|  | Game | | Final Fantasy X-2 | Format | | PS2 | Publisher: | | Electronic Arts | Release date: | | Out now |
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From the amazingly rendered opening cinematic with one of the catchiest songs ever heard, to the incredible (and much improved) real time 3D graphics, this game excels in the visual department, and also in sound. Past the pretty graphics, though, is there a real game? You bet. The battle system is Active Time Battle on steroids. It's fast, frantic, and most importantly, fun. Much more fun than its predecessor's combat. Also, the sphere grid is gone, and I couldn't be happier. The game uses a more traditional level up system. That's right, good old EXP and levelling up techniques are back. Good. I despised the sphere grid from FFX, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one. Instead of changing your weapons, you change your class. Your stats change accordingly as well. There is no shortage of classes to change to either. They are as follows: Gunner, Thief, Songstress, Warrior, Black Mage, White Mage, Lady Luck, Trainer, Gun Mage, Alchemist, Samurai, Berserker, Dark Knight, and Mascot. The voice acting is noticeably better, even though the same actors were recruited. There are many less "awkward silences" than were in FFX. Characters now carry on a normal paced conversation. While the environments are generally the same, there is much more detail poured into them. Of course, one couldn't expect many changes to Spira in two years after Sin was defeated, so they still have the same basic layout. The sidequests are often interesting, to say the least. There are creature races in the Calm Lands where you bet on the winner and a backrub(?) minigame, among others. All in all, there is no shortage of things to see or do. Well done, Square. These gameplay mechanics are what they should've done with Final Fantasy X. If I could give this game an 11 out of 10 I would, but that goes against my natural instinct as a gamer, I mean, no game can be perfect, can it? So
9/10 Neon Sighs |
