Final Fantasy X Review by Link584
"Final Fantasy X is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) as the tenth title in the Final Fantasy series. It was released in 2001 for Sony's PlayStation 2. The game marks the Final Fantasy series' transition from entirely pre-rendered backdrops to fully three-dimensional areas, and is also the first in the series to feature voice acting." - Wikipedia
So, does Final Fantasy hold up to the legendary games before it? Or does it get lost in the tides of failure. Continue reading to see how I feel about this epic adventure created by Square.
So, does Final Fantasy hold up to the legendary games before it? Or does it get lost in the tides of failure. Continue reading to see how I feel about this epic adventure created by Square.
Story
Final Fantasy X takes place in the world of Spira, featuring a variety of characters and settings. The basic story is this, a group of travelers protect a summoner who goes from temple to temple, learning ancient summons in order to gather the power of those spirits towards a goal to defeat an incredible monster called “Sin” who is virtually unbeatable. With these summons in hand, hopefully Sin can be stopped. The main character you play as is named Tidus, and you follow his story in the world. I cannot say too much more as this games story and depth, is immense.
Design
The world of Spira is vast, and filled with some very beautiful places I only wish could be found in the real world. From desert, to snowy mountains, huge plains, to endless skies, there is a lot of ground to cover and along the way each location is connected smoothly, and you really feel the distance you travel. When you arrive at these new places, or even on the way to them, you sometimes look around you at what you wish you could explore and touch with your own hands or wish this game had a first person mode so you could look closer at these things. This game was made in 2001 so the graphics are a little dated, but not dated enough so these things can’t be appreciated, as if you couldn’t already tell by my words about it. You’ll find yourself wishing you had a book of the concept art, so you could get an even more detailed look at some of the games most memorable locations.
The world of Spira is vast, and filled with some very beautiful places I only wish could be found in the real world. From desert, to snowy mountains, huge plains, to endless skies, there is a lot of ground to cover and along the way each location is connected smoothly, and you really feel the distance you travel. When you arrive at these new places, or even on the way to them, you sometimes look around you at what you wish you could explore and touch with your own hands or wish this game had a first person mode so you could look closer at these things. This game was made in 2001 so the graphics are a little dated, but not dated enough so these things can’t be appreciated, as if you couldn’t already tell by my words about it. You’ll find yourself wishing you had a book of the concept art, so you could get an even more detailed look at some of the games most memorable locations.
Gameplay / Controls
The game is an RPG, with a fully scaled system. Magic spells, unique attacks, numerous party members, and a very unique way of leveling through a “sphere grid” it definitely provides a lot to take in and get used to at first. By the time you are a few hours in, you will feel at home with the style of battles and when to use which characters, and experiment with some interesting leveling options the game offers later on as well. The controls are fluid as there is not much to really “control.” You walk from place to place and it feels natural as you can’t jump all over the place like Mario, but follow the paths given to you and the side roads if you desire. The menu screens are easy to navigate after a couple hours of playtime, and with that there is not much more to say about controls. Battles screens are easy to understand as well, allowing you to play at your own pace.
The game is an RPG, with a fully scaled system. Magic spells, unique attacks, numerous party members, and a very unique way of leveling through a “sphere grid” it definitely provides a lot to take in and get used to at first. By the time you are a few hours in, you will feel at home with the style of battles and when to use which characters, and experiment with some interesting leveling options the game offers later on as well. The controls are fluid as there is not much to really “control.” You walk from place to place and it feels natural as you can’t jump all over the place like Mario, but follow the paths given to you and the side roads if you desire. The menu screens are easy to navigate after a couple hours of playtime, and with that there is not much more to say about controls. Battles screens are easy to understand as well, allowing you to play at your own pace.
Music
After playing this game I realized something. I enjoyed the atmosphere and tunes of the towns in the game, but hardly recall any by heart after my 50 hour adventure. The title screen, opening cutscene, and battle music are all I can remember. That doesn’t mean the music was bad at all, it’s just not memorable but I’m perfectly okay with that. The music always fit, and that is exactly what it is suppose to do. So not much to say here other then good job, and thank you for the great opening scene song. It’s beautiful and memorable, I just wish more songs were.
After playing this game I realized something. I enjoyed the atmosphere and tunes of the towns in the game, but hardly recall any by heart after my 50 hour adventure. The title screen, opening cutscene, and battle music are all I can remember. That doesn’t mean the music was bad at all, it’s just not memorable but I’m perfectly okay with that. The music always fit, and that is exactly what it is suppose to do. So not much to say here other then good job, and thank you for the great opening scene song. It’s beautiful and memorable, I just wish more songs were.
Presentation
All the above statements put together help really make this world of Spira seem alive. Plus with the number of villagers and people you come across, it really feels like a world that is breathing of struggles to fight against Sin, and you really want to help with people of Spira, and hate those whom you should hate. The characters in your main party are also very detailed and your relationships grow as you continue your journey, and you really feel for them not just as Tidus, but you yourself in front of your tv screen. Each character is special in their own way, and none of them had any flaws that I feel are worth mentioning. If anything, it includes one of my favorite characters, of all time.
All the above statements put together help really make this world of Spira seem alive. Plus with the number of villagers and people you come across, it really feels like a world that is breathing of struggles to fight against Sin, and you really want to help with people of Spira, and hate those whom you should hate. The characters in your main party are also very detailed and your relationships grow as you continue your journey, and you really feel for them not just as Tidus, but you yourself in front of your tv screen. Each character is special in their own way, and none of them had any flaws that I feel are worth mentioning. If anything, it includes one of my favorite characters, of all time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would have to say this game is very well put together, and I wish I only knew how to say more about it without giving away any details or sounding like some fan boy. This game has many secrets to explore, and will last hours upon hours even without exploration. It also is a great game to play again every couple years and visit old friends. It truly was and still is a masterpiece in my mind, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I give this game a 5 out of 5. It is a near perfect game, and I would still buy it again at full price all these years later.
In conclusion, I would have to say this game is very well put together, and I wish I only knew how to say more about it without giving away any details or sounding like some fan boy. This game has many secrets to explore, and will last hours upon hours even without exploration. It also is a great game to play again every couple years and visit old friends. It truly was and still is a masterpiece in my mind, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I give this game a 5 out of 5. It is a near perfect game, and I would still buy it again at full price all these years later.