Game Review: ‘Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster’ is a timeless masterpiece

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. There was a time when the words “Square Enix” and “Squaresoft” couldn’t even be so much as breathed without someone falling into a state of utmost reverence. Now, those words elicit only sighs of nostalgia, or worse, a derisive chuckle from the most cynical of gamers.

 

Square Enix may still be producing quality titles, including “Bravely Default” and the recently-reviewed “Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII”, but the gaming giant’s golden age may very well be over.

 

But that’s the way of the world, and the gaming industry is no different. And though empires may rise and fall, there will always be legends that never die.

 

One of those legends is the saga of “Final Fantasy X”, considered by many to be the epitome of the JRPG during its glory days. While “X” was ahead of its time in terms of technology and gameplay, it wasn’t simply a fun, great-looking, and innovative game; it also had an incredible story, characters you couldn’t help but love, a beautiful, fully-realized world, and a soundtrack so wonderful you could use its melodies at your own wedding, funeral, or any other significant life events.

 

“Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster” brings the PlayStation 2 masterpieces to the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita. But if a simple port is all you’re expecting, you couldn’t be more wrong. “Remaster” is treasure trove of goodies for anyone who’s stuck with the series through thick and thin.

 

 

 

 

This is their story, and yours

 

Both games take place in a Southeast Asian-influenced fantasy realm called Spira. “X” introduces us to young, cheerful blitzball player Tidus who, after an apocalyptic encounter with an entity known only as Sin, gets transported to a colorful yet technologically backward land. Here he meets and becomes guardian to the gentle but determined Yuna, a priestess on a pilgrimage to destroy an ancient menace. This struggle against implacable forces carries over into “X-2” and beyond, but there’s more to this tale than your standard good vs. evil. There’s also love, friendship, and loss.

 

“X” and “X-2” are thematically different; while the former plays like a string orchestra, solemn, sweeping, and grand, the latter is wild and loud, with all the chaotic bliss of an end-of-the-world party.

 

You’ll notice one thing though, especially in the opening hours of “X”. This is a slower game compared to many of today’s titles, many of which place an emphasis on cheap thrills and quick fixes.

 

The thing about “Final Fantasy X” is that it was, and still is, like reading a good book. You didn’t simply pick it up when you were bored, and put it down when something else came along. No, “X” demanded a deliberate investment of time and emotion. Such a commitment could prove taxing for gamers who’ve been spoiled by the adrenaline rush of headshots and high-flying combo attacks. Thankfully, many of the core elements of “X” remain fresh today, while those of a more superficial level have been given a drastic facelift.

 

 

 

 

Leveling up

 

So what’s new with “Remaster”? First things first, the graphics have been extensively overhauled. Textures are cleaner, clearer, and more detailed, so that the game looks stunning on bigger screens. The environments are now more picturesque due to the vivid colors. Thanks to refurbished models, the edges of the 3D geometries seem less jagged. Various tweaks have also been made to the lighting, shadows, and liquid effects.

 

The visual enhancements don’t come without a price, however. As splendid as Tidus and company appear, they have a tendency to look like dead-eyed spazzes. Also, the miscellaneous NPCs of Spira don’t fare as well as the main characters. As they retain their dated PS2 models, the improved textures only serve to highlight their low polygon count, making their flat, box-like faces look even odder.

 

Not much was done to revamp the animation, and though it generally looks great, there are times characters move in a jerky or clunky way. And apparently, the lip syncing hasn’t been modified – which is too bad, because it was never the original games’ strongest point.

 

The audio has been revised too, with some tracks receiving fresh rearrangements. None of the musical scores sound so drastically different that they would make returning fans feel cheated, however; all in all, “Remaster” sounds excellent.

 

The voice acting, sadly, is as awkward as it was in the originals. This isn’t to say it’s terrible. But the multitude of long-drawn-out pauses between sentences – and occasionally even words – make the characters sometimes sound like they’re reading off a script, instead of speaking naturally. This is most noticeable in Yuna, although she does improve in “X-2”.

 

It has to be mentioned that, although most cut scenes are a joy to watch, they still can’t be skipped. This can prove annoying when you’re forced to replay certain sections after failing them.

 

 

 

 

Another world awaits you

 

The core gameplay remains largely unchanged. The battle system of “X” serves as the true realization of “Final Fantasy’s” traditional turn-based combat, which rewards sound strategy and clever utilization of your party members’ disparate specialties. Because each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, no one of them can be used for every situation. For example, goth queen Lulu is most effective against magical creatures, while blitzball-hurling Wakka is best used against flyers. Though only three characters appear at a time on the screen, any one of them can be switched out for another at any point during battle, so unleashing your team’s full potential is always just a button push away.

 

“X-2” changes up the combat a little, introducing a real time counter and, more importantly, the Dress Sphere system. During battle, any of the game’s three protagonists can transition between their assorted wardrobes. Each costume basically equips them with a different set of powers. New Dress Spheres can be collected as you journey through Spira, giving you a chance to up your party’s arsenal of special abilities.

 

“X” and “X-2” do get new combat-related additions. The leveling-up system of “X”, the Sphere Grid, now has two versions: Normal and Expert. “X-2” also receives supplementary Dress Spheres, which were only available in certain versions of the original game.

 

Extra gameplay content include challenging new boss encounters in “X”, the Creature Creator and Field Arena tournaments in “X-2”, and new character abilities in both.

 

And for all you completionists out there, both games now feature trophy support.

 

Lastly, it is to be noted that the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita versions are cross-save compatible, meaning you can use a saved game in one version to continue your quest in the other. You will have to buy both versions to enjoy this benefit, however.

 

 

 

 

The complete package

 

Fans have long known that the story of Tidus and Yuna didn’t end with “X” and “X-2”. Their tale continued in the bonus minigame “Last Mission”, which gamers in some parts of the world have had some difficulty getting their hands on.

 

Fans will therefore be happy to know that “Remaster” includes this elusive chapter of “Final Fantasy X”. The package also contains the short movie, “Eternal Calm”, which serves as a bridge between “X” and “X-2”. Rounding off the “Final Fantasy X” experience, “Remaster” also gives us a 30-minute audio drama.

 

Isn’t it wonderful?

 

Times may have changed, but one thing remains true: though a few of its elements haven’t aged that well, “Final Fantasy X” remains one of the most celebrated JRPGs to date, thanks to its universe of unique and compelling beauty, extraordinary story, loveable characters, and unforgettable soundtrack. “X-2”, while not as groundbreaking as predecessor, offers an intriguing new take on all the things we fell in love with in “X”, and equally should not be missed.

 

So what is “Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster”, in summary? Two beloved classics, one sought-after minigame, and several other goodies, all in a single package, for the price of one. — TJD, GMA News