Video Game

Title: Final Fantasy X-2
Develop/Publisher: Square-Enix
Platform: Console
Systems: Playstation2
Release Date (JP): March 13, 2003; February 2004 (Intl. edition)
Release Date (Others): November 2003 (NA); February 2004 (EU)
Genre: Role-playing game
Players: Single Player
Discs: 1 DVD (PS2)

Story & Gameplay

Final Fantasy X-2 is the direct sequel to the RPG game, Final Fantasy X. It is shorter and lighter in tone. The game brings you back to Spira, a world that is quickly transforming after the epic events of FFX. Trade is increasing, prosperity is growing, and several dissenting ruling factions have formed, as they usually do after one tyrannical government falls. You play as Yuna, who (along with her friend Rikku and Paine) has the new occupation as a Sphere Hunter. Hilarity ensues. However, something sinister is developing. Yuna will have to save the world again, and cope with Tidus' departure in the process.

The gameplay can be summed with two concepts: Mission Time and Minigames. As if to snap back at the people who critcized FFX's linear storyline, FFX-2 is quite the opposite. Head to the world map and Yuna's team has a variety of missions at different world locations to choose in whatever order you want. These missions can be a combination of storyline, minigames, and battles. And there are a lot of them, mostly because Yuna can't say no to people in need. There is a grander plot of death and resentment that is slowly revealed as time goes on. The fun missions and the deeper story balance each other out.

The battle system can be summed up in two phrases as well: ATB Bar and Job System. Two Final Fantasy battle classics are back! The battle system from FFX was completely redesigned. The ATB bar was reinstated, creating what some critics call "the fastest, turn-based battle system in the series yet." Additionally, a new take on FF's traditional job system was created, called the Dressphere System. This feature has you collect spheres to unlock the ability to access certain job classes in battle, which you can switch mid-fight to access different spells/powers. Despite what ever misgivings critics would cite about FFX-2's fanservice, the battle system is usually the one area where most reviewers commend the game design.

Aside from the regular edition, there is also a special Final Fantasy X-2 International+Last Mission version. This version was only released in Japan. It featured the English voice tracks and a new epilogue dungeon, where YuRiPa reunite to fight their way up Yadonoki Tower.

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