Final Fantasy X is the best RPG game in 2001 and will likely remain to be one of the best on the Playstation 2 platform for many years to come.
	.: Story: 10/10 .: Gameplay: 9/10 .: Graphics: 10/10 .: Music: 10/10 .: Value: 9/10 .: Replay Value: 9/10	Overall: 9.5 Superb
Category: Role-Playing | Console-style RPG Platform: PlayStation 2 Tech Information: 1 Player.		Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix Release Date: 12/17/2001

Story:
Tidus, a star Blitzball player is happy with his life; the fame is truly fulfilling. However his content life completely changes when Sin attacks his home city of Zanarkand. The devastation leaves his city in ruins and he finds himself 1000 years in the future. Here he befriends Yuna, a Summoner whom must journey the length and breadth of Spira to gain the entire summons and finally defeat Sin. Join Tidus as he gets to grips with his new surroundings, the Al Bhed, and Sin, a familiar presence, but not on the count of its destruction of Zanarkand…

Artistic Elements:
The graphics are definitely something worth talking about. The previous Final Fantasies, while being detailed and looking very good, have noticeable jagged lines around the character animations and at some times the Full Motion Videos are lacking in detail. In Final Fantasy X, however, character details are smooth and realistic and the Full Motion Videos are breathtaking. One important feature to mention is the fact that people’s clothes move as the character wearing them move. You can also see their hair move in motion with their bodily actions, which is rather spectacular. The environments are expansive and extraordinarily detailed. It seems as if each blade of grass, each sand molecule has been crafted individually.

The opening theme of Final Fantasy X is somewhat different from the typical Final Fantasy opening theme. Instead of orchestral music, we have a heavy-metal band playing the opening them and despite it’s breach from the normalities of Final Fantasy, goes splendidly with the Full Motion Video being shown at that time. As for the rest of the music, all we can say is that Mr. Uematsu has delivered once again. Pieces of music are aptly timed and are appropriate for the situation always. This is another credit to his work.

Gameplay:
Aside from the usual, we go back to turn based battle, which allows you to plan the battle and be more strategic. You can actually see how certain moves will affect your future turns. E.g. some magic may increase your number of turns where others, typically high-level magic, will decrease that number.

In Final Fantasy X, we have a sphere grid. You navigate this grid by collecting special spheres from monsters and treasure chests and then activate the ‘nodes’ on the grid. Each node has its own benefit. Some will teach you a spell where others may increase your strength or hit points. The plus side of this is that you are able to choose your character’s abilities. One could say this is a modified version of the job system that is featured in the older Final Fantasies. There is, however, something that you must keep in mind, each character will have their own specialities and thus begin with a higher stat in that field, so it would take less time to reach a certain stat than another who is not skilled in that area. In FFX, there is no world map at the start. The game is much more linear than the others and requires you to follow a set path this meaning there is no room for straying off and going to other places, yet.

This seems to be a rather poor aspect of the game, but in retrospect, this is possibly a very good feature. Instead of roaming on a world map with a strangely proportioned character, you are actually made to travel to your destinations as if you were to in real-life. This all builds up a feeling of authenticity and allows the environment graphics to really shine. You do eventually get to a world map, however it is more of a point and click world map, then a free-roaming one.

Replay Value:
The replay value is very good. There is a lot to do and lots you can do different. You can find hidden summons, capture and battle monsters, find ultimate weapons, manage a blitzball team and play in those games and a variety of other secrets to challenge. The flexibility of the Sphere Grid means you can come back to the game and try a different path meaning your character will have different abilities and may excel in some battles and in others, may not.

Value:
Value for money is a key point here. With the game having gone platinum, you could easily find this for a cheap price. You get so much for your money, Story, Graphics, Music, everything. A must-buy.

Overall:
T his is a fantastic game, although it may not come up to the standards of the older ones, this is in a class of its own. A mostly consistent plot all the way through with some twists and turns satisfies your gaming hunger, you will be satisfied throughout. This is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a recommended game for all Final Fantasy fans and RPG fans alike.

** Review Written by : FFLeader **