Final Fantasy X-2 HD Review (PS4)
Story
This game takes place after Final Fantasy X. Yuna, now freed from her responsibilities as a summoner, decided to go a journey with Rikku to find out about the mysterious man who looked like Tidus in a sphere shown to her by Rikku (this event can be watched at Final Fantasy X: Eternal Calm video from the HD Collection). She became a sphere hunter along with RIkku and a new found friend called Paine, and actively hunting for spheres all over Spira.
The atmosphere of the game is almost completely different than Final Fantasy X HD, where the story has more humour as well as more joyful atmosphere compared to the previous game. Not to mention, the different style of the soundtrack itself also reflected the new age of the game's world, where there is no more Sin around killing people. People may find that this game has bad atmosphere and style, yet I personally feel it is logically befitting. Who wouldn't be happy in a world without a century old beast that terrorises every living being in the world? The game still has some dark story plots, but most of it is explored during the later half of the main game.
What differentiates this game than Final Fantasy X HD is that you can have different approach on progressing the storyline and view optional story scenes. For example, you can go to all optional locations before proceeding to the mandatory locations to view extra scenes in the game. This what makes this game has high replay value: many optional story scenes. Not to mention, there are three multiple endings to be unlocked in the game, with different conditions to be fulfilled to unlock them.
By taking in mind of completing the game with 100% story completion, the story is rather well-told, this time with Yuna being the narrator of the game. The story itself has both humour and deep themes, where players can explore by completing every Missions in the game to understand the whole story of the game.
Characters are more likable this time. Yuna has much more joyful personality, yet still retain her shy and calm traits from the first game. Rikku is the same as always, but she is much more cheerful than the first game now her burden is gone. Paine is a mysterious, cool yet calm character. Many main and supporting characters return from the first game with supporting rules, such as Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, and many more. New characters are certainly likable on their own, such as Gippal and Leblanc.
Gameplay
1) Introduction
The PS3 HD version is basically a HD version of Final Fantasy X-2: International + Last Mission, which was first released in Japan exclusively. This version includes the main game content as well as new contents, such as new Dresspheres, new Garment Grids, Creature Creator feature and Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission.
2) Exploration and Progression Section
The game's exploration plays similarly with Final Fantasy X HD, but this time you can use the airship as a hub to visit many different locations after completing the first two missions in the game. Besides mandatory locations that are labelled as 'Hotspots' to be visited, you can visit other locations to complete many optional Missions in the game. There are 5 chapters in the game, and there are many optional Missions to be done within these 5 chapters.
Completing these optional Missions may reward you greatly, such as new accessories, new dresspheres, and many more. Many of these Missions are easy to be missed, and it is recommended for players to use a guide to achieve 100% story completion.
Mission objectives are varied in this game, such as clearing a dungeon, fetch an item, as well as completing minigames. It is more varied than Final Fantasy X HD's progression methods, but still linear as to avoid players getting lost.
Exploration controls are similar as to Final Fantasy X's controls, except now you can jump to climb ledges. There are many sections in this game that require you to jump, whether to proceed the story or when opening treasure chests.
3) Leveling, Customisation and Upgrading Section
This time, the game brings back the regular leveling system by using experience points to level up. Experience points are gained by defeating enemies. What makes this game different is the AP system.
AP is gained by executing a special move or defeating an enemy. AP is needed to learn new abilities for a dressphere. For example, all three girls need 20 AP each to learn the Warrior's Sentinel ability. More powerful abilities may require even more AP to be learned. You can only learn one ability at a time, so it is important if you choose the important ability to be learned from the Dressphere menu. Different Dresspheres offer different abilities and stats to be used in battle. Dresspheres can be obtained by completing the main Missions, or completing optional sidequests and Missions.
You may buy items or accessories from shops. Items such as Potions and Phoenix Downs can be bought easily or dropped by enemies. Accessories can be equipped to gain increased protection during battles, with some useful passive abilities such as increased Defense stat.
