What a coincidence that Rulia should post her review the same day I finished the game. On to my review:

1) Story: I must say I'm quite impressed. FF is a series known for good storylines but this one shines above the rest. More mature and finally with decent dialogue (for the most part, there are exceptions). The ending is brilliant and very emotional. Some things should have been expanded upon (such as the Occuria), but it all flows well and the plot is consistent and more grounded in politics than your generic "save the world", which is such a welcome change.

2) Characters

a) Balthier: I know Lisa doesn't like him but Balthier has to go down as one of the most noble and heroic characters ever to grace a video game. The ending proves this. He's also quite fleshed out and has a good backstory that is meaningful to the plot.

b) Basch: On this Lisa and I can agree fully. Basch is a great character, full of honor and kindness.

c) Vaan: Hmm. not too shabby. He develops fairly well and in the end he demonstrates that he's more than a tag along just for the ride, though he could still be fleshed out a bit more.

d) Ashe: A good character. She's not your typical princess always in distress. I like how she showed what kind of person she truly is at Pharos.

e) Penelo: She's the weakest character. She has a good personality but she was underdeveloped.

Villains and other characters

Vayne: I heard someone describing him as Machiavellian and I fully agree. Great villain whose motives trump all over Sephy's and Ultimecia's (she didn't even have a motive). Great villain.

Larsa: Awesome characters. The voice of reason throughout the game and thus added a lot to the storyline.

Dr. Cid: Again, a great character. He somehow reminds me of Hojo, with the whole mad scientist thing.

Al-Cid: Another voice of reason and he too contributed effectively to the plot. Plus, he's a pimp, lol!

The Occuria: They're a great idea, but they should've been expanded upon. They're introduced too suddenly (unless you count the times where they mention the Gods).

Reddas: His actions were determinant in the last part of the game. He showed great courage and his last action was very noble.

Gameplay:

Gameplay-wise FFXII is a bit iffy. That's not to say it isn't fun but it still had some issues. First, I hated the fact that chests were random. The most valuable items should come as rewards for completing a difficult task not because of sheer dumb luck. Farming for some items could be tiresome. And sometimes it felt like the game was playing itself even during the final boss. However the game is quite good because you need to pay attention at all times or you'll get wiped out.

Sidequests: Hunts are a lot of fun and a good distraction from the main game. I haven't tried minigames yet as I'm not interested in them. I'll simply go back to my old file before beating the game and beat Yiazmat, Hell Wyrm and Omega Mk. XII

Music: Some tunes were memorable, others not so much. The final song that plays during the ending is amazing though.

Scenery/Graphics: The graphics were awesome. Although some scenery could get quite repetitive and some monsters were pretty much the same.

Overall, FFXII is an awesome game that deserves to be praised.

Well I just beat it. I've had the game since it came out and it took me forever just to get to playing it, and I'd have to say that I'm glad I did. No other game has given me the same feeling of satisfaction inbeating it. XII is special like that.
I know most people comlain about the battle system, but it was unique, which mad it much more interesting for me to use. They actually gave a purpose to some attacks and spells which had very little or no purpose in the other final fantasy games. The quikenings were quite interesting as well, working as limits, but designed so that you can't just use them to start a boss battle. everything in it was designed to force the player to create a stradegy.
I enjoyed the story as well. One thing I did find funny is each of the main characters had a family member play a roll in the story except Panelo(poor girl always talking about her dead parents).It was quite interesting watching the characters develop as they did. some matured as the story progressed while others did it in a second.

from everything that I noticed in playing, I give this game a 9/10.

FFXII could have been a great game, it was set up so well, with the trailers/tasters thinking that you would be able to connect with the characters and get lost in the story.

For me it totally failed to deliver. But I liked the idea of a small country in trouble, seeking to fend off against a larger, power hungry nation. Yet Basche wasn't hard enough, Vaan too whingy, and the story of Ashe should have moved quicker than it did.

Anyone else agree? or has this been said before?

I think the problem was that even though FFXII had a great plot, it could have been even better. The Occuria should have been expanded upon. Also, it would have been nice if you could have more insight into the Rozarrian Empire. Al-Cid is a great character and I would've loved to learn more abour Rozarria. Fleshing out characters such as Vaan and Penelo would've added so much more to the plot in terms of emotion. With FFXII the plot seems to reside in the beggining and the end. It should be more evenly distributed. Although, the plot is still miles ahead of many other games I know.

Well, i enjoyed the new battle system quite abit, it wasn't up to scratch as the other final fantasy games, i like turn based game with deep story which gets you into you favourite characters mood. FFXII did not do this at all because there wasn't much of a story line for Balthier and Fran.

Al-cid did seem like a great character, i agree they should have expanded on him and the Rozarrian Empire. I mean the furtherest West you go is to the valley of the kings isn't it. would have been to have been able to explore that part once you got the airship etc, there could have been more to do once that had happend.

Graphically it was still pretty breathtaking. hmmmm