The title Final Fantasy is synonymous with quality in video games. From the NES to the PlayStation, FFI to FFIX, each game is decorated with the hard work of those at Square. FFX, the first on the PS2, continues that tradition exponentially. From the opening sequence Squares trademark presentation values are evident. Nobuo Uematsus talented music score fills the room, and a lush real-time environment appears before your eyes. At this point alone, Final Fantasy X lives up to the name Final Fantasy.

At first glance of most of the environments in the game, I swear I saw my PS2 sweating. This installment, Square has done away with the pre-rendered landscapes (though not entirely) in favor of real-time, fully polygonal monstrosities. Now, if youre thinking detail will be sacrificed, think again. FFX sports the most detailed environments in any game Ive ever bared witness to. No other game, be it on XBOX or GameCube as well, sports the level of detail and artistry that FFX displays (except maybe ICO). The real-time environments allow for movable camera angles, while not player controllable, are done by Square to perfection. The first time I crossed the bridge to Remiem Temple, a tear fell from my eye (sniff..)

Now improved graphics are just the tip of the iceberg in X. The battle system has been totally revamped and overhauled. Square brought in the big guns for this; Toshiro Tsuchida of Front Mission 3 fame, who gave the tired FF battle system a much needed injection of next-generationism (is that even a word?) The most significant change is the removal of the old Active Turn System. The replacement you ask? I tell. Its an old fashioned true turn-based system, with a handy list in the top right displaying the next twenty turns. Yet despite how amazing that addition is, it is overshadowed by the greatest addition to the FF battle system since Squalls gun blade (just kidding) You now have the ability to swap in anyone of your seven characters into the three available slots to fight, and it doesnt take up a turn. Pure genius! A simple press of L1 during any characters turn allows you to select your magic user, bring her in, and nail that pesky creature immune to physical attacks. Another cool aspect YOU ACTUALLY USE ALL OF YOUR CHARACTERS NOW! Its brilliant and easily makes Xs battle system the best FF battle system ever.

FFX is also the first FF game to feature music from other composers in addition to Nobuo Uesmatsu. The soundtrack sadly doesnt feature as many tracks as usual (70 compared to the average 100) but whats there is outstanding. My favourite was the opening piano solo to start off the game. Yet the biggest sound innovation comes in the way of full voice acting for all the main characters. The voice acting overall is very competent (especially Auron) yet the accompanying lip-syncing is seriously off, and in numerous instances its very apparent youre hearing English, but the characters are speaking Japanese. Ah well.

The length of the game for the average player stands at around 40 to 50 hours. For the hardcore FF fan however, completing all the side quests and collecting every little thing will have your game clock easily breaking 100 hours. The side quests are highlighted by a super tough monster arena, which hardcore fans will greatly appreciate. Yet as usual, repeated plays may only be for the hardcore, so causal fans could have their copy collecting dust after its finished (crazed FF fan boy in the distance What! COLLECTING DUST! HERESY!!)

Not only does FFX stand as one of the best Final Fantasys ever (number two on my list) it also displays the power the PS2 contains (Square has said they havent even come close to maxing the hardware yet dont believe me, go find pics of FFXI!) FFX continues the legacy of the Final Fantasy series, which still stands above all other games released to date ever. If you want an amazing game, get FFX; if you want an amazing RPG, get FFX; and if you want a game that youll love forever, definitely, definitely get Final Fantasy X now.