Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2) ~ 4everoutcast

Review by Auron255

Since the beginning of the Final Fantasy series, there have been several changes made to the battel system, the worlds, the technology seen in the game, the time period, but never has there been such an overhaul to the Final Fantasy series, as there is in this direct sequel to FFX, Final Fantasy X-2. There are a lot of skeptics behind this game, and they all want to see it fail miserably, but let me tell you, that you have nothing to fear, because what you once thought was a cheap get rich quick scheme to rip of Charlie's Angels, it presents an interesting way to show you just how much the women Final Fantasy characters can kick as much ass the male characters.

Many people thought this game was going to ooze with cheezyness, and that the story would be uninspiring. They were wrong, partly. The game does dish out it's fair share of cheese, but it's toungue and cheek with teeny bopper mood this game sets. The story starts out with Yuna toting her new duds, which many have appropriately named, the "Yuna Raider" outfit. At first it seems out of place, but its more intertwined with the dress sphere system that you'll hear about later on. Yuna, with her Al Bhed cousin Rikku, and newcomer Paine (pronounced Pain in the NA version), are part of a Sphere hunting tribe, whom also just so happen to come across a sphere, with a static image of who she thinks is her long lost love Tidus.

This game follows the exploits of these three women, and only these tree women, as Yuna and her sidekicks go on a long journey to seek out Tidus, whom they believe is still dwelling in Spira. Its a combonation of the old plus the new, since you'll see several familiar places in this game, including some places that have been revamped since the attacks from Sin in the previous game, FFX. Wakka, Lulu, and Kimarhi all make returning cameos, and add just a little bit of FFX nostalgia and humour to the game, which lets you know it's in the same vein as FFX. You'll soon encounter Le Blanc, a woman who is part of a rival group, but is also a master at being your personal rival, who you will fight several times. Also, you'll come across new friends, new enemies, and the return of the Dark Aeons is rather brooding. As you progress, the story gets suprisingly deep, since you wouldn't expect so much from a game with an up beat feel to it.

When FFX was released, it took full advantage of the PS2's emotion engine, and sported some of the best graphics the console has seen since its release. Theres no doubt that the game was beautiful to look at, and instead of pre-rendered backgrounds, they were full-on 3-D, which added a certain flare that wasn't present in any other FF games.

The graphics of FFX-2 present a similar feel to the graphics engine presented in FFX. Though subtle, I have noticed several spots in this game where the graphics have been improved. There are less jagged models for the in-battle, and out-of-battle scenes, and have been greatly polished for those great cut-scenes. One thing that was noticeable in FFX, was that in some parts of the game, during cut-scenes, the character model would studder for some unknown reason, but don't worry, that has all been fixed, and there is no more shaking. Even though there are better in game graphics for a few different games (this does not mean that FFX-2's are without merit), but the FMV's of this game are top notch, and second to none. Square Enix has always been on top of producing the highest quality games out there, and for some reason, they have yet to be bested in the FMV department for any game to date. The overall look of this game is dazzling and exciting, and its only amplified by the snazzy dress spheres you can wear, as well as their respective special attacks. Superb visuals make this game one of the best looking out there.

The game play style is similar to FFX, only it involves a few more actions this time around. This time you can run and jump, and climb, rather than the taste preferential travel and explore methods employed in FFX. The gameplay is mission based, which is a first for a Final Fantasy game, and each is rated in difficulty according to the Story level you are on. The story level goes from 1 - 5, 1 meaning easy, and 5 meaning the most challenging parts of the game. You can chose freely from a selection of missions, and you given the opprotunity to play these missions right from the beginning of the game in the airship dubbed the Celsius. If at all you think a mission based RPG won't work, give this a try. I thought the same thing at first, but it becomes an aquired taste, and you eventually stop thinking about the mission orientation, and begin thinking about the story, and the dress spheres.

What are Dress Spheres you ask? Well, the Dress system is one of the most intuitive parts of this game. You can chose and earn different garment grids, that add more slots and different shape orientation to place your Spheres. You earn these spheres by completing different missions and requirements through out the entire game. These different Dress Spheres each come with their own set of special abilites, and you earn new abilites by using a certain Dress Sphere more often. A few examples of the Dress Spheres are Theif, Songstress, Dark Knight, Gambler, Gunner, Dark Gunner, White Mage, Black Mage and the Ultra powerful secret Dress Spheres (no spoilers, sorry)!

The experience and level system is back, and most welcome, since FFX drew away from the norm. Most people were fine with the Sphere Grid system, and it worked quite well, but I think one of the reasons that lead back to the experience and level system, (as well as the Active Time Battle) is to add some spice to the gameplay, since Square Enix wouldn't want gamers to become board and think its just a cheap spin-off of FFX. Some call it a spin-off, but its much more than that. Its so unique, and feels so much like the mainstream Final Fantasy's, that it can only be called a Sequel.

Square Enix does it again with a great musical..."score". This time around, the majority of the music is based off of popular J-pop music, but in a way, it feels all too familiar when you actually play the game, and see how it actually fits with the games up-beat mood. No Final Fantasy game would be complete without an orchestral score, and FFX-2 is no exception. There is a good amount of orchestrated works in this game, they just aren't as promenant as in the other Final Fantasy's. Orchestral music is the best type of music to put into a videogame in my humble opinon, as you can acheive almost any sound of any genre of music with normal symphonic musical intruments. This is where FFX-2 scores in the audio department. Some of the "pop" songs you hear, will actually be orchestrated works, it just doesn't sound much like it sue to the theme of the music. Synthesized tunes, with Orchestrated Scores, give this game a far superior soundtrack to most other games on the market.

The sound effects are spot on...as if they ever weren't. All abilites, spells, and Voice overs work perfectly, and theres a little bit more syncopation with the dialogue and the Japanese mouth movements. Nothing more can be said about the sound of most all Final Fantasy games, except that its aural bliss.Like any normal FF game, there are a plethora of secret places to visit, and secret items to obtain, and perhaps a few dress spheres you've missed along the way, taken that you don't use a strategy guide on your first playthrough. This is all good, and a key factor in the desire to replay each individual FF game, but this time around, you can start a New Game after completing it once, with most of the items and equipment you finished the game with.

A very welcome addition to a Final Fantasty, as nothing has been done like it, which also contributes to FFX-2's originality factor. Some people might disagree and say there is little reason to play this game again because there aren't any unlockable features or what have you, but to the truest of Final Fantasy fans, we know that FF isn't about having tons of unlockable features, its about being drawn into the universe that Square Enix has created, and its no different this time around.

For those who really enjoy playing their Final Fantasies through and through, you'll be very happy to hear that there are multiple endings (3 so far to my knowledge), not to mention several optional bosses and side-quests.

Square Enix hits another Grand Slam with Final Fantasy X-2. There is no question in my mind that this game will be many people's choice as favourite game of 2003. There is just too much in this game to miss. I can assure you that all the negeative stereotypes applied to this game are false, and this game is truly another work of art. It makes one wonder, can Square Enix make a bad game? They can take the simplest of ideas, or even the worst of stereotypes, and can turn them into something so remarkable, and something so beautiful and magnificent (not to mention empowering to the female gamer population). If you love Final Fantasy, I'm sure you'll fall in love with FFX-2, its original, easy on the eyes, fun to play, intuitive game design, and remarkably well performed in the music department. Theres a first time for everything, and this game sets the record. First female lead character, first direct sequel, first mission based FF, and most important of all, first game to make some male FF gamers go gaga! As disturbing as it sounds, for some people its true.

Ratings

Gameplay... 9/10

Graphics.....8/10

Story...........10/10

Sound.........10/10

Cosplay