Final Fantasy X-2

Did You Know?

• Square Enix released an expanded version, Final Fantasy X-2 International + Last Mission, in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, which introduced two new dresspheres and a "Last Mission" at Yadonoki Tower.
• The game was the last to be released by Square before it merged with Enix in April 2003.
• The English voice track was used for the main story in the International version, which was not released outside Japan.

Plot

Final Fantasy X-2 takes place two years after Final Fantasy X in the fictional world of Spira, which consists of one large landmass divided into three subcontinents surrounded by small tropical islands. Spira is modeled on Southeast Asia in vegetation, topography, architecture, and names. It is populated by humans and races such as the Al Bhed, Guado, Ronso, and Hypello. The "unsent" are spirits of the dead that remain corporeal; those not sent to the Farplane become fiends. Aesthetically, Spira is largely unchanged, but its ideology has shifted. After Sin's destruction, an era called "the Eternal Calm" began. Yuna is heralded as High Summoner. The Yevon religion's priests exposed the truth about their role in perpetuating the cycle, leaving the populace to decide how to live. Advanced technology and the Al Bhed are embraced, and people pursue leisures like concerts and blitzball. Others become sphere hunters, seeking ancient knowledge contained in spheres.

Development

Development of Final Fantasy X-2 began in late 2001 after the success of Final Fantasy X, particularly fan reaction to the "Eternal Calm" video in the Japanese version of Final Fantasy X International. The production team initially disliked the name "X-2" but accepted it because the story was a direct continuation. The team was one third the size of its predecessor, allowing a hand-crafted feel. Many character models, enemies, and location designs were reused from Final Fantasy X, enabling creation in one year at half the usual scope. Maya and Softimage 3D were the main graphics programs. Producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama aimed to embrace change as the theme and establish a more upbeat atmosphere. Retaining the engine and locations let the team focus on gameplay systems and plot. They excluded summons, redesigned towns, and included low-flying vehicles for quicker access. The game incorporated elements from modern Japanese pop culture.

Reception

Final Fantasy X-2 earned a "generally favorable" score from Metacritic. In a 2006 Famitsu reader poll, it placed 32nd among the greatest games ever made. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences gave its female character performance award to Rikku, voiced by Tara Strong, tying with Jada Pinkett Smith's Niobe from Enter the Matrix. The game was also up for Console Role-Playing Game of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction. Despite good press, Destructoid noted a strong backlash from fans. IGN called it a brilliant, addictive journey through Spira. GameSpot found it as touching and strong as earlier entries, with more strengths than flaws. RPGamer praised the battle system as fresh and easy to pick up. Critics split on the lighter tone. IGN liked the political story and humor, while GameSpot felt some missions were too silly and the open structure made the plot less focused.