4) Combat Section
Unlike the previous game's turn based battle system, this game uses the classic ATB system, where all three girls need to wait for their ATB gauge to fill up before taking an action. Certain actions may delay the ATB after using them, while some of them may requires the ATB gauge to fill up before executing an action. Unlike the previous Final Fantasy games that use ATB system, this game allows you to control all three girls to take action simultaneously instead of one action at a time. This game also features the Chain feature, where all three characters can attack an enemy to create a chain, increasing the damage inflicted to the enemy with more hits counted.
During battle, you can change the girls' current Dressphere into a different one to suit the battle's nature. However, each girl must customise their own Garment Grids with different Dresspheres before switching to another Dressphere in a battle.
Garment Grids are grids that have different number of Dressphere slots, as well as may have passive abilities included. Some Garment Grids may have less slots but better passive abilities, and vice versa. You can always customise which Garment Grid the girls should use, as well as allotting Dressphere slots on different Garment Grids.
Enemies have different types, weaknesses as well as resistances. It is best to check out each enemy's weaknesses to gain advantages. For example, Flan enemies are weak against certain elemental magic and strong against physical attacks. Bosses are tougher than regular enemies, and may have more resistances as well as better stats than common foes.
During battle, you may use regular Attack command, or use special abilities such as Swordplay in batlte, Items may also be used, and you may also escape from the battle if the enemy is too difficult. Completing a battle rewards you with Gil, Experience Points, and possibly items.
5) New Contents Section
One new feature that is not present in the first English release of the PS2 version is called Creature Creator. You can use pods to catch enemies of different sizes and types and use them in your party. Each monster have different abilities and stats, so training the proper ones is vital. They can also level up and learn new abilities, but each monster can only a set amount of abilities, so you ma have to unlearn one ability to learn a new one. The monsters even have their own substories called Fiend Tales, which can be unlocked upon leveling up or completing the Cups in the Creature Creator menu.
The last new addition of Final Fantasy X-2 HD is called Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission HD, which is sort of an epilogue game that takes place after Final Fantasy X-2 events. This game is considered a separate game from HD Remaster game selection menu as well as having a very different style of gameplay. This game takes place in a tower, and you need to climb 80 floors to complete it.
The game uses turn-based system, where every action includes moving or attacking will consume a turn. The game uses square-based grid movement like strategy games, where the player can move from one square to another. You may choose the girl to attack, move, use items, or etc. Items are randomly generated in this game, and every floor layout is different every time you visit, creating the sense of randomness in the game. You will have to fight bosses on every 20 floors, and they can be troublesome if you do not have good abilities or Dresspheres to be used. Leveling up is similar to the main game's leveling system, where you will gain stats increase upon gaining enough experience points.
6) Gameplay Conclusion
Despite the combat difference compared to the first game, I find that this game is a welcome back to regular old ATB system as well as not being too similar to the first game. Not only the combat is fast-paced, but the additions of Dresspheres on real-time combat changes battle situations with great variety as well as additions of many minigames. I genuinely like the overall gameplay as well as the new content, with enough variety to make it distinct compared to Final Fantasy X HD.
Graphics
Like Final Fantasy X HD, this game has nice remastered graphics, making it looks better than some of the PS3 RPG games. However, this game reuses many game assets from the previous games, such as NPC models, environment and level designs, as well as monster designs. This is not a major issue since this game is a sequel, but it is noticeable.
Not bugs or glitches that I detected when playing this game, thus I am very happy about it.
Sound
None of the previous Final Fantasy X composers return in making the original Final Fantasy X-2's soundtrack, and this is the same. The soundtrack used in this game have very different style compared to Final Fantasy X HD, with more pop tunes and more variety. The soundtrack itself may not be extremely good, but I just love the start menu screen's theme, Eternity: Memory of Lightwaves. Unlike Final Fantasy X HD, this game's soundtrack is not remastered or rerecorded. The soundtrack is suitable enough for the game, but I do not particularly like it.
The voice acting is amazing, with considerable improvement of Yuna's voice actor's performance, Hedy Burress. I think this is how Yuna should be portrayed, as the voice actor herself seems much more comfortable voicing her character this time. Other voice actors also did great job in voicing their characters, such as Tara Strong (Rikku), Gwendoline Yeo (Paine), George Newbern (Nooj), Rick Gomez (Gippal), and the supporting voice actors as well.
