Panajev2001a
GAF's Pleasant Genius
Penny-Arcade said:FFXII's Gambit System is, and I am not exaggerating for effect, the mechanism by which you relinquish control of the game.
They do point to the 1up's FFXII preview:
The gambit system will probably be the source of much debate as it can significantly change how you play the game. For those who haven't gotten acquainted with it yet, this system amounts to a series of logic gates you can setup to automate how every character in your party behaves. It essentially amounts to you custom programming the A.I. for them.
And it's by no means basic. With a save loaded only a few hours short of the conclusion, characters sported gambit lists stretching towards twelve steps. This allows extremely sophisticated progressions. For instance, one character could be watching the party for damage, status effects, and unconsciousness to give the corresponding healing, while also making sure to keep mana points up, the party buffed, the enemies de-buffed, and if all else fails taking a swing at the nearest opponent.
At this high level, these detailed arrangements allow the game to almost in essence play itself. With everyone acting in unison, as you've planned, the pace of action is unlike prior Final Fantasies, except XI, and that's where the MMORPG comparisons come in. Whether fans will embrace the change remains to be seen. For those turned off by it all there is a more traditional "wait" mode that can be activated, but clearly the intent of the game was to make this a more active experience. Now that we have the English version, we'll dive back in and put together one last look between now and its release October 31st. to help you get a sense for how you'll respond.
They are not saying FFXII is exactly like this, but projecting that kind of system into the future and how it could evolve (of course trying to be funny they do bring the idea to its extreme).