.png)
After the success of Final Fantasy VIII, the development of its sequel was set to be a ground-breaking moment for Square. Initially intended for the PlayStation 2, the project was postponed, as Square shifted its attention to a PlayStation 2 launch title. The delay allowed for better utilization of the system’s enhanced capabilities, and Square assembled an impressive team, investing over $32 million. Over 100 writers, programmers, and artists worked together to bring the next vision to life.
In previous Final Fantasy installments, settings often drew from European architecture and landscapes, with Final Fantasy VII and VIII blending in modern technology and Japanese steampunk elements. For Final Fantasy X, however, Square took a different approach. The new world, Spira, was inspired by the islands of Southeast Asia, particularly regions around Thailand and the South Pacific. Water became a key motif, shaping the story and atmosphere. Spira, a sun-soaked paradise, presented gamers with an aesthetic never before experienced in the series.
Final Fantasy X was released in Japan on July 19, 2001, and in North America just in time for Christmas. It was helmed by Yoshinori Kitase, who had previously worked on Final Fantasy V, VI, VII and VIII. Hironobu Sakaguchi took on a producer role, while Tetsuya Nomura returned to design the characters. Nobuo Uematsu, the series' legendary composer, created his tenth score, this time receiving additional assistance for the project.
The story begins and ends in Zanarkand, a tropical metropolis on the verge of destruction. The protagonist, Tidus, a Blitzball player, is saved from annihilation by his mentor, Auron, and the two are transported to Spira. There, Tidus discovers that his home city was destroyed a thousand years earlier. His journey takes him on a pilgrimage to uncover the truth, challenging his understanding of reality. As an outsider, Tidus learns about Spira in a natural way, without the need for forced exposition.
One unique aspect of Final Fantasy X’s storytelling is the clear geographic endpoint established early in the game. Players know from the beginning that they are traveling toward Zanarkand, but the secrets of the world unfold along the journey, leading to a compelling and prophetic narrative.
Tidus is tasked with protecting Yuna, a summoner destined to call upon sacred spirits known as Aeons. Her guardians include Wakka, a Blitzball captain; Kimahri, a stoic warrior; Lulu, a black mage; and Rikku, a teenage thief and the first person Tidus meets in Spira. These characters are brought to life in stunning detail, with facial expressions that outshine previous games in the series. More notably, the game introduced voice acting to the franchise. Kazushige Nojima, who wrote Final Fantasy VII and VIII, penned the dialogue, which was performed by both English and Japanese voice actors.
The plot’s antagonist is Seymour Guado, a maester who believes that to save the world from suffering, he must destroy it. His plan involves controlling a colossal monster called Sin, a creature that has decimated Spira for generations. Tidus and his companions must find a way to defeat Sin once and for all and end the cycle of destruction.
Technically, Final Fantasy X introduced many advances to the series. Gone were the pre-rendered backgrounds and expansive world maps that had been a staple of earlier entries. Instead, every environment in the game was rendered in real-time 3D, offering more dynamic and immersive settings. Combat also saw a significant overhaul, with the introduction of the Conditional Turn-Based Battle (CTB) system, which allowed players to plan out their moves without the pressure of time constraints. The battle system displayed both player and enemy turns on-screen, allowing for strategic planning in each encounter.
Another key feature was the Sphere Grid, a unique leveling system that allowed players to customize each character’s development. Instead of the traditional experience point system, characters would unlock new abilities by progressing along a grid, allowing for a highly personalized experience. Additionally, the game’s Overdrive system replaced the previous Limit Breaks, allowing players to select how each character's special abilities charged during combat.
Summoning Aeons also received a significant upgrade. Unlike in previous titles, where summoned creatures would perform a single powerful attack and then disappear, Aeons in Final Fantasy X could remain in battle and fight alongside the party. They had their own health bars and abilities, which added a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
Beyond its core gameplay, Final Fantasy X also introduced Blitzball, an in-game sport that played a major role in both the story and as a mini-game. Combining elements of underwater rugby and strategy, players could compete in Blitzball tournaments throughout the game, offering a unique break from the main adventure.
In its first four days, Final Fantasy X sold nearly two million copies in Japan alone, and remains one of the best-selling installment for the entire franchise with over 20 million copies sold, including it's sequel. It remains a pivotal entry in the franchise, marking the beginning of a new era of storytelling, technology, and gameplay. Its influence on the role-playing genre and gaming as a whole is undeniable, making it a cornerstone of the PlayStation 2’s library and a beloved installment in the legendary series.
Comments