Replay Value
Like it's predecessor, this game has high replay value. Maybe even higher than Final Fantasy X's replay value. With lots of new contents like Last Mission, Creature Creator, getting multiple endings, view all possible cutscenes as well as endings, this game can easily takes the playing time value up to more than 100 hours. Not only that, you can play the game again in New Game Plus mode to get anything that you have missed previously.
Conclusion
I personally feel this is the best Final Fantasy sequel I have played so far, and it is far much better than Final Fantasy XIII-2 in many ways, such as much more simple yet well-told storyline and higher replay value. The Dressphere system is a welcome addition, as it allows you to choose what class you need in specific battles. The only problems I have with this game is the possible difficulty of gaining 100% story completion, very different atmosphere and the mildly drastic character change of Yuna, the mixed bag soundtrack, and the recycled game models. Some players may even say that this game is an unnecessary sequel, but I think is a well-deserved sequel after so many years not playing this game on PS2. This game is worth playing not only for being different, but as well as being a good sequel.
Score
Story: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.75/10.0, or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting storyline.
- Many subplots to be explored and unlocked.
- Likable characters.
- Fast-paced and great combat system.
- Many variety of mission progression methods.
- Variety of Dresspheres to be used in combat, suiting different situations and players' playing style.
- Great remastered HD graphics.
- Great voice acting.
- Very high replay value.
- Good variety of minigames.
- Lots of new content.
Cons
- The drastic change of atmosphere from the first game can be unsettling.
- Many reused game models, like NPC models.
- Many of the soundtrack pieces are not memorable enough.
- NPC models don't look good in this game, like Final Fantasy X HD.
**Images are from official Square Enix site.
Hunt for mysterious spheres around Spira.
This game takes place after Final Fantasy X. Yuna, now freed from her responsibilities as a summoner, decided to go a journey with Rikku to find out about the mysterious man who looked like Tidus in a sphere shown to her by Rikku (this event can be watched at Final Fantasy X: Eternal Calm video from the HD Collection). She became a sphere hunter along with RIkku and a new found friend called Paine, and actively hunting for spheres all over Spira.
The atmosphere of the game is almost completely different than Final Fantasy X HD, where the story has more humour as well as more joyful atmosphere compared to the previous game. Not to mention, the different style of the soundtrack itself also reflected the new age of the game's world, where there is no more Sin around killing people. People may find that this game has bad atmosphere and style, yet I personally feel it is logically befitting. Who wouldn't be happy in a world without a century old beast that terrorises every living being in the world? The game still has some dark story plots, but most of it is explored during the later half of the main game.
What differentiates this game than Final Fantasy X HD is that you can have different approach on progressing the storyline and view optional story scenes. For example, you can go to all optional locations before proceeding to the mandatory locations to view extra scenes in the game. This what makes this game has high replay value: many optional story scenes. Not to mention, there are three multiple endings to be unlocked in the game, with different conditions to be fulfilled to unlock them.
By taking in mind of completing the game with 100% story completion, the story is rather well-told, this time with Yuna being the narrator of the game. The story itself has both humour and deep themes, where players can explore by completing every Missions in the game to understand the whole story of the game.
Characters are more likable this time. Yuna has much more joyful personality, yet still retain her shy and calm traits from the first game. Rikku is the same as always, but she is much more cheerful than the first game now her burden is gone. Paine is a mysterious, cool yet calm character. Many main and supporting characters return from the first game with supporting rules, such as Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, and many more. New characters are certainly likable on their own, such as Gippal and Leblanc.
Gameplay
1) Introduction
The PS3 HD version is basically a HD version of Final Fantasy X-2: International + Last Mission, which was first released in Japan exclusively. This version includes the main game content as well as new contents, such as new Dresspheres, new Garment Grids, Creature Creator feature and Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission.
2) Exploration and Progression Section
Linear progression, but with great freedom of exploration.
