Role Playing Games have been my favourite
video game genre for a fairly long period of time as they generally present a
beautiful and immersive escape from the limitations of the real world when done
right. Final Fantasy is one of the most well-known eastern examples of RPG’s
and most if not all of the games in the series succeed in causing the player to
feel what they want them to feel. One of the most controversial questions among
the Final Fantasy Fan base is which game is the best in the series? Over my university
break I have been playing the ‘Final Fantasy X/ X-2 HD Remaster’ and after
completing Final Fantasy X the 2nd time it got me thinking about
this question.
The
plot is very complex and delves into political conflict and corruption and is
quite relatable to today’s society involving the political system across the
world. Many people who have enjoyed other entries in the series more may state
that the characters in final fantasy X are bland or lack depth, which is not
true at all, all of the main characters have distinct personalities which
change throughout the entirety of the game.
For example the main protagonist Tidus begins
as an arrogant, seemingly childish sports star who is burdened by the verbal
abuse he received from his father. When he is taken from his home to the world
of spira he is completely clueless to anything around him and constantly
complains about wanting to go home, but as the story progresses his arrogance
diminishes. Tidus constantly attempts to project his cheerful personality
amongst the party when they are upset or thinking negatively even when he is
having negative thoughts. When he finds out Yuna will die after her pilgrimage
he becomes very apologetic about encouraging her to complete it which we have
not really seen from him until then. He is no longer the cheery character he
was earlier in the story and becomes determined to find a way to save Yuna
throughout the rest of the story.
The visuals were amazing for the time of
the original and are still pretty gorgeous today especially in the high
definition remaster. The beautiful surreal environments and vibrant use of
colour really add to the feeling of immersion and it really assists the player
to feel like they are adventuring through a different world.
The combat mechanics return to the turn
based gameplay of the original 3 Final Fantasy games which could be seen as a
positive aspect for some and a negative for others who enjoy the suspense of
the Active Time Battle system of the rest of the games in the series. The game
also utilizes what is known as the sphere grid rather than the traditional
levelling system which allows the player to choose their own path of stats and
abilities each character can learn through collecting spheres, this provides a
sense of freedom with how the character will perform in combat.
Final Fantasy X provides a gripping
emotional story through an adventure in an immersive fantasy world but so does
every other Final Fantasy title in the main series. Although Final Fantasy X is
my personal favourite in the series and also one of my favourite video games of
all time it might not be for others. Every Final Fantasy game is the best in
the series depending on what you enjoy as they are very similar despite some
minor changes which may be seen as positive or negative. Please let me know if
you agree in the comments
Cdn3.whatculture.com, (2014). [online] Available at: http://cdn3.whatculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/fftidusandyuna3.jpg [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
Futuregamez.net, (2014). [online] Available at: http://www.futuregamez.net/ps2games/ffx/ffx5.jpg [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
Img2.wikia.nocookie.net, (2014). [online] Available at: http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140107220040/finalfantasy/images/2/25/Kinoc_in_the_wedding.jpg [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
Img4.wikia.nocookie.net, (2014). [online] Available at: http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130215053322/finalfantasy/images/e/e5/Customized_sphere_grid_ffx.png [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
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