Such is the case with the land of Ivalice. This world originally played host to Final Fantasy Tactics, widely regarded as one of the best games for the PSOne. When Square Enix realized that they could further develop a game world that hadn’t been fully explored the first time around, they created what is known as the Ivalice Alliance: a series of games (including a remake of Final Fantasy Tactics), all taking place in the same familiar universe.
The first Ivalice Alliance game out of the gate was last year’s Final Fantasy XII. This game made full use of the PS2’s hardware and served as one helluva last hurrah for the Final Fantasy brand on the system. The characters were memorable, the world was breathtaking, and the story was top-notch. But this adventure, unlike so many others before it, would not end with the game.
Just over a year after the release of the PS2 hit, Square Enix has released a direct sequel in the form of Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings for the Nintendo DS.
The Fantasy Continues
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings takes place one year after the end of Final Fantasy XII. When the game begins, we find Vaan and Penelo, now true sky pirates with their own airship, in search of treasure and adventure around the world of Ivalice.
Their first big adventure with old friends Balthier and Fran leads to the discovery, and subsequent stealing, of a treasure called the cache of Glabados. It just so happens that this stone is the only thing keeping the legendary floating continent of Lemurés hidden from public view. When the stone is removed, the continent is revealed and subjected to invasion and looting from other, less noble sky pirates. It is then left to Vaan and company to save Lemurés and its people, the winged aegyl race, from pirates, monsters and the mysterious Judge of Wings. Along the way, familiar faces (both friend and foe) will be seen, and well-known locales will be revisited.
It should be noted that Final Fantasy XII is not a prerequisite to this game. It will likely be even more enjoyable if you have played the first game, since familiar characters and locations pop up constantly, and several references are made to the previous installment, but it is more than capable as a standalone title. The game is also refreshingly original, with a story that holds its own against its predecessor—something other Final Fantasy sequels have yet to accomplish. As can be expected, there are plot twists and surprises aplenty, in a story that is as delightful and immersive as any I have ever experienced.