Final Fantasy X
Published by: Square Electronic Arts (wha? Square and EA?)
Developed by: Square
Release Date: December 18, 2001
Genre: Turn-based RPGI see a lot of SNES and PS2 titles being reviewed as if we have forgotten all about them. I’m writing this review to remind us all of the great times we all experienced as well as the bad ones.Note: I noticed after writing this review that you almost have to already have played it in order to understand what the hell I’m talking about. This was actually my second review, but I never posted it because I thought it was incomplete. (Still is)
This is my story:The story is different this time, no warriors of light, no chasing after four crystals (or collecting dark crystals), but the main character being teleported to a world 1000 years into the future, where technology is backwards (much like Star Wars where the first three episodes have higher technology than the last three). Sin is a gigantic armored foe that wipes out cities and is the embodiment of their sins. Atonement is the only way to rid of Sin…or is it.
This big thing is Sin. For most battles, you either fight his foot, his tail, dorsal fin, or his eyeball. Sometimes, you don’t even fight him and you fight his Sinspawn instead.The overall theme carries religious references: tradition, sacrifice, atonement, and life after death.
The Farplane. Those who believe in Yevon’s teachings go here to seek their loved ones. Those that don’t believe in Yevon, only see the pyreflies that imitate one’s memories.Storyline:
The storyline is generally straightforward. The pilgrimage itself is linear so there is no room for wandering; even backtracking is impossible for most of the places you visit. However as you approach Zanarkand, you are able to backtrack all of the way back to the Calm Lands. Like most Final Fantasy installments, the majority of the sidequests are after you complete most of the game’s storyline. At least this game doesn’t completely depend on Chocobos just to start sidequests. (cough! FFIX!)Character Development:
As the game progresses, every character in some way changes from when you first meet them. Even through some of the “extra†cut scenes, you are able to learn more about Chappu and Luzzu for example. I still feel that Rikku doesn’t really change much throughout the game. Auron still reigns as one of the most badass characters in a Final Fantasy game.Gameplay:
Final Fantasy X (referred to as FFX) takes a spin on tradition where the ATB battle system is scrapped and turned into CTB (Count Timed Battle) where each person is predetermined on the order, but can be changed depending on the choice of action, meaning that some attacks, skills, spells, take longer than others. FFX also gets away from the medieval, yet industrious setting to a more futuristic, but "atoned" setting. FF7 and FF8 are more futuristic and not considered the traditional setting.
The gameplay is pretty fun, but still not my “preferred†style. I like the ATB mode where everything is timed, but this gives a nice break from that and involves a little bit of strategy. One reason I like the CTB system is because for faster characters, they can go anywhere from 2-20 times in a row or infinitely. I used Valefor with Sonic Wings and the enemy kept getting pushed back a turn more than I was using up mine. Another reason why the CTB system is pretty good is that you are allowed to switch characters without losing a turn and by doing so; you can create your own turn order.
Underwater battling! And they never have to come up for air. I know. I know.Using the correct character against an enemy is key. If you use Tidus against a high armored foe, you will have a hard time. Likewise with magic against a magic-based enemy, if you use the wrong element, either you will do half the damage, or heal the foe.
The sphere grid is a nice little addition, but at times, Square likes to bottleneck you on Strength, Ability, or Key Spheres. This is Square’s way of limiting your overall level at certain stages of the game. If you don’t want to be bottlenecked on Ability and Strength Spheres, spend a good amount time in Besaid when Wakka pushes you into the water. The fish there drop said spheres. After completing each character’s original path, you have the freedom to go anywhere on the sphere grid you want after that, which sometimes can be overwhelming.Mini games:This is my most hated section of all. The mini games are rather obnoxious and the worst part is that they are vital to most of the sidequests. The worst mini game is definitely either the Chocobo race at 0’0â€ÂÂ00 or 200 lightning dodges in a row. Pick your poison.
I forgot to mention the annoying blitzball tournaments.
Cloister of Trials. First time playing those were definitely brain busters.Sidequests:
The actual non-minigame-related sidequests are actually quite fun. I don’t mind capturing all of the monsters for the Arena simply because Stonestrike and Deathstrike capture weapons will capture just about anything in one hit and they are the best weapons to use for most of the game, until you either create your own really good weapons or you get their celestial weapons upgraded. I don’t actually mind collecting the crests and sigils but when it comes to butterfly catching, blitzball, or chocobo racing, that’s where I draw the line. The entire Omega Ruins is a sidequest by itself and it’s always fun to venture through it under-leveled with poor gear for a good challenge. Getting all of the Aeons isn’t a horrible chore and the rewards for getting them are nice.
Finally, an in-game screenshot!Presentation: 9/10. Like most Square games, the menus are always done with perfection. The people actually look like they’re talking…most of the time.Graphics: 10/10. State of the art for its time. I didn’t see any other game that rivaled its graphics.Sound: 9/10. There’s a reason the music is very good. Look on youtube and you will see countless fans playing piano/guitar to To Zanarkand, and Path to Repentance. It has spoken dialogue; one of the first batches of games that attempt at it. Not the best voice acting, but whatever.Gameplay: 9/10. –1 just for those damn minigames! Hitting <-- during a battle uses either Trigger commands or their Overdrive ability. Nice way to implement a button that RPGs don’t normally use. Just remember that /\ is defend.Lasting Appeal: 9/10. I’ve played this game many times and I still haven’t gotten all of the Al Bhed Primers in one save.
Kaddehk ymm uv dra Al Bhed bnesanc ec y byeh eh dra ycc!
There are a few secrets like the Magic Counter Buckler, and the No Encounters Weapon.Total Score: 46/50. The “love point†system is back from FF7 where it affects who you talk to first. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter and it is only when they are on the Al Bhed machina scooter towards Macalania Temple. I usually get Lulu.
Average: 9.2
Overall: 9.5
Rating: 5 stars.
LucaFinal Comments: This Final Fantasy installment has the most risky changes that are “hit or miss.†Luckily, mostly everything was a hit, besides the awkward high pitches in the voice acting.
Valefor. You probably should have read the sign that says, “Don’t feed the birds 'roids.â€ÂÂ
Lulu has a moogle, and a Cait Sith, and some other ones.
Tidus in Besaid.
Biggs and Wedge.
Overkills yield twice the spoils and more experience.
Super Chocobo Frustration!