Qays on 14 April 2010
I'm inclined to agree that XII is the best modern FF, though not for the reasons you list. I think the maturity of its story, script, and voice acting count for far more than the combat system - no Final Fantasy, hell, no video game has accomplished as much as FFXII on that front. Plenty of games, and even a couple of FFs (including the otherwise loathsome XIII) have better combat systems.