The game's exploration plays similarly with Final Fantasy X HD, but this time you can use the airship as a hub to visit many different locations after completing the first two missions in the game. Besides mandatory locations that are labelled as 'Hotspots' to be visited, you can visit other locations to complete many optional Missions in the game. There are 5 chapters in the game, and there are many optional Missions to be done within these 5 chapters.
Completing these optional Missions may reward you greatly, such as new accessories, new dresspheres, and many more. Many of these Missions are easy to be missed, and it is recommended for players to use a guide to achieve 100% story completion.
Mission objectives are varied in this game, such as clearing a dungeon, fetch an item, as well as completing minigames. It is more varied than Final Fantasy X HD's progression methods, but still linear as to avoid players getting lost.
Exploration controls are similar as to Final Fantasy X's controls, except now you can jump to climb ledges. There are many sections in this game that require you to jump, whether to proceed the story or when opening treasure chests.
3) Leveling, Customisation and Upgrading Section
Level up like regular Final Fantasy games.
This time, the game brings back the regular leveling system by using experience points to level up. Experience points are gained by defeating enemies. What makes this game different is the AP system.
AP is gained by executing a special move or defeating an enemy. AP is needed to learn new abilities for a dressphere. For example, all three girls need 20 AP each to learn the Warrior's Sentinel ability. More powerful abilities may require even more AP to be learned. You can only learn one ability at a time, so it is important if you choose the important ability to be learned from the Dressphere menu. Different Dresspheres offer different abilities and stats to be used in battle. Dresspheres can be obtained by completing the main Missions, or completing optional sidequests and Missions.
You may buy items or accessories from shops. Items such as Potions and Phoenix Downs can be bought easily or dropped by enemies. Accessories can be equipped to gain increased protection during battles, with some useful passive abilities such as increased Defense stat.
4) Combat Section
Fight off enemies using the power of Dresspheres.
Unlike the previous game's turn based battle system, this game uses the classic ATB system, where all three girls need to wait for their ATB gauge to fill up before taking an action. Certain actions may delay the ATB after using them, while some of them may requires the ATB gauge to fill up before executing an action. Unlike the previous Final Fantasy games that use ATB system, this game allows you to control all three girls to take action simultaneously instead of one action at a time. This game also features the Chain feature, where all three characters can attack an enemy to create a chain, increasing the damage inflicted to the enemy with more hits counted.
During battle, you can change the girls' current Dressphere into a different one to suit the battle's nature. However, each girl must customise their own Garment Grids with different Dresspheres before switching to another Dressphere in a battle.
Garment Grids are grids that have different number of Dressphere slots, as well as may have passive abilities included. Some Garment Grids may have less slots but better passive abilities, and vice versa. You can always customise which Garment Grid the girls should use, as well as allotting Dressphere slots on different Garment Grids.
Enemies have different types, weaknesses as well as resistances. It is best to check out each enemy's weaknesses to gain advantages. For example, Flan enemies are weak against certain elemental magic and strong against physical attacks. Bosses are tougher than regular enemies, and may have more resistances as well as better stats than common foes.
During battle, you may use regular Attack command, or use special abilities such as Swordplay in batlte, Items may also be used, and you may also escape from the battle if the enemy is too difficult. Completing a battle rewards you with Gil, Experience Points, and possibly items.
5) New Contents Section
Catch a monster and use them in your battles.
One new feature that is not present in the first English release of the PS2 version is called Creature Creator. You can use pods to catch enemies of different sizes and types and use them in your party. Each monster have different abilities and stats, so training the proper ones is vital. They can also level up and learn new abilities, but each monster can only a set amount of abilities, so you ma have to unlearn one ability to learn a new one. The monsters even have their own substories called Fiend Tales, which can be unlocked upon leveling up or completing the Cups in the Creature Creator menu.
Try out the rogue-like styled game in Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission HD.
The last new addition of Final Fantasy X-2 HD is called Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission HD, which is sort of an epilogue game that takes place after Final Fantasy X-2 events. This game is considered a separate game from HD Remaster game selection menu as well as having a very different style of gameplay. This game takes place in a tower, and you need to climb 80 floors to complete it.
The game uses turn-based system, where every action includes moving or attacking will consume a turn. The game uses square-based grid movement like strategy games, where the player can move from one square to another. You may choose the girl to attack, move, use items, or etc. Items are randomly generated in this game, and every floor layout is different every time you visit, creating the sense of randomness in the game. You will have to fight bosses on every 20 floors, and they can be troublesome if you do not have good abilities or Dresspheres to be used. Leveling up is similar to the main game's leveling system, where you will gain stats increase upon gaining enough experience points.
6) Gameplay Conclusion
Solid gameplay with lots of new content.
Despite the combat difference compared to the first game, I find that this game is a welcome back to regular old ATB system as well as not being too similar to the first game. Not only the combat is fast-paced, but the additions of Dresspheres on real-time combat changes battle situations with great variety as well as additions of many minigames. I genuinely like the overall gameplay as well as the new content, with enough variety to make it distinct compared to Final Fantasy X HD.
Graphics
Nice remastered graphics.
Like Final Fantasy X HD, this game has nice remastered graphics, making it looks better than some of the PS3 RPG games. However, this game reuses many game assets from the previous games, such as NPC models, environment and level designs, as well as monster designs. This is not a major issue since this game is a sequel, but it is noticeable.
Not bugs or glitches that I detected when playing this game, thus I am very happy about it.
Sound
Great voice acting, but decent soundtrack.
None of the previous Final Fantasy X composers return in making the original Final Fantasy X-2's soundtrack, and this is the same. The soundtrack used in this game have very different style compared to Final Fantasy X HD, with more pop tunes and more variety. The soundtrack itself may not be extremely good, but I just love the start menu screen's theme, Eternity: Memory of Lightwaves. Unlike Final Fantasy X HD, this game's soundtrack is not remastered or rerecorded. The soundtrack is suitable enough for the game, but I do not particularly like it.
The voice acting is amazing, with considerable improvement of Yuna's voice actor's performance, Hedy Burress. I think this is how Yuna should be portrayed, as the voice actor herself seems much more comfortable voicing her character this time. Other voice actors also did great job in voicing their characters, such as Tara Strong (Rikku), Gwendoline Yeo (Paine), George Newbern (Nooj), Rick Gomez (Gippal), and the supporting voice actors as well.
Replay Value
Extremely high replay value.
Like it's predecessor, this game has high replay value. Maybe even higher than Final Fantasy X's replay value. With lots of new contents like Last Mission, Creature Creator, getting multiple endings, view all possible cutscenes as well as endings, this game can easily takes the playing time value up to more than 100 hours. Not only that, you can play the game again in New Game Plus mode to get anything that you have missed previously.
Conclusion
A good sequel of a Final Fantasy game.
I personally feel this is the best Final Fantasy sequel I have played so far, and it is far much better than Final Fantasy XIII-2 in many ways, such as much more simple yet well-told storyline and higher replay value. The Dressphere system is a welcome addition, as it allows you to choose what class you need in specific battles. The only problems I have with this game is the possible difficulty of gaining 100% story completion, very different atmosphere and the mildly drastic character change of Yuna, the mixed bag soundtrack, and the recycled game models. Some players may even say that this game is an unnecessary sequel, but I think is a well-deserved sequel after so many years not playing this game on PS2. This game is worth playing not only for being different, but as well as being a good sequel.
Score
Story: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.75/10.0, or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting storyline.
- Many subplots to be explored and unlocked.
- Likable characters.
- Fast-paced and great combat system.
- Many variety of mission progression methods.
- Variety of Dresspheres to be used in combat, suiting different situations and players' playing style.
- Great remastered HD graphics.
- Great voice acting.
- Very high replay value.
- Good variety of minigames.
- Lots of new content.
Cons
- The drastic change of atmosphere from the first game can be unsettling.
- Many reused game models, like NPC models.
- Many of the soundtrack pieces are not memorable enough.
- NPC models don't look good in this game, like Final Fantasy X HD.
**Images are from official Square Enix site.
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