This is a Final Fantasy X Review for the Playstation 2 by Strubes.

As you would come to expect with the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy X (FFX) once again brings everything to the table, and more!  Being the first Final Fantasy on the PS2, Square had a lot to live up to.  Final Fantasy has been known for its dynamic story, fun game play, and numerous side quests and mini-games.  Final Fantasy X uses all of these qualities to the fullest.  The game starts out with you taking the role of a young star player for a sport called blitz ball on his way to a game.  As the opening cut-scene reaches its climax, you soon figure out this is turns out to not be an ordinary night.

            Let’s start with the graphics.  The graphics in this Final Fantasy are unlike anything you would expect.  The in-game cut-scenes are great, but the cinematic cut-scenes are so gorgeous, you’ll feel like you’re watching a movie.  The environments are top-notch. Each one is beautifully organized and diverse. From sunny beaches to snowy mountains, every inch of every place you visit in very well done.  The spells and effects graphics are very nice as well. Nothing, however, compares to the entrances of the aeons.  These creatures give new meaning to the word “awesome”. From the moment you summon you’re first aeon, and see the entrance, you’ll be instantly captivated. 

            As for game play, you actually won’t be annoyed when entering a battle.  That’s right, the fights are actually fun.  You heard it right, an RPG that incorporates fun into its combat.  On several occasions, you can “talk” to your opponent and find out more information on the story. You’ll also have fun calling forth aeons and casting unique spells and abilities.  The unique leveling up system allows you to move about an object known as the “sphere grid”.  This is where you move to different “nodes” and level up according to what’s on that “node”.  This system allows a unique way to level up that seemed like a nice turn-around for me.  You no longer earn a specific ability as you reach a certain level, as there are no “levels” for your character, but rather you can move across the sphere grid and learn the abilities that you want. 

            The story falls nothing short of fantastic.  There are so many twists and turns but it’s all easily understandable.  Throughout the story, you almost feel like you have a bond with the characters, as they use real emotion and life decisions that captivate you.  This is one of those stories where you don’t want it to end, but you feel like you have to continue so you can learn more.  It’s a very intriguing story, blending together corruption, religion, nobleness, and friendship. 

            In conclusion, this is the perfect RPG to own if you have a PS2.  You’ll have a blast as you battle through countless fiends, corrupted leaders, and unexpected plot twists.  Be forewarned though, once you pick this game up, you may have to summon all of your energy to put it down.