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     For many years, and through many game systems, Final Fantasy has held it's own as the best and most popular RPG video game series. This series has hit a new milestone with the release of its latest title Final Fantasy X-2. Up until this point, the games in the Final Fantasy series were never truly connected. Small nods such as similar character names and creatures were alone in binding the series together. Final Fantasy X was one of the best in the entire series (Part 8 is still my favorite) and ended with a cliffhanger, but it appeared that was all there would be. And then Square Enix announced the release of the first ever Final Fantasy sequel, Final Fantasy X-2 (read Final Fantasy Ten, Part 2)

     FFX followed a young man named Tidus as he became swept up in a mission that would lead him to Yuna-a young woman who was a summoner. Each summoner was destined to defeat the monster named Sin, who had been terrorizing the land of Spira, and die trying. Obviously, Yuna's life was spared as this story follows Yuna's adventures. At the end of FFX, it was discovered that Tidus was a spirit and didn't actually exist. Tidus and Yuna, who were very much in love were separated.

     FFX-2 begins with Yuna discovering evidence that Tidus may still be out there and attempts to find him once again. Along the way, she becomes a sphere hunter-someone who hunts and finds historical records. Along with Rikku, her cousin and Paine, a brand new ass-kicking character, she discovers an ancient sphere that could turn the tide in the sea of political unrest that has overtaken Spira. Now the three sphere-hunters known as the Gullwings must take a side in the politics of their world while continuing to search for their old friend.

     The story here was very interesting, but not nearly as heart-wrenching and nerve-wracking as it's predecessors, even FFX. As it's sequel, I was expecting a little more from this tale. On the plus side, the characters are so light and funny, they lift up even the darker parts of the tale. Think Charlie's Angels meets Final Fantasy.

     FFX-2 has non-linear game play, meaning the story does not follow a set line, and you can go to places other than where you are told to go. For most, this is great and I have to admit that I do find it interesting to find new things every time I play. The downside to this is if you follow the linear path and go directly where the story takes you. Playing the first time, I followed only the direct path-and only managed to get about 50% completion when I reached the end. Now that I'm going through with a strategy guide in my hand, I'm finding alot of new and interesting moments.

     In addition, there may be no summons, but there are dress spheres-costumes that each girl can wear that give her abilities. For example, when the game begins, Yuna is a gunner, Rikku is a thief, and Paine is a warrior. As time goes on, though, you will gain different spheres, such as the Black Mage sphere that allows a character to use offensive magic. In the middle of battle, you can change clothes, thus effectively changing your abilities.

     In FFX-2 there are two different modes of viewing. There are the normal game play screens in which you get to battle, or walk around aimlessly and talk to people. These graphics are great! The people move with fluidity, nothing looks strange or out of place, and worlds are created that are so beautiful, you wish you could go see them yourself. The other mode of play consists of unbelievable videos. The people and scenes are gorgeous and look as close to real as I've seen on a game before. And, a welcome change from FFX, the characters actually look like the same people from one mode of play to the next! In FFX, when you were in game play mode, Tidus looked like a person of European descent and in video mode, he looked Japanese. Not here. In this game, what works for one, works for both, and what we get is a flawless, continuous game.

     The voice actors in this game are great at what they do, and the music is rousing and fun! Quippy one-liners and Yuna's musical numbers add up to a spectacular soundtrack that makes the game as fun to listen to as it is to watch and play.

     Since there's practically NO chance that you'll catch everything the first time you play this game, you'll definitely want to make a second and third go at it.

     Just for being a Final Fantasy game, and being so damn ground breaking, this game gets extra points from the get go! With a fantastic storyline, clean graphics, and replay motivation, this game will not be a waste of your money-as a matter of fact, it should keep you busy for quite a long time.

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to Manzanos@netzero.net.

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