[quote name='Kendro']The very fact that you had to type a list out that long shows the game is difficult. Honestly, did you ever have to give that much information or hints or tips to anyone for ANY OTHER Final Fantasy game? Sure the fights are more than manageable with Protectga, Shellga, Hastega, Bravery, Berserk, and Decoy...but I don't remember having to buff up so many spells in any other FF game I played.[/QUOTE]
I'm in the middle of a huntin' frenzy (28/45 completed), and the very fact that, without status enablements, buffs and debuffs, and proper gambits, you'll get your ass handed to you no matter what shows the depth of this game.
Older FF games could be beat with a "grind 'til your way higher than the bos, then select attack/attack/attack until the boss dies" strategy, from beginning to end.
FFXII doesn't do that; as a matter of fact, it's the first game where I was looking at the equipment for the end of the game thinking "I can't wait to get the

ing ribbon!" But wait! Now I just got a bubble belt, and I need that too! And this other one, and another! So...I realize how much depth there is in the game because I can't just grind until my character's HP is 9999/9999 and then annihilate everyone.
I resent the suggestion made earlier that someone who plays w/out the guide is getting a "purer" experience. As a matter of fact, someone playing in so "pure" a manner is gonna find themselves really

ing pissed when they find out that the game has a strategy of putting up treasure chests that make the best weapon in the game disappear (and there's no notification at all telling you that (1) it exists in the game, or (2) oops! You triggered it!). This is a video game, guy. This isn't baseball and we're not talking steroids. I'm having as much fun with this game as you are - and, while I agree with some of your points (what does it say about a game where you *must* use the guide in order to get the things you want), I resent your snotty tone.