Preview

Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Square Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square-Enix USA
Previewed by Christian Kontul on 2003-12-06

When it was first released on Sony's Playstation 2 in 2001, Square's Final Fantasy X was met with critical and consumer acclaim. The media and average gamers alike were impressed with the games gorgeous graphics, beautiful music, and an engaging plot with a likeable cast of characters. Since, FFX has sold over 5 million units worldwide and it has earned numerous awards for fine achievement in interactive entertainment.

In January 2002, Japan was lucky enough to receive Final Fantasy X International, the North American version of the game (which included new bosses and some extra features), as well as a bonus DVD with features like a music video, promotional movies, and interviews with the Japanese and English casts. In addition, a new epilogue scene, "The Eternal Calm," gave fans a new 12-minute scene to leave gamers wanting even more.

Now, for the first time, Square is giving players what they want with the first true sequel to a Final Fantasy game.

Final Fantasy X-2 takes place two years after Yuna sets off to destroy Sin. The world of Spira has entered a period known as "The Eternal Calm," and its people have shunned the teachings of Yevon. They now embrace their former enemies, the Al Bhed, and take advantage of machina, technology that was formerly believed to be against their faith. As long as the new power isn't abused, the people of Spira think that machina can be used to improve quality of life; they are living through a "Machina Revolution." Despite the cheerfulness, Yuna isn't happy and her heart feels empty.

One day, Rikku, a former Guardian for the summoner, appears before Yuna with a mystical sphere that contains an image of a blitzball player that bears a resemblance to someone they both once knew. Although Yuna isn't even sure if he is still alive, she's driven to hunt for him and bring their unexpected parting to a conclusion; even if it means she'll never see him again.

While Final Fantasy X-2 tells a story that picks up right where FFX's leaves off, Square is quick to point out that the game itself is almost entirely new.

First, FFX-2 takes advantage of the "Job Wheel" system which has also appeared in the mega-popular Final Fantasy Tactics. New classes, like "Gunner," "Gambler," and even "Pop Star" show up, and for the first time ever in Final Fantasy, players can switch roles in the middle of battle by using the Sphere plate. Also, fights will return to "Active Mode" to speed up the process. A revised world map with vehicles makes traveling a snap, and new action functions turn FFX-2 into a much more dynamic than previous Final Fantasy games.

With several new gameplay mechanics and a plot that focuses on an all female line-up, Final Fantasy X-2 is a game that will almost definitely captivate RPG fans for hours on end. Currently, Square Electronic Arts hasn't announced a specific release date for FFX-2, but excited gamers can rest easy knowing that it will definitely be out before the end of 2003, only on the Playstation 2.

All images are:
©2003 SQUARE
MAIN CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
For images including Sano, Le Blanc or Uno, ILLUSTRATION: TETSU TSUKAMOTO

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