Final Fantasy X ranks among one of the best games in the series.
The story is well crafted, following a more Movie-Styled formula that FFVIII had versus the old school feel of FFIX. You play as Tidus, a star blitzball (think of soccer under water) player who ends up getting transported 1,000 years into the future by Sin (a demonic monster). He along with 6 beautifully crafted characters then go out on a journey to rid the world. The characters themselves all share unique and colorful personalities. Unlike the previous Final Fantasy, each character gets a defining moment in this game. Tidus is a good transition from the usual angst character. His plight is believable, and unlike most of the other FF-leads, he progressively grows as a character and a leader.
The graphics, at the time, was simply breathe taking. Over six years later, and it still is one of the best looking PS2 games. The game is filled with beautiful cinematics. The voice acting was also above average. Though not to the level of other Square Enix Games (namely the KH Series), the Voice Actor's were convincing enough.
The game play mechanics are simply wonderful. FFX made a controversial move by doing away with the leveling system all together. Instead, the sphere grid system was implemented. With the Sphere Grid, you insert spheres into a character's gird. Each sphere can increase a certain attribute of a character, such as their HP, MP, or Attack Strength. With this new system, the characters "leveling up" process was way more believable. Each character has his or her own unique abilites that makes battles more strategic. Also a nice welcome is the "tag system", which allows characters to switch in and out of any fight. With the tag system, the previous "God-Character" complex can be completely avoided.
The side quests and minigames were bountiful. Needless to say, the most notable minigame was blitzball, which you can end up playing for hours. Along with blitzball came side quest to get every characters ultimate weapons and hidden bosses.
Needless to say, FFX delivered all and then some. There has yet to be a Final Fantasy game to top it's greatness, and with it's engaging story and numerous side quest, you'll end up playing this game for hours upon hours.