FFX preview
Posted by @ 4:01 PM, EST
GIA kicked up a preview of Square’s upcoming PS2 RPG, Final Fantasy X:

Some technological advances remains, however. Final Fantasy X will make the move into full 3-D, abandoning the pre-rendered backdrops of the past three FFs for a polygon-based world viewable from any perspective. While this will no doubt provide the developers with more cinematic freedom, FF X will still use Square's trademark rendered FMV sequences to illustrate key events. FF X's FMV will even feature Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

Perhaps even more noteworthy is the sure-to-be-controversial use of voice acting for the first time in Final Fantasy history. Akira Ishida (Kaworu in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Fisheye in Sailor Moon, and Alex in Lunar 1) will provide the voice of hero Tide; other voice actors have yet to be announced. Neither has the extent to which speech will be incorporated -- but if other RPGs are any indication, expect the characters to speak only during battle and FMV sequences.