Final Fantasy X (PlayStation 2, 2001)

I have been an avid Final Fantasy player since the games were first introduced, and I'm as moogle-recognizant as any other self-respecting FF follower. Each installment really tops the other, with continuing improvement, and I'm always happy with a new one. This one, however, really shot off the grid with me.

The story was a gripper from the beginning. Yes, the graphics are nothing short of spectacular, lush and colorful and detailed and unique to almost the point of dizziness. The game play is involved and interesting, allowing you to customize your game play to your own nature to a certain extent. But the story, and the characters, were what really sealed it for me. I don't hear many gamers talk too much about this, maybe it's just an oddity with me, but all the graphics in the world can't make up for a boring or confusing game that doesn't draw you in. From the beginning, the characters stand out with real personalities that shine through, especially with the new voice features and the incredibly lush cut scenes. You know from the beginning what's happening with Tidus and the other characters, and the gameplay is logical and proceeds chronologically, not much wasting time trying to figure out what you're supposed to do next. Young blitzball star Tidus is washed somehow into the future, or at least another dimension, and finds friends who will help him try to return home while he assists them in their endeavors.

The tough yet softhearted Tidus searches to return home while helping his new friends with their troubles; the boyish Wakka is the kind of best friend every guy should have and is an ebullient and lovable character; central character the lovely Yuna (Tidus' lady love)is beautiful and delicate looking which belies her strength of character and of faith; the legendary stern Auron is the seasoned pro that everyone looks up to, a font of wisdom and strength; the beautiful yet waspish Lulu is not as tough on the inside as out; the reticent Ronzo giant Kimahri is another pillar of strength for the inexperienced members of the group; and the upbeat and positive Rikku brings a splash of youthful innocence and delight. These completely believable characters and their unusual story make the rest of the superior aspects of the game such a joy.

There are lots of changes in the battle system and leveling up just like every other new installment, and the grid is an unusual and not overly difficult way of advancing. Everyone get their own customized equipment, and the magic spells are pretty interchangeable, which is a reverse on the usual setup. There are moogles, ships, airships, chocobas, monsters and bosses galore, a cool mini-game called blitzball that wasn't half bad, as well as friendship, love, revenge, betrayal, redemption, courage, and everything in between.

The different areas that the groups travels are another great highlight of the game, making it superior over any other I've played. I LOVED the Thunder Plains, with their ghostly looking lightning rod towers and craggy slopes; the sprawl of the Calm Lands; the snowy mountain peaks, underwater caverns, highroad, and desert locations; the unique cities and the temples, and the familiar powerful aeons.

This is a MUST for any serious RPG gamer, and one you'll enjoy over and over again. I would recommend a guide to help you with some of the side quests, as they enrich the gaming experience for you and are not easy to complete otherwise.