Final Fantasy X-2 - Hype, Dress-Up, Bender

Thanks to 1UP for its illustrated primer to Final Fantasy X-2, illustrating the PS2 RPG sequel that debuts in the U.S. on Tuesday. Advance press reviews vary somewhat, but fan reviews of the import version have been overwhelmingly favorable, with the GameFAQs messageboards also harboring a handy pre-release guide to "give you a feel of how the game is played". 1UP illustrates the 'dress-up' angle of FFX-2 well with their expose of "the new Job system and the costumes it entails", showcasing the Cher-like variety of outfits Yuna, Rikku, and Paine wear, and finally, Futurama fans may rejoice, because Bender himself, John Di Maggio returns in FFX-2 as the voice of Wakka. Update: 11/16 15:48 GMT by S : GameSpy has just added their own review of the game, giving it 3/5 ("It's not quite what you may be expecting.")

Comments

Vestal's opinions

[Spleener12]

Andrew Vestal, a fairly well-known writer of video game-related things currently living in Japan, purchased the game last March when it came out and has his impressions here, here, and finally here.

His verdict is basically that X-2, while very similar on the surface, is a very different game from X. It's not nearly as much about a serious epic quest. Most of the enjoyment comes from screwing around and doing all of the sidequests, so people who just run though the game as fast as they can are the ones who probably won't like it as much. It's a very light-hearted game in comparison to X, and if you can deal with that, you should be fine.

Re:So wheres the limit

[deus_X_machina]

"Square somehow is becoming worst in their desire to never ever let go of FF"

Are you kidding? Final Fantasy brought the text based RPG (as opposed to say Zelda) to the masses. What was once a very specialized 'niche genre' is now a very profitable market. From a purely economical standpoint, Square would be insane to drop the Final Fantasy name. I bought my Playstation just to play Final Fantasy VII when it came out. Prior to that, I was happy with my SNES (due to the fact it had all of the good RPGs). Look how well FF has sold compared to Vagrant Story, The Bouncer, Chaos Legion, etc. Final Fantasy is the RPG for the masses. Final Fantasy 1,2, and 3 were probably a bit too difficult for the average gamer (particularly 1 and 2), but now the series appeals to just about everyone. And their profits reflect it.

"I'll be amazed when I see an FF game do something new, and not just pretty graphics and FMV"

Okay, you obviously haven't played Final Fantasy XI. They've created an MMORPG using the brilliantly designed Final Fantasy graphics, inferface, and world, and then linked Japan, America, and the PS2 market. The game is more innovative than any other MMORPG on the market due to its appeal and ease of use. I found everquest to be too difficult and complicated to get into but 2 days into it, I can't get enough FFXI. 4 guys in my hall went out and picked it up because it's just so damn good and easy to get into. They are all also new to MMORPGs, but it feels like we've all been playing them for years.

As for the FMV, I think the stories and cool characters are what's appealing to everyone. The stories are much better than most movies out today. I'd like to see them tone them down a bit (Xenosaga, ugh!), but all in all, Final Fantasy VII is probably one of the best games ever made. The atmosphere Square creats in each FF game is just incredible.

Personally, I think it's incredible that Square has taken Final Fantasy and evolved it into one of the most innovative, entertaining, and appealing series ever.