Final Fantasy X-2 (PlayStation 2, 2003)

Die hard gamers have long beseeched Square to continue the storyline of one of its Final Fantasy games, and with good reason. After spending a good 50 hours with a group of characters embroiled in one life-or-death situation after another, you can't help wanting more. Now the concept of a direct sequel has been put into practice, and the result is Final Fantasy X-2: a slightly uneven but still engaging game that's worthy of the revered name. The story's almost-total reliance on a familiarity with Final Fantasy X may limit its audience to those who enjoyed that game. At its best, FFX-2 is every bit as poignant, endearing, and engrossing as its forebears, and it's this similarity to stronger games in the series that ultimately makes X-2's minor flaws forgivable.

Most of the action is basic (crawling through dungeons, talking with other characters, leveling up, fighting bosses). The active-time battle is extremely quick, with the characters attacking almost as soon as you issue your command. A new chain combo system adds a welcome extra "oomph" to the battles. The girls gameplay revolves around "dresshperes", or costumes that the characters don with different abilities. Two years after the defeat of Sin, Spira is finally enjoying the fabled eternal calm. However, the peace is made tremulous by the tension and competition between rival factions, each trying to bring Spira under its own control. Yuna and Rikku have joined forces with a tough new character, Paine, to form the Gullwings. Together, they roam Spira searching for spheres which are video-recordings of historic world events. Sphere hunting is popular, so the girls face plenty of competition. By the end of the game, the story will come full circle and link up with events from FFX. This is an enjoyable addition to the FF family and one that gamers should enjoy.

PROS - Voice acting is outstanding with new and returning actors, with well written dialogue. Exceptional soundtrack. Familiar graphics and maps from FFX (considered a con by some). Fair amount of sidequests. Solid and entertaining RPG that any FF fan should play and enjoy.

CONS - Graphics almost identical to original FFX game. Limited CG movie sequences, one of the original games' best feature. Disjointed storyline with "free form" approach to game progression which can be confusing.