The "Final Fantasy" franchise, through its dozens of incarnations, has been known for many things.  Whether from the intensely character driven plots, elaborate storylines, or in-depth gameplay, "Final Fantasy" fans have received the benefit of a fully fleshed out universe complete with an overwhelming roster of people and places. 

One element, however, that "Final Fantasy" has almost always been devoid of is radical innovation.  While dramatic stylistic changes have taken hold, most notably in "Final Fantasy VII," every new edition of the central "FF" lineage has been a rather conservative rehash of the same tried themes.  "Final Fantasy X-2," released in November of last year, shows why this lack of creative risk is perhaps a good thing.

The first and most glaring change most fans will notice is in the title.  Never in the series has "Final Fantasy" spawned a direct sequel continuing the lives and plot arcs of previously sculpted characters.  More appropriately titled "Final Fantasy 10-B,"  "Final Fantasy X-2" picks up almost exactly where "FFX" left off. 

Now Yuna, savior of Spira, finds herself part of a glorified J-Pop band by day and mischievous sphere hunting cult by night.  Sphere, or memory banks, hunting has become all the rage in Spira, and Yuna, joined by Rikku and a painfully felt new character Paine, have joined a group known as the Gullwings in a fierce competition to become best in their field.  In true "FF" fashion, the trio, which acts more like a Charlie's Angels knock-off, soon becomes embroiled in a battle between two warring factions that places the entire planet in peril.

Rather than rely on fundamental RPG standards for "FFX-2," the designers have opted for more of a mission-based system.  This basically means that the story has no particular focus or cohesion as the self-titled trio is left to their own devices in deciding where to next venture.  Because of this decision, the game's length and complexity is almost entirely determined by the player.  Some may find this a relief, as 60-hour games have been causing many casual gamers extreme duress.  Hardcore players, however, may find this choice an affront to the very foundations of role-playing games. 

The severe simplification of the "FF" universe has found its way to the combat system as well.  Taking the route of high speed, low endurance encounters, "FFX-2" has radically amped up the adrenaline of random battles.  Gone are the days of deliberate, cerebral choices.  In its place is a "dress sphere" system, which acts much like a class or job system, allowing for immediate gratification in selecting a fighting method.

"FFX-2's" major saving grace comes in the sound department, but even that is a double-edged sword.  The music and voice acting have both received a major overhaul, the style of which has taken a decidedly ethereal path.  All conventions of  "FF" drama have been challenged with flowery orchestrations spotted with intermittent pop song interludes and insanely chipper voice work.  While genuinely well done, the sound for "FFX-2" will probably take some getting used to for long-term fans.

More disappointing are the visuals.  Much of the graphics have simply been rehashed from "FFX," and while perhaps revolutionary for its time, the look of "FFX-2" leaves something to be desired.  The new environments please, but they are so few and far between that often the game feels like a mish-mash of used elements.  Developers have assured players that the character models have been improved, but aside from costume changes, the improvement eludes all but the most precise discretion.

"Final Fantasy" has proven that tried and true elements of gameplay can become archaic without becoming disappointing.  For a select breed weaned on the "FF" universe, change can be upsetting.  I wish I could tell players that they have nothing to worry about; that "FF" is alive and well and that change will only make the series stronger and more relevant.  "Final Fantasy X-2," unfortunately, prevents me from doing so. 

Final Fantasy X-2

Platform(s):  PS2

Publisher:  Squaresoft/Enix

Player(s):  1

Completion:  20-60 hrs

Evaluation:

Graphics:  B-

Gameplay:  C+

Sound:  A-

Addiction:  D

Worth your time:  D

Final Grade:  C-  (not an average)

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