Final Fantasy X-2 (PlayStation 2, 2003)

If you've played FFX, here's what you need to know about the sequel:

First of all, it's different. The most important thing for you to expect is this: FFX-2 is not the same game as FFX. It does not provide the same experience as FFX. FFX is still one of a kind.

The first thing you'll notice is that combat is very different. Unlike FFX's flawless turn-based system, FFX-2 uses a semi-real-time system similar to FF6 and Chrono Trigger. Don't forget to go to the option screen and change it from "active" to "wait". Otherwise, your opponents' turns will be flying by while you try to figure out what to do. This was the biggest disappointment for me. FFX had the best combat system of any RPG I’ve every played. The combat system of FFX-2 was only average.

Characters from FFX are back, but the only two you get to play are Yuna and Rikku. Besides those two, the only other character you get in your party is Paine, who is never really introduced, but you get to learn about her mysterious past as the story progresses. In case you haven't noticed, all three are teenage girls. Keep that in mind. There are also a number of new characters, some stupid (LeBlanc) and some a bit more interesting (Nooj).

One of my favorite parts of FFX was the ability to switch characters in the middle of combat. In FFX-2, you never switch characters, during combat or otherwise. However, the infamous job system is back (in the form of dress spheres and garment grids). Now, your characters are able to switch classes (from fighter to black mage, for example) mid combat. It ends up playing a lot the same as in FFX, but never quite as satisfying.

The experience system revolves around dress spheres as well. The sphere grid of FFX is gone. In FFX-2, characters gain experience by winning fights, with which they level up in a traditional fashion, raising their stats. However, they also gain ability points with which they learn new abilities for their current class. You select which of these abilities to learn next. As you do, new abilities become available. This part is very much like the magic system of FF6.

The story picks up 2 years after FFX. I found it satisfying, except for some parts that were too corny and girly. “Charlie’s Angels” really is a good comparison. The game made plenty of references to FFX -- for example, what is Isaruu up to now? -- yet still told its own story.

You begin the game with the airship. Use it. Don't go straight to the hotspots, but instead go everywhere else. The majority of the game is made up of side-quests and mini-missions, but first you have to find them. If you're already familiar with the world of Spira, this shouldn't be too hard. It does take a lot of time, however. If you're impatient and just want to see how the story ends, this probably isn't the game for you.

The chances of you being able to complete the game 100% (and get the perfect ending) on your own are very slim. You'll have to use a guide. It is at times extremely irritating. The worst is during chapter 4, when you have to do such long and boring things for only small fractions of percentages.

Finally, my recommendations. If you're a fan of the story of FFX, pick up FFX-2 and play through it once (or twice if needs be) using a guide to get 100%. If you're a fan of the play value of FFX, the sequel will probably be a disappointment. If you're a fan of Final Fantasy games in general, FFX-2 is a good addition in my opinion. Just remember, it’s not a remake of FFX.