Explodes with fresh energy, excitement, and more fantastic content-- with a hint of FFTactics! A must for series fans.
Final Fantasy games are known for their exceptional presentation and quality of content. More importantly, FFX treated us to a vast wealth of spoken dialogue, with each character exuding personality, even in the midst of battle. FFX-2 does this as well, making it apparent that this sequel was created with the same amount of passion as its predecessor. FFX-2 is not a watered-down spin-off.
Despite what Gamespot's review mentioned, the graphics have indeed improved. I went into FFX-2 straight after finishing FFX, so it was easy to notice the differences. While some NPC models do look the same, Yuna and Rikku's character models look noticably better. They look better in the real-time cutscenes as well. The improvement in the appearance and animation of the enemies is particularly impressive.
FFX-2 takes place shortly after the defeat of Sin, and you'll notice that Yuna has changed her style. Without giving any spoilers away, those familiar with FFX's ending should be able to find plenty of reasons that Yuna might abandon her previous way of thinking. Spira is back in all its wild and eclectic glory-- but the thing that makes this entry in the series unique is that, for the first time, the story begins in a world at peace (at least for the time being). With that in mind, the upbeat nature of the game (and some of the music) makes sense.
Speaking of the music, Final Fantasy fans tend to fear the missing element of Uematsu's music. However, FFX-2's music (despite having styles that aren't typically in FF games) sounds connected to the music of the previous game. In fact, I was delighted to discover that the music was still exceptional, FF quality music. There is no disappointment here.
The next thing you'll want to know is that the battles are the most intense (and most fun, in my opinion) of the series. Fights are fast paced, which will be a very welcome change for those annoyed by frequent random encounters. Although you don't get to switch out characters, this feature is replaced by the ability to switch jobs during combat. That's right-- FFTactics style! What's more interesting is that all three beautiful women have their own individual appearance for each job. Rikku, for example, looks like her FFX character when she is a thief, but try changing her into a warrior-- she looks quite cool when wielding a huge sword. And her sword is unique to her character. For me, this added a lot to the game. You get to choose which job abilities are being learned at any time.
Another new feature is the ability to perform combos, or chained attacks. Simply time one character's attack to immediately follow another's, and you will do extra damage. This tends to make battles a lot more enjoyable than in previous games. There is a lot more to see here.
FFX-2 boasts non-linear gameplay, which allows to visit any region you wish-- even if the monsters there will obliterate you.
I just started playing this game, but I was so pleased with my experience so far that I had to put in a good word for it. As a fairly avid Final Fantasy fan who has been playing the series since when FF1 first came out on the NES, I am very happy with FFX-2.