Remastered Visuals and Music on the Go Final Fantasy X was a visual treat when it released on the PS2, but obviously, things haven’t aged quite as well since then. Still, the X/X-2 Remaster does a phenomenal job of updating the classic JRPG. All you have to do to see the massive difference is look at any one of the graphics comparisons out there, like Gamespot’s. Textures are smoothed out, the resolution has been bumped up significantly, the lighting improved, better facial animations, the list goes on. The Xbox One version of the game looks every bit as gorgeous as the PS4 one, and while the Switch version may not quite measure up in handheld mode, the ability to take the game on the go speaks for itself. On top of the immense graphical upgrades, the X/X-2 Remaster also sports a completely remastered soundtrack. However, if you’re more of a traditionalist, you can swap between the original and remastered soundtracks on the fly, choosing whichever you like the best. This is the first time Final Fantasy X has ever been available on a Nintendo or Xbox system, and it still remains one of the best remasters out there.

A Timeless Tale of Sacrifice If there’s one aspect of Final Fantasy X that’s aged exceptionally well, it’s the story, which still manages to be one of the most emotionally resonant tales in all of video games. From the opening screen, the melancholic “To Zanarkand” plays as we pick up in media res with Tidus saying this might be the last chance he has to tell his story. Final Fantasy X has a fantastic cast of characters, but the crux of the story revolves around Tidus and Yuna, and the relationship they develop. Yuna is the chosen summoner, the one who must go on a pilgrimage to stop the deadly beast known as Sin from wiping out the world. The game’s story would prove to be a huge inspiration for future JRPGs, especially the likes of I Am Setsuna and Lost Odyssey. The world of Spira is one of the richest the Final Fantasy series has ever seen, filled with lore to uncover and smaller stories that pop up along the way. Amazingly, Final Fantasy X wraps up most of its plotlines and questions by the end of the game, and Final Fantasy X-2 simply expands on the world and characters even more. There’s a reason Final Fantasy X is lauded as one of the very best of the series, and despite being an 18-year-old game, the animation and voice acting still hold up surprisingly well too.

Stellar Combat and Leveling System Final Fantasy X was the last game in the mainline series to use a traditional turn-based system, and it actually does away with the ATB (active-time battle) system the series used since Final Fantasy IV. Characters’ turns appear in an order on the top-right of the screen, letting you more strategically plan out your moves. This changes things up drastically from the past few games, as now you can completely take your time on each turn. Coupled with this are the differences between each character in Final Fantasy X, and how you build them through the Sphere Grid system. The Sphere Grid is a brilliant system that gives you choice in customizing characters while still specializing each one to a traditional Final Fantasy role. Each character has a specialized Skill Grid, but as you advance through the game you can have characters start to learn abilities from other’s grids, creating hybrid roles. Final Fantasy X-2 then switches things up by going back to ATB and having a neat job system that lets you change on the fly in battle. In short, this is some of the best turn based combat you can find.