New media: Final Fantasy X

SquareSoft has released several new screenshots from Final Fantasy X for the Sony PlayStation 2. The screens highlight new locations in the game, battle sequences, and characters. The battle system in the game will be more fluid than in previous games in the series, as a bar on the right side of the screen now tracks which character will move next. Using this, players will be able to switch party members at will during battle. Additionally, the transition between a cutscene introducing the enemy and the battle itself will be much smoother, as the game uses a blur effect to move into a battle sequence. Battles will take place in a variety of locations, including on sea vessels, an example of which is shown in the screens.

Two characters are prominently highlighted in the screenshots. The first is Shiva, who is, of course, one of the summon monsters featured prominently in the series. The second character shown is a tattooed male with blue hair and an unusual haircut, known as Seymour. Specifics regarding his identity are not known at this time. However, he may be one of the several party members in the game, joining the likes of Wakka, Lulu, Kimari Longo, Rikku, and Auron.

Final Fantasy X will be released on July 19 in Japan. As reported previously, the game will come packaged with Other Side of Final Fantasy, a DVD disc that features a video interview with the FFX developers, a trailer for Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Final Fantasy X sketches and concept art, and the latest clips from Square's upcoming titles. A North American release is planned for early 2002.