Nearly four years ago, I was sitting on my brand new couch playing the hottest RPG of Autumn: Final Fantasy 12. I didn't have time for Tales of the Abyss, so I shelved it in favor of the latest Final Fantasy. Of course that was the correct decision, because this was Final Fantasy -- a series that could do no wrong (excluding Final Fantasy 11, of course).

Two weeks later, I discovered that I'd made the wrong decision. Initially, Final Fantasy 12 pleased me, despite its Final Fantasy Tactics Advance-themed Ivalice, but eventually, the story became virtually non-existent and I was left with an offline MMORPG. I decided to complete the game anyway, but even surprise 'Marks' such as Gilgamesh weren't enough to win over this Final Fantasy fan.

I didn't think Final Fantasy 12 was a terrible game, but I was certainly disappointed. Why? None of Final Fantasy 12's characters appealed to me, (don't even get me started about Vaan) and its supposedly grand Matsuno-penned story felt unfinished. I also didn't appreciate the Gambit System and the game's seemingly endless dungeon crawls. Final Fantasy 12 had some redeeming qualities such as its architecturally sound cities, but even its soundtrack was disappointing (at least when pitted against Sakimoto-san's wonderful Final Fantasy Tactics compositions).

After completing Final Fantasy 12, I knew that I'd never be excited about the Final Fantasy series again. Square-Enix had let me down twice, and I felt that the company I once loved had been replaced by a soulless corporation ever since the 2001 merger. But, when Final Fantasy 13 neared completion, I ate my words. Somehow, a series of screenshots, videos, and sound clips inspired me to give the series another chance.

Knowing that I'd be purchasing Final Fantasy 13 less than a week from today, I decided to give Final Fantasy 12 a second chance to see how it fares when pitted against its sequel. But that wasn't the only reason I decided to relive the most controversial installment in the Final Fantasy series-- the words of numerous Final Fantasy 12 apologists also convinced me to give this unconventional JRPG another go. And so with these thoughts in mind, I entered the world of Ivalice, once again.

As the introduction sequence began, I was excited -- because it'd be awhile before I was forced to see Vaan's effeminate figure. Instead of staring at everyone's least favorite pretty boy, I quickly became enmeshed in a thrilling political conspiracy.

While in the shoes of Vaan's older brother, Rex,  I thought I would be defending Dalmasca's honor by saving the king from Archadian assassins. Instead, I cautiously stepped into the throne room -- only to be stabbed in the back by my captain after witnessing corpses strewn about the floor and the king's lifeless body slumped over his royal chair.

This gripping opening sequence was one of my few remaining memories of my first experience with Final Fantasy 12. I remember my first play-through feeling like a newly-inflated balloon that burst only an hour after being filled with helium, but this time was different. I still played as the street urchin Vaan, but for some reason slaying sewer rats and being an errand boy no longer bothered me. Perhaps my taste in games changed -- because I enjoyed each of my leisurely strolls through the bustling desert metropolis of Rabanastre that I previously hated.

Normally, I'm not a fan of large cities in RPGs, because it takes forever to get anywhere, but in this case, I didn't mind. My usually wandering eyes and thin patience for the mundane were kept at bay by crowded bazaars teaming with species that inhabited the world of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, looming skyscrapers, and enormous city gates. This strange city full of shirtless humans and Star Wars-esque oddballs felt real, despite its juxtaposition of futuristic ships and medieval weapons.

When I wasn't shopping, frequenting taverns, or entering the Lowtown slums, I combed the desert for monsters interrupting trade, wandered through an abandoned mine connected to an underground prison, and snuck into a castle with the goal of pilfering what the Archadian Empire had stolen from the royal family of Dalmasca.  Each of these areas, in addition to other unmentioned locations were massive environments teaming with wildlife.

Even though these fields and dungeons had similarly designed rooms, they looked believable with appropriate vegetation, varying elevations, and an enormous draw distance -- perhaps the greatest on the PS2. These diverse landscapes were made even more plausible with a fully rotatable camera that allowed me to thoroughly explore each area.

Sometimes, Final Fantasy 12's deserts and plains felt a bit empty with no wandering caravans or other players, but there were always plenty of monsters to slice and dice. During my previous play-through, I remember growing weary of the combat only a few hours into the game, but this time, I had an increased appreciation for Final Fantasy 12's innovative battle system.

It definitely has a different feel from early Final Fantasy games (and I still would prefer real-time combat), but I quickly grew accustomed to the Gambit System and automated character control. I instantly appreciated not having to take part in random battles, and I soon realized that gambits were actually quite efficient once appropriate methods were selected.

Combat ran at a faster tempo once healing gambits such as "Cast Cure when HP < 50%" were assigned, but I was most impressed with Final Fantasy 12's massive bosses. Battling enormous, gelatinous Flans and a flaming horse named Firemane were tense, yet enjoyable experiences, due to the strategy involved and the epic boss theme accompanying these fights.

There's plenty more to discuss about the less-than-six-hours I spent with Final Fantasy 12, but I think I'll end here as I land at the Indian-themed Bhujerba. I hope to create more entries on my second experience with Final Fantasy 12, but it all depends on how much time I have before the imminent arrival of Final Fantasy 13. At the very least, I hope to complete my journey through Ivalice before I inevitably fall in love with the singing of pop star, Leona Lewis.