Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a high-definition remaster of the game Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System, originally released in 2007. To celebrate the return of its award-winning title, Square Enix brought fans behind-the-scenes with developer interactions and even adopted some rabbits.
A decade after its initial release, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is available now exclusively on PlayStation 4. In addition to updated graphics, the remastered title now includes trophy support, a newly recorded and arranged soundtrack, new music tracks and improved technical performance. The remastered version also allows players to assign up to two jobs per character for the first time.
Leading up to the game’s release, Square Enix has been active on social media—Twitter and Twitch, especially—to get the fans excited. Final Fantasy fans and newcomers alike have been treated to behind-the-scenes looks at the development, character profiles and weekly excerpts from the newly-recorded soundtrack.
Moogles (aka mogs)—creatures that resemble rabbits with bat wings—are iconic creatures that appear throughout the Final Fantasy universe. Square Enix enlisted the help of fans to welcome five “real life” moogles (rabbits) to their family . . . well, to a rabbit rescue farm, at any rate. The promotion featured a week-long “Moogle Watch” on Twitch, during which fans could watch a livestream of Square Enix’s rabbits doing cute little rabbit things inside a branded enclosure. Viewers at home were encouraged to vote on topics like rabbit names and what to feed them. The campaign has garnered over 2.6 million views as fans tweeted #MoogleWatch and #MoogleName across Twitter to share their delight, especially when rabbits stuck their heads through the moogle cutout.
We're celebrating next week's launch of #FFXII TZA with a week-long moogle/rabbit livestream! #Mooglewatchhttps://t.co/fq5pz4mf9V pic.twitter.com/UcFQsMswm3
— FINAL FANTASY (@FinalFantasy) July 5, 2017
Final Fantasy is a huge world, and Zodiac Age has a collector’s edition to match. Available only on the Square Enix online store, the Final Fantasy XII: Zodiac Age Collector’s Edition includes an exclusive Judge Magisters mini bust set, selection of soundtrack music, six art cards, a collectible steelbook and more. Those who pre-ordered the regular version of the game through Amazon received an exclusive Prima digital mini-guide.
Leading up to the launch, Square Enix took fan questions, which were answered by game developers—ranging from the game’s new treasure chests to how to have a social life once the game is finished.
Final Fantasy XII: Zodiac Age arrives just in time for the franchise’s 30-year anniversary celebration. Square Enix maintained a large presence at Anime Expo, where it hosted autograph sessions, giveaways, a party and a charity auction. Fans were invited to stop by the Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Lounge to record a message that will be included in a special tribute video.
A special anniversary portal site has been created to keep fans abreast of events and announcements as they take place throughout the year, such as real-life escape challenges and the 68th annual Sapporo Snow Festival, during which an impressive scene from Final Fantasy VII was created featuring characters Cloud and Sephiroth.