This was the first mainline FF game after Sakaguchi left and I believe the series' main composer (Uematsu) didn't work on it and I don't even think Nomura worked on the game and I think he had been a main visionary force for FF VII, VIII and X. This game could have been very disappointing. It was uncharted territory for FF. Despite this, the game was very good. It was critically acclaimed and sold well but I think the sales underperformed.

In the years following FF 12, the FF games have struggled with critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm. 13 has developed a sense of appreciation, but let's be real, it is not on 12's level. 14 is an online RPG and I think it is set in Ivalice like 12 but this doesn't count, it just doesn't, okay? 15 was a victim of development hell and being caught between salvaging 13 Versus and being a new mainline title. 16 just didn't resonate meaningfully with the fanbase or bring in new fans. You can see the series is floundering, so why haven't they taken any gameplay or visual identity or setting inspiration or any direction at all from 12? That was their last exceptional mainline FF title (not counting the Final Fantasy VII remake sub series).

13 received TWO SEQUELS and is heavily rumored to be getting something between a remaster and lower tier remake. I actually like 13, but come on, 12 is better and deserves more.