Sometimes a franchise has a game that transforms how everyone looks at it. Some franchises are lucky to have several. Such is the case with Square-Enix and the example of Final Fantasy X. Previous franchise games had reinvented their gameplay and the idea of how JRPGs could be presented. The tenth installment was no different, providing a lot of firsts for the series and expanding the audience of Final Fantasy. As we look back on this classic game, let’s think about where gaming was in 2001, which led to this game being considered a masterpiece of its time. We will avoid spoilers in case you’ve somehow still never played it!
Updated Presentation
The PS2 allowed for a presentation like gamers had never seen before. The in-engine graphics were better than the pre-rendered cutscenes of Final Fantasy IX, and the pre-rendered cutscenes were competing with the likes of Pixar movies. Final Fantasy X took advantage of not just the PS2’s greatly heightened graphics but also the enhanced storage space of DVDs. For the first time in series history, voice acting was included in all major cutscenes. Players grew attached to their characters like never before, seeing them laugh and cry and shout in cinematic moments. For those who had trouble following JRPG storylines, you now may as well have been watching a film.
Smart Gameplay
Final Fantasy X left behind the ATB battle system for something slow-paced and strategic. The player’s characters and enemies would take actions based on their speed, with certain actions adjusting the order of play. This meant planning around your enemy’s attacks was more important than ever. Additionally, party members could be swapped mid-fight, allowing for more complex setups and executions. Through the sphere grid, characters were deeply customizable, not locked into any one play style. What this amounted to was a game with deep combat and challenging encounters that felt rewarding to finally triumph over.
A Love Story
The story of Tidus and Yuna wasn’t the first romance in Final Fantasy history. However, even more so than Final Fantasy VIII, it was central to what made the plot memorable. Yuna’s devotion to her journey was her primary focus, but everything changed when Tidus arrived. Final Fantasy X created a tale about challenging expectations and rethinking your destiny when it turns out things weren’t what you thought they were. Without spoiling all the details, a hefty mix of hope and tragedy awaits those who get connected to the relationship of Tidus and Yuna. It told a love story that reinvented what could be done in JRPGs.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why people remember Final Fantasy X fondly, but going in-depth would spoil the ride. With remasters available on all current platforms, there’s never been a better time to jump into the game if you haven’t already. While the sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, doesn’t quite stand up to the original in terms of quality, it makes for an enjoyable companion piece. From excellent music, memorable areas, and dramatic cutscenes, there’s every reason to give the game a shot. 23 years out from its original release, it stands the test of time and will make for a compelling journey.
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