One of the best Final Fantasy games got bundled with its sequel just last year. The HD Remaster of Final Fantasy X and X-2 was a huge success on PlayStation 3 last year. This year the same bundle hits stores for PlayStation 4, is it worth buying? It depends on your situation but this is without a doubt the best version out there.
What’s new
This bundle is basically the same that you already could buy for PlayStation 3 and Vita but for those who don’t know it yet, let’s explain it a little. What this HD Remaster does, is bundling two of the most loved Final Fantasy games in one great package. Not only will you find Final Fantasy X and sequel X-2, you’ll get the International version of both. Meaning there’s a lot more content than you would think.
First of all you’ll be able to complete the two games of course but there’s more. In Final Fantasy X for example you’ll be able to chose from the Standard or Expert Sphere Grid, Aside of this there’s also the Dark Aeons and Penance that allows more, all for a more unique and more strategic gameplay. It doesn’t stop there just yet. You’ll also be able to watch the ‘Eternal Calm’ short film. This isn’t mandatory of course but it links the events of Final Fantasy X to those of Final Fantasy X-2. For true Final Fantasy fans, it’s a much watch for sure.
The best version of both games
Final Fantasy X-2 came with some nice extras as well. For the first time ever, you’ll be able to play Final Fantasy X-2: Final Mission. This mission takes our characters to a special tower where they need to battle to the top. It’s a fun extra that can easily take a while to finish.
So that’s it? No, not just yet. The final goodie is an impressive audio drama called Final Fantasy X: Will. This story starts some years after the events in Final Fantasy X-2. You’ll get introduced to Chuami and Kurgum, two new characters. The story takes around 30 minutes and is supported with gorgeous artwork. For some this might be boring to listen to but fans will adore this story.
Final Fantasy X
Getting new stuff and bonuses is great but the main game needs to be as well. The first game featured in this bundle is Final Fantasy X, a fan loved entry in the franchise and the last really good one according to some. The reason why this is such a popular Final Fantasy is all thanks to the story. The story of X is without a doubt a story filled with mysteries and obscure character development. It’s this that makes the game stand out from the rest.
The cast isn’t a cast of fairytale creators, no this time you play with real human beings; including their strong emotions. Thanks to this it’s really easy to bond with the characters. Thanks to the power of the PlayStation 4, this feeling only grew stronger. The characters never looked this real, feeling what they feel throughout the game isn’t difficult at all.
Aside of the story, there’s of course the gameplay as well. The gameplay of Final Fantasy X is very traditional. This means you travel from town to town, meet new creators, accept quests, explore dungeons and kill some bosses. It’s a very traditional RPG but that’s not bad. It does everything you would expect and it works out just fine. The combat however feels a bit outdated. It’s the classic JRPG combat where you have to wait turns to attack. Sure there are some extra boosts and a lot of stats to alter but in the end it’s a very traditional combat style. Some of you might get bored out of it but changing it would have killed the original.
Thanks to the great story you won’t be held back by the traditional combat since it’s the only way to advance in the game.
Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy X-2 is rather the opposite of X. In this episode you take control over Yuna and her friends, the only problem is that none of these characters will ever be as ‘real’ as in Final Fantasy X. The characters and even the story feel rather hollow in this sequel and that’s really a shame. It some points Final Fantasy X-2 feels more like a dress-up party disguised as a Final Fantasy game. We understand why fans didn’t like the story but we also understand the power of the sequel, this is found in battles.
Final Fantasy X-2 was one of the first FF games to break the traditional combat. It’s still turn based but now you’ll be able to interact during enemy attacks. This means you’ll be able to block or attack during their turn. Breaking the classic turn based rules transform this game in a much faster experience. To be honest it really fits the setting of the game and story. It’s not the best game of the franchise but it’s an essential entry for the future of it.
Really a lot of content
It might already be clear for you guys but we can’t really stress it out enough, the amount of content you get in this bundle really is insane. We already talked about the games and movies but also note that the game comes with a remastered soundtrack as well. The original soundtrack has been improved to meet modern day standards. If, for some reason, you don’t like this ‘new’ sound, you’ll be able to switch to the classic sound as well.
Aside of this, PlayStation 3 and Vita gamers are able to transfer data to continue their quest on the PlayStation 4. It’s a bit too expensive for some but to be honest, the PlayStation 4 version is superior. At first glance you won’t be able to see the difference but the more you play, the better you see it. This version offers better textures and can handle hordes of enemies like never before. It still doesn’t look like a true PlayStation 4 game but it’s by far the best looking version on the market.
Conclusion:
Do you need to buy this PlayStation 4 version of the HD Remaster? If you’ve already own it on PlayStation 3 and Vita we would say no, unless you would like to finish the game on the best settings. Don’t own the original Remaster? This is the version you must own. It has two of the best Final Fantasy games of the franchise, topped with an insane amount of extra content. It’s the best looking, most complete version of one of the best Final Fantasy games. Don’t hesitate if you see this one in stores, it’s safe to say you won’t get bored with it!
