What do you mean... Because I never play X or XII. Like how is it different?

So, does that make me the only one who actually read Scizzoman's wall o' text? You guys should, it's very well structured and enlightening. Now that I am done glorifying his wall, it's time to get back on track.

I do plan on getting all of the compilation, including the mobile version, because I can.

FFX and FFXII both featured interesting advancement systems, in the form of the sphere grid, and the less restrictive License system, respectively. Now for a crash course on each...

Sphere Grid

After battle, characters gain AP, and when enough is accumulated, those characters gain Sphere Levels. A sort of a grid, called the sphere grid, is employed for the express purpose of utilizing said levels. Honestly, this will probably help me explain it a bit better.

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/197344/20045

So, each sphere level can be used to go one space on the grid, and one space only, in either direction. Abilities are used, using a separate sphere or spheres earned in battle, which have different requirements depending on the ability.

License Board

Unlike FFX, in which you gain AP instead of XP, FFXII's LP, or License Points, are gained together with XP. LP can be used to purchase Licenses on the License Board, found here:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/459841/45740

Licenses are used not to gain abilities, but the ability to use abilities. For example, you can buy a Heavy Lance, but without the Spears 2 license, it cannot be equipped. It's the same with magick. A few licenses, called Augments, give instant, permanent bonuses to your characters, such as increased HP, decreased MP useage, increased block chance and the like.

So, there you have it. A crash course.

All in all FFX and FFXII you have a little more control of what you want to be? (With the level base).

That's more confused though I think it's better if I saw the battle thing amabobs more then explained... but w/e.

Essentially.

Though FFX is still pretty restrictive. Each character basically has a role to play, and you can't really change that role without completely unnecessary amounts of effort.

For example Tidus is always sort of a fast attacker with minor buffs. Wakka is always a long range character with status inflicting attacks, Yuna is always a white mage/summoner, Lulu is a black mage, et cetera.

But you do have some control, yes.

XII you pretty much have control over exactly what you want each character to be. Though it is a little frustrating t times having an awesome weapon and not being able to use it without the license. But that doesn't happen much.

Damn, now I feel like playing FFXII.

I loved being able to choose exactly what I wanted my characters to be in FFXII. Even if it did require a lot of planning.

Damn, now I want to play FFXII too...

I love being able to use any weapon I want through training. with that said. I'm playing phantasy star.

Oh I want to play X and XII...
But I'll have go back a few and maybe play VI or V or IV or something. Or play VIII just so I can say "I beat but I didn't like it!"

To be honest, I think Squall is the only "Cool" part of final fantasy VIII