 |
|
|
Final Fantasy X
GameRatio Review
PS2 |
View Full Game Info
Published by
SquareSoft
Released on
2001-12-17
|
| 92% GameRatio |
90% GR% Review |
Shay
Reviewed on
2003-11-19
Final Fantasy X is a landmark for gaming. It does everything that previous Final Fantasy games have done before, but the story is told through revolutionary cut-scenes that come to life. The graphics are superb, the gameplay is fun, the story is predictable but extremely well-done, and the game length is long. A few minor aspects don't sit well, but the game is superb, nonetheless.
Just like the other Final Fantasy games, this one has an excellent story. The history revealed in the game is done well, although there are a few plot gaps that are never explained. What is done extremely well is the progression of the plot that unfolds as you continue playing. All of the characters talk and have facial animations, basically changing them into actors. The character mouths are never timed perfectly with the words, but this is a small price to pay for such advancement in gaming technology.
There is a great diversity among the characters in FFX. Every one of them is realistic, possessing unique personalities and accents. Tidus is the reluctant hero that needs to grow up. Yuna is the timid summoner that puts her life on the line for the sake of others. Wakka is a nervous athlete, complete with a Jamaican accent. Kimhari is the quiet one of the group, and Lu-Lu is the serious spell caster that puts their mission before all else. Auron is another serious character, but he has the cool, calm warrior attitude. Rikku is the playful girl that seems to appear in each FF game. Even the non-playable characters are unique from one another, although they only talk if involved in a cut-scene.
The gameplay is different from previous FFs, but the soul in still here. The main difference is that character battle sequence is predetermined, meaning no more cheap shots from enemies while you plan your next move. While this new planning takes away the strategy of estimating your enemies’ moves, it forces you to strategize all of your options and plan ahead. Also, while only three characters can be in battle at once, you can substitute any of your other characters in. This is an awesome new way of fighting and adds a ton of strategy. The fact that you don't lose a turn when changing a character is great for picking amongst your characters for that perfect move. Lastly, Yuna is the only character that can summon monsters. These "aeons" replace your group of characters when summoned. They don't attack and depart like in previous games, but instead turn into actual characters for you to control.
The meat and potatoes of RPGs, the customization your characters, is in full-swing for this game. First, you can equip your characters with weapons, armor, and other equipment items. This is on the limited side, but is definitely more diversified than the pitiful Final Fantasy VIII equipment system. Second, you get a Sphere Grid to customize each one of your party members. As they defeat enemies they will earn the right to move around a grid of abilities. Every circle contains a special ability, stat upgrade, or magic spell. Each character has a beginning point on the grid, and they can eventually move into the grid territory of other characters to learn their skills. In other words, each character has unique abilities and stats, but each character can share them. I earned every grid space on the entire grid for Yuna, and she defeated the last boss by dealing 99,999 damage with one hit from her rod.
Graphically and musically, FFX is superb. The move from Playstation to Playstation 2 is instantly noticeable visually. All of the locations and people are detailed down to the last speck. Battles are beautiful and fluid, and magic spells put the spells from older games to shame. The FMVs are also outstanding, although you don’t get to see too many of them. Sound-wise, the only big change is the addition of voices. Considering that this is the first game to implement animated actors, I have to say that they did one heck of a good job. The famous Square music returns and gives us some of the best music since Final Fantasy VIII. Emotional scenes have haunting music playing in the background that really helps set the mood and make you feel the story.
Final Fantasy X succeeds at invoking many emotions as you play. This is accomplished through the perfect combination of graphics, sound effects, music, talking, character development, and plot. Throughout the game I experienced joy, happiness, loneliness, humor, and most of all, sadness. Of course, I still had lots of fun playing. It is an emotional game that never leaves the gameplay and RPG elements behind; it is a game that engraves memories into your mind for years to come.
Shay O’NeilGameRatio review by Shay
| | |
|
| |
Read GR% Blog
