroyuki Itou.

We all know the story follows a female character just like how FFVI revolved around Terra but also like FFVI it was supposed to have been possible for the player to choose whoever they want to run around the fields and towns with. This way I could make Ashe my party leader and because I'm always in control of her no matter where I go she will actually feel like the lead of the game. If I like Balthier more I can have him lead even though I know he's not the focus of the story just like in FFVI. I mean FFVI had this feature on lockdown and the worst thing about it is that the FFXII team tried to put the same feature in FFXII during development. Take a look at these development shots:

Vaan as party leader:




Ashe as party leader:




Final game:



It could have been possible to play this whole game with Ashe as the lead, or even Basch. Finally, whiny western gamers would have got their masculine main character and the FFVI fans would have got their true female successor to Terra.

FFXII is great but if some of these elements made it in maybe it would have much more love than the controversy that surrounds it.

[olorin818]

and I believe that was one of the main reasons for which players turn away from that game, some ppl amy like the idea of chosing the main hero, but majority like me will look for the main protagonist, a person who you can personalize with, its not like you cant do it with other characters but the key thing is what role they playing in story,
Besides most of FF12 character didnt have the personality, it didnt feel right for me

[Devious]

You can switch the character you play as in FFXII. I don't see what the difference is.

[Naunen]

Yeah. It's no big deal. Plus, the game's already out.

[Hitoshura]

Ok, so..... whats your point?

[Pixel]

I don't see a point.

* Closed *