Gambits

Gambits are a new functionality of the battle system of the game Final Fantasy XII. During the game, combat can be controlled manually or programmed via the use of Gambits. The gambit system is slightly similar to the Macro system found in FFXI. Like simple computers, the player can create a list of commands and dependencies to be carried out automatically by the characters to simplify the combat system. All commands relate to the character itself, the character's allies, or the enemies onscreen.

Functionality
Gambits are composed of an action to be taken if a certain condition is met. Actions can be either the use of items or the casting of spells & techniques. There is no action for quickenings and summons, which must be activated manually.

Sequential
Gambits are organized in a list in order of priority. The characters start with no list of gambits and later can gain up the ability to have a list with 1, 2, 3 up to 12 gambits by buying the license for gambit slots on the License Board. Each gambit on the list is evaluated and the first gambit which has a true, actionable condition will be executed. Each time the character gets a new turn the list gets re-evaluated anew, starting with gambit #1.

Action: No double casting
The gambit mechanism will not revive a character who is not KO'd or recast a status buffer if the character still has it, i.e. a gambit for Haste will not be activated if the character status is already of Haste.

Action: Constraints
A gambit may not be executed, even if it's condition is true, if the action it has can not be performed, i.e., a gambit with the action to cast the spell Haste will only be done if the character has enough MP to cast haste and is not under a restrictive status such as Silence,Immobilize, or other that prohibits the use of magick. A similar constraint applies to the usage of items, i.e. a gambit calling for the use of Hi-Potion will only get performed if there is at least one Hi-Potion in the party's inventory.

Condition: Types
Conditions for gambits need to be purchased at Gambit shops and are for Self, Ally or Foe.