Final Fantasy X is a role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) as the tenth main entry in the Final Fantasy series. Originally released in 2001 for PlayStation 2, the game was re-released as Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in 2013, for PlayStation 4 in 2015, Windows in 2016, and for Nintendo Switch and Xbox One in 2019. The game marks the Final Fantasy series transition from entirely pre-rendered backdrops to fully three-dimensional areas (though some areas were still pre-rendered), and is also the first in the series to feature voice acting. Final Fantasy X replaces the Active Time Battle (ATB) system with the "Conditional Turn-Based Battle" (CTB) system, and uses a new leveling system called the "Sphere Grid".
Final Fantasy X is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series, as well as one of the greatest video games of all time. It has received critical acclaim for its story, characters, gameplay, graphics, sound, and emotional impact. It has also sold over 8.5 million units worldwide on PlayStation 2 alone, making it one of the best-selling games on the console. It was followed by Final Fantasy X-2 in March 2003, making it the first Final Fantasy game to have a direct game sequel.
In this article, we will explore what makes Final Fantasy X such a masterpiece, how it has improved over time with its HD remaster versions, what are some of its flaws and challenges, and what are some tips and tricks for enjoying it to the fullest.
Final Fantasy X is set in the fictional world of Spira, consisting of one large landmass divided into three subcontinents, surrounded by small tropical islands. It features diverse climates, ranging from the tropical Besaid and Kilika islands, to the temperate Mi'ihen region, to the frigid Macalania and Mt. Gagazet areas.
The story revolves around a group of adventurers and their quest to defeat a rampaging monster known as Sin. The player character is Tidus, an athlete star of the fictional sport known as blitzball who finds himself in Spira after his home city of Zanarkand is destroyed by Sin. Shortly after arriving to Spira, Tidus joins the summoner Yuna on her pilgrimage to destroy Sin.
Along their journey, they encounter various friends and foes who help or hinder their mission. They also learn more about Spira's history, culture, religion, politics, and secrets. They discover that Sin is not just a mindless beast but a manifestation of a cycle of death and rebirth that has plagued Spira for a thousand years. They also learn that Tidus's father Jecht is somehow connected to Sin and the cycle. They also develop romantic feelings for each other, despite knowing that their fates are doomed.
Final Fantasy X features a turn-based combat system that allows the player to swap party members in and out of battle. The player can control up to three characters in a party, out of a total of seven main characters. The characters have different abilities and roles, such as physical attackers, magic users, healers, or support. The player can see the turn order of both allies and enemies on the upper right corner of the screen, and plan their actions accordingly.
The game also introduces the Sphere Grid, a new way of leveling up and customizing the characters. The Sphere Grid is a large network of nodes connected by paths. Each node grants a specific attribute boost or ability when activated by a sphere. The player can move each character along a predefined path on the grid, or eventually switch to another path using special items. The player can also use items to create new nodes or modify existing ones.
Another feature of the combat system is the Overdrive gauge, which fills up as the character takes or deals damage. When the gauge is full, the character can unleash a powerful attack or skill called an Overdrive. Each character has a unique Overdrive that can be customized by changing its mode, which determines how the gauge fills up.
Final Fantasy X allows the player to explore various locations in Spira, ranging from towns and villages, to temples and ruins, to forests and caves. The player can interact with non-player characters, shop for items and equipment, rest at inns or save points, and access the Sphere Grid. The player can also encounter enemies randomly while walking on the field, or trigger scripted battles at certain points.
The game also features a world map that shows the current location of the party and the available destinations. The player can travel between locations by using different methods of transportation, such as airships, boats, chocobos, or vehicles. Some locations are only accessible by certain means of transportation, or after completing certain events.
The game also offers a variety of side quests and minigames that are optional but rewarding. Some of them are related to the main story or characters, such as finding Jecht's spheres, obtaining celestial weapons, or completing Yuna's wedding dress sphere. Others are independent from the main plot, such as blitzball, monster arena, chocobo racing, or butterfly catching. Some of them require skill and strategy, while others rely on luck and timing.
Aeons are powerful creatures that can be summoned by Yuna in battle. They act as a fourth party member that replaces the other three. They have their own HP, MP, stats, abilities, and Overdrive gauge. They can be controlled by the player or left to act on their own. They can also be dismissed by the player at any time.
The game features ten aeons in total, each with a different element, appearance, personality, and backstory. They are obtained by completing trials at each of the six temples across Spira. The first five aeons are mandatory for the story progression: Valefor (wind), Ifrit (fire), Ixion (lightning), Shiva (ice), and Bahamut (non-elemental). The remaining five aeons are optional and hidden: Yojimbo (non-elemental), Anima (darkness), Magus Sisters (non-elemental), Cindy (earth), Sandy (fire), and Mindy (water).
The aeons play a crucial role in the story and the gameplay of Final Fantasy X. They are not only Yuna's weapons against Sin but also her friends and guardians. They also represent different aspects of Spira's culture and history. They can be customized by using items on them at save points or on the airship. They can also learn new abilities by using certain spheres on them on the Sphere Grid.
Final Fantasy X was one of the first games to showcase the graphical capabilities of PlayStation 2. It featured stunning visuals that impressed both critics and players alike. It used a combination of pre-rendered backgrounds and real-time 3D models to create immersive environments with dynamic lighting and shadows. It also used motion capture technology to animate realistic facial expressions and body movements for the characters.
The game was later remastered for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in 2013 as part of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster collection. The remaster version improved the graphics by enhancing the textures, models, effects, and resolution of the original game. It also added some new features such as trophies, cross
Final Fantasy X also features a remarkable sound design that complements its graphics and story. It is the first game in the series to feature voice acting, which adds more depth and emotion to the characters and scenes. The voice cast includes James Arnold Taylor as Tidus, Hedy Burress as Yuna, John DiMaggio as Wakka, Tara Strong as Rikku, Matt McKenzie as Auron, Paula Tiso as Lulu, Alex Fernandez as Kimahri, Gregg Berger as Jecht, and George Newbern as Seymour.
The game also features a memorable soundtrack composed by Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano. The soundtrack consists of 91 tracks that span various genres and moods, from orchestral to rock to ambient. Some of the most iconic tracks include "To Zanarkand", "Suteki da ne", "Otherworld", "Battle Theme", and "Hymn of the Fayth". The soundtrack was also rearranged for the HD remaster version by Masashi Hamauzu and Tsutomu Narita, with some new tracks added.
The game also offers the option to switch between the original and the remastered soundtracks in the settings menu. The player can also choose between the original Japanese voice acting or the English dubbing. The HD remaster version also includes some new voice lines for some characters, such as Yuna's wedding dress sphere.
Final Fantasy X has received universal acclaim from both critics and players since its release. It has an average score of 92/100 on Metacritic based on 54 reviews for the PlayStation 2 version, and an average score of 86/100 based on 70 reviews for the PlayStation 3 version. It also has an average user score of 8.7/10 based on 1,686 ratings for the PlayStation 2 version, and an average user score of 8.5/10 based on 1,050 ratings for the PlayStation 3 version.
Some of the common praises for the game include its engaging story, likable characters, innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and emotional soundtrack. Some of the common criticisms include its linear progression, lack of exploration, voice acting quality, and difficulty spikes.
Final Fantasy X is widely considered as one of the best games in the series, as well as one of the greatest video games of all time. It has won several awards and accolades, such as GameSpot's Game of the Year 2001, IGN's Best RPG of 2001, and Famitsu's Hall of Fame Gold Award. It has also been ranked among the top games of all time by various publications and websites, such as IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time, Game Informer's Top 100 RPGs of All Time, and Edge's The 100 Best Games to Play Today.
Final Fantasy X is a game that can be enjoyed by both newcomers and veterans of the series. However, there are some tips and tricks that can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Here are some of them:
Final Fantasy X is a game that deserves its reputation as a masterpiece. It has a captivating story, memorable characters, innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and emotional sound. It is a game that can make you laugh, cry, cheer, and rage. It is a game that can make you think, feel, and dream. It is a game that can stay with you for a long time.
If you are a fan of role-playing games, or video games in general, you owe it to yourself to play Final Fantasy X. Whether you play the original version or the HD remaster version, you will not regret it. You will experience one of the best games ever made, and one of the best stories ever told.
Final Fantasy X is more than just a game. It is a journey. A journey that you will never forget.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Final Fantasy X. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy gaming!
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