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Games PlayStation2 Final Fantasy X-2
 

Final Fantasy X-2 Hot

 
Final Fantasy X-2

Game Info:

Platform: PlayStation2
Developer: Square-Enix
Publisher: Square-Enix
Players: 1
Format: 1 DVD
Gallery:

Editor review

Square's first real sequel

Remember when many people started making noise when Yuna's full profile picture popped out? Comments, conjecture, criticism, were passed around within the first few glimpses of our breathy heroine from FFX. There she was, clad in some skimpy pieces of cloth and wielding guns, looking as though she was ready to kick ass. Screaming bloody murder, people wondered where the tame and full-skirted Yuna went. Feminists yelled indecency, exploitation, and male gamers drooled in delight. And maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. In Final Fantasy X-2 she does really kick some butt, though many people might say there isn't enough heat in her punches. Final Fantasy X-2 succeeds as a sequel, but as an individual game itself, it doesn't quite measure up to the expectations of the more selective gamers.

Final Fantasy X-2, as a sequel, kicks off with a surprisingly un-Final-Fantasy-like concert featuring our beloved heroine. However, trouble ensues and soon you are off slipping happily into the game play, its eccentric cast of characters and the gradually unfolding plot. With her friends, the cutesy cum perky Rikku and a newcomer, Paine, Yuna takes the helm of this plot, a journey that takes her all around her cherished world of Spira searching for her lost dream … while playing mini-games. Yes, gamers, you read me right. Final Fantasy X-2 is based on mini-games, which seem to take even bigger precedence over the plot.

The world of Spira has been faithfully retained. There are not many changes to it. Secret places are sometimes added, some old locations sealed off, but that’s all there is to it. Production of Final Fantasy X-2 seemed to be hurriedly pushed out to the market, as there are not noteworthy specialties that most Final Fantasies seem to have. As a sequel, it most certainly is good and enjoyable enough, so be thankful that this isn't an independent game in itself.

Old school gaming battle systems seem to have returned, removing the controversial switch systems. There are also changes in the battle system that no one had foreseen: the abolishment of limit breaks and Summon systems. Special Dress spheres and Garment Grids are installed as the Job System; ATB gauges have made a return, and battles have become a great deal faster and swifter. Gamers who think fast will enjoy the speed of the battles. The Job system if FFX-2 is reminiscent to the one seen previously in Final Fantasy Tactics, a cornucopia of abilities and variety. Indeed, there are many changes made to the battle system, though gamers can be assured that there’s nothing worth complaining about in there.

While playing the game there might be several occurrences where the gamer actually falls to the floor in shock. The costumes designed for the threesome party is sometimes eye-popping and seems specially targeted at the male population in general. Sometimes, too little coverage is simply too hair-raising to be true.

As seen in Final Fantasy X, there were a whole lot of mini-games and sub-quests to be played while on the pilgrimage to purge Sin. It is apparent in FFX-2 that the side-quests have not been lessened, instead it has been stocked with whimsical vengeance that its now chock full of games, stuffed to the brim with all you can play. Most of the games are fun, but some can be tedious and time-consuming for gamers who want to get to the bottom of the real story. Indeed, players would find themselves dedicating ¾ of their total game time to mini-games.

Players get to decide what route they want to follow for the plot of FFX-2. Yes, it is up to you. Afraid of missing out on vital plotlines? Have no worries! For the first time in Final Fantasy history, this game has actual worthy replayability. This move mirrors ideas from previous Squaresoft productions, the Parasite Eve series. The progress of Yuna and her friends are indicated by the percentage of progress. Until you have reached the limit, you haven't actually finished yet, so players are allowed to replay the game with all abilities and Jobs retained so past forgotten items or secrets can be unlocked the second time around.

Full motion videos are shorter and lesser this time around, but there are several that last long enough to have your jaw dropping at the sheer resplendence of the graphics. Some videos can even equal the length of ending videos of past Final Fantasies. The music has been altered, but the general tone of it remains unchanged. Sadly, there aren’t many themes that could be considered memorable enough. The voices are generally as uninspired as it’s predecessor, however, there are a few alterations and improvements, such as Rikku’s voice. Yuna’s voice remains as inconsistent as ever, unfortunately.

Final Fantasy X-2 is nothing if not a sequel packed with lots of fun. But it is shallow, with its truly eye-popping skimpy outfits and lacks several elements that make this truly a member of the Final Fantasy series. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable, has a respectable amount of Japanese charm in it and is a game worthy of Yuna’s story and Final Fantasy X's sequel.

Highs: Fun to play, even better visuals, ton of potential gameplay
Lows: Even worse story than FFX, may be too feminine for some, too much fan service?
Bottom Line: A good looking, fun sequel that's sure to please fans of its predecessor
Verdict:
 
86
Avatar Reviewed by Toma-kun
December 29, 2008
#1 Reviewer
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