Final Fantasy X Vs. Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy. The title alone will most likely elicit feelings of nostalgic ecstasy and bubbling anticipation in seasoned gamers. The series has been the crown jewel atop the head of Square Enix’s library for what feels like ages. Each game features a complex, moral plot about the various issues of humanity and is explored by a rounded cast of equally complex and interesting characters. So it’s no surprise when Square Enix decided to release its HD remaster of Final Fantasy X and X2 on Steam. Having stopped playing the series at Final Fantasy VII due to outrageous fanboyism, I stepped into the word of Spira with fresh eyes and intrigued curiosity. This is the first time in the series a main Final Fantasy installment has had a direct sequel, which led my competitive nature to ask: “Which game is better?” Here are some things Final Fantasy X does better than X-2, and vice versa:
Combat Manoeuvring
Introduced early on in FF X, Tidus and Rikku outflank an opposing sea monster and trap it in a pincer attack. This sort of combat tactic was only possible in the past through random battle position assignment. The fact the characters now become somewhat mobile in certain combat situations adds a flourish of strategic depth. FF X-2 also features this, with party members closing in on enemies as their numbers dwindle, but FF X gets the point for innovating the feature and making it an optional tactic rather than an automatic response.
Winner: Final Fantasy X
Character Classes
FF X has a close knit, diverse cast of characters each with their own specialty. From a tactical point of view, you must have the right party member active to defeat certain enemies (Wakka attacks flyers, etc) While FF X approaches this with the option to spend a characters turn swapping out during combat (Something I desperately wish was available in FF VII) Characters felt a little too limited in their abilities in combat. Enter FF X-2 and the Dressphere system. Square Enix has used a similar tactic in other titles since the release of X-2, but the Dressphere adds a nice layer of strategy to the game, allowing characters to switch classes and abilities based on necessity. Given that XP goes to the character, and not the class, it felt much more versatile and put a stronger emphasis on the bond between Yuna, Rikku, and Paine than the party of the original game.
Winner: Final Fantasy X-2
Narration
The first title in the series to introduce voice acting, FF X came out of the gate strong with protagonist Tidus. While I found his actual dialogue with other characters to be a bit childish, his narrative monologue was a more mature reflection on himself. These segments showed the expected growth of his character and his struggle with the loss of his father, while actually having good quality acting. FF X-2 of course continued the same formula, but something about Yuna copying the blueprint of Tidus’ style felt forced. I didn’t feel for her story as much as I did for him.
Winner: Final Fantasy X
Click on through to PAGE 2 to find out which game comes out on